BFM Diaries

FDL Action Health Care Update: Friday (11/6/09)

FDL Action — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:28:01 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Friday, November 6.

1. Jon Walker asks, "Does Landrieu Not Know That All Her Demands Regarding The Public Option Have Already Been Addressed?" Specifically, Walker wonders if Landrieu is aware that "House Democrats adopted [Chuck] Schumer's idea of a 'level playing field' public option," one that is supported by premiums (not "government-run, taxpayer subsidized" as Landrieu seems to think). Very strange.

2. Jane Hamsher writes that "Anna Eshoo (D-PhRMA) may be the author of the language granting drug companies endless monopolies on biologic drugs, but she couldn't have done it without the help of her good friend Jane Harman." Hamsher urges everyone to sign the petition telling Senators Brown, Stabenow and Schumer to fight for affordable generic drugs for cancer and AIDS patients.

3. Jon Walker says that, "[a]s it stands, I can't say I'm 100% confident in the success of a negotiated rates public option limited to only the new exchange." Walker explains in detail how "the public option will reach several important tipping points in the first few years that will determine its long term success or failure." Fascinating stuff.

4. Jane Hamsher writes about the AFL-CIO threatening to "reduce its contributions to Democrats who don't side with them on the [health care] issue." Hardball.

5. Jon Walker asks if the Republican strategy of "[d]ragging their heels, endless delaying, obstructing everything, screaming about overreach and government takeovers" has "succeeded in paralyzing enough conservative Democrats at just the wrong moment." Walker worries that Democrats could end up "facing two opponents in 2010...Republicans, and staying home." As someone who just observed exactly that in Virginia, I can say that this is not farfetched at all.

6. Jon Walker live blogs the House Rules Committee meeting to discuss the House health care reform bill HR 3962. Click here for Part II of Walker's live blog.

7. An incredibly busy Jon Walker writes about a "new CBO analysis of the House bill [that] demonstrates how weak the CBO believes the new risk adjustment mechanism will be."

8. Jane Hamsher asks asks everyone to "[h]elp Medical Students Fight PhMRA for affordable generics with their POP video."

Finally, keep an eye on the House over the next few days, keep the pressure on your representatives for the best possible health care reform, and have a great weekend!

Rightwing Propaganda Identifies Democracy as a Problem

Jim Ramelis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:08:59 +0000

I have a few right wing relatives and/or friends that I haven't pissed off and they still send me right wing orientated emails. I am deliberately trying to not piss them off so I can see what the righties are circulating.Check this one out if you have time. It poses as an instruction video in civics. It re-frames the right-left paradigm and then identifies Democracy as problem and the major contributing factor to the fall of Rome. I swear, Democracy is cast as evil in this latest right wing production. I am very afraid for our country. Check it out. http://www.wimp.com/thegovernm...

Christmas comes early

TJarrell — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:59:45 +0000

I realize this is not political, but I thought the good folks here at BFM might be able to help this little boy out. This is from an email I received.

Hello,
Christmas needs to come early for five-year-old Noah Biorkman. Noah suffers from stage three neuroblastoma cancer and will not live to see Christmas. Noah's wish is to receive as many Christmas cards as he can by next week. Please help us make one little boy's Christmas wish come true.
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone willing to buy or make a Christmas card for Noah.
Mail the cards to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178
Thank you in advance.

Update: Here is the story from WDIV in Detroit.

Christmas comes early

TJarrell — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:59:45 +0000

I realize this is not political, but I thought the good folks here at BFM might be able to help this little boy out. This is from an email I received.

Hello,
Christmas needs to come early for five-year-old Noah Biorkman. Noah suffers from stage three neuroblastoma cancer and will not live to see Christmas. Noah's wish is to receive as many Christmas cards as he can by next week. Please help us make one little boy's Christmas wish come true.
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone willing to buy or make a Christmas card for Noah.
Mail the cards to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178
Thank you in advance.

Update: Here is the story from WDIV in Detroit.

'Michigan Stands for Health Care' this Sunday in Lansing

Communications Guru — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:52 +0000

A vote on the historic health care overhaul initiative could come as early as this weekend in the U.S. House, and the right-wingers are rolling out all the old, debunked lies, from "death panels" to it will cover illegal immigrants.

To rally the troops for this all-important bill that will help turn the country around and help cover the more than 47 million Americans without health care overage, a coalition of activists, organizations, progressive-minded groups and every MoveOn Council from across the state is sponsoring a pro-reform rally from 1-4 p.m. this Sunday on the lawn of the Capitol steps in Lansing called "Michigan Stands For Health Care."

Come out and join dedicated, patriotic Americans to make a stand for real health care reform as Congress is set to vote on major national health care reform,. Send an unmistakable message that Michigan is sick of the status quo of our broken, existing health care delivery system.

Billionaires for Wealthcare - a grassroots network of health insurance CEOs, HMO lobbyists, talk-show hosts, and others profiting off of our broken health care system - will debate members of MoveOn Michigan during. The debate will be moderated by Dr. Mark Guerrieri.

Just seeing Billionaires for Wealthcare is worth the trip, and the weather is expected to be good. So, get there any way you can; trains, planes, automobiles, bus or car pool.

'Michigan Stands for Health Care' this Sunday in Lansing

Communications Guru — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:52 +0000

Just seeing Billionaires for Wealthcare is worth the trip, and the weather is expected to be good. So, get there any way you can; trains, planes, automobiles, bus or car pool.

Republicans recieve anti-Cox postcard... from Republican

SR — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:27:40 +0000

The Right Wing bloodletting that cost Republicans the reliable upstate New York House Seat is finding its way to Michigan. With Tea Party participants activated and demanding purity among their Republican politicians, there may be more assaults coming from the right.

Yesterday, many Michigan Republicans and Conservative groups opened their mailboxes to find a pointed postcard directed at Attorney General Mike Cox, raising the specter of his extramarital affair that he underwent "counseling and attended a church program" with his wife, Wayne County Commissioner Laura Cox, to overcome.

Dear Michigan Republicans!
Things were lonely at the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, so I took off back to
Argentina to see my soul mate. I just wanted to let you know that I am endorsing
Mike Cox for your next Governor! I see him as a kindred spirit...a guy who knows
what he wants and goes out and gets it!
From the Courthouse to the Mansion, Mike Cox is a man of action! So join me in
Supporting him as your next governor!!
Best Wishes from the Beach!
Mark Sanford,
South Carolina Governor

You can see the card and other writing at www.NotThisYear.com

The owner of the website is Jason Vorva of Plymouth, a former candidate in the Republican primary for the 20th district State House seat in 2006 and the son of former Republican State Representative Jerry Vorva. While he did not win (placing third with 537 votes at 4.3% of the vote) he set the stage for a write-in candidacy for the Plymouth City Commission(challenged by the city the following year and his father's unsuccessful race against Rep. Marc Corriveau in '08.

Jason describes his intentions:

my website, www.notthisyear.com is dedicated to fighting all the RINOs, the big government Republicans. I will do my part to see that the GOP nominates conservatives. America has slid into socialism..and I have had it.

This grassroots uprising will definitely harm Cox, raising the cloud of the Party at the Manoogian Mansion. The same party that Cox called an urban legend and said that "allegations appear to be founded solely on wild rumor and speculation."
Well according to recent text messages, introduced under seal by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy almost six months after she charged Kilpatrick and Beatty with perjury during a 2007 whistle-blower trial involving former police officers, and made public on March 9:

Cox "called me (Saturday) and asked who we would rather be cleared by him or (Wayne County Prosecutor Mike) Duggan," former city Corporation Counsel Ruth Carter texted Kilpatrick on May 19, 2003, the day Cox announced he would conduct his own investigation. "I said him."
...
Carter sent Kilpatrick another text message saying she spoke to Cox again and that she and Cox would coordinate the probe.

This, coupled with Michigan State Police investigator Mark Krebs testifying on Oct. 22 that Cox interfered with his investigation on the party, are spelling trouble for the Gubernatorial candidate. What may also be troubling is that the rumor around Western Wayne County is that Vorva may be preparing for an ugly primary challenge to Laura Cox, which would tie her down to the district, restricting her involvement in her husbands campaign. With his affair now being aired in the campaign, I am sure Cox wants his wife at his side during his future campaign stops.

FDL Action Health Care Update: Wednesday (11/5/09)

FDL Action — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:23:32 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Thursday, November 5.

1. Jon Walker reports on what he correctly calls a "cruel sick joke" - the Republican "health care reform "alternative." Among other things, "It does not ban insurance companies from refusing to cover pre-existing conditions. It guts state health insurance regulations, and lets insurance companies charge sicker people more." That's why I like to call the GOP the "I've got mine so @#@$@ you" party.

2. Jon Walker blogs about DCCC chair Rep. Chris Van Hollen telling "members in a closed-door meeting that Democrats win by supporting the core Democratic agenda." Both Van Hollen and Nancy Pelosi emphasized that "Republicans attacked New York Democrat Bill Owens on health care during his own victorious special election campaign, but Owens still won." In short, Democrats stand the best chance of winning when they give voters a clear alternative to Republicans.

3. Jon Walker says that endorsements of HR 3962 (the "Affordable Health Care for America Act") by the AMA, AARP, American Cancer Society and Consumers Union "should help ensure that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be able to whip the votes to pass the bill on Saturday." Let's hope they more than counteract the Bachmann tea partiers who showed up en masse today on Capitol Hill!

4. Jane Hamsher has video of AMSA medical students and her visiting the Senate on Halloween to stop the Anna Eshoo/PhRMA Bill. Jane adds that you can help the medical students "spread the word by telling Senators Sherrod Brown, Chuck Schumer, Debbie Stabenow, Susan Collins and David Vitter (yes, that David Vitter) to help them fight to defeat Eshoo and PhRMA."

5. Last but not least, Jon Walker reports that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) has been disinvited as keynote speaker for the Palm Beach County, Florida Democratic Party's annual fundraiser "because she has not yet decide to support cloture on health care reform." Sorta like your mother saying, "you won't get any dinner if you don't stop hitting your brother?" :)

Senate Republicans Say "No!" to Funding Michigan Schools

wizardkitten — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:03 +0000

The House tapped remaining stimulus funds to mitigate the K-12 proration cut today (see post here for earlier details), passing HB 4860 by a 74-29 margin. Governor Granholm says that she will support the measure, but reminds everyone it is only a temporary solution to the larger problem. Done deal, right? K-12 can breathe a little easier?

Unfortunately, the Senate Republicans are insisting that we hurt low-income workers instead, and if not, too bad for the schools.

By a vote of 74-29, a majority of House members said Thursday the $184 million should be used to help schools avoid all but $10 of a $127 per student cut ordered by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Schools still would see their funding drop by the equivalent of $165 per student.
The bill looks unlikely to pass the Senate. A Senate Republican spokesman says the House instead should use $100 million saved by freezing a tax credit for low-income workers.

Little problem with freezing the tax credit though. Not only is it a cruel and heartless thing to do, especially given that the Republicans refuse to look at trimming tax credits for business interests, it seems that it would also cost us millions in federal dollars by threatening our ability to receive the TANF block grant that is used in other places in the budget. Budget Director Bob Emerson sent a warning letter to the Legislature yesterday, and the information passed on goes something like the following - a bit hard to follow with all the legalese, but stick with it...

