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Bimonthly on election and health care reform. Unsubscribe instructions at the bottom.

Wisconsin Clean Elections Coalition

Promoting fair elections for all parties and candidates

eNewsletter #47

June 29, 2007

www.ThrowTheRascalsOut.org

Newsletter Archives

State Republicans: When the truth doesn't get the job done, there's always the possibility of a lie....

In this issue:

1) Health Care

2) Campaign Reform

3) Absolute Republican Hogwash

4) Senate Democratic Healthy Wisconsin Act

5) Tidbits

6) Give me a Break!

7) Book recommendations

8) Contact Information

9) Unsubscribe instructions
.

Health Care

Who has staff using health care safety net? -- Firms with workers using BadgerCare to be listed on Web site

"Among the companies with the biggest number of employees in BadgerCare in March were Wal-Mart Stores Inc., McDonald's Corp. and Aurora Health Care. Those companies are also some of the state's biggest employers."

See HERE

Americans in Canada prefer U.S. health care

OTTAWA -- Americans living in Canada prefer the U.S. health-care system for speed, quality and diagnostic technology, says a new study. But they also applaud the equity and cost-effectiveness of Canada's system. And in the final analysis, 40 per cent prefer the Canadian system.

See complete story HERE

New Report Details Healthcare Industry's Massive Spending in Presidential Campaign, Federal Lobbying

WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Massive spending by the healthcare industry is swamping the nation's political process, according to the findings of a new report issued today. It coincides with the premiere of Michael Moore's new documentary "SiCKO," a searing indictment of the U.S. healthcare system which opens nationwide June 29.

See complete story HERE

"Sen. Christopher Dodd, whose home state houses corporate offices for many insurance corporations, is the top beneficiary of insurance and HMO donations. Clinton leads among donations from health professionals and lobbyists."

Lesson for Centrist Democrats' Reaction to 'Sicko' Movie: The Insurance Industry Will Oppose You No Matter What You Do

Michael Moore's movie 'Sicko' documenting America's health insurance crisis is likely to incite strong grassroots demand for a "single-payer" Medicare-For-All type of solution. So the Washington consultants/appeasers are at it again.

See complete story HERE (be sure to follow the links on this one)

Wis. Moves Toward Universal Health Care

A sweeping universal health care plan that would make Wisconsin's system look more like Canada's than anything in the United States has cleared a major hurdle but its prognosis remains murky.

See the complete AP article HERE

Scant Drug Benefits Called Costly to Employers

Health penny wise, medical pound foolish?

Employers that shift too much of the cost of drugs to workers in their company health plans could wind up losing more than they save, through absenteeism and lost productivity, according to a study by health policy researchers.

The three-year study, to be released today, looked at the medical histories of several thousand workers with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition is a painful and incurable disease of the joints, but patients can keep it at bay by taking a special class of drugs.

See the complete NYT article HERE.

Campaign Reform

Republicans say state budget contains pork

By JASON STEIN

jstein@madison.com

A Civil War exhibit in Kenosha. An ice rink in Eau Claire and another near Green Bay in need of fixing up. A training grant for a union and a Hmong cultural center for Dane County.

Republicans said the state budget passed Tuesday by the Senate's Democratic majority contained millions of dollars in pet projects for lawmakers' home districts.

"These pork projects were announced (late) the night before the Senate voted on the budget, with no time for the public or press to review or comment on these projects," said Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau.

See the complete article HERE

OF COURSE there is pork at the state level, because we have the the same cash-and-carry political system as at the federal level. Just like at the meat market, you pay your money and walk away with the product. But in this case it is taxpayer-funded giveaways. And oh my, the Dems are guilty of it too.
Only full public funding of campaigns will stop the flow and bring lower spending, balanced budgets and lower taxes. And for $5 per taxpayer per year the investment will pay for itself a hundred times over.
But for the Republicans to make the charge is like the pot calling the kettle black. If they want to put a stop to unnecessary spending they know how to do it. Get the political money out of our electoral system, or at least give candidates the option for a public grant so they don't have to cower to the special interests.

Absolute Republican Hogwash

Sen. Alberta Darling omits and distorts facts:

"The centerpiece of the Senate budget is a new government-run, $15 billion socialized medicine plan, which would be funded by a crippling 14.5% payroll tax. Under this new plan, you would not be allowed to keep your current health care coverage."

