We have all been hearing that President Obama wants to have a health care reform bill passed before the end of August. Sounds good. However, what are the specifics?
I do not understand how giving everyone health care will bring down the cost? I definitely do not understand how having another Federal Government Health Care Provider will do anything but add to the national debt.
Currently the Federal Government is responsible for the Medicare Health Care Program, and oversees the states Medicaid Health Care Programs. No big surprise to find that they are mismanaged, victims of all kind of fraud and over billing schemes, and that there does not appear to be a plan in place to bring order to the system.
If the government cannot manage the health care programs for the elderly and the poor, is there any way they can provide an agency that can realistically compete with health care insurers already in place?
Why aren't the President and Congress first fixing Medicare & Medicaid? Take control of the wasted millions in those programs, put together an efficient organization that actually brings down costs, bargains with providers and allows patients premiums to remain the same or even decrease, and then consider a National Health Insurance program.
With the current lose of jobs, the deficit and debt, we can not afford to have more wasteful out of control spending. The President and Congress need to prove that they can put what they actually have to good use, then come to the people with a realistic plan.
I know there are many with out health care. I also know that the majority still get treated in emergency rooms and clinics across the country and that my tax dollars and my increasing health care premiums go to pay the difference, because my costs at the doctors and hospital keep increasing to offset what is lost from those who do not pay.
I do not expect that to change in the near future.
What I do hope changes is the government's attitude. Let's fix things using what we have. If Medicare & Medicaid are managed competently, responsibly, with accountability, millions of dollars will become available for a national program.
Let's fix the current problem, rather than leave it broken and start another agency that will only add chaos to the situation, rather than order.
Its Common Sense!!
Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Loopholes
President Obama has announced a plan to close loopholes in the tax process. He also plans on making US companies who have outsourced production to higher taxes. He even is planning on getting more information out of the tax havens around the world.
Sounds good. But is there any reality to his plan? Will Congress actually pass an enforceable bill with teeth that will harm their sponsors? What happens if the corporations simply start donating to the next guy or gal they can buy and the incumbent fades away at the next election?
Where is the plan to hold Congress accountable? They are spending like wild men/women right now and let's face it, that budget was full of a lot of Democratic pork. The President should get some laws on the books that makes Congress accountable, then go after business America. As long as Congress is allowed to let the right hand do one thing and the left hand another, corporate America will never be held accountable.
Its time we the people make Congress represent us and not the corporations. We are the majority, its about time they started acting in our best interests.
Its Common Sense!
Sounds good. But is there any reality to his plan? Will Congress actually pass an enforceable bill with teeth that will harm their sponsors? What happens if the corporations simply start donating to the next guy or gal they can buy and the incumbent fades away at the next election?
Where is the plan to hold Congress accountable? They are spending like wild men/women right now and let's face it, that budget was full of a lot of Democratic pork. The President should get some laws on the books that makes Congress accountable, then go after business America. As long as Congress is allowed to let the right hand do one thing and the left hand another, corporate America will never be held accountable.
Its time we the people make Congress represent us and not the corporations. We are the majority, its about time they started acting in our best interests.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Senator Cardin on Illegal Aliens
Senator Ben Cardin - Democrat Maryland - sent the following response to my letter dealing with illegal aliens getting driver licenses in Maryland.
I am surprised that he is actually showing a semi-tough approach. Of course this is talk, we'll see if his actions speak as loud as his words.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for writing to me regarding our country's immigration system.
Our nation's immigration and border security system is broken and must be fixed. We must require illegal immigrants to step forward and become legal and we must better secure our borders. We must restore the rule of law and enhance security at our borders. The Congress and the President must work together to reform our laws . We also must use the full force of the law against employers who hire illegal immigrants.
I support changes to the law that will require illegal immigrants to become legal. They must pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks. This process won't be easy or quick, but it will be fair and practical. Individuals who came to this country illegally will be bumped to the back of the line behind those who waited to come to this country legally. And illegal immigrants with a criminal record would be deported. Those who refuse to register and meet these con ditions also should be deported.