State Budget Director Robert Emerson has warned legislative leaders that Senate proposals to use savings derived from reducing the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to fund K-12 education and business tax relief could cost the state millions of dollars.
Emerson issued the warning in a letter delivered late Tuesday to the chairs of the Senate and House appropriations committees.
The Michigan EITC is a refundable credit that began with the 2008 tax year. It provides additional money to low-income workers who qualify under federal EITC guidelines.
The EITC is used to meet the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant and the 2010 budget as enacted. House Bill 4514 and Senate Bill 838, as passed by the Senate, reduce EITC spending by $169.5 million and redirect those savings toward business tax relief and a general fund transfer to the School Aid Fund.
TANF funds are used throughout the state budget to fund basic assistance for low-income families, employment and training opportunities, child welfare improvements and other important program initiatives. As a requirement for receiving a yearly TANF block grant of $775 million, Michigan must meet an MOE requirement of $500 million.
The current TANF MOE analysis assumes an EITC level of 20 percent. Proposals to reduce the EITC below 20 percent will jeopardize Michigan's ability to meet TANF MOE.

Yes, I wish this stuff were in plain English myself. It's no wonder people can't understand what is going on when they throw out three thousand acronyms that are all tied in with each other in layer upon layer of the language of funding requirements. Basically, it says that if we don't meet our end of the bargain on the 2010 grant, we are penalized on the 2011 grant, and cutting the EITC jeopardizes the 2010 grant. A simpler example might be this:

As an example, if the state fails to meet its MOE requirement by $25 million in 2010, Michigan would lose $25 million in federal funds in 2011. The state also would have to spend $25 million in general fund monies, in addition to its regular MOE spending, as a penalty. The result would be a total of $50 million in TANF/general fund penalties.

To sum it up, not only are the Senate Republicans saying "No!" to K-12 unless we go after the poor, if we actually go after the poor we will be penalized millions of dollars as well.

Throw that in with the hundreds of millions that they have thrown away on federal funding for health care, and it becomes pretty obvious that the Republicans are hell-bent on hurting children, the elderly, the sick, and anyone else they possibly can in their quest to "drown government" here in Michigan.

Next, they will turn around and blame the Democrats for the damage from their obstruction. Wait and see.

UPDATE: Should have waited for the quote from Marsden. It's pretty typical - snotty, dismissive, and neglects to tell the public about the TANF issue.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester. "The House has $100 million in revenue in the Earned Income Tax Credit freeze bill that Democrats refused to use.
"We're not taking up a bill that creates a bigger hole in the 2011 budget year by using up all the stimulus money."

No, they insist the House take up their bill that hurts poor people AND creates a bigger hole in the 2011 budget. "My way or the highway" is the rule when it comes to our Senate from here on out.

Care to comment on their behavior, Speaker Dillon? Or is Mike Bishop's career more important than our schools? 'Cause we really need to know the answer to that...

Congress Passes Unemployment Benefits Extension

wizardkitten — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:09:08 +0000

Finally! From the AP:

The House passed the bill on a 403-12 vote Thursday, a day after the Senate ended a monthlong stalemate with a 98-0 vote. With some 7,000 people exhausting unemployment benefits every day and the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers set to expire at the end of November, President Barack Obama is expected to quickly sign it into law.
The $24 billion package also contains tax credits aimed at struggling businesses.

Why so long to pass it? Republican obstruction, of course. Yesterday it made it out of the Senate on a 98-0 vote, so all those protests from the Pubs weren't really serious after all...

The legislation -- which had been hanging fire in the Senate for weeks -- still required a supermajority vote to close off debate as Republicans held it up, despite the unanimous vote in the end.

The 12 votes against in the House were from the Republicans as well. Ahem. Moving on...

Rep. Mark Schauer's office sent out an announcement just now.

Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) voted to stimulate the local economy and provide stability to Michigan families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers' tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (HR 3548) will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to the 62,753 Michigan workers whose benefits would otherwise run out by the end of the year.
"This bill will offer a much-needed lifeline to struggling Michigan families and give unemployed workers a chance to get back on their feet," said Schauer. "The families who receive these benefits will be putting money right back into our local economy - buying groceries, filling their cars with gas, and making their mortgage payments on time."

According to the DNews yesterday, Michigan workers who exhausted their benefits in 2009 will receive an extra 20 weeks, and those checks should start rolling in mid-December - just in time for Xmas.

Thank you Congress - it is much appreciated here in Michigan.

Four Former Dem Speakers Endorse Cherry

wizardkitten — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:43:16 +0000

Experience matters.

The four former Democratic Speakers of the House dating back to 1975 today endorsed Lieutenant Gov. John Cherry for governor.
The ex-lawmakers said Cherry's long-time service in the Legislature as well as his seven years as Gov. Jennifer Granholm's lieutenant make him most qualified for the job.

The four, described as "every living former Democratic Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives" by the People for Cherry campaign, are Bobby Crim, Gary M. Owen, Lew Dodak and Curtis Hertel.

Legislature Skipping Vacation to Work On Budget?

wizardkitten — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:15 +0000

This was rather interesting:

That is the schedule for the House. The Senate has this time slot penciled in for "tentative" after Nov. 12th, back for the first week in December, and "tentative" after that, meaning their possible intention is to bolt for the year after Dec. 3rd.

Think that public pressure is getting to them? Just a little bit, maybe? K-12 stories are bubbling up here and there, one being that the House is going to reach for stimulus money to plug the proration cut. From WKAR:

The state House Appropriations Committee has taken a step toward averting a $300 per-student cut to schools later this month. The committee voted to tap federal stimulus money the state has been saving to help balance next year's schools budget.
The action would not eliminate the cuts. Instead, schools would lose just $165 per student -- which would still force many districts to lay off teachers and other staff.

Remember that at $165 per-pupil we were looking at pushing the total of districts to red ink to almost 100, and drastic cuts would still be required from all districts. Dillon is worried that using the stimulus might interfere with ~~his campaign plans~~ the desire to find a "long-term solution" for school funding, but with a future deficit that is estimated to be anywhere from $719 million to $1.6 billion in the next budget, a "long-term solution" has to remain on the table anyway. Use it now, use it later, cut it in half, it might be easier to get this particular piece off the table so it can't be a point of contention in political legislature games later.

The gigantic hole in the road for FY 2010-11 is looming, with Granholm calling for state departments to prepare for a "worst case scenario" of a 20% cut across the board.

"We're working on a realistic plan based on the loss of federal revenue," said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. This year's general fund, the state's main discretionary account, is balanced with $973 million in stimulus money. Less than half of that will be available for the fiscal year 2011 budget, state fiscal experts say.
"With the state's revenue picture and the expected growth in demand for services in tough economic times, 2011 is shaping up to be a very difficult year," Brown said. "We're preparing for the worst."

Good idea. It would eliminate any stalling to debate how much money we really have available, as we saw the this year from the Senate that wants to ignore the reality that revenue had fallen precipitously since May, requiring the extra $127 per pupil K-12 proration cut.

Bishop now admits that the K-12 hole exists (anyone catch the contradiction there? anyone?), and, while he was doing that, he admitted that he would have destroyed state government two years ago - which would have been a disaster given the level of assistance that is being required now from the fallout of the Great Recession. While his assessment that this is current situation is "political" is refreshing in its honesty, one wonders if Bishop is willing to look at his own reptilian behavior in the process. Probably not.

Mr. Bishop (R-Rochester) said the cuts enacted by the Legislature, and then added to by Governor Jennifer Granholm, total 4.8 percent, compared to the 2.9 percent cut passed by the Legislature. Mr. Bishop said he would like to find a level somewhere in between those two numbers.
Of the 20 percent general fund cuts Governor Jennifer Granholm has requested of her departments, Mr. Bishop said it's about time Ms. Granholm sought a crisis-level plan from her staff.
"It's about two years too late," he said.
Asked if it was a political move, Mr. Bishop said, "At this point, everything is."

Good that we have both leaders in the legislature admitting that the health, public safety, and education of the citizens of Michigan is "political". At least we know where we stand, and we can dismiss any further platitudes from lawmakers that try to make us think that they actually give a damn about the people that pay their salaries and generous benefits.

Deep down, we all knew that anyway. It is nice to see them skip their "hunting" vacation though, even if they are going to take a partisan shotgun to fixing the budget problems. Maybe something good will come of it. You have to figure that they will get lucky and actually hit the target one of these days.

FDL Action Health Care Update: Wednesday (11/4/09)

FDL Action — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:54:05 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Wednesday, November 4.

1. Jon Walker writes that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "is actively working to kill the public option with help of Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and, of course, the trigger." As any good Democrat would, of course. (snark)

2. Jane Hamsher posits that Rahm Emanuel's "'act more like Republicans' strategy just hasn't worked out, and we're getting whiffs of the disaster it spells for Democrats who follow it." One example she cites, which I find particularly relevant (since I blog in Virginia), is "Creigh Deeds reinacts Little Bighorn in Virgina after saying he'll 'opt-out' of public option and Democrats stay home." Ha.

3. Jane Hamsher writes about her appearance on Rachel Maddow last night, "talking about Harry Reid's announcement that a health care bill might not pass until next year, and the White House response that they still wanted it in 2009." For a number of reasons, Hamsher concludes that "time is more on our side than not now" and that, shortly, "the pressure will be on the White House to start twisting ConservaDem arms to get health care passed - while we keep whipping progressives to hold their firewall." Sounds like a plan! :)

4. Jon Walker reports "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is signaling that health care reform might not be passed before the end of the year, and could slip into the next." Hey, there's no reason to rush, we've only been waiting a few decades for this, right? Heh.

5. Jon Walker writes, "Nancy Pelosi is set to soon pass an acceptable health care reform bill in the House, now we wait to see if how Harry Reid and Senate Democrats will ruin it." Suggestion: we can help reduce the chances of the Senate "ruining" health reform if we keep the pressure on for them to do the right thing. Thanks.

Health Care and Gay Rights Helped by Yesterday's Election

Kathy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:19:58 +0000

Regardless of Republican gloating, I'm not reading too much into yesterday's election. They picked up a couple of governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, but Democrats picked up two seats in Congress, and those two seats might just make the difference in getting health care reform passed.

Via Brian Beutler at TPM:

The NY-23 seat abdicated by Republican John McHugh (who resigned to become Secretary of the Army) went to Democrat Bill Owens--the first Democrat to hold the seat in over a century. And the CA-10 seat abdicated by Democrat Ellen Tauscher (who resigned to become Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs) went to Democrat John Garamendi.
That creates some simple arithmetic. Yesterday, Democrats had 256 voting members in the House. By week's end, they'll have 258. Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could afford to lose no more than 38 Democratic votes on a landmark health care reform bill. Next week, after Owens and Garamendi are sworn in, she can lose up to 40. For legislation this historic and far-reaching, she'll need every vote she can get--and both seem likely to support reform.

I'll give up two governorships in return for getting health care reform passed.

And this news will be music to the ears of gay rights activists: "As gay marriage was being voted down in Maine, several openly gay candidates in the South scored victories."

In the south!! So go ahead and gloat, Republicans. It doesn't matter, because mainstream America is not red. (Are you paying attention, Dems?)

