WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President discussed the progress we’ve made because of the Affordable Care Act. As the law’s coverage provisions have taken effect, 17.6 million Americans have gained coverage, and the nation’s uninsured rate now stands at its lowest level ever. The deadline to sign up for 2016 health coverage on the Marketplace is quickly approaching on January 31, and the President encouraged even more Americans to join the more than 11 million people who have already signed up so far this year – and who are enjoying the financial security and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have affordable, portable health coverage.
Showing posts with label health care reform. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care reform. Show all posts
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Reckless and Undemocratic
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
Today, outrageously, our government is closed. Here’s the most important fact about this shutdown: It is not really about funding the government.
Democrats and Republicans have agreed on a short-term funding level for the federal government. That level is painful for Democrats, as it requires severe cuts in government services – to levels lower even than Paul Ryan first proposed. But I, along with almost all Congressional Democrats, am willing to accept this outcome temporarily to keep our country running.
Yet the Tea Party faction of the Republican Party in the House insists they will block any funding bill unless it includes the de facto repeal of health reform.
Perhaps you support health reform; perhaps you do not. But this much is certain: It was duly enacted, and the Tea Party lacks the votes to repeal it by ordinary, democratic means.
So they are trying a reckless, undemocratic alternative. By shutting down the government and threatening to default on America’s debts, they hope to cause so much pain that Congress and the President will be forced to bend to their will.
But if one faction of one party can overturn any duly passed law at will, what will their next demand be? The privatization of Medicare? Tax cuts for millionaires? The abolition of the minimum wage or the Department of Education? Perhaps, if you are a conservative Republican, these policy changes appeal to you, but bear in mind that an insurgent liberal faction could use the same leverage to demand policies you would despise.
If this strategy succeeds and is legitimated, then the U.S. will become essentially ungovernable. Our public policy will be determined, not by the consent of the people, but by the willingness of minority factions to inflict pain to achieve their ends.
That must not happen. And this outrageous behavior is why we should not say that “Congress” has caused this shutdown, for to do so allows the blameworthy to escape blame. We should hold accountable the reckless few who are trying to break our democracy.
Understanding the Health Reform Law
Despite the government shutdown, the health reform law continues to move forward. On Tuesday, the new federal health insurance Marketplace opened at HealthCare.gov, enabling New Jerseyans to compare and purchase comprehensive insurance options and even qualify for subsidies to help cover the costs of their insurance plans.
I have added a new section of my website dedicated to health reform, including answers to frequently asked questions about the law: What is the Marketplace? What are the differences between bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans available in the Marketplace? Do you need to take any action if you already have insurance through your employer or Medicare?
The answers to these and many other questions are available online. Of course, if you find that your question is not answered, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT or by sending an e-mail through my website.
A Parable (With Thanks to Rep. Mike Doyle)
As the Affordable Care Act rolls out, I expect we will see some changes that should be made in the law to make it work better. That is true with any major law. And that is something everyone – including the President and the Democrats in Congress – agree on. There should be and can be discussions – civil, constructive discussions – within accepted legislative procedures. So too on the budget. Those who have shut the government wrongly say the Democrats won’t negotiate.
A gang corners a man and says, “We are going to burn your house down.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang says, “OK, then, we are going to burn the second floor of your house.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang says, “OK, then, we are going to burn several rooms of your house.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang leader says, “What’s wrong with you? You won’t negotiate.”
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Today, outrageously, our government is closed. Here’s the most important fact about this shutdown: It is not really about funding the government.
Democrats and Republicans have agreed on a short-term funding level for the federal government. That level is painful for Democrats, as it requires severe cuts in government services – to levels lower even than Paul Ryan first proposed. But I, along with almost all Congressional Democrats, am willing to accept this outcome temporarily to keep our country running.
Yet the Tea Party faction of the Republican Party in the House insists they will block any funding bill unless it includes the de facto repeal of health reform.
Perhaps you support health reform; perhaps you do not. But this much is certain: It was duly enacted, and the Tea Party lacks the votes to repeal it by ordinary, democratic means.
So they are trying a reckless, undemocratic alternative. By shutting down the government and threatening to default on America’s debts, they hope to cause so much pain that Congress and the President will be forced to bend to their will.