To secure our borders, the government should require the use of a biometric entry-exit system for all land borders, so that we have an accurate record of who is entering and leaving the United States . We should create a "smart" enforcement regime which will produce more efficient inspections and screenings, and allow us to target and tailor our limited resources to combat illegal smuggling of people and contraband. I supported recent appropriations that provided $1.6 billion for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, and facility construction, as well as the hiring of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
To meet the needs of our workforce and promote family reunification, we should set in place realistic immigration numbers and policies, and clear the backlog of legal visas, green card legal permit resident and citizenship applications. In the last Congress, Senator Feinstein has introduced the "Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act" , S. 340, in order to provide for new blue card visas and modify the H-2A program. This year, Senator Mikulski has introduced the "Save our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act" , S. 3 88, to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B workers. While these two bills address key issues in the immigration debate, a comprehensive approach is the only way to adequately deal with this issue.
We can no longer ignore corporations who are hiring and exploiting illegal workers. This practice takes jobs away from Americans and depresses wages for everyone. These unlawful companies must be prosecuted and face stiff criminal and civil penalties. We need smart policies like improved border patrols, full enforcement of our laws, and requiring illegal immigrants to become legal.
The status quo is not working. Allowing 12 million to hide in the shadows and live in this country illegally is unacceptable. Our system must be fixed. Again, thank you for writing to me regarding this important issue. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter
I am surprised that he is actually showing a semi-tough approach. Of course this is talk, we'll see if his actions speak as loud as his words.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for writing to me regarding our country's immigration system.
Our nation's immigration and border security system is broken and must be fixed. We must require illegal immigrants to step forward and become legal and we must better secure our borders. We must restore the rule of law and enhance security at our borders. The Congress and the President must work together to reform our laws . We also must use the full force of the law against employers who hire illegal immigrants.
I support changes to the law that will require illegal immigrants to become legal. They must pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks. This process won't be easy or quick, but it will be fair and practical. Individuals who came to this country illegally will be bumped to the back of the line behind those who waited to come to this country legally. And illegal immigrants with a criminal record would be deported. Those who refuse to register and meet these con ditions also should be deported.
To secure our borders, the government should require the use of a biometric entry-exit system for all land borders, so that we have an accurate record of who is entering and leaving the United States . We should create a "smart" enforcement regime which will produce more efficient inspections and screenings, and allow us to target and tailor our limited resources to combat illegal smuggling of people and contraband. I supported recent appropriations that provided $1.6 billion for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, and facility construction, as well as the hiring of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
To meet the needs of our workforce and promote family reunification, we should set in place realistic immigration numbers and policies, and clear the backlog of legal visas, green card legal permit resident and citizenship applications. In the last Congress, Senator Feinstein has introduced the "Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act" , S. 340, in order to provide for new blue card visas and modify the H-2A program. This year, Senator Mikulski has introduced the "Save our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act" , S. 3 88, to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B workers. While these two bills address key issues in the immigration debate, a comprehensive approach is the only way to adequately deal with this issue.
We can no longer ignore corporations who are hiring and exploiting illegal workers. This practice takes jobs away from Americans and depresses wages for everyone. These unlawful companies must be prosecuted and face stiff criminal and civil penalties. We need smart policies like improved border patrols, full enforcement of our laws, and requiring illegal immigrants to become legal.
The status quo is not working. Allowing 12 million to hide in the shadows and live in this country illegally is unacceptable. Our system must be fixed. Again, thank you for writing to me regarding this important issue. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What is the stimulus?
Just what is the message of Obama's stimulus package? I think part of the problem is that he is not selling his plan. Just how does this package help the American public?
We have definitely heard about the negative aspects. Buying birth control pills for the poor, but not providing education or responsibility, providing minimum jobs at high salaries in limited areas, special studies on things like fish populations, which have always been pork projects.
What I do not understand is why the president did not sit down initially with the leaders of both parties of both Houses and say, here are things I know will stimulate the economy, how can you build on them? If all the players had known up front what were the priorities it would have been easier to come up with a plan needing little debate and easy acceptance. Instead, Obama lost control of the game and there is no telling if and when he will regain control.
Yesterday one of my senators, Barbara Mikulski got an amendment added regarding tax on new car sells. Of course I didn't see anything about getting the loan to buy the new car. The Republicans also got a $15,000.00 tax break for new home buyers - again nothing about where you get the loan to make the purchase.
These kind of deals do very little for the overall economy.
Once again I stress - INFRASTRUCTURE !!!
