Citing increased costs as one of his reasons for voting against the bill, Kentucky’s 2nd Congressional District Congressman, Brett Guthrie, demonstrated his total disregard for the health of our nation’s children.  But the U. S. House of Representatives cast a majority “Yes” vote, and the healthcare reform bill was signed into law on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by President Obama. This bill insures America’s children can no longer be denied coverage by insurers for pre-existing conditions. The bill also stipulates that children can be covered under a parent’s policy until the child reaches age 26.  Listed below (taken from MoveOn.org) are additional initiatives outlined in the bill.

10 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM

1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.²

2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.³

3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can’t afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.⁴

4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.⁵

5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.⁶

6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the “donut hole” gap in existing coverage.⁷

7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.⁸

8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.⁹

9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families’ insurance plans until age 26.¹⁰

10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.¹¹

To share this list with your friends using Facebook or Twitter, visit:

http://pol.moveon.org/healthcare/tenthings/?id=19503-5595983-CUEe43x&t=1

Sources:

1. Final vote results on motion to concur in Senate amendments to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, March 21, 2010
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll165.xml

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11. “Affordable Health Care for America: Summary,” House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010
http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/SUMMARY.pdf

4. “Insurance Companies Prosper, Families Suffer: Our Broken Health Insurance System,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed March 22, 2010
http://healthreform.gov/reports/insuranceprospers/index.html

5. “Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Revenue Provisions,” House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010
http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/REVENUE.pdf

8. “New Jobs Through Better Health Care,” Center for American Progress, January 8, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87402&id=19503-5595983-CUEe43x&t=2

9, 10. “Proposed Changes in the Final Health Care Bill,” The New York Times, March 22, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87403&id=19503-5595983-CUEe43x&t=3

11. “Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Addressing Health and Health Care Disparities,” House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 20, 2010
http://docs.house.gov/energycommerce/DISPARITIES.pdf

Fortunately, the only state representative from Bullitt County, Linda Belcher, was able to secure funding when the senate version of the road plan fell apart and the house version was the only plan left standing.

Mr. Tapp has hand picked Paul Hornback, also from Shelby County, as his successor. Will Mr. Hornback also hold Bullitt County in such disregard if elected? Hopefully Bullitt County will not give him that opportunity. 

Request Senator Tapp to end his neglect of Bullitt County. Call his Frankfort office at (502) 564-8100 Ext. 648.

Our fall federal, state, and county candidates are:

Jack Conway for U. S. Senate   http://jackconway.org

Ed Marksberry for U. S. House of Representatitves 2nd Congressional District http://www.edmarksberry.com/

David Eaton for Kentucky Senate District 20 www.electdavideaton.com

Linda Belcher for Kentucky State Representative District 49  http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h049.htm

Jeff Greer for Kentucky State Representative District 27 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h027.htm

Eddie O’Daniel for Kentucky State Representative District 50

Kenny Hardin for County Judge Executive http://kennyhardin.com/

Buddy Shepherd for 1st District Magistrate

Brent Wheeler for 2nd District Magistrate

Randy Nalley for 3rd District Magistrate

David Walker for 4th District Magistrate

Walt Sholar for County Attorney

Donnie Tinnell for Sheriff

Kevin Mooney for County Clerk

Martha Knox for Jailer

Butch Johnson for 1st District Constable

Mike Alphin for 2nd District Constable

Russ McCubbins for 3rd District Constable

Charlie Wright for 4th District Constable

But increasing the number of precincts would only somewhat improve the voting process. At issue was also the voting machines. The old 1242 machines can only process one voter at a time, and the eSlate computer is cumbersome to operate. Mr. Mooney’s research led him to the new voting machines. These are scanners and are similar to those used in Jefferson County. The Bullitt County Fiscal Court approved the purchase of the new machines and there will be one available for each precinct for use in the May primary. Though there were initially some concerns about the risk of comprising the vote, Mr. Mooney has assured the public that many safeguards are in place with the new machines and voters can feel confident about the machine’s integrity. A voting machine is available at the county clerk’s office for voters who would like to familiarize themselves with the machine and to simulate the voting process.

Voters will also find it easier and more convenient to find voter and candidate information at the Bullitt County clerk’s revamped website. In addition to the links to access general information there is a Voter Registration link that guides voters to information on precinct locations and maps, candidate filings, election results and much more.  To access the website visit www.bullittcountyclerk.com.

These proactive initiatives of our county clerk have guaranteed voters that they will encounter shorter lines and experice a more efficient voting process.

Doors to the event will open at 5 p.m. for a social hour with a cash bar. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the program starting around 6:30 p.m.

 For more information or to purchase tickets, call Roseann Cahoe at 502-543-7166 or Debby Stinson at 502-955-6672.

Though from Shelby County, Mr. Eaton has many ties to our county with the strongest of those ties being his family members who live in Bullitt County. He has asserted his vested interest in seeing advancement and progress and has an understanding of our needs.

To learn more about David Eaton, visit his website at www.electdavideaton.com .

Republicans have criticized Democratic efforts for economic recovery, preferring instead to try tax cuts for rich people – bringing to mind the famous Einstein quote:  “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
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In Kentucky, the stimulus plan will create or save an estimated 48,000 jobs, including 8,200 jobs in Kentucky’s 2nd Congressional District alone. Brett Guthrie, the Republican who is supposed to represent the 2nd District, voted against the plan. Luckily in 2010, residents of Bullitt County will have an opportunity to change Brett Guthrie’s mind by giving him a close-up view of the unemployment line.

Americans interested in how the stimulus money is being spent can view information, make comments, and ask questions at www.recovery.gov.
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In addition, YOU can join the discussion on this website.  Feel free to comment on information you see here, ask questions about politics, and share your wisdom with fellow Democrats.  Our party is about community and social ties, and our website reflects that. 

So look around, register, and join the conversation!
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