Palin to Begin Book Tour in Grand Rapids

wizardkitten — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:05:11 +0000

Fresh from helping the campaign of teabagger Doug Hoffman in New York hit the "epic fail" button, Sarah Palin will grace our fair state in an attempt to take some money out of your pocket.

Sarah Palin will be coming to the Woodland Mall Barnes & Noble store in Grand Rapids Nov. 18, her first stop on a tour promoting her book "Going Rogue."
The Associated Press reports Palin's tour will begin the day after the book is released and two days after she is interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.

For those who can't get enough "conservative" lit, keep in mind Mike Huckabee will be here in GR on Nov. 17th at Schuler Books on 28th St.

It's a wingnut book fest in the River City!

Wednesday Morning Quarterback: When Democrats Ignore the Base, the Base Stays Home

wizardkitten — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:02:13 +0000

By the time last night's numbers are analyzed to the nth degree, the voters treated like the statistics that they are to the parties and the politicians and talking heads alike, you have to hope that Democrats get a clue and realize that this was not a "repudiation" of Obama's, Granholm's, liberals, unions, taxes, fill-in-whatever-Republican-target-here, policies.

Not at all.

This was a sign that "the base" cannot and will not get enthused by a Democratic Party that constantly surrenders to those very Republicans that we worked so hard to throw out of office. It has nothing to do with policy, it has everything to do with lack of action on the policy that was promised to us in the elections of '06 and '08. Markos, last night:

Tonight proved conclusively that we're not going to turn out just because you have a (D) next to your name, or because Obama tells us to. We'll turn out if we feel it's worth our time and effort to vote, and we'll work hard to make sure others turn out if you inspire us with bold and decisive action.
The choice is yours. Give us a reason to vote for you, or we sit home.

Marty Griffin proves his point.

Mr. Griffin said Democrats in the district seemed disappointed about the lack of policy achievement on the national level and did not turn out in strong numbers.
"We identified the people who we believed would get out and vote and visited them many times, and a lot of them still did not turn out," he said.

Why should they?

"The base" delivered in a big way in '06 and '08. We did our jobs. We gave you all three branches in the federal government. We would have given you all three branches in the Michigan government, if not for gerrymandering.

And for our efforts, we get the spineless Harry Reid, that now wants to put off health care reform and can't pass the unemployment benefit extension, amongst many other things, and here in Michigan, we get Andy Dillon, who passes a Republican budget using Republican votes, and then has the audacity to complain that he needed "public pressure" to get him to do his job, after that very same public worked so hard to give the Democrats that huge majority in our state House.

Seriously, what more can we do for you, Democrats? What is it going to take? "The base" worked their asses off for you the last two cycles. We donated, right down to the last dollar in our wallet. We phone-banked. We blogged, we wrote letters to the editor, we showed up at rallies and campaign events. We put the boots on the ground, we pounded the pavement, we put up fliers and lawn signs and waved at the passing traffic. We twisted the arms of friends and relatives to get out them and vote. And vote, we did, in huge numbers.

Until last night.

Now ask yourselves why.

And if you get the answer wrong, don't be surprised when you lose big in 2010 as well.

Detroit's First Openly Gay City Council Member: Charles Pugh Wins!

Rob79 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:01:07 +0000

Charles Pugh a openly gay man who was running for City Council in Detroit, won his battle and is likely to be City Council President.

Detroit Free Press:

Former broadcast news reporter Charles Pugh is leading a pack of 18 candidates for Detroit City Council with former Detroit Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown in second place.
At 10 p.m. with 85% of the votes counted, Pugh had 73,514 with Brown at 66,896.
Brown was the whistle-blower whose lawsuit ultimately led to the text message scandal and downfall of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
The top vote-getter will be council president.

Personally I think this is big for the LGBT Community, because it means one of us is being accepted into office, during a climate where so often we feel discriminated and out of the loop.

One Kalamazoo Declares Victory

wizardkitten — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:14:18 +0000

Just received in the inbox:

"Our campaign started with a very basic idea, and today voters confirmed that we are One Kalamazoo," said Campaign Manager, Jon Hoadley.
With only absentee ballots outstanding, 65 percent of Kalamazoo voters have approved Ordinance 1856 by a vote of 6,463 to 3,527, adding protections for gay and transgender people to the city's nondiscrimination ordinance. This margin is larger than the number of outstanding absentee ballots that are currently being counted.
"I am elated with the outcome of the election," says Yes on Ordinance 1856/One Kalamazoo Steering Committee member and local resident Janice Brown. "This vote reinforces what our campaign set out to prove - that our fellow residents of Kalamazoo share the belief that all people should be treated fairly and equally, including gay and transgender people."
The outcome of today's vote confirmed that all hardworking people in Kalamazoo should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families without fear of being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.
"Kalamazoo is a great place to live and the passage of Ordinance 1856 makes the city an even better place," says local resident Rev. Matt Laney, Pastor of the First Congregational Church. "I am proud to live in a city that recognizes that all people deserve fairness and respect."
The Yes on 1856/ One Kalamazoo campaign in support of the nondiscrimination ordinance involved hundreds of local volunteers and contributors, and had the endorsement of over 30 local religious, social, business, and political organization. The campaign would like to thank the Kalamazoo community for asserting their belief in the inherent equality of all Kalamazoo residents, and the countless volunteers for their hard work and dedication in recent months - and in some case, years - to ensure the passage of the ordinance.

Wonderful news - congratulations Kalamazoo!

FDL Action Health Care Update: Tuesday (11/3/09)

FDL Action — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:20:04 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Tuesday, November 3.

1. Ben Tribbett explains "What Happened in Virginia?" In part, Tribbett blames it on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds "bashing federal Democratic priorities like "Cap and Trade" and health care reform to appeal to the conservatives that were headed to the polls." Brilliant.

2. Jane Hamsher blogs about Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), who "seems to think that if Democrats get their asses kicked [in elections] today, it just proves he's right about everything." Specifically, Altmire seems to think that "if the results show Republicans have a pretty good night, that probably is going to lead some Democrats to think that, going into next year, we need to take a second look at the way that we've done a lot of bills we've addressed up to this point." Hamsher responds, "Give me a minute while I clean my keyboard of all the coffee that just came out my nose." Heh.

3. Jon Walker comments on the "Failure Of Blue Dogging" in New York's 23rd District, writings that Bill Owens "was selected because he fit the Rahm Emanuel philosophy that the only way for Democrats to win right-leaning districts is with conservative Democratic candidates." Walker concludes, "If [Democrats] want to remain in power, they need to show the regular people that they are working to make their lives better." Like on health care reform, including a robust public option, perhaps? :)

4. Jon Walker wonders if "Majority Leader Harry Reid has reached some sort of secret deal with Joe Lieberman (I-CT)," adding that "[i]f Reid sells out the base again to appease Lieberman, he has much more to worry about than trying to get 60 votes for cloture." You can say that again.

5. Jon Walker reports that "[t]wo new polls released yesterday show plurality support for the public option in both Nebraska and North Carolina." What's particularly striking is that " Nebraska is one of the most conservative states in the country and is represented by the most conservative Democratic senator, Ben Nelson" - who does not support the public option. Apparently, Ben Nelson isn't listening very well to the voters of his state (or he simply doesn't care?).

6. Jon Walker comments on the Republican "alternative" health care bill, which he calls "a meaningless, very long press release, filled with some really bad ideas." I don't know about you, but I'm personally shocked - SHOCKED, I tell you! - that John Boehner and Eric Cantor would have come up with anything "meaningless" or with "really bad ideas" in it. (extreme snark and eye rolls)

Missing the point

ski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:44:02 +0000

In today's column, Jack Lessenberry completely misses the point in faulting Governor Granholm for signing a bad budget to prevent a government shutdown. The only thing worse than a bad budget would be a complete shutdown of Michigan government.

Think of the consequences -- and imagine what people like Lessenberry would be saying had the Governor refused to sign a budget and let the state shut down, in the ultimate Halloween nightmare. No Medicaid reimbursement. No inspections of Michigan agriculture. No pay for tens of thousands of state employees, who count on a regular paycheck to take care of their bills and families. Doing more damage to Michigan's credit rating. Adding uncertainty for businesses looking to locate here or that do business with the state. Limited state police protection (just imagine if something awful were to happen as a result).

Does Lessenberry really think these were viable options for the Governor? There's wide-spread agreement that we need to make long-term changes to the way Michigan does business. Lessenberry inaccurately states that the Governor "didn't make the faintest effort to move this state to a graduated income tax." However, just this March the Governor floated a graduated income tax to replace the Senate Republican-designed MBT surcharge - an idea Lessenberry wrote about at the time and supported!

Lessenberry's missing the point. Andy Dillon and Mike Bishop spawned this terrible budget, and left the Governor and the people of Michigan with no options with their eleventh hour nonsense. Lessenberry quotes Dillon as calling this year's budget "child's play" - with the damage they've done to our state already, we can only be thankful for one sane leader in Lansing... Jennifer Granholm.

He is right about one thing, though. Citizens should get vocal about this year's budget, and should contact their legislators (particularly obstinate Senate Republicans) to demand a budget that protects Michigan's future.

It's far past time to stand up and fight - and to place the blame squarely where it belongs, on Bishop and Dillon's "deal".

Missing the point

ski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:44:02 +0000

It's far past time to stand up and fight - and to place the blame squarely where it belongs, on Bishop and Dillon's "deal".

Swine Flu Questions Linger Cloud Efforts

CSW22 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:26:53 +0000

This flu season has certain seen its fair share of surprises and antics. There has been a more significant and unavoidable sense of tension and anxiety this flu season, mostly due to the media's depiction of a doomsday scenario regarding the Swine Flu. Amidst the air of speculation and skepticism are parents, families and senior citizens doing their best to obtain tangible science regarding inoculation.

Clarifying who is "high-risk", when and if to receive shots, its effectiveness and its safety continue to be hot topics from citizens all around the country. With so many rumors and contradictorily reports on the H1N1 Flu virus, the Chicago Tribune recently posted an article titled, "swine flu answers.

Although I have received the seasonal flu shot on three occasions with no side effects, I will not be taking either the H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccine shots this year. The swine flu possesses many similar trains of that to the seasonal flu. As long as you have a healthy immune system, have no chronic illnesses and receive treatment soon after diagnosis, you should be back on your feet anywhere from three to seven days.

History & vaccine Skepticism

The New York Times recently released an interesting article about why we are afraid of the new flu vaccine. They claim the fear dates back to a vaccine 30 or so years ago, which caused paralyses for some folks. Apparently a study showed that 1 person in a million had the genetic curse to turn the vaccine into an epic fail scenario.

Others point to the swine flu outbreak in 1976, when the United States started one of the most massive vaccination campaigns in modern history to avert the emergence of a swine flu pandemic. 46 million people were vaccinated against the swine flu virus and 4,000 people developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a neurological disease that can lead to paralysis or even death.

Many site many reasons for the fear, skepticism and paranoia surrounding these vaccinations, including: the media's spreading fear obsession, lack of oversight regarding the Iraq war, the drug industry's failure to rid the market of medications which cause severe side effects and death, as well as the asbestos cover-up, which has lead to thousands developing a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

What to do?

Health experts urge certain priority groups to receive vaccination. These include pregnant women, infants, and children under the age of 18, senior citizens or anyone who suffers from a chronic health condition. Health officials continue to urge all those with mild flu-like symptoms to receive a physician check up immediately and stay home from work, school and other miscellaneous activities.