But if one faction of one party can overturn any duly passed law at will, what will their next demand be? The privatization of Medicare? Tax cuts for millionaires? The abolition of the minimum wage or the Department of Education? Perhaps, if you are a conservative Republican, these policy changes appeal to you, but bear in mind that an insurgent liberal faction could use the same leverage to demand policies you would despise.
If this strategy succeeds and is legitimated, then the U.S. will become essentially ungovernable. Our public policy will be determined, not by the consent of the people, but by the willingness of minority factions to inflict pain to achieve their ends.
That must not happen. And this outrageous behavior is why we should not say that “Congress” has caused this shutdown, for to do so allows the blameworthy to escape blame. We should hold accountable the reckless few who are trying to break our democracy.
Understanding the Health Reform Law
Despite the government shutdown, the health reform law continues to move forward. On Tuesday, the new federal health insurance Marketplace opened at HealthCare.gov, enabling New Jerseyans to compare and purchase comprehensive insurance options and even qualify for subsidies to help cover the costs of their insurance plans.
I have added a new section of my website dedicated to health reform, including answers to frequently asked questions about the law: What is the Marketplace? What are the differences between bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans available in the Marketplace? Do you need to take any action if you already have insurance through your employer or Medicare?
The answers to these and many other questions are available online. Of course, if you find that your question is not answered, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT or by sending an e-mail through my website.
A Parable (With Thanks to Rep. Mike Doyle)
As the Affordable Care Act rolls out, I expect we will see some changes that should be made in the law to make it work better. That is true with any major law. And that is something everyone – including the President and the Democrats in Congress – agree on. There should be and can be discussions – civil, constructive discussions – within accepted legislative procedures. So too on the budget. Those who have shut the government wrongly say the Democrats won’t negotiate.
A gang corners a man and says, “We are going to burn your house down.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang says, “OK, then, we are going to burn the second floor of your house.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang says, “OK, then, we are going to burn several rooms of your house.” “No, you’re not,” says the man.
The gang leader says, “What’s wrong with you? You won’t negotiate.”
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Saturday, August 24, 2013
84 Percent
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
These days, almost no one can afford to pay the full cost of college.
In fact, about 84 percent of full-time college undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. About 56 percent take out student loans – on average, taking on $8,100 a year in debt. Even among students whose families earn more than $100,000 a year, about 46 percent take out student loans.
These figures were revealed this week in a new federal survey of student aid. Taken as a whole, the report shows that America is failing to make higher education affordable and accessible for every student.
Fixing the problem will require a major overhaul of our nation’s education policy – but in the meantime, we can at least help make student loan debt as manageable as possible.
Although Congress passed and the President signed a new law this month making student loan interest rates somewhat lower for now, the same law allows for rates to go far higher in the future. Congress can and should take the obvious step further and set interest rates much lower. Together with others in the House and Senate, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, I’ve co-sponsored legislation that would cut the interest rate on federal student loans to just 0.75 percent – the same rate the government charges Wall Street banks to borrow money.
Would You Turn Down $8 Million?
In February 2012, the federal government essentially wrote New Jersey a check for $7.67 million. The aim? To help our state establish an online marketplace so that New Jerseyans can shop for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Unfortunately, Gov. Christie, driven by his party’s reflexive opposition to the health reform law, refused to establish such a marketplace – handing the task over to the federal government instead. In doing so, he left New Jersey at risk of losing these millions of dollars in federal aid.
Earlier this month, I wrote to Gov. Christie urging him to use the funds now to help uninsured New Jerseyans understand their rights under the new health reform law, and to help small businesses understand how the law affects them. With just 39 days until the new insurance marketplace opens for enrollment, we cannot waste any time in helping New Jerseyans understand their health care options.
The governor has until February 20, 2014 to use the money before it could be revoked. He should not allow his party’s irrational hostility to health reform to prevent him from using these funds to improve the lives of New Jerseyans....
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
These days, almost no one can afford to pay the full cost of college.
In fact, about 84 percent of full-time college undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. About 56 percent take out student loans – on average, taking on $8,100 a year in debt. Even among students whose families earn more than $100,000 a year, about 46 percent take out student loans.
 |
| Congressman Rush Holt |
Fixing the problem will require a major overhaul of our nation’s education policy – but in the meantime, we can at least help make student loan debt as manageable as possible.