Somebody -- please somebody -- educate the Republicans on what "socialized medicine" means. It is where the government owns the hospitals and employs the doctors, like in the UK and our own VA medical center, neither of which exist in the new Senate bill.

As well, the 10.5% paid by employers is in place of the 15% they don't currently pay in insurance premiums. Thus a savings to employers will result. Except for Wal-mart, and they'll have to start picking up their share and get their employees off the taxpayer's dole at BadgerCare. So will Aurora, our state's largest healthcare conglomerate.

This is a positive, not a negative!!!! It is the best thing that could happen to Wisconsin businesses and the public. But not to the Republican's insurance company contributors.

Put simply, corporate taxes would go up by 10.5% of wages and insurance premiums down by 15% of wages. Actually, they'd be eliminated. Why don't Republicans understand simple math? Because the outcome is not convenient to them or their contributors.

SPEAKER HUEBSCH STATEMENT ON THE

SENATE DEMOCRATS’ HEALTHCARE PLAN

Madison… Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) issued the following statement regarding the universal health care plan being proposed by Senate Democrats:

"Assembly Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin families access affordable health care. The health care plan being proposed by Senate Democrats imposes a massive job-killing tax increase to give state government $15.2 billion dollars to fund a politician-run health care program. Creating another government health care entity and paying for it with the largest tax increase in state history is the wrong approach to health care reform.

"Assembly Republicans will continue to pursue their Patients First health care agenda which trusts families and doctors, not politicians and government bureaucrats, to make important health care decisions."

For Further Information Contact: June 25, 2007 - Rep. Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) - (608) 266-0631

You can see more Republican Hogwash from Rep. Leah Vukmir HERE

Huebsch and Vukmir spew absolute garbage. Please contact their office immediately.

The 10% payroll tax is offset by the 15% of wages corporations must now pay for healthcare premiums, and it could be even less if the public-private skews more toward private and the insurance industry drops out of the loop.

The 4% for the patient will offset much of their healthcare costs now with a net 15% in savings.

Some people are listening too much to the people who will be hurt in this; the insurance industry. And the Republicans who benefit from their campaign contributions.

This is the most business-friendly healthcare system we could pass, though taking businesses totally out of the loop would be better. This will bring businesses and jobs to Wisconsin, not deter them.

Need proof? Read WisBusiness: Some business owners support universal health plan

The state’s major business lobby groups may be opposed to the $15 billion universal health care proposal unveiled by Senate Democrats Monday. The plan would be paid for by higher payroll taxes, which they strongly oppose.

But the co-owner of a small, award-winning Wisconsin brewery says they are out of touch with many entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop bakery, restaurant and auto shop owners she knows who want to provide insurance for their employees - but can barely afford it.

See the complete article HERE

Senate Democratic Healthy Wisconsin Act

Republicans have priorities reversed on health care plan
Small Business Times, June 28, 2007

By Jack E. Lohman

The assembly Republicans are absolutely wrong to oppose the senate's Healthy Wisconsin plan, but I suspect they know it and would rather confuse the public to give them cover to kill the bill. Their insurance industry contributors will love them for that!

And we wonder why Wisconsin is the third highest cost state in the nation for health care? Thank the moneyed interests and the politicians who open their pockets.

The health care proposal by the Senate Democrats is a very reasonable plan. It will replace the 15 percent employers currently pay for premiums with a 10.5 percent tax on wages. And a 4 percent employee tax on wages will offset much of what they now pay and still leave them with a net 15 percent savings. Of course the Wal-Marts of the world will have to start paying their share, and sending their employees to our taxpayer funded BadgerCare will no longer be an option.

See the complete article HERE and

...... respond with your thoughts at the bottom. You do not have to be a Small Business Times subscriber.

Listen to Sen. Jon Erpenbach describe the new Senate healthcare plan HERE See June 26, 8:00am

Here are some of the details on the web site of Business Coalition for Single-payer Healthcare....

Press Release Healthy Wisconsin

Summary

FAQ

Opposition Forces

The good news: This may very well be the defining moment for the 2008 state elections. The Republicans will attempt to (and may) kill it and that may just move many more of them out of office.