Whether or not to receive the H1N1 Flu vaccine is a difficult decision, but one that should be made with caution and sufficient research. In my option, swine flu is real. Everybody should be taking steps to ensure you stay healthy and avoid others who are sick: carry hand sanitizer, eat healthy, gargle with salt water, take your necessary vitamins and exercise.

Victim In Fatal Car Accident Tragically Not Glenn Beck | The Onion

SethGecko13 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:13:36 +0000

Just a reminder on election day of why you need to get out and vote: Glenn Beck (and his followers) are still alive, well and voting...

Victim In Fatal Car Accident Tragically Not Glenn Beck

My favorite: "There is no harder thing than to have Glenn Beck outlive your child."

Health Care Bill is a Pro-Life Issue Too

Kathy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:15:00 +0000

In this FDL Action Health Care Update, I read that Bart Stupak is threatening to block the House health care bill from passing over the issue of tax dollars for abortion. He wants to vote his conscience and strip abortion-related provisions out of the House bill, in spite of the fact the bill already contains restrictions to prevent federal funding of abortions.

Okay, I can respect that, but isn't health care for the uninsured a moral issue too? And how does Stupak square his concern for fetuses with the lack of respect he shows this group of people?

In his letter to Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Stupak expressed concern over reports that terrorist suspects would have priority over United States citizens waiting for the vaccine.

Apparently "suspected" terrorists are less worthy.

It might only be 229 more vaccines but I would rather see 229 vaccines go to pregnant women of young children to be protected from H1N1 not to a group of people who are beheld as suspected terrorist against our country.

I'm not trying to beat up on Stupak. I think his heart is in the right place, and he votes with Democrats more than 90% of the time, but I'm tired of the way this argument always gets framed. We should respect all life, including the lives of terrorists and the uninsured, not just the lives of fetuses.

The good news is that Stupak does support health care reform and still plans to support it.

If everything I want [is] in the final bill, I like everything in the bill except you have public funding for abortion, and we had a chance to run our amendment and we lost. OK, I voted my conscience, stayed true to my principles, stayed true to the beliefs of this district, could I vote for healthcare? Yes I still could.

I hope the other 39 House Democrats aligned with Stupak vote Yes. Health care for the uninsured deserves their respect and support too.

You Let Andy Dillon Down

wizardkitten — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:39:03 +0000

Didn't know where to start with the Christoff story in the Freep about Dillon and Bishop still being BFF. That part didn't surprise me. Dillon has always excused Bishop's behavior, even after Mike has repeatedly broken "his word" on these all so-called budget "deals". It happened in '07, it happened again this year, and Dillon's anger over it is a farce. While it's nice that Speaker Dillon concedes now that this budget battle was all about Mike Bishop's future career, and not the things that are critical to the health, education and safety of Michigan's citizens, you have to wonder why he mislead those very same citizens if he was counting on them to do the heavy lifting for him.

Let's start with Dillon's sacrifice for his friend though. It's touching to know we all were thrown under the bus to appease the extreme rightwing teabaggin' fringe that controls the MI GOP, isn't it?

Dillon said Bishop gave in to a $1.3-billion tax increase in 2007, and he was convinced the Senate leader wouldn't go for another one as he pursues the nomination for attorney general from a Republican Party where the anti-tax right wing will call the shots.
"Politically, for him to think he had a future as attorney general, he couldn't allow in the first phase of the budget a tax increase. He needed pressure to build to force a few of his members to break," Dillon said. "That's why I agreed to do what I did."

Awww, how sweet. Well, if that was the case and "pressure" was needed, why did Speaker Dillon continuously reassure us that Democrats would move to stop these cuts from happening? Here is one from as late as September 1st, when Andy told us the budget was "very close" to being done, nothing to see here, move along, the Democrats won't agree to these drastic cuts.

? Promise grants. The Senate has voted to eliminate the $140 million for students eligible to receive up to $4,000 from the state against college costs. Dillon said House Democrats oppose wiping out the grants but they don't oppose a reduction. He said he favors means testing as a way to reduce spending on the scholarships. Others favor a pro-rata reduction.
? Revenue sharing. Senate Republican cuts in funds that local governments use for police and fire protection, garbage pickup, street repair and other services are "too deep," Dillon said. Democrats favor smaller reductions that don't endanger public safety, he added.
? Community Health budget. The Senate has approved reductions in Medicaid coverage for the poor and other health programs that House Democrats find objectionable, the speaker said. He singled out cuts in prenatal services that wind up costing more down the road.

Hard for the public to understand that they need to kick your ass for you and build that pressure when you said that you would take care of things, isn't it? And, were we supposed to do it all in two weeks before the deadline, when it was abruptly announced that the House had changed course? Amazingly enough, that is what Andy claims he was counting on here, indicating that perhaps we shouldn't have believed the things he said about the House fighting to protect Michigan's priorities. Silly us.

Dillon said he counted on public pressure to force Republicans to approve more revenue to restore cuts to schools, Medicaid, revenue sharing and the Michigan Promise college scholarship.
But "the pressure's not building," he said. "The problem that's causing is people assume they can accept these cuts. It's business as usual in the capital, but these cuts are real."

The "pressure's not building"? Are you kidding? Care to rethink that statement? First of all, the only plan for revenue the public saw was from the governor, and Dillon immediately shot that down as "showboating". The House never presented a "plan" of their own; there was no alternative. Now, Dillon is admitting that he is totally oblivious to current reality, the examples of outrage are so numerous that you could fill the entire front page of this blog with stories of how the public is reacting to this budget.

Come see over the jump...
Here are a few just to give you some examples. Gongwer, October 16th, reports that House Dem Tim Bledsoe was deluged with correspondance that expressed worries about "budget cuts and tax increases" both. The public is very aware, and they are reaching out.

And the public is paying attention to what lawmakers are doing. Mr. Bledsoe said that before the budget controversy, his office would get perhaps five emails on a Saturday. As the budget controversy has grown, he said as many as 50 emails are coming in on a Saturdays, and many more come in during the workweek.

WILX in Lansing ran a story entitled "Public Outraged Over School Cuts" on Oct. 23rd, complete quotes from a couple of House members who were filled with self-loathing for making these cuts. But, since they can't be held responsible for their actions, and we have a predictable example of how Republicans will use this outrage for their own political purposes anyway, let's just stick with the public sentiment here.

"It's time to stop playing games with each other."
Lansing resident Carole Bryde isn't alone in that sentiment. The reaction from folks here in mid-Michigan has been just about unanimous.
They're ticked off about what they see as a political game of chicken between state Democrats and Republicans -- one that could affect their children's futures.

Notice how both parties are taking the blame from the public, something that is echoed everywhere. Senator Glenn Anderson indicates he has been swamped with concerned parents and educators contacting his office, but since the House Dems have already totally undermined their counterparts in the Senate, it's doubtful that Dillon is listening to anything from the other side of the Capitol.

Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, said he's getting an avalanche of e-mail from Livonia parents. He said the superintendent in Livonia fired off e-mails to a list of activists in the district who are in turn sending e-mails to Lansing lawmakers.
"The district is spreading the word, which is what they should be doing," said Anderson, who opposes the cuts. "We're hearing from an inordinate number of people, more than we've seen in a long time. It's dwarfing our other correspondence right now."
What are residents saying? Anderson describes the tenor of reaction this way: "We talk about education being a priority of the state, how we need to get more kids in college, but we're not following up on our rhetoric."

One last example of public outrage, this one complete with more pandering from the House Dems. How Dillon can claim that the "pressure's not building" when his own caucus has introduced legislation to alleviate that very pressure is really beyond comphrehension. After the 20j cut that came about due to the "unspecified $100 million" in funding in the K-12 budget, House Dem Marc Corriveau was moved by public pressure to make a half-hearted attempt to placate the mob. But, just like the Promise Scholarship and the all the other things that the House Dems vowed they would "fight for" - the House still refuses to put any teeth behind their actions by identifying how they would pay for these things.

Democratic State Representative Marc Corriveau sponsored the House bill. He says it's time to act, "Two-thousand, seven hundred signatures delivered to me today from people in my community asking me to protect education, which was a promise I made when I came up here. So I wasn't going to wait for a veto vote, my goal was to get a bill introduced and to do it right away."

Without the money behind it, the legislation is simply a waste of time. Corriveau claims that if the Senate Republicans want the House to override the veto, they should be willing to put up the funding. Well, we have already seen the Senate answer to that, and it was to extract more concessions from the Republican pet targets; budget-busting business tax cuts placed directly on the back of the poor, and another attempt to cut the film industry. Just to drive home the point that they are in charge here, Senate Republicans then threw away hundreds millions of dollars in federal funding for health care. You honestly think that they will give any ground now?

It's no wonder that the Detroit Free Press is moved to use terms like "Bishop cleaned Dillon's clock". Republicans have learned that they can get away with saying "no" to Michigan's needs, and there is nothing the House will do about it - unless it is tied to Dillon's so-far unannounced career ambitions. Since Dillon also indicates that he will tie tax reform (that was promised to us last January for THIS year) to his state employee health care plan, and the fight was really all about next year anway, it's starting to look like he did indeed burn down the village just to "save it" later. Not really clear what was meant when he said "first phase" of the budget earlier, but if this was Dillon's plan all along, then he definitely mislead the public with his statements about protecting Michigan in the budget that was just passed.

But don't worry, when next year fails too, and Dillon gives away the rest of the store to protect Bishop's career (which won't be decided until next August, way after schools and cities start their next budget), it will probably be your fault when Dillon chooses to ignore, mislead and then ultimately betray the electorate that gave the Democrats that large margin in the House. Apparently you need to "boo" louder, no matter what Dillon does next. OK. Consider it a lesson learned.

Moral of the story: Don't let Andy down again. He and Mike are counting on you to put that "pressure" on, because God knows they will never take responsibility for themselves. After all, they have their future careers to think about here. But, for the sake of the state, let's make sure those careers are back in the private business world somewhere. Between Bishop breaking his word to Dillon, and Dillon breaking his word to the rest of us, it's pretty obvious that neither one can be trusted when it comes to handling the public's affairs.

Another 20% Off the Top of the State Government

wizardkitten — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:38:19 +0000

This story literally took my breath away.From Gongwer/MiTech:

All state departments will start the 2010-11 fiscal year with 20 percent less general fund money than they have for the current year under the budget proposals being developed by the administration of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Granholm press secretary Liz Boyd confirmed Monday that the departments had been asked to figure on 20 percent cuts. Those plans are due to the governor November 30 to begin internal budget discussions.

Holy sh*t.

This was leaked after the Commission on Agriculture met yesterday. The state Dept. of Agriculture will layoff 39 people on Friday due to the budget that just passed, bringing the total to 10% of its staff.

You wanted "cuts"? Oh man, you are going to see cuts. On top of the massive reduction to state government we have seen since the year 2000, and the cuts that were just passed in the current budget - another 20% should pretty much do it, don't you think?

Vote!

wizardkitten — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:53:29 +0000

Never fails. Every election I find something on the ballot that I didn't know would be there - today it's a non-partisan vote for Library Commission. Other than that, I have a school millage renewal and a few city seats running unopposed - not exactly your big, burning, OMG I can't wait to go vote kind of day for Ward 2 in GR. But I will go. It's only a block from my house, the poll workers are very nice, and sometimes they have candy and cookies. I imagine they will be bored out of their skulls today, so I go say "hi" and let them know they are appreciated.