Get Americans back to repairing and building highways, bridges and tunnels. The money for those salaries generates spending in the communities and if projects are approved in all fifty states, everyone profits and the economy gets moving.
Little tax breaks are nice but have little effect. Big projects and big spending is what will get the country moving again.
Its Common Sense!
We have definitely heard about the negative aspects. Buying birth control pills for the poor, but not providing education or responsibility, providing minimum jobs at high salaries in limited areas, special studies on things like fish populations, which have always been pork projects.
What I do not understand is why the president did not sit down initially with the leaders of both parties of both Houses and say, here are things I know will stimulate the economy, how can you build on them? If all the players had known up front what were the priorities it would have been easier to come up with a plan needing little debate and easy acceptance. Instead, Obama lost control of the game and there is no telling if and when he will regain control.
Yesterday one of my senators, Barbara Mikulski got an amendment added regarding tax on new car sells. Of course I didn't see anything about getting the loan to buy the new car. The Republicans also got a $15,000.00 tax break for new home buyers - again nothing about where you get the loan to make the purchase.
These kind of deals do very little for the overall economy.
Once again I stress - INFRASTRUCTURE !!!
Get Americans back to repairing and building highways, bridges and tunnels. The money for those salaries generates spending in the communities and if projects are approved in all fifty states, everyone profits and the economy gets moving.
Little tax breaks are nice but have little effect. Big projects and big spending is what will get the country moving again.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Obama's Stimulus Plan
President-elect Obama meets Monday with high ranking Congressional leaders from both parties to push his stimulus plan so that it will be on his desk for signature on Inauguration Day. My understanding is that the stimulus package will cost close to $800 billion. Included are tax breaks, loans for states, and the creation of infrastructure jobs of one kind or another.
Sounds nice. Of course the question is - where the hell is money coming from? It sounds good that Obama continues to promise to lower personal income taxes. But, the reality is that to pay for any stimulus package, the money has to come from somewhere.
Unfortunately that means the USA will be going out with hat in hand in getting loans at ridiculous interest rates from foreign countries. How deep in debt do we want to be to the Chinese?
We will eventually have to pay the debt. So, if personal income taxes aren't raised, other taxes will be. Already there is talk that Federal government and State governments are planning to increase the gasoline tax by at least fifty percent. After all, people were willing to pay almost $4.00 a gallon, so if the price of gas is down they figure to raise taxes to bring the overall cost back up to $4.00 a gallon.
What about "luxury" items? In addition to tobacco, alcohol, and certain kinds of foods, where else could taxes be raised?
Have you ever looked at your phone bill and realized you are paying a luxury tax for using the phone? When telephones were initially used, they were considered a luxury item for the well to do and were taxed. Even after the phone became part of everyday life for everyone, the luxury tax remained. Don't be surprised to see that tax raised, along with taxes on any variety of electronic equipment.
Other places taxes could be increased are on automobiles - again at both federal and state levels -, travel - air, rail, water -, lodging and dining.
Before we get all excited about "tax cuts" let's find out just where the taxes are going to be cut and where they are going to be increased.
President-elect Obama needs a plan to raise $800 billion for his stimulus. Let's ask for some straight answers. Let's not be faked out by a lot of smoke and mirrors.
Its our future and our money - let's get the facts.
Its Common Sense!
Sounds nice. Of course the question is - where the hell is money coming from? It sounds good that Obama continues to promise to lower personal income taxes. But, the reality is that to pay for any stimulus package, the money has to come from somewhere.
Unfortunately that means the USA will be going out with hat in hand in getting loans at ridiculous interest rates from foreign countries. How deep in debt do we want to be to the Chinese?
We will eventually have to pay the debt. So, if personal income taxes aren't raised, other taxes will be. Already there is talk that Federal government and State governments are planning to increase the gasoline tax by at least fifty percent. After all, people were willing to pay almost $4.00 a gallon, so if the price of gas is down they figure to raise taxes to bring the overall cost back up to $4.00 a gallon.
What about "luxury" items? In addition to tobacco, alcohol, and certain kinds of foods, where else could taxes be raised?
Have you ever looked at your phone bill and realized you are paying a luxury tax for using the phone? When telephones were initially used, they were considered a luxury item for the well to do and were taxed. Even after the phone became part of everyday life for everyone, the luxury tax remained. Don't be surprised to see that tax raised, along with taxes on any variety of electronic equipment.