Please contact your state senator and assembly representative, especially if they are Republicans

Wisconsin State Assembly pages: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/leginfo/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly

Wisconsin State Senator pages: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/leginfo/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=senate

Tidbits

The Bushites Have Outsourced Our Government to Their Pals

By Jim Hightower
Print-friendly version

This is long but well worth the read. When Bush said he wanted a smaller government he didn't mean less spending and lower taxes (for the average person, anyway). He really meant that he wanted to make government smaller by outsourcing government functions to his campaign contributors, even though this "privatization under government funding" would double taxpayer costs. Wake up, free-marketers, you are getting screwed by the right-wing!

See Lou Dobbs on the Immigration Bill HERE

Taxpayers for Common Sense in the News
Mining companies digging our pockets (Mountain Mail Newspaper, Colorado)
Pelosi's House Brushes Off CNN's Questions on Earmarks (NewsBusters Blog)
Our view: Exposing the pork (Florida Today)
'Open' US Congress not forthcoming (United Press International)
Flake targets Obey earmark and others like it (The Hill)
Controversial contributions paid for steak, sedans during congressman's visit (Naples Daily News)
Senators mum on earmarks (Florida Today)
$10M earmark for Florida road draws scrutiny (Detroit News)
Katrina Contracts Worth $2.4 Billion Offer Profit Guarantees (Center for Public Integrity Blog)
Tennis Shoes, Plus Spikes? (National Journal)
Lawmakers debate earmarks (Pensacola News Journal)
Rep. Mack mum on federal budget wishlist (The News-Press, Florida)
Sessions' prints on defense projects (Birmingham News)
Another Cunningham conspirator pleads guilty (North County Times, California)

Life Undercover as One of DC's Sleaziest Lobbyists

Would you lobby on behalf of a bloodthirsty dictatorship? Some of DC's most prominent lobby firms wouldn't blink. Prepare to be appalled at the utterly amoral practices of DC's lobbying world as the author exposes Washington's underbelly.

See complete AlterNet story HERE

And the rich get richer....

Bloomberg Occupies the Middle — With Tilt to the Left

With billions of dollars to his name and inherent appeal across party lines, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has long been regarded as a potential 2008 presidential candidate who could pack a serious wallop.

Bloomberg’s official registration switch last week from Republican to independent rekindled speculation that the socially liberal and business-oriented media magnate will launch a 2008 third-party candidacy, though he has continued to shrug off the notion.

See complete article HERE

On immigration - U.S. Senate Rejects Amnesty, 53-46

That could either be a victory or a loss, depending on which side you supported. I supported both sides, at one time or the other. Trying to be sensitive to the plight of Mexicans that want to leave their country for a better life, and pragmatic about the security and employment problems it creates for Americans, has been difficult. Especially as the terrorism issue heats up and they start crossing the porous border to the south. At this point I'd like to see the fence go up and get the problem under control. Let's fight for more legal immigration but block the illegal flow, and especially levy heavy fines against the offending corporations.

Kohl and Feingold voted FOR the bill that failed, and under the current bill language I'm one of those who supported its failure. Perhaps they can keep working on it improve it and it might be more acceptable.

In any event I wish that money weren't changing hands and we'd get a bill that was in the best interest of the country.

Learn how your Senators voted now.

Give me a Break!

The iPhone is HERE. Unfortunately it is so far only compatible with the Cingular/AT&T cell service.

Book Recommendations

See other reviews on Amazon.com

Nothing new that I have seen.... (actually haven't been looking much...)

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Contact information

Lohman is a retired business owner that volunteers’ time on the issues of Election reform and Universal health care -

Contact: Jack E. Lohman
jelohman@gmail.com or jelohman@charter.net
Phone 414-477-8686 (cell)
www.ThrowTheRascalsOut.org
www.WiCleanElections.org
www.BusinessCoalition.net

www.MoneyedPoliticians.com (my book: Politicians - Owned and Operated by Corporate America)

www.SmokeFreeDining.net (A searchable restaurant database)

Wisconsin State Assembly pages: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/leginfo/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly

Wisconsin State Senator pages: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/leginfo/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=senate

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If either fails please notify me directly at jelohman@gmail.com. Thanks.

Disclosure: I am a center-right Republican that voted for Bush twice (though at this point I wish I could have a do-over). But the Republicans look worse here because they (are/were) in power and the party blocking reform. Next year it may be the Democrats taking center stage. Were I to have a political choice it would be for a strong third-party reform candidate in all seats. I do not like our very costly and ineffective duopoly. Jack Lohman

See Lohman's complete disclosure HERE.