Check with the SOS site for a sample ballot for your area - always good to walk in prepared.

Other areas of the state have bigger decisions to make - Detroit for mayor and City Council seats, Lansing for mayor, Kalamazoo for the non-discrimination ordinance 1856, the 19th District State Senate seat in the Battle Creek/Jackson area, which they will have to turn right around and run for again, but make sure to get out and vote anyway - you never know, there might be cookies in it for you.

Here's another ad from One Kalamazoo, all my best wishes go out today for those who are fighting for equal rights - here, and across the country.

An Attempt at 2009 Election Predictions

Richard — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:24:35 +0000

The old-fashioned game of predicting election winners and losers has become passe' due to the relentless, never-ending polls, polls, and more polls. There are few surprises above the county-level anymore. We all pretty much know who is going to win ahead of time. The new game is to predict the actual percentage of the vote each candidate will receive election night. So, as an avid follower of all things political, and with over 20 years of campaign experience, I thought I would give it a go...

*Final results are in bold.

Michigan
19th District State Senate Special Election:
Mike Nofs (R) 60% 61%
Martin Griffin (D) 37% 34%
OTHER 3% 5%
Republican Pickup - The State Senate Democratic Caucus proved once again that for over a quarter century they haven't had the slightest clue how to win back the Senate. Kudos to Chair Brewer for trying to pull this one out at the end.

New Jersey Governor
Corzine (D) 43.3% 45%
Christie (R) 42.7% 49%
Daggett (I) 9% 6%
OTHER 5% 0%
Democratic Hold - Corzine knew what he had to do to win and spent whatever was necessary to make it happen. Christie's campaign has been a text-book example of ineptitude. Plus, the Republicans can't even come close to matching the Democratic Party's infrastructure for GOTV in New Jersey.

Virginia Governor
McDonnell (R) 58% 59%
Deeds (D) 42% 41%
Republican Pickup - Deeds has run a terrible campaign, completely lacking any consistent message or strategy. He deserves to lose, but the people of Virginia don't deserve McDonnell.

New York City Mayor
Bloomberg (I) 49% 51%
Thompson (D) 44% 46%
OTHER 7% 3%
Independent Hold - I believe this will be the real outlier of election night. Bloomberg has never polled above the very low 50's, there is a lot of resentment among voters over Bloomberg's drive to overturn term-limits, and there were several surprising defeats of incumbent City Council members in the primary. This may be the race where we see the real anti-incumbent mood of the electorate.

New York
23rd Congressional District Special Election:
Owens (D) 48% 49%
Hoffman (C) 44% 45%
Scozzafava (R) 8% 6%
Democratic Pickup - This is the fun race to predict, especially with all the upheaval in the last few days - Scozzafava dropped out, then there were reports she would endorse Hoffman, then she actually endorsed Owens. But, I believe there are two important factors that the corporate media isn't reporting on in this race. First, there is a great deal of resentment among local Republican Party leaders and traditional activists regarding the fact that Hoffman is running at all, and especially regarding the meddling from external Republican and conservative operatives. Just because Scozzafava dropped out, and national Republicans are now supporting Hoffman, doesn't mean that the local Republican Party establishment is going to turn over their GOTV infrastructure to Hoffman's campaign. Second is the issue of GOTV that I just alluded to. Hoffman has virtually no GOTV operation in place, and Owens has a very good GOTV operation. As we all know, in a special election getting out the vote is everything.

So, those are my predictions. It was a lot of fun working on them, but I've never been very good at this sort of thing, so we'll all have to wait and see what happens tomorrow night.

"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
- Benjamin Franklin, American patriot and polymath, 1706-1790

FDL Action Health Care Update: Monday (11/2/09)

FDL Action — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:13:51 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Monday, November 2.

1. First, thanks to Eric Pusey of Minnesota Progressive Project for letting us all know what's going on in the Minnesota Congressional delegation regarding health reform, the public option, etc. Thanks to Eric. Also, I invite other progressive state bloggers to send me (at lowell@raisingkaine.com) their "Voices from the States" for publication at FDL Action.

2. Universities Allied for Essential Medicines and the American Medical Student Association respond to the October 30, 2009 Huffington Post article by Rep. Anna Eshoo, "Setting the Record Straight on Our Health Care Legislation." It's extremely detailed, going methodically through the key assertions made by Eshoo. Check it out.

3. Jon Walker writes about "The Achilles Heel Of Health Reform: Risk Adjustment Mechanisms," saying that he is "truly frightened by the possible ramifications that potentially insufficient (and currently completely undefined) risk adjustment mechanisms will have on our health care system after reform."

4. Jane Hamsher blogs about Anna Eshoo's response to her article on Eshoo's biologics bill. Although Eshoo "vehemently claims [her bill] doesn't allow 'evergreening,' which would allow slight tweaks in drug formulas to grant drug companies endless monopolies and keep these lifesaving drugs from ever becoming generics," that's news to Henry Waxman, and the "experts agree with Waxman." Advantage: Waxman.

5. Jon Walker argues that "[Joe] Lieberman's obstructionism [on the public option] is clearly a hindrance, but not an insurmountable barrier." The fact is, "[f]ifty senators plus the Vice President can do anything in the Senate if they really want to." So, in the end, it's really up to Harry Reid. Although "Lieberman has just made Reid's job harder, neither Joe Lieberman, nor Blanche Lincoln, Mary Landrieu, and/or Ben Nelson can stop the public option-alone or together." Your move, Senator Reid!

6. Jane Hamsher urges everyone to contact Senator Sherrod Brown and his cosponsors, asking them to introduce their "amendment to the Hagan/Eshoo PhRMA boondogle." The goal here is to facilitate "important lifesaving treatments for breast cancer and other diseases" becoming generics, and thereby more affordable to people. Let's see, lifesaving treatments for people or profits for Big PhRMA? Tough choice, I know. (snark) Hamsher has more on this issue here.

7. Jane Hamsher asks, "So What Does Jay Inslee Think You Deserve For Your Enbrel Investment?" The choice once again appears to come down to whether corporate profits must be protected, even if they than "leave cancer patients in financial ruin just to pay for lifesaving biologic drugs." Hmmmm.

8. Jon Walker explains "How The CBO Is Likely Very Wrong About Number Of People Who Would Use The Public Option." Walker crunches some numbers and estimates that "the public option would have closer to 20 million customers by 2019, instead of the CBO projection of 6 million." Actually, according to Walker, it could be as high as 60 million customers, and these kinds of numbers are "what really scares the for-profit insurance companies, not the relatively worthless CBO estimation of 6 million."

9. Jon Walker writes that Ezra Klein should be "fairly pessimistic on the effectiveness of the new health insurance exchanges," just "not for the reasons he outlined." Well, at least Klein got the "pessimistic" part right! Heh.

10. Finally, Jane Hamsher urges everyone to help Alan Grayson raise $500,000 as "insurance against what could be an otherwise dire Tuesday for Democrats." Even better, how about we do both; help Grayson and avoid tomorrow being "a wipeout for Democrats?" :)

Mike Nofs and the MRP: Too Heavy on the Rovian Tactics for the Jackson Cit-Pat

wizardkitten — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:45:26 +0000

Thought this was an interesting endorsement. The Jackson Citizen-Patriot endorsed Marty Griffin yesterday, and, besides Griffin getting the nod for simply being the "local" guy here, the subtle message throughout the endorsement seems to indicate that they did it over Mike Nofs negative and misleading advertising. The first example comes early in the column:

Local voters who have seen Griffin in action know that the Democrat is no knee-jerk liberal. In contrast to the advertising against him, Griffin has always projected an image of predictable (if sometimes prickly) moderation.

They go on to compare the two on the issues, noting that their positions on taxes are nearly the same, and that both have bucked their party on standard ideology. When it comes to Nofs, though, the candidate admits that Republicans in our legislature are driven to deny the governor or the Democrats any "victories", regardless of whether the legislation/policy would be good for Michigan, and the Cit-Pat concludes both he and the MRP have spent too much time in this campaign on negative attacks.

Marshaling support for the energy bill was like pushing a boulder up a steep slope. Many in his own Republican Party voted against it because, as Nofs suggests, they did not want to make a Democratic governor look good. Or they had ideological concerns about government mandating renewable energy. Either way, the bill was a challenging policy triumph.
Disappointingly, we have heard too little of the Nofs record in this Senate campaign. Nofs and the state Republican Party have wasted too much time attacking Griffin.

Not only have the Republicans ignored the issues for these negative attack ads, the ads themselves are labeled - surprise! - "misleading".

The lines of reasoning in the anti-Griffin advertising are that he is a tax-and-spend liberal, a supporter of a lavish state police headquarters and a sugar daddy for Detroit. These claims are misleading.
...
Nofs has taken to criticizing Griffin for supporting a regional authority to run Detroit's Cobo Center. Nofs suggests this is a taxpayer bailout of a corrupt city, yet it is nothing of the sort.

They wrap it up by saying again that Griffin should get the nod because of his ties to Jackson, but the message sent by the rest of the endorsement is clear: People are tired of "politics as usual", and they should be presented with the facts, not the attacks.

So, stay classy, Republicans. It bodes well for 2010 to know that you are sticking to your "Bush-league" strategy.

Saginaw Valley Will Pay Cost of Promise Scholarship With Stimulus Funds

wizardkitten — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:03:17 +0000

Thank the nice President and Congressional Democrats for doing what the cowards in our Legislature wouldn't. Saginaw Valley State University will take care of the cost of Promise Scholarship for this semester, and apparently they will use funding provided by the federal government to do it. This will take away those funds from other areas that the university had intended on improving, but they felt that keeping a promise to students was more important at this time.

The nearly 1,400 SVSU students who were credited to receive Promise funds this fall will have those monies paid for by the university.
"We believe it would be terribly unfair to them and their families, who believed in good faith that these scholarships would be fully paid, to now require them to pay retroactively," SVSU President Eric R. Gilbertson said. "Therefore, the University is prepared to absorb this as a $700,000 'hit' to its own budget. This is obviously painful, as those funds could have been used for a variety of good and important purposes."
The university will take the money from its budget but anticipates paying it back with federal stimulus funds.

SVSU was thinking about a direct tuition reimbursement with the recovery money back in the summer, but instead will apply stimulus funds for the Promise Scholarship, and other "need-based" scholarships. Students are happy, the university looks good in their eyes - but it looks like this is for one semester only. After that....

"In the event that the Promise Scholarship is not restored, we're not in a position to take that kind of hit for next semester," (SVSU spokesman J.J.) Boehm said.
(Sophomore student Julie) Boon said she's understands the university's situation.
"But at least we'll know," she said. "We can't blame the schools. We need to hold the legislators accountable and reflect that in our voting."

Commence with the pandering from the aforementioned spineless Lansing politicians. First, we have the House Democrats, who agreed to this cut in the first place, still saying "no, we can't!". Nevermind that overwhelming majority we gave them in this House; Mike Bishop is running this show.

State Rep. Andy Coulouris, a Saginaw Democrat, said he's "committed to finding a way to restore" the scholarship cuts and other cuts.
"So far, I don't think we have enough people to do what's necessary to get that done," added Coulouris, who said that he was "very impressed" by SVSU's decision. "There's a variety of other options we're looking at, but we have to have the commitment."