Although Congress passed and the President signed a new law this month making student loan interest rates somewhat lower for now, the same law allows for rates to go far higher in the future. Congress can and should take the obvious step further and set interest rates much lower. Together with others in the House and Senate, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, I’ve co-sponsored legislation that would cut the interest rate on federal student loans to just 0.75 percent – the same rate the government charges Wall Street banks to borrow money.
Would You Turn Down $8 Million?
In February 2012, the federal government essentially wrote New Jersey a check for $7.67 million. The aim? To help our state establish an online marketplace so that New Jerseyans can shop for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Unfortunately, Gov. Christie, driven by his party’s reflexive opposition to the health reform law, refused to establish such a marketplace – handing the task over to the federal government instead. In doing so, he left New Jersey at risk of losing these millions of dollars in federal aid.
Earlier this month, I wrote to Gov. Christie urging him to use the funds now to help uninsured New Jerseyans understand their rights under the new health reform law, and to help small businesses understand how the law affects them. With just 39 days until the new insurance marketplace opens for enrollment, we cannot waste any time in helping New Jerseyans understand their health care options.
The governor has until February 20, 2014 to use the money before it could be revoked. He should not allow his party’s irrational hostility to health reform to prevent him from using these funds to improve the lives of New Jerseyans....
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Don’t get spun by Internet rumors
I happen to work with a couple of people that believe just about everything they read on the Internet. The more outlandish the story or unbelievable the conspiracy theory, the more it must be true in their eyes. So when another friend forwarded me an email from another friend titled "Don't get spun by Internet rumors" I couldn't resist posting.
The original issuer of the email (whoever he is) gave the following wise advice to its recipients:
Use this as a quick check before forwarding these seemingly endless viral emails. Be aware that by circulating many of these mails, you are making yourself a victim of email harvesters and possibly a virus. Hackers know that these hot spot issues will cause an email forwarding frenzy and sit back and wait for their cookies to do their work. By forwarding their junk, you are helping them generate more junk. If you want to dig deeper into these issues; factcheck.org has the details.
Here's the body of the email:
Just because you read it on somebody’s blog or in an email from a friend or relative doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s probably not, as we advised in our special report “Is this chain e-mail true?” back on March 18, 2008. On this page we feature a list of the false or misleading viral rumors we’re asked about most often, and a brief summary of the facts. But click on the links to read the full articles. There is a lot more detail in each answer.
Does the Obama administration intend to “force gun control and a complete ban on all weapons for U.S. citizens” through a United Nations treaty?
No. The administration plans to negotiate a treaty to regulate the international export and import of weapons. It says that it won’t support any treaty that regulates the domestic transfer or ownership of weapons, or that infringes on the Second Amendment.
No. The administration plans to negotiate a treaty to regulate the international export and import of weapons. It says that it won’t support any treaty that regulates the domestic transfer or ownership of weapons, or that infringes on the Second Amendment.
June 27, 2012
Did Barack and Michelle Obama “surrender” their law licenses to avoid ethics charges?
No. A court official confirms that no public disciplinary proceeding has ever been brought against either of them, contrary to a false Internet rumor. By voluntarily inactivating their licenses, they avoid a requirement to take continuing education classes and pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees. Both could practice law again if they chose to do so.
No. A court official confirms that no public disciplinary proceeding has ever been brought against either of them, contrary to a false Internet rumor. By voluntarily inactivating their licenses, they avoid a requirement to take continuing education classes and pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees. Both could practice law again if they chose to do so.
June 14, 2012
Is General Motors becoming ‘China Motors’ using taxpayer dollars?
No. The restructured GM is still based in Detroit and is still one-third owned by the U.S. government. But it sells nearly as many cars in China as in theU.S. and has continued expanding operations there.
No. The restructured GM is still based in Detroit and is still one-third owned by the U.S. government. But it sells nearly as many cars in China as in theU.S. and has continued expanding operations there.
June 8, 2012
No. He openly announced the signing of a bill overwhelmingly passed by Congress that slightly revises a 1971 law against trespassing into areas under Secret Service protection.
May 7, 2012
Is the National Association of Realtors lobbying to repeal a 3.8 percent “sales tax” on homes before it takes effect in 2013?
No. There’s no such “sales tax” in the new health care law. And Medicare premiums aren’t going to $247 either. But these virulent falsehoods keep going around.
No. There’s no such “sales tax” in the new health care law. And Medicare premiums aren’t going to $247 either. But these virulent falsehoods keep going around.
