I received an email from my Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, thanking me for my interest in veterans affairs and providing information on the latest GI Bill.
I must confess that I have never expressed interest in veterans' affairs, an oversight on my part, so I thought I would share the information with my readers.
September 22, 2009
Mr. Michael Wolfe
123 Carolstowne Road
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Knowing of your interest in veterans' affairs, I am proactively reaching out to my constituents to update you on landmark legislation that gives veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars the opportunity to a first-class education and future. I believe we should always take care of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have sacrificed themselves in defense of our country and our liberties. Our country is indebted to our veterans as well as their families. An affordable college education is one way to demonstrate our respect and gratitude for their service.
I was proud to support the post-9/11 GI bill, which Congress passed in June 2008 and took effect last month. This bill is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It enables veterans, active service members, reservists and National Guard members a chance to receive a free, in-state, undergraduate college education at a public institution, including housing, books and supplies. Unused benefits can be transferred to veterans' spouses and children.
I think it is important that we balance the varied needs of our country's "new" veterans with the growing and changing needs of veterans from previous conflicts. An estimated 500,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are expected to take advantage of the bill this year alone. The bill provides financial support to veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Veterans must be honorably discharged to be eligible for the program.
The application process is complicated. I understand many who want to take advantage of this exciting opportunity will have questions about their benefits. For more information, please contact my office, or visit www.newgibill.org, a comprehensive resource that includes frequently asked questions, real-time bill updates, benefit calculators and eligibility requirements. You can also call 1-888-442-4551.
I think it is very important to communicate frequently with my constituents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office or access my website at www.dutch.house.gov.
Sincerely,
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Member of Congress
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
David Axelrod for President Obama
As I promised yesterday, here is David Axelrod's message from president Obama. Let me know if it answers your questions.
Dear Friend,
Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/?e=14&ref=image
The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us.
Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years.
That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick.
Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government.
As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video.
Thank you,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
Dear Friend,
Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/?e=14&ref=image
The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us.
Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years.
That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick.
Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government.
As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video.
Thank you,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
Monday, September 21, 2009
Senator Mikulski on Medical Malpractice
Today I received two missives on Health Care Reform.
One was from David Axelrod, senior advisor to President Obama. Since I write so often to the White House, I am on their mailing list. Basically he wants me to watch Obama's speech from Congress and explain all the positive parts of the President's goals for Health Care Reform. I still haven't figured out how this is not going to cost me in some manner, shape or form. Tomorrow I will share his missive.
The second missive was from Senator Barbara Mikulski regarding medical malpractice and how to bring it under control so doctors can practice offensive medicine as opposed to defensive medicine.
Here is her letter. Let me know what you think.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about medical liability and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
Health care is one of the most important issues facing families and our economy. We absolutely need to pass health reform that:
-reduces costs for providers, families, business and government
-protects people's choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans
-improves providers' ability to deliver quality care
-assures affordable, quality health care for all Americans
I share your concern about the rising cost of malpractice insurance. The high costs of malpractice insurance are a huge financial burden, affecting doctors' ability to care for their patients and even practice medicine.
I agree that we must address the issue of medical malpractice. This must be done in a way that protects doctors from frivolous lawsuits - and protects patients who suffer because of negligence or preventable injury.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
One was from David Axelrod, senior advisor to President Obama. Since I write so often to the White House, I am on their mailing list. Basically he wants me to watch Obama's speech from Congress and explain all the positive parts of the President's goals for Health Care Reform. I still haven't figured out how this is not going to cost me in some manner, shape or form. Tomorrow I will share his missive.
The second missive was from Senator Barbara Mikulski regarding medical malpractice and how to bring it under control so doctors can practice offensive medicine as opposed to defensive medicine.
Here is her letter. Let me know what you think.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about medical liability and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
Health care is one of the most important issues facing families and our economy. We absolutely need to pass health reform that:
-reduces costs for providers, families, business and government
-protects people's choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans
-improves providers' ability to deliver quality care
-assures affordable, quality health care for all Americans
I share your concern about the rising cost of malpractice insurance. The high costs of malpractice insurance are a huge financial burden, affecting doctors' ability to care for their patients and even practice medicine.