Other places taxes could be increased are on automobiles - again at both federal and state levels -, travel - air, rail, water -, lodging and dining.
Before we get all excited about "tax cuts" let's find out just where the taxes are going to be cut and where they are going to be increased.
President-elect Obama needs a plan to raise $800 billion for his stimulus. Let's ask for some straight answers. Let's not be faked out by a lot of smoke and mirrors.
Its our future and our money - let's get the facts.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Senate Bailout National Bank and VP Debate
Okay, tonight is the first and only vice-presidential debate of this campaign. Needless to say, we all have to watch. Will Sarah Palin continue to be as nervous as she has been with Katie Couric, or from behind a podium will she get her act together, talk about what she knows and admit the areas where she has limited knowledge?
Will Joe Biden be able to answer briefly or will he let his mouth run on and on and get him trouble?
This could be really entertaining. And - let us not forget, that one of this pair could be a heart beat away from being our president someday. Take some time to consider that prospect.
Last night the Senate passed the bailout bill. Big surprise. What upsets me is the concessions that were made. The tax break for the rich is extended - tell me why you voted for that Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The amount of cash that can now be insured by the FDIC was raised to $250,000.00. What no one said is that the banks will have to pay for the additional insurance. Wonder where that money will come from? Tax breaks for homeowners with foreclosure woes are extended until 2013. Small business owners with five employees or less are getting some kind of break, and no doubt somewhere in the fine print are a couple of "entitlements" that we will be paying for.
Somewhere it says if the loans aren't paid off the president will be able to take action. I will need to find the bill and read it to see if the president really has any power.
I am skeptical about the whole thing. I think the government should have opened a National Bank with this money and started making loans to those who qualify. Frankly I do not see the need to help the banks who let greed and stupidity be their guide. Let's have a National Bank, Congress, as the board of directors, can make oversight into loans as tight as they want without worrying about any one's feelings.
Since the President is the bank's CEO we do not have to worry about any golden umbrella, the job is covered by his salary. We the people are the share holders, so maybe we will receive some dividends on our investment.
Treasury secretary Paulson put everyone in a panic mode. Loans are tight and banks are afraid. Too bad. There was no oversight for their idiotic reasoning that housing prices would continue to climb to unrealistic heights and that they could make loans to anyone who walked in off of the streets. The banks are paying the price for their greed. They should be happy that their executives are not being sent to jail for the mismanagement and attempted robbery of the American public.
The Senate's bill just let's the status quo continue. I thought that Obama and McCain both promised to change Washington!! Looks like business as usual to me.
Let's create a National Bank. It will have branches is all 50 states and territories. It will provide employment. Loans can be rigidly investigated and controlled. With the president as CEO and Congress as the board of directors there will be no need for fancy salaries or perks. They will be doing their job protecting the American citizen. We, the tax paying citizens, will be the stock holders and with good management we should all see dividends.
This makes more sense to me than simply giving money to banks and trusting them to do the right thing.
Its Common Sense.
Will Joe Biden be able to answer briefly or will he let his mouth run on and on and get him trouble?
This could be really entertaining. And - let us not forget, that one of this pair could be a heart beat away from being our president someday. Take some time to consider that prospect.
Last night the Senate passed the bailout bill. Big surprise. What upsets me is the concessions that were made. The tax break for the rich is extended - tell me why you voted for that Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The amount of cash that can now be insured by the FDIC was raised to $250,000.00. What no one said is that the banks will have to pay for the additional insurance. Wonder where that money will come from? Tax breaks for homeowners with foreclosure woes are extended until 2013. Small business owners with five employees or less are getting some kind of break, and no doubt somewhere in the fine print are a couple of "entitlements" that we will be paying for.
Somewhere it says if the loans aren't paid off the president will be able to take action. I will need to find the bill and read it to see if the president really has any power.
I am skeptical about the whole thing. I think the government should have opened a National Bank with this money and started making loans to those who qualify. Frankly I do not see the need to help the banks who let greed and stupidity be their guide. Let's have a National Bank, Congress, as the board of directors, can make oversight into loans as tight as they want without worrying about any one's feelings.