April 30, 2012
Does the new health care law impose a 3.8 percent tax on profits from selling your home?
No, with very few exceptions. The first $250,000 in profit from the sale of a personal residence won’t be taxed, or the first $500,000 in the case of a married couple. The tax falls on relatively few — those with high incomes from other sources.
No, with very few exceptions. The first $250,000 in profit from the sale of a personal residence won’t be taxed, or the first $500,000 in the case of a married couple. The tax falls on relatively few — those with high incomes from other sources.
April 22, 2010
Will the new health care law raise Medicare’s basic monthly premium to $247 in 2014, as a viral message claims?
No, Medicare officials project the basic premium will be less than half that. But the law will eventually cause 14 percent of seniors with incomes over $85,000 a year ($170,000 for couples) to pay higher “income-related” premiums, up from 5 percent currently.
No, Medicare officials project the basic premium will be less than half that. But the law will eventually cause 14 percent of seniors with incomes over $85,000 a year ($170,000 for couples) to pay higher “income-related” premiums, up from 5 percent currently.
April 1, 2011
Is “Obama’s finance team” recommending a 1 percent tax on all bank transactions, as a chain e-mail claims?
No. This idea was first floated in 2004 by one House member, who says it would replace the federal income tax and eliminate the national debt. So far it has gone nowhere.
No. This idea was first floated in 2004 by one House member, who says it would replace the federal income tax and eliminate the national debt. So far it has gone nowhere.
Sept. 8, 2010; Updated: June 5, 2012
Are three former Fannie Mae executives “economic advisers” to Obama?
No, claims made in a chain e-mail are false. Jim Johnson advised on non-economic matters but quit after a week. Franklin Raines says he took a “couple of calls” but was never an adviser. We find no evidence Tim Howard ever had a connection to the Obama campaign.
No, claims made in a chain e-mail are false. Jim Johnson advised on non-economic matters but quit after a week. Franklin Raines says he took a “couple of calls” but was never an adviser. We find no evidence Tim Howard ever had a connection to the Obama campaign.
Oct. 9, 2008
Will Muslim Americans be exempt from the mandate to have health insurance?
The Muslim faith does not forbid purchasing health insurance, and no Muslim group has ever been considered exempt under the definitions used in the health care law.
The Muslim faith does not forbid purchasing health insurance, and no Muslim group has ever been considered exempt under the definitions used in the health care law.
May 20, 2010
Is President Obama giving away several Alaskan islands to Russia?
No. The U.S. has never claimed ownership of the islands identified in viral emails and websites. They lie far closer to the coast of Siberia than to Alaska.
No. The U.S. has never claimed ownership of the islands identified in viral emails and websites. They lie far closer to the coast of Siberia than to Alaska.
March 27, 2012
Is President Obama responsible for Chinese companies building U.S. bridges with stimulus money, as reported by ABC News?
No. A viral email distorts an ABC News report. California officials hired a Chinese contractor and rejected federal money to avoid federal “Buy American” laws.
No. A viral email distorts an ABC News report. California officials hired a Chinese contractor and rejected federal money to avoid federal “Buy American” laws.
Feb. 17, 2012
How much has the federal debt gone up under Obama?
During his first three years in office, it rose $4.7 trillion, an increase of 45 percent. Partisan graphics circulating via email and Facebook are both incorrect.
During his first three years in office, it rose $4.7 trillion, an increase of 45 percent. Partisan graphics circulating via email and Facebook are both incorrect.
Feb. 2, 2012
Did Obama issue a policy that “no U.S. serviceman can speak at any faith-based public event”?
This claim in a chain e-mail is false. Army officials say there has been no change in policy regarding “faith-based” events. And the event the e-mail refers to wasn’t a “faith-based” one.
This claim in a chain e-mail is false. Army officials say there has been no change in policy regarding “faith-based” events. And the event the e-mail refers to wasn’t a “faith-based” one.
June 10, 2009
Does Obama plan to deny emergency brain surgery for patients over 70?
No. A man claiming on a radio talk show to be a brain surgeon lied about that, and about a meeting of two associations of neurological surgeons, those associations say.
No. A man claiming on a radio talk show to be a brain surgeon lied about that, and about a meeting of two associations of neurological surgeons, those associations say.