I agree that we must address the issue of medical malpractice. This must be done in a way that protects doctors from frivolous lawsuits - and protects patients who suffer because of negligence or preventable injury.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Obama faces change
President Obama seems to be doing some shuffling and changing of opinion on two big topics. Health Care Reform is one. He hit five talk shows this morning, trying to explain his plan. He still appears to feel that he knows what is best and even appears to think he is in the category with FDR with the Social Security Bill and LBJ with the introduction of Medicare.
I think Obama should be careful in his comparisons. His health care reform plans still have too many questions and gaps that need filling. How is there not going to be any tax increase on the middle class to pay for the coverage? Whether it is a federal tax increase or a health insurance premium increase, the middle class is going to pick up the bill one way or another.
He seems to be trying to play both ends of the Democratic party, telling some he really wants the public option and others that it is not that important. Rather than tell the plain simple truth, he playing politics, so much for an open, honest administration.
One thing the President definitely should not do is try and force his plan through Congress with no Republican support. I think that action could lead to a public outcry and repercussions that have not be seen in this country for decades. The President needs to learn meaningful compromise if he is going to lead.
The other area is the war in Afghanistan. After initially being gun ho to send in twenty-five thousand fresh troops, now he wants to reconsider sending any more. In truth, it looks like he is now going to consider an entirely new plan for fighting in Afghanistan and deciding what the priorities should be.
Already members of the Democratic are asking for a time table for troop withdrawal, stating that there is little hope for a democratic state in Afghanistan and that it will always be a place of tribal warfare.
Like George W Bush, President Obama promised to put an end to Al-Quaeda and bring in bin Laden. The prospects of him having any success are few.
President Obama came in to the White House with big plans. Reality is finally setting and he's finding that he is no longer the golden boy he thought he was. People are questioning his actions and motives. People are demanding straight answers and challenging vague responses.
America wants answers that aren't going to cost them a fortune. The President needs to start paying attention to what the people are saying, rather than those around him.
Its Common Sense!
I think Obama should be careful in his comparisons. His health care reform plans still have too many questions and gaps that need filling. How is there not going to be any tax increase on the middle class to pay for the coverage? Whether it is a federal tax increase or a health insurance premium increase, the middle class is going to pick up the bill one way or another.
He seems to be trying to play both ends of the Democratic party, telling some he really wants the public option and others that it is not that important. Rather than tell the plain simple truth, he playing politics, so much for an open, honest administration.
One thing the President definitely should not do is try and force his plan through Congress with no Republican support. I think that action could lead to a public outcry and repercussions that have not be seen in this country for decades. The President needs to learn meaningful compromise if he is going to lead.
The other area is the war in Afghanistan. After initially being gun ho to send in twenty-five thousand fresh troops, now he wants to reconsider sending any more. In truth, it looks like he is now going to consider an entirely new plan for fighting in Afghanistan and deciding what the priorities should be.
Already members of the Democratic are asking for a time table for troop withdrawal, stating that there is little hope for a democratic state in Afghanistan and that it will always be a place of tribal warfare.
Like George W Bush, President Obama promised to put an end to Al-Quaeda and bring in bin Laden. The prospects of him having any success are few.
President Obama came in to the White House with big plans. Reality is finally setting and he's finding that he is no longer the golden boy he thought he was. People are questioning his actions and motives. People are demanding straight answers and challenging vague responses.
America wants answers that aren't going to cost them a fortune. The President needs to start paying attention to what the people are saying, rather than those around him.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, September 18, 2009
President Obama's Response on Health Care Reform
I received an email from the President today in response to the emails I have sent regarding Health Care Reform.
Not as specific as I want, but at least a response. That's a first.
Here's the letter. Let me know if you think he provides any real answers or solutions.
Dear Friend:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard
from countless Americans struggling to afford health insurance and
health professionals striving to provide care. I appreciate your
perspective.