Since the President is the bank's CEO we do not have to worry about any golden umbrella, the job is covered by his salary. We the people are the share holders, so maybe we will receive some dividends on our investment.
Treasury secretary Paulson put everyone in a panic mode. Loans are tight and banks are afraid. Too bad. There was no oversight for their idiotic reasoning that housing prices would continue to climb to unrealistic heights and that they could make loans to anyone who walked in off of the streets. The banks are paying the price for their greed. They should be happy that their executives are not being sent to jail for the mismanagement and attempted robbery of the American public.
The Senate's bill just let's the status quo continue. I thought that Obama and McCain both promised to change Washington!! Looks like business as usual to me.
Let's create a National Bank. It will have branches is all 50 states and territories. It will provide employment. Loans can be rigidly investigated and controlled. With the president as CEO and Congress as the board of directors there will be no need for fancy salaries or perks. They will be doing their job protecting the American citizen. We, the tax paying citizens, will be the stock holders and with good management we should all see dividends.
This makes more sense to me than simply giving money to banks and trusting them to do the right thing.
Its Common Sense.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Request to Senators for bailout information
Earlier today I sent the following email to my two senators - Barbara Mikulsi and Benjamin Cardin, as well as my congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. If and when I get a response I will share those as well.
Please feel free to use any or all of this email and send it to your representatives. (Just go to US Senate.gov to get the email address of your senators, and US Congress.gov for the email address of your representative.)
Hopefully, if enough of us raise the questions, some answers will be given.
Here is the email.
Dear Senator,
The current figures available on all of the bailouts is $200 billion for Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, $85 billion for AIG, and $700 billion for "toxic" mortgages. That's just short of a trillion dollars.
How much is the current deficit? How much deeper in debt does this country need to go?
I know we are borrowing the money from foreign governments. Who are the principal lenders, what is the interest rate, and what is the payback schedule? What are the terms if we default on our loan?
Several years ago Senator Mikulski sent me several books to explain how the Federal government could have a surplus and deficit at the same time. The math was confusing then, now it is even worse.
What is the plan for paying back our creditors? What kind of tax burden is this going to put on the American people? Let's be honest, Senator, someone is going to have to pay, and it never seems to be Congress, but rather the American people.
I read where Congresswoman Pelosi is considering putting together another stimulus package. Forget it!! You do not need to borrow anymore money.
Iraq supposedly has a $78 billion surplus. Make them pay for the war (after all we aren‘t getting any help at the gas pump and I thought that was the real reason we invaded), and we can at least stop those ridiculous monthly payments we are currently sending over there.
Nobody wants to be responsible, no one wants to hold anyone accountable and punish them, its "oh well, we'll try better next time."
Forget about the popularity contest, make some tough decisions and get this deficit off our backs.
Michael Wolfe
Please feel free to use any or all of this email and send it to your representatives. (Just go to US Senate.gov to get the email address of your senators, and US Congress.gov for the email address of your representative.)
Hopefully, if enough of us raise the questions, some answers will be given.
Here is the email.
Dear Senator,
The current figures available on all of the bailouts is $200 billion for Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, $85 billion for AIG, and $700 billion for "toxic" mortgages. That's just short of a trillion dollars.
How much is the current deficit? How much deeper in debt does this country need to go?
I know we are borrowing the money from foreign governments. Who are the principal lenders, what is the interest rate, and what is the payback schedule? What are the terms if we default on our loan?
Several years ago Senator Mikulski sent me several books to explain how the Federal government could have a surplus and deficit at the same time. The math was confusing then, now it is even worse.
What is the plan for paying back our creditors? What kind of tax burden is this going to put on the American people? Let's be honest, Senator, someone is going to have to pay, and it never seems to be Congress, but rather the American people.
I read where Congresswoman Pelosi is considering putting together another stimulus package. Forget it!! You do not need to borrow anymore money.
Iraq supposedly has a $78 billion surplus. Make them pay for the war (after all we aren‘t getting any help at the gas pump and I thought that was the real reason we invaded), and we can at least stop those ridiculous monthly payments we are currently sending over there.
Nobody wants to be responsible, no one wants to hold anyone accountable and punish them, its "oh well, we'll try better next time."
Forget about the popularity contest, make some tough decisions and get this deficit off our backs.
Michael Wolfe
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