From who? Might want to start with your own side of the aisle when it comes to "commitment"; it was 15 House Democrats put the cut of the Promise Scholarship over the top. And from the Senate Republicans, who made this all necessary with their choice of the boy-tyrant for their leader in the first place, we get this...

Those thoughts were echoed by state Sen. Roger N. Kahn, a Saginaw Township Republican.
"To fund it, we need to find revenue," he said. "And that's available by raising taxes or moving it from some other program that we decided was overfunded or less worthy. We have to be finding sources of profit for the state."
Kahn said he thinks SVSU's decision "speaks volumes."

Yes it does. It tells us that our state lawmakers are a bunch of wimps who have no problem passing on their responsibilities to other people, and then making excuses for it later. Funny how federal taxpayer money is "different" in the eyes of the Republicans, isn't it? Good thing Dillon didn't let Bishop use it for "more tax cuts" like the Republicans first intended on doing. Maybe we should count ourselves lucky.

Students can and should vote accordingly next year. Wonder if they teach classes on identifying political pandering up there...

Kalamazoo Anti-Gay Ad, is a Fraud!

Rob79 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:04:47 +0000

You see the above ad? It's not just the inflammatory comments that basically attack Transgender people, but shes not a M.D. She is a registered Nurse, but in the video they refer to her as a Doctor.

Will the Religious right ever stop lying?

h/t: Good As You

Kalamazoo Anti-Gay Ad, is a Fraud!

Rob79 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:04:47 +0000

You see the above ad? It's not just the inflammatory comments that basically attack Transgender people, but shes not a M.D. She is a registered Nurse, but in the video they refer to her as a Doctor.

Will the Religious right ever stop lying?

h/t: Good As You

Fall in the Cemetery: Happy Halloween Open Thread

wizardkitten — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:26:41 +0000

Torn between taking pictures of beautiful fall leaves and pictures of cemeteries this week - I did both. These come from the Fulton St. (Grand Rapids oldest cemetery), Oakhill (Grand Rapids coolest cemetery), and Mount Calvary on the west side. Special guest appearance by Nessie on the Grand, now at John Ball Park Zoo, at the very end.

I'm picturing the Halloween tonight at a certain house in Rochester, Michigan...

"Trick or Treat!"
"NO!" * slam *

Maybe next year kids.

25% Flint kids in Charter Schools!!!!! ...WHY?

terrybankert — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:53:42 +0000

25% OF THE KIDS IN FLINT AND THEIR FAMILIES AVOID PUBLIC SCHOOL!
WHY?

Parents do not trust the education given by the public school - or safety of their children in school leaving the poor children and the children with parents who do not care in the city's historically poor public schools.-trb

If the democratically led public institutions are failing, then democracy is failing. Look at your public school system and ask is democracy failing? If the answer is yes what does a responsible citizen ....do?
GOOD MORNING FLINT!
By Terry R. Bankert Flint Divorce Lawyer, who posts here for the following purpose.
"Social Media Issue Advocacy civilly with diverse sociopolitical communities of justice seekers."

BLOG TODAY, 10/31/09 :
WHY! Does Flint rank No. 8 in nation for percentage of students in charter schools

25% OF THE KIDS IN FLINT AND THEIR FAMILIES AVOID PUBLIC SCHOOL!
WHY?
Felicia Harvey has two reasons for sending her children to the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences: They are learning at the charter school and she doesn't trust their education - or safety - to the city's historically poor public schools.[B]

ONE OUT OF FOUR KIDS GO TO SCHARTER SCHOOLS
Nearly a quarter of the public school students who live in the city of Flint attend a charter school, according to new data from a national charter schools alliance. [8]

FLINT MAKES IT TO THE TOP 10

That makes Flint No. 8 in the nation in terms of the percentage of students in charter schools. Most of the Top 10 cities are in the Midwest.[8]

NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO KILL PUBLIC EDUCATION

The data comes from the National Alliance for Charter Public Schools. The ranking is based on the number of students who reside in the city of Flint who choose to attend a charter school. [8]

A BROTHERHOOD OF CITIES REJECT PUBLIC EDUCATION
WHY?

The rest of the cities on the list are, in order: New Orleans; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Kansas City, Mo.; Dayton; Youngstown, Ohio; St. Louis; Gary, Ind.; Phoenix; and Minneapolis[8]

FLINT BOARD OF EDUCATION EXHIBITS POOR LEADERSHIP,PARENTS VOTE WITH THEIR FEET.

Why am I not surprised! Considering the poor leadership in the school district I am neither upset nor perplexed that parents would want to improve their child's education by going outside their school district.[c]

HOUISTON...WE HAVE A PROBLEM!

Perhaps the district should stop denying they have a problem and spend some due diligence in discovering why the parents feel as they do?[c]

HERE IS WHAT ONE DISTRICT IS DOING
Detroit Public Schools emergency financial manager Robert Bobb is walking some of the city's toughest neighborhoods to bring back Harvey and other parents who have abandoned the district by the thousands.[B]

...ALL OF THE PEOIPLE ARE NOT WRONG ALL OF THE TIME

If a few parents tell you that you have a problem they could be wrong. [c]

IS THEIR REALLY A PROBLEM? HOW CAN THE FLINT SHOOL SYSTEM BECOME MORE LIKE A CHARTER SCHOOL?

But as more and more parents tell you there is a problem then its time to stop denying there is a problem and act on the complaints. [c]

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SCHOOL OFFICALS GO TO THE COMMUNITY
"You hear all the negative," Harvey said this week following a surprise visit from Bobb to her west side home. "My theory is change doesn't come overnight. I'm not saying I'm willing to put my foot in the door. I have to wait and see."[b]

That's a start for Bobb, a career public administrator given a one-year, $260,000 contract in March by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to rescue the district. Each student coaxed back brings along $7,550 in state funding.[b]

We need the Flint School System to go to the neighborhoods, possibly use the group "Great School Initative" to mobilize and move this community to action.

Count me in if I can help.

Count me in if I can help. Give me a $260,000 contract and hang on it will be a bumpy ride but I'll make something good happen!

8][c Comment Posted by shanedr October 30, 2009, 3:24PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/flin...
[b]
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/a...
***
FROM MY BLOG ROLL
http://goodmorningflint.blogsp...
***
STUFF TO DO IN FLINT
http://terrybankert.wordpress....
LEGAL
http://terrybankert.blogspot.com/
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS
http://yoursocialmediasolution...
PUBLIC SERVCE ANNOUNCEMENT.

If you are working put some thought into the charity you will donate to this year.

FLINT MADE OR DELIVERED PRODUCTS AND SERVCES-PAID ADVERTISING
*LEGAL: Law Office of Terry R.Bankert , Legal Services,1000 Beach St Flint Mi 48502, 810-235-1979, www.attorneybankert.com
*Your Flint made or delivered product or service could be here. 1 per category.

By
Terry R. Bankert , Flint MI Native with a downtown Flint Family Law, Divorce Practice.
www.flintfamilylaw.com -Legal, Family Law, Custody, support and parenting time.
http://goodmorningflint.blogsp... Daily commentary with Flint blog roll.
http://www.facebook.com/attorn... Reflections with the best and the brightest, lets include you!
http://terrybankert.wordpress.... - My list of stuff to do in Flint,
http://www.flint.org/ -Visit my Town ,Flint, MI.

FDL Action Health Care Update: Friday (10/30/09)

FDL Action — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:26:33 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Friday, October 30.

1. Jane Hamsher blogs the "Lieberkini." Let's just say, this is appropriate for Halloween, maybe even a creative costume idea if you haven't come up with one yet. Ha.

2. Jon Walker writes that although the "media is making a lot of hay about the CBO conclusion that with its negotiated rates, the House's public option will have premiums slightly higher than private insurance on the exchange," in actuality this means is that "the public option would be able to provide high quality, low hassle health insurance at a better unit cost." However, it gets a lot more complicated than that - the "adverse selection" paradox and "an insufficient 'risk adjustment' procedure." To learn more, read Jon Walker's excellent analysis.

3. Jane Hamsher invited everyone to join medical students and her earlier today at the Russell Senate office building to "treat, not trick" for generic drugs. Hamsher also points out that "These events were cosponsored by POP, as part of our ongoing effort for health care advocacy." You can join the POP facebook page here. Don't worry, it will be a treat not a trick!

4. Jon Walker points to a new "Research 2000 poll sponsored by the PCCC shows that the public option is dramatically more popular than Blanche Lincoln." Which makes it, well, not the most politically savvy move that "Lincoln has already twice voted against the public option in committee." But I'm sure she must know things that the rest of us don't know. (snark)

5. Jane Hamsher writes about "pro-life" Rep. Bart Stupak's threat (or is it a bluff?) to block the House health care bill from passing over the issue of tax dollars for abortion. Hamsher asks, "Where the hell is Planned Parenthood? How about NARAL?" The answer so far: "crickets".

6. Jon Walker argues that the "Dutch health system shows [the] necessity of [a] strong risk adjustment mechanism." Walker adds, "This dangerous lack of sufficient risk adjustment mechanisms is the Achilles heel of reform."

7. Michael Whitney reports that Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) "isn't even sure she'll let health care be debated on the floor of the Senate, let alone allowing to go to a vote." All the more reason, Whitney argues, to contribute towards organizers in Arkansas for a possible primary challenge to Lincoln. Needless to say, that would definitely not be a "treat" for Blanche Lincoln!

8. Finally, Jon Walker blogs about CBO Director Doug Elmendorf apparently "no longer sure what 'bending the cost curve' even means." As Walker notes, this is "probably not what the Blue Dogs were hoping for..." The question with the "Blue Dogs," of course, is whether their bark is worse than their bite. It appears we'll be finding out in short order.

Happy Halloween from everyone at FDL Action!

Republican Rooney Will Challenge Walberg in the 7th

wizardkitten — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:15:57 +0000

It's shaping up to be a Republican showdown in the 7th...

Attorney Brian Rooney (R), brother of Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), is filing paperwork Friday to join the race for Michigan's 7th district seat.
Brian Rooney plans to do a formal campaign launch next week, likely Thursday, in Jackson, Mich., where his campaign will be headquartered. Then, the following week, he'll head off on a tour around the southern Michigan district, which includes Battle Creek and suburbs of Ann Arbor.
Rooney, an Iraq War veteran, will face former Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and likely Bill Martin, CEO of the Michigan Association of Realtors, in the Republican primary. Walberg lost to freshman Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Mich.) by two points in 2008 and is hoping to turn the tables this time around.
Schauer succeeded in painting Walberg as too conservative for the district in the last race. Rooney doesn't have a particularly centrist profile, either: He works for the Thomas More Law Center, a nonprofit public interest law firm that seeks to be the conservative Christian counterbalance to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Tear it up guys. We need to know who is the best teabagger around...

Dillon Speaks on the Bishop-Dillon Budget

wizardkitten — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:26:53 +0000

This statement needs to stand on its own.

House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, who led the House to the final budget deal, joined with Granholm in denouncing Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, and Senate Republicans as unwilling to compromise on new tax revenues.
"The Senate has chosen to put tax breaks for oil companies and loopholes for the tobacco industry ahead of education for our kids, police and fire protection, and health care for our families," Dillon said in a statement. "This Senate-led 'all-cuts' budget will result in bankrupt communities, schools in receivership and broken promises for students seeking to go to college so they can join the middle class."