There is broad consensus among the American people on
the need for affordable, high-quality health care. The rising cost of
health care is the most pressing financial challenge for families and
for our Nation, and controlling this cost is essential to bringing
down the Federal deficits we inherited. We must end unfair
insurance practices that leave millions of Americans without
coverage, denying them access to care, and exposing them to
extraordinary burdens. And we should ensure that all small
business employees have access to affordable, high-quality health
plans so that we can make our economy--and our small businesses-
-more competitive. Now is the time to move forward, and I am
working to get health insurance reform done this year.
Since I took office, we have done more to improve health
care than we have in the previous decade. In February, I signed
H.R. 2 to provide coverage for millions of children through the
Children's Health Insurance Program, and I signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make key investments in
computerized medical records and preventive services.
Still, more must be done to lower costs, expand coverage,
and improve the quality of health care. My 2010 Budget makes a
major down payment on health insurance reform by implementing
efficiencies in government health care spending while improving
the quality of care. To help fulfill the debt we owe to our service
men and women, it includes the largest proposed single-year
increase in veterans funding in 30 years. It expands health care
coverage to an additional 500,000 veterans by 2013, implements
technology that eases the transition from military care to veterans'
care, and enhances screening and treatment services for those
suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic
Brain Injury.
Looking forward, there are tough choices to be made, and I
will seek to bring employers and workers, health care providers
and patients, and Democrats and Republicans together to create a
system that delivers better care and puts the Nation on a
sustainable, long-term fiscal path. To learn more about my agenda
or to share a personal story, please join me online at:
www.healthreform.gov. For further information on health care and
assistance that may be available to you, you may call 1-800-
FEDINFO or visit: www.usa.gov.
I share the sense of urgency that millions of Americans have
voiced. I watched as my ailing mother struggled with stacks of
insurance forms in the last moments of her life. This is not who
we are as a Nation; together, we will fix it.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov
Not as specific as I want, but at least a response. That's a first.
Here's the letter. Let me know if you think he provides any real answers or solutions.
Dear Friend:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard
from countless Americans struggling to afford health insurance and
health professionals striving to provide care. I appreciate your
perspective.
There is broad consensus among the American people on
the need for affordable, high-quality health care. The rising cost of
health care is the most pressing financial challenge for families and
for our Nation, and controlling this cost is essential to bringing
down the Federal deficits we inherited. We must end unfair
insurance practices that leave millions of Americans without
coverage, denying them access to care, and exposing them to
extraordinary burdens. And we should ensure that all small
business employees have access to affordable, high-quality health
plans so that we can make our economy--and our small businesses-
-more competitive. Now is the time to move forward, and I am
working to get health insurance reform done this year.
Since I took office, we have done more to improve health
care than we have in the previous decade. In February, I signed
H.R. 2 to provide coverage for millions of children through the
Children's Health Insurance Program, and I signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make key investments in
computerized medical records and preventive services.
Still, more must be done to lower costs, expand coverage,
and improve the quality of health care. My 2010 Budget makes a
major down payment on health insurance reform by implementing
efficiencies in government health care spending while improving
the quality of care. To help fulfill the debt we owe to our service
men and women, it includes the largest proposed single-year
increase in veterans funding in 30 years. It expands health care
coverage to an additional 500,000 veterans by 2013, implements
technology that eases the transition from military care to veterans'
care, and enhances screening and treatment services for those
suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic
Brain Injury.
Looking forward, there are tough choices to be made, and I
will seek to bring employers and workers, health care providers
and patients, and Democrats and Republicans together to create a
system that delivers better care and puts the Nation on a
sustainable, long-term fiscal path. To learn more about my agenda
or to share a personal story, please join me online at:
www.healthreform.gov. For further information on health care and
assistance that may be available to you, you may call 1-800-
FEDINFO or visit: www.usa.gov.
I share the sense of urgency that millions of Americans have
voiced. I watched as my ailing mother struggled with stacks of
insurance forms in the last moments of her life. This is not who
we are as a Nation; together, we will fix it.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov
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