Jan. 5, 2012
Is it true that members of Congress, their staffers and their family members do not have to pay back their student loans?
Not true. Some congressional employees are eligible to have up to $60,000 of student loans repaid after several years — just like other federal workers. But that’s not the case for members of Congress or their families.
Not true. Some congressional employees are eligible to have up to $60,000 of student loans repaid after several years — just like other federal workers. But that’s not the case for members of Congress or their families.
Jan. 6, 2011
Did Obama order the military to drop the words “on behalf of the president of the United States” when presenting the flag to the next of kin at funerals?
A chain email that makes that claim is wrong. Spokespersons for the Defense Department and the armed forces say that no change was ordered.
A chain email that makes that claim is wrong. Spokespersons for the Defense Department and the armed forces say that no change was ordered.
Oct. 10, 2011
Is President Obama honoring Jane Fonda as one of the women of the century?
No. That was done 11 years ago by Barbara Walters of ABC News.
No. That was done 11 years ago by Barbara Walters of ABC News.
Nov. 22, 2010
Did President Obama have his dog, Bo, flown to Maine in his own private jet for the family vacation?
No. The family and staff took two small jets because the airport couldn’t accommodate the usual presidential plane. Bo flew with several staffers.
No. The family and staff took two small jets because the airport couldn’t accommodate the usual presidential plane. Bo flew with several staffers.
Sept. 16, 2010
Is it true that nobody remembers Obama attending Columbia University?
At least one of his classmates remembers him well, and the university proudly claims Obama.
At least one of his classmates remembers him well, and the university proudly claims Obama.
Feb. 16, 2010
Does George Soros own the company buying many firms that make guns and ammunition?
No. Contrary to a fanciful claim made in a viral email, the Freedom Group is not linked to the liberal billionaire. The National Rifle Association says the real owners are “strong supporters” of gun rights.
No. Contrary to a fanciful claim made in a viral email, the Freedom Group is not linked to the liberal billionaire. The National Rifle Association says the real owners are “strong supporters” of gun rights.
Oct. 21, 2011
Was President Obama’s tour bus made in Canada?
The shell of the $1.1 million bus came from Canada, but it was converted for the Secret Service by a company in Tennessee.
The shell of the $1.1 million bus came from Canada, but it was converted for the Secret Service by a company in Tennessee.
Aug. 25, 2011
Is a chart claiming to show the “top 20 raises” to White House staffers accurate?
It’s misleading. The salary increases for 19 of the 21 employees listed resulted from promotions. Average pay for White House staff actually declined.
It’s misleading. The salary increases for 19 of the 21 employees listed resulted from promotions. Average pay for White House staff actually declined.
Aug. 4, 2011
Is President Obama flying on Air Force One more than other presidents did? Is he being accompanied by more people on international trips?
Two chain e-mails suggesting that the president’s travel habits are more excessive than his predecessors are off base.
Two chain e-mails suggesting that the president’s travel habits are more excessive than his predecessors are off base.
July 8, 2011
Is it true that boycotting companies that import foreign oil will “avoid putting more money into the coffers” of foreign countries?
No. There is no way to know for sure whether your local station is selling gasoline from imported or domestic oil. Besides, U.S. oil demand is twice its domestic supply.
No. There is no way to know for sure whether your local station is selling gasoline from imported or domestic oil. Besides, U.S. oil demand is twice its domestic supply.
March 25, 2011
What about the “Congressional Reform Act of 2011″?
A viral e-mail calls for fixing some abuses and excesses that don’t exist, repeating misinformed claims that we’ve addressed before.
A viral e-mail calls for fixing some abuses and excesses that don’t exist, repeating misinformed claims that we’ve addressed before.
March 18, 2011
Is President Obama using tax dollars to rebuild mosques around the world?
Yes — and to rebuild historic churches and temples as well. The State Department’s program to preserve overseas cultural landmarks started under President Bush in 2001.
Yes — and to rebuild historic churches and temples as well. The State Department’s program to preserve overseas cultural landmarks started under President Bush in 2001.
March 10, 2011
Do statistics in a chain e-mail give an accurate “report card” of President Obama’s first two years?
Not exactly. The author made many minor mistakes and some major omissions in describing the terrible economic conditions he attributes to the president.
Not exactly. The author made many minor mistakes and some major omissions in describing the terrible economic conditions he attributes to the president.