Granholm Signs Remaining Bishop-Dillon Budget Bills

wizardkitten — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:03:36 +0000

Make sure and call this what it is - the "Bishop-Dillon Budget Agreement". It's important that you never, ever forget who brought us this. Ever.

Had a feeling this would happen - there was not enough wiggle room left in these budgets to restore the Promise Scholarship, or your local cops and firefighters either. And get ready to take a number at your local emergency room. Wave goodbye to the state as you knew it.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the final six bills for the state's $44.5 billion 2009-10 budget this morning, vetoing more than 70 items but failing to find a way to restore cuts to college scholarships, local government and Medicaid.
...
Emerson acknowledged the administration had been unable to find a way, because of limits on the governor's discretion, to restore $120 million funding for the Promise Grant college scholarship program for 96,000 students, a $55.7 million cut to revenue sharing for local governments or an 8% cut in Medicaid payments to doctors, hospitals and nursing homes who care for the poor and disabled.
Efforts to raise taxes in targeted areas for those programs have foundered in the Legislature. Earlier this week, the state Senate overwhelmingly a 3% tax on the gross receipts of doctors to shore up Medicaid.
Granholm said she has not given up on finding new revenue to restore some of the cuts, especially those to public schools. But Emerson said that may take time because the impact of the cutbacks will not be felt immediately. He blamed state Senate Republicans for intransigence on finding more revenue, but also said that much of the ongoing budget crisis is due to sharp declines in existing tax revenue, especially income and sales taxes.

No details on what was cut yet - but the MSU Extension has been spared. For now.

Both Granholm and Emerson called out the Senate Republicans for their refusal to compromise, and the Governor vows the fight will continue.

"Democrats have compromised, the Republicans have not," she said. "They have drawn a line in the sand. The fight will go on, this is not the end of the line, this is not the last chapter."

This budget used $1.4 billion in stimulus - just think if that stimulus money hadn't been there. Hard to imagine? Well, we are going to find out just what that is like in the next budget, where rumors $500 per-pupil cuts to K-12 have been floated already.

Bishop and the Senate Republicans are going to roll out their ideas on "reform" next week, and whaddayawanna bet it will include... oh, just an educated guess here... local right-to-work laws (already introduced by Cassis), more cuts to state employee benefits, privatization of prison (and other) services, suspending prevailing wage laws, and probably more attacks on services for the poor. Just to name a few. According to Gongwer, these "reforms" were developed with help from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Mackinac Center, so you can be assured that it contain more "drown government, but serve the rich" fiscal policy.

Oh and by the way, we are getting sued over the cuts to the adult Medicaid dental benefit. Just read somewhere else that we may be sued to restore school bus inspections, slated to end as of tomorrow. (Edit: Nope - Granholm ordered they continue.)

No words. Just sorrow. And profound disappointment in the House that agreed to this budget, and didn't take a stand when they could have.

Now, we will all pay the price.

Flint Area Fundraiser for Jocelyn Benson

Kathy — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:14 +0000

From Flint Mayor Dayne Walling:

...I want to tell you about a special person running for Michigan Secretary of State. Here name is Jocelyn Benson. She is a good friend and someone who has what it takes to lead Michigan forward into the 21st Century. There is no one more committed to voters' rights, fairness and equality.
Please join me for a fundraising reception for Jocelyn Benson's campaign at the home of Jay and Dr. Prassad Kommareddi, 8426 Warwick Groves Court, Grand Blanc on Tuesday, November 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This will be a great night with a wonderful leader that you do not want to miss.
All contributions will be welcomed. Hosts $500, sponsors $250, guests $50 or $75 per couple. Make checks payable to Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State, PO Box 441181, Detroit, MI 48226 or go online to www.VoteBenson.com.
I just can not tell you how critical it is that we elect fresh leadership to Lansing in 2010 so that we get real change on these critical statewide issues. Jocelyn is a nationally recognized educator, attorney, and voter advocate dedicated to promoting access and protecting the integrity of the election process. In 2004, Jocelyn helped develop the first nationwide Election Protection Program for the DNC. She is currently a Professor of Law at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Again, please join me on November 17th. I am hosting this event and I want to have a strong group from Flint and Genesee County behind Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State. You are welcome to forward this email invitation to others. I am looking forward to seeing you.
Thanks, Dayne

As Brainwrap wrote earlier this year, "Benson is the Real Deal, and certainly appears to be a serious, credible and highly-qualified candidate for Michigan Secretary of State. I strongly suggest that you check out her website and consider giving her a hand."

Sen. Scott vows not to give up the fight for fairness

Communications Guru — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:47:52 +0000

For almost seven years, Sen. Martha G. Scott, D-Highland Park, has fought against the practice known as insurance "redlining." Redlining means an insurance company refuses to insure an auto or home based solely on the geographic area where the person lives, provides an inferior product based on geography or at a higher price.

Every session day, Sen. Scott has gotten up and given a speech, urging the majority party to move her bills. It went without saying that the plea included a committee hearing with testimony from the people hurt by redlining and an honest debate.

That didn't happen, and the bill was discharged from committee Wednesday with no hearing or advance notice just to be defeated. The following is Sen. Scott's statement following the devastating vote.

You may have heard already that in a surprise vote, the Senate on Wednesday defeated my bill to ban territorial rate setting for auto and home insurance.
The Republican defeat of my bill to prohibit the use of territories when setting auto and homeowner insurance rates is a slap in the face to all the hard-working citizens of Michigan who pay unfair, exorbitant insurance rates.
For years now I have been asking for action and hearings on my bills to reform auto and homeowner insurance rates in Michigan. Today the Senate Republicans decided to discharge my bill to ban rate setting by territories to the Senate floor only to then vote against this bill that would have made insurance rates fair for citizens across Michigan. This kind of game-playing has no place in the debate on this very important 'pocketbook' issue for Michigan citizens.
Senate Republicans discharged Senate Bill 166 after I rose to give my daily statement on insurance issues in which I referenced an October 14 Grand Rapids Press editorial that spoke out against the insurance industry's use of credit scores to determine a person's auto insurance rates. SB 166 would ban the practice of using where a person lives to determine how much their insurance would cost. Senate Republicans defeated an amendment that would have given everyone an immediate 20 percent cut in their rates, a provision that addressed Republican concerns that lower rates for citizens living in metro/urban areas would drive up rates for citizens living in other areas of the state.
If we are going to require that every driver carry auto insurance then we need to make sure that the rates they are charged are fair, and right now these rates are anything but fair. Insurance rates should be based on the car a person drives, that person's driving record, and the distance that person regularly drives. If we adopted these common sense changes to our auto insurance laws then we would no longer pay the 12th highest rates in the country, and our citizens living in our metro/urban areas would no longer pay the highest rates in the country.
The insurance industry argues that one reason for setting rates by territory is because of the high rate of accidents or auto thefts in some areas of the state. However, the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority reported in February that auto thefts in Detroit fell 14.2 percent from 2006 to 2007. Statewide, vehicle thefts have plummeted 42 percent since 1986. Yet insurance rates have not gone down.
Senate Republicans did a great injustice this week to all the hard-working Michigan families who are trying to survive in a very tough economy. My bill deserved thoughtful consideration: a committee hearing so that people could come in and testify followed by debate on the Senate floor. Instead the Republican voted my bill to the Senate floor so that they could defeat it and deny Michigan citizens fair and affordable auto insurance rates. My bill may have gone down to defeat but I will continue calling for auto insurance reform and fair rates for everyone.

Sen. Scott vows not to give up the fight for fairness

Communications Guru — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:47:52 +0000

That didn't happen, and the bill was discharged from committee Wednesday with no hearing or advance notice just to be defeated. The following is Sen. Scott's statement following the devastating vote.

You may have heard already that in a surprise vote, the Senate on Wednesday defeated my bill to ban territorial rate setting for auto and home insurance.
The Republican defeat of my bill to prohibit the use of territories when setting auto and homeowner insurance rates is a slap in the face to all the hard-working citizens of Michigan who pay unfair, exorbitant insurance rates.
For years now I have been asking for action and hearings on my bills to reform auto and homeowner insurance rates in Michigan. Today the Senate Republicans decided to discharge my bill to ban rate setting by territories to the Senate floor only to then vote against this bill that would have made insurance rates fair for citizens across Michigan. This kind of game-playing has no place in the debate on this very important 'pocketbook' issue for Michigan citizens.
Senate Republicans discharged Senate Bill 166 after I rose to give my daily statement on insurance issues in which I referenced an October 14 Grand Rapids Press editorial that spoke out against the insurance industry's use of credit scores to determine a person's auto insurance rates. SB 166 would ban the practice of using where a person lives to determine how much their insurance would cost. Senate Republicans defeated an amendment that would have given everyone an immediate 20 percent cut in their rates, a provision that addressed Republican concerns that lower rates for citizens living in metro/urban areas would drive up rates for citizens living in other areas of the state.
If we are going to require that every driver carry auto insurance then we need to make sure that the rates they are charged are fair, and right now these rates are anything but fair. Insurance rates should be based on the car a person drives, that person's driving record, and the distance that person regularly drives. If we adopted these common sense changes to our auto insurance laws then we would no longer pay the 12th highest rates in the country, and our citizens living in our metro/urban areas would no longer pay the highest rates in the country.
The insurance industry argues that one reason for setting rates by territory is because of the high rate of accidents or auto thefts in some areas of the state. However, the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority reported in February that auto thefts in Detroit fell 14.2 percent from 2006 to 2007. Statewide, vehicle thefts have plummeted 42 percent since 1986. Yet insurance rates have not gone down.
Senate Republicans did a great injustice this week to all the hard-working Michigan families who are trying to survive in a very tough economy. My bill deserved thoughtful consideration: a committee hearing so that people could come in and testify followed by debate on the Senate floor. Instead the Republican voted my bill to the Senate floor so that they could defeat it and deny Michigan citizens fair and affordable auto insurance rates. My bill may have gone down to defeat but I will continue calling for auto insurance reform and fair rates for everyone.

FDL Action Health Care Update: Thursday (10/29/09)

FDL Action — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:02:03 +0000

Here are the FDL Action health care reform highlights for Thursday, October 29.

1. Jon Walker writes that by stopping the "robust public option tied to modified Medicare rates," Blue Dog Democrats handed "a huge victory [to] the health insurance industry, hospitals, and PhRMA." Walker adds, "If I were an insurance company CEO, I would be writing each of them a very large thank you note (i.e. a campaign contribution)." I'd say "don't give them any ideas," but unfortunately it's probably way too late for that!

2. Walker reports on the unveiling of the House's health care reform bill. The bill will cost "$894 billion over the next ten years," will be "fully paid for," "will expand coverage to an additional 36 million Americans and eventually close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole." The full text (PDF) of the bill - all 1,990 pages - is now available. Happy reading! :)

3. Walker discusses the health insurance "exchange." Walker concludes that "by 2015 all employers, and therefore all Americans not on Medicare or Medicaid, could start using the new health insurance exchange for health care." At least in theory, that is. We'll see what happens.

4. Michael Whitney reports that "in just 24 hours, the FDL community has raised more than $15,000 from more than 400 people" to put pressure on Sen. Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas. If you'd like to contribute, please click here. Thanks.