Feb. 25, 2011
Does Illinois pay a grandmother $1,500 per month per child to be the foster parent to her eight grandchildren?
No. State officials have no record of such a case, and state law would not allow it. This second-hand story spread by a Danville urologist isn’t true.
No. State officials have no record of such a case, and state law would not allow it. This second-hand story spread by a Danville urologist isn’t true.
Dec. 10, 2010
Has President Obama canceled the May 6 National Day of Prayer?
No. This widely circulated falsehood echoes similar claims made last year when the president issued a pro-prayer-day proclamation but didn’t hold White House services as President Bush had done.
No. This widely circulated falsehood echoes similar claims made last year when the president issued a pro-prayer-day proclamation but didn’t hold White House services as President Bush had done.
April 29, 2010
Was Michelle Obama’s brother’s job saved with money from the stimulus act?
This chain email is a hoax. It makes a ridiculously false claim about Craig Robinson, who is the head coach of Oregon State University’s men’s basketball team and the first lady’s older brother
This chain email is a hoax. It makes a ridiculously false claim about Craig Robinson, who is the head coach of Oregon State University’s men’s basketball team and the first lady’s older brother
.
March 22, 2010
March 22, 2010
Did Congress raise its own pay for 2010 while voting to deny an increase for Social Security recipients?
No. A chain e-mail calling for “retribution” in the fall elections makes false claims and uses fabricated figures.
No. A chain e-mail calling for “retribution” in the fall elections makes false claims and uses fabricated figures.
Jan. 8, 2010
Did Obama loan $2 billion to Brazil’s oil company to benefit China and George Soros?
The president had nothing to do with the loan, which the Export-Import Bank approved for Brazil to buy U.S.-made equipment and services.
The president had nothing to do with the loan, which the Export-Import Bank approved for Brazil to buy U.S.-made equipment and services.
Sept. 18, 2009
Is there any truth in the e-mail claiming to give “a few highlights from the first 500 pages of the Healthcare bill”?
Barely. We examined all 48 claims, finding 26 of them to be false and 18 to be misleading, only partly true or half true. Only four are accurate.
Barely. We examined all 48 claims, finding 26 of them to be false and 18 to be misleading, only partly true or half true. Only four are accurate.
Aug. 28, 2009
Is the ACLU suing to have cross-shaped headstones removed from military cemeteries?
The ACLU has filed no such suit, and it hasn’t sued to “end prayer from the military” either.
The ACLU has filed no such suit, and it hasn’t sued to “end prayer from the military” either.
July 5, 2009
Did Obama accuse veterans of “selfishness” and whining? Would he have forced them to “pay for their war injuries”?
This chain e-mail contains fabricated quotes and misrepresents a budget idea that the White House scrapped.
This chain e-mail contains fabricated quotes and misrepresents a budget idea that the White House scrapped.
May 12, 2009
Has a “smoking gun” been found to prove Obama was not born a U.S. citizen? Did he attend Occidental College on a scholarship for foreign students?
This chain e-mail is a transparent April Fools’ Day hoax. It fabricates an AP news story about an nonexistent group, and makes false claims about Obama and the Fulbright program.
This chain e-mail is a transparent April Fools’ Day hoax. It fabricates an AP news story about an nonexistent group, and makes false claims about Obama and the Fulbright program.
May 7, 2009
Is Congress about to give Social Security to illegal immigrants?
No. Congress hasn’t voted on any measure to pay benefits to illegal immigrants, and has no plans for any such vote.
No. Congress hasn’t voted on any measure to pay benefits to illegal immigrants, and has no plans for any such vote.
March 1, 2009
(This long-standing falsehood was bandied about back in 2006 and again during the 2008 presidential election.)
What’s the deal with Prof. Joseph Olson’s “unreported stats” from the 2008 election?
This chain e-mail is a hoax. The “statistics” are grossly incorrect, and Olson says he didn’t write it.
This chain e-mail is a hoax. The “statistics” are grossly incorrect, and Olson says he didn’t write it.
Jan. 5, 2009
Was Obama born in the U.S.A.?
Yes. We give you the truth about Obama’s birth certificate.
Yes. We give you the truth about Obama’s birth certificate.
Aug. 21, 2008
Updated Nov. 1, 2008
None, aside from benefiting at different times from the charity of the late publisher Walter Annenberg. We are a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania and get funding from the Annenberg Foundation, created by Walter Annenberg in 1989. Ayers was one of threeChicago educators who applied for a grant from the Annenberg Foundation in 1995, which was one of 5,200 grants the foundation made during its first 15 years. That $49 million grant, plus additional funds raised locally, funded the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which sought to improve Chicago public schools. Obama was selected by Chicago officials (not Ayers) to chair the board set up to administer Annenberg Challenge funds, and he headed it until 1999. FactCheck.org came into being in late 2003. For other details see our Oct. 10, 2008, article about Obama and Ayers, which includes a sidebar: “FactCheck.org and the ‘Annenberg Challenge.’ “
Thursday, July 12, 2012
NJ HOUSE REPUBLICANS TELL AMERICANS TO DROP DEAD
For Immediate Release:
New Jersey’s Republican Congressional delegation has essentially told American families to drop dead. Representatives Frelinghuysen, Garrett, Lance, LoBiondo, Runyan and Smith voted to let insurance companies deny families care because of pre-existing conditions. They voted to throw millions of senior citizens back into the prescription drug donut hole, and voted to kick millions of young adults off their parents’ insurance.
(NEW JERSEY) Two weeks ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that ObamaCare is constitutional. Yet, today, New Jersey Congressmen Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), Scott Garrett (NJ-5), Leonard Lance (NJ-7), Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2), Jon Runyan (NJ-3) and Chris Smith (NJ-4) all once again refused to move on. Instead, they again voted to take away healthcare from millions of Americans
And just in case that heartless vote wasn't bad enough, this is the same out-of-touch crew supporting the Romney/Ryan budget that ends Medicare while giving huge tax cuts to multi-millionaires, big oil companies and corporate jet owners.
New Jersey’s families deserve better from these congressmen. They deserve better than those who selfishly care about catering to the fringe of the Republican party at the expense of their constituents.
****
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23rd, 2010 and declared constitutional by the Supreme Court on June 28th, 2012. Over the past two years, it has been a tremendous help to millions of Americans as this real reform lowers costs and guarantees more choice for consumers. As additional provisions are implemented, ACA will continue to benefit millions more people.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
MENENDEZ: AMERICANS WIN A HUGE HEALTH CARE REFORM VICTORY; JOE KYRILLOS IS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ISSUE
For Immediate Release
June 28th, 2012
June 28th, 2012
NEW BRUNSWICK – Following today’s U.S. Supreme Court historic affirmation of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) called out his opponent for advocating for the repeal of the landmark law that provides access to quality, affordable health care for thousands of New Jersey residents.
“Today a tremendous victory was won by the American people who have lived far too long with a broken health care system,” said Menendez. “It is a victory for the 73,000 New Jersey residents under 26 who will remain covered through their parents’ policies. It is a victory for families who have been subjected to a health care system in which the size of a person’s wallet determined the level of care they received. The health care law is not perfect, and I intend to help fix what needs work, but this is good news for families and seniors all across New Jersey.
“Whenever the question of health care reform has come up, Joe Kyrillos has been on the wrong side of the issue. He called for the Affordable Care Act’s repeal even though he understands very little about the Affordable Care Act. By calling for the law’s repeal, he stood alongside insurance companies that would see fit to deny a person coverage due to a pre-existing condition. But, Joe Kyrillos is frequently on the wrong side of what matters to New Jersey residents. Time after time, he voted against funding for women’s health and family planning services and to limit health care coverage for public employees. Joe Kyrillos and the Tea Party Republicans have been consistent and reliable opponents of access to health care for middle class New Jersey families. I am proud to have been part of the fight to provide quality, affordable health care to thousands of New Jersey families who desperately needed it and could not afford it. New Jersey residents will always be able to count on me to fight back against the special interests that would deny what they need."
"There is a sharp and clear difference between Senator Joe Kyrillos and me on this issue. I stand with New Jersey's families and seniors to make health care stronger and more affordable. My opponent stands with insurance companies and the Washington Republicans who would prefer a failed status quo and continued health care gridlock while patients are left behind.”
"If Senator Kyrillos continues to call for repeal – despite this majority decision from the Supreme Court – then he is willing to let businesses and consumers continue to face uncertainty and ever-increasing costs with no real hope of a solution. That position would cost people and businesses more and provide less coverage. That is wrong for New Jersey's families, young people and seniors."
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