5. Jane Hamsher writes that, despite "much celebration on Capitol Hill today with the announcement of the new House health care bill," she feels "tremendous sadness and disappointment...with regard to the lifesaving biologic drugs I took when I was in chemotherapy that will cost many of my fellow breast cancer survivors everything they own, and quite possibly their lives." It's an issue I don't know much about, but obviously Jane Hamsher does. Click here to read more.

6. Given that "most of the planned health care reforms will not kick in until 2013." Jon Walker asks, "What Will Health Care Reform Do Right Away?" The answer is a list of the 14 reforms that would take effect in 2010. The big question is whether "the voting public will think it is sufficient." We'll find out, one way or the other, in a little over a year. Let's hope the Democratic leadership knows what it's doing politically.

7. Walker lists "11 Ways The House Bill Is Much Better Than The Baucus Bill" as well as "How The House's Public Option Might Differ From The Senate's". I'll tell you, it's going to be fascinating to see how the House Bill and whatever comes out of the Senate are merged in conference committee. Ah, the making of sausage...

8. Finally, Walker reports that the "CBO has concluded" "that the House bill will reduce the deficit over the next ten years, and will also reduce the federal deficit over the next twenty years." So much for that Republican talking point?

Andy Dillon's Epic Fail

TrueDem — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:06:33 +0000

The results are now in on the impact of Andy Dillon's gamble on his surrender agreement with Senate Obstructionist Leader Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel).

Gongwer, in an article entitled "FY '10 Plus 28: Senate Appears to Kill Dillon's Revenue Strategy," details the failure of Dillon's fling with Bishop:

A controversial tax on physicians failed overwhelmingly Wednesday in the Senate, scuttling not only the plan to use the tax as a way of triggering hundreds of millions in federal Medicaid money but also House Democrats' hope of passing revenue increases to restore some of the budget cuts they just approved.
. . .
Further, Wednesday's vote signals the apparent end of Mr. Dillon's strategy to pass budget bills based on cuts and then try to pass revenues as a way of restoring some of those reductions, Mr. Switalski said.

Gongwer describes Dillon's embrace of Mike Bishop, Dillon's flawed strategy on the Dillon-Bishop agreement, which Dillon has never made public or shared with other Democrats, and notes that Dillon is "at a loss" on what to do next:

House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) whose surprise decision to embrace the Senate Republican concept of closing a $1.2 billion deficit in the 2009-10 budget with only spending cuts and federal stimulus money, and no tax increases until after the Legislature had passed budget bills was at a loss as to what House Democrats would do now. He had sold House Democrats on the idea of passing new revenues and a supplemental to restore some of the cuts.

Suckers.

The Skubick has more. Check out how the Capitol's senior correspondent describes the Dillon-Bishop relationship:

For months House Democratic Speaker Andy Dillon and Sen. GOP leader Mike Bishop have walked pretty much arm and arm through a budget writing minefield and for a moment it looked as though they would emerge with their trusting relationship intact.
Forget that.

Apparently Andy's man-crush is waning. Gongwer again:

Mr. Dillon said he's "not happy" with Mr. Bishop's actions and added "it doesn't help" their relationship

Mike Bishop took Andy Dillon and his House Democratic Caucus to the cleaners. Mike Bishop wins. Andy Dillon and Michigan citizens lose.

Hey, House Democrats, how's Andy Dillon's "leadership" working out for school children in your districts, vulnerable senior nursing home residents in your districts, college students in your district, and police officers and firefighters in your district.

Even Dillon now recognizes the problems resulting from his failed agreement, as quoted by Gongwer, Dillon says:

"And now we have a serious problem with the (Department of Community Health) budget ... nursing homes closing, a lot of kids are going to get thrown off Medicaid."

Andy Dillon has led House Democrats over a cliff like lemmings. They should have listed to Granholm, who has consistently helped Democrats win elections in Michigan since 1998, Back to Gongwer, one last time:

Ms. Granholm had viewed Mr. Dillon's strategy with skepticism, questioning why majority Republicans in the Senate would support revenues once budgets based on spending cuts had cleared the Legislature.

Skubick also agrees that Dillon got this one wrong and Granholm called it right:

And who is that over there whispering, "I told ya so?" Why it's governor Jennifer Granholm who somewhere along the line probably warned Dillon not to trust Big Mike.

In 2010, remember the Dillon-Bishop surrender agreement and those Democrats who supported capitulation and Andy Dillon's epic failure.

More broken promises from Andy Dillon and House Democrats.

Heckuva job, Andy.

GMAC Asking for More Federal Funds

Cordelia Lear — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:40:02 +0000

The WSJ is reporting that

The U.S. government is likely to inject $2.8 billion to $5.6 billion of capital into the Detroit company, on top of the $12.5 billion that GMAC has received since December 2008.

New Chrysler Road Map

Cordelia Lear — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Looks like less Chrysler and more Fiat.

From the WSJ:

Four months after exiting a U.S.-funded bankruptcy reorganization, Chrysler Group LLC is about to unveil a product roadmap that relies heavily on vehicles from Italian partner Fiat SpA while abandoning many of the U.S. car maker's own models.
The plan, due to be revealed Nov. 4, involves the reintroduction of Fiat's premium, sporty Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. starting in 2012, according to people briefed on the plans. Chrysler also will introduce the 500, Fiat's tiny car that is popular in Europe, to Americans, though it won't attach the Fiat name to it.
The company meantime is preparing to phase out many of the company's current models, particularly Dodge cars.

Senate Republican Wayne Kuipers Running for Hoekstra's Seat

wizardkitten — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:20:27 +0000

Chalk up another member that wants to join the "Party of No".

State Sen. Wayne Kuipers of Holland plans to run for a southwestern Michigan congressional seat.
The Republican on Saturday plans to announce his intention to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat now held by Republican Pete Hoekstra of Holland, who is running for governor next year.

Others in the race: NFL tight end Jay Riemersma, former state lawmaker Bill Huizenga and businessman Bill Cooper. Let the wingnuttery begin!

Michigan Moves to Limit Mercury Emissions From Coal Plants

wizardkitten — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:59:39 +0000

Good for us. Good for everyone.

A new Michigan state regulation requires coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions 90 percent by 2015.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced the rule today. Michigan is the 19th state to limit mercury from coal-burning electricity generators.
Agency Director Steven Chester said it worked closely with utilities, environmental groups and others while developing the regulation. Existing plants can choose from among three options for cutting their emissions, while new plants must use the best available technology.

Amway to Outsource Hundreds of Michigan Jobs to Costa Rica

wizardkitten — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:05:11 +0000

Shocked, I tell you.

ADA TOWNSHIP -- Amway Corp. is poised to move what could be hundreds of local jobs to Costa Rica as part of a sweeping streamlining of its global operations, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Press.
The Ada-based direct seller on Oct. 5 told employees it was moving finance functions currently handled locally to a new "enterprise process center" in Costa Rica.

"Low labor costs" (and perhaps tax laws?) are the explanation. Puts a damper on their "we love America" rhetoric though.

While the moves may not be unusual for the industry, they do run counter to Amway's efforts to polish its brand in the United States and statements by its leaders about their commitment to the local work force.

Detroit-Ann Arbor Region Ranked No. 14 U.S. Metro Area for Cleantech Job Activity

wizardkitten — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:38:29 +0000

Some good news:

The Detroit-Ann Arbor region ranks No. 14 nationally in clean-tech job activity in a new "Clean Tech Job Trends 2009" report from Clean Edge Inc.
The ranking is both encouraging, given the Michigan's massive job losses in other sectors, and a reminder that we're still far from the top of the heap in the hypercompetitive green jobs race. The ranking seems likely to rise in subsequent years given the amount of high-profile recent activity, including the planned redevelopment of the abandoned Ford Wixom plant for renewable energy manufacturing and a $100 million clean-energy research facility that GE is opening near Belleville.

See the entire report here.

19 New Companies Join Glenn Beck Ad Boycott

Kathy — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:07:42 +0000

The MI Chamber of Commerce's buddy - racist Glenn Beck - continues to lose advertisers. From an October 6th ColorOfChange.org press release:

ColorOfChange.org has confirmed that 19 new companies whose ads aired recently during Fox News Channel's Glenn Beck program have asked Fox to stop their ads from running or pledged to not to run ads on the show going forward. The latest additions - AmMed Direct, Citrix Online, Concord Music Group, Diageo, Eggland's Best, Equifax, Eulactol USA (producer of Flexitol), GetARoom.com, Hoffman La Roche (maker of BONIVA), Metropolitan Talent Management, ooVoo, Overture Films, Scarguard, Schiff Nutrition (maker of Tiger's Milk and Fi-Bar), Seoul Metropolitan Government, Subaru, Toyota-Lexus, Waitrose and Woodland Power Products, Inc. - bring the total number of companies that have distanced themselves from Beck to 80. This after Beck called President Obama a "racist" who "has a deep-seated hatred for white people" during an appearance on Fox & Friends.

Several advertisers in England have taken note and cut their advertising ties to Beck as well.

What a Way to Lose a Football Game!

Snarky Anderson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:26:05 +0000

"It ain't over 'til it's over." That's more than a sports cliche, as Plymouth High School's football team found out against Westland John Glenn. As time ran out, Plymouth, leading 28-to-27, blocked a Glenn field-goal attempt--and then celebrated.

Ooops! The ball was still alive, and an alert Glenn player picked it up and ran into the end zone.

Even the Detroit "Lions" haven't managed to do this--yet.

Schauer Secures Funding For International Food Protection Training Institute

wizardkitten — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:37:00 +0000

My favorite Congresscritter is hard at work, bringing jobs and investment to Battle Creek.

Following last week's House and Senate approval of the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill, Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) today announced $1 million in federal funding for the International Food Protection Training Institute in Battle Creek. The funding was requested by Congressman Schauer, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Carl Levin, and represents the first substantial federal funding for a food training institute of its kind. The bill now advances to President Obama to be signed into law.
"This critical funding will help strengthen the important work that is already underway at the Institute to make sure food inspectors have the necessary skills to keep our food supply safe," said Schauer. "I'm optimistic that we can capitalize on this momentum to secure permanent federal support for the Institute, which is one of my top priorities in Congress."
Earlier this year, Congressman Schauer introduced a bill with Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) to establish long-term federal support for the International Food Protection Training Institute. Schauer's bill would allow 1,000 state and local inspectors to be trained in the first year, increasing to 3,000 annually by 2013. Sen. Stabenow has sponsored similar legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Under the Bush Administration, FDA inspections dropped 47% between 2003-2006. Now that the adults are back in charge, President Obama has pledged to step-up food inspections to keep our supply safe, and Battle Creek will be training some of those inspectors, thanks to our Democratic delegation.

Oh, alright, you too Fred. Tag along if you must.

McCotter's Tax Break For Pet Care Leaves Some People Growling

Kathy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:17:15 +0000

The Wheeling News-Register called his plan fiscally irresponsible.

U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., apparently wants to win the animal lover vote. But his proposed income tax break - deductions of as much as $3,500 for pet care - ought to have taxpayers growling.
McCotter has introduced a bill to provide the break. Like so many lawmakers, he doesn't seem to be worried about the impact of billions of dollars in lost revenue.
We like dogs, cats and other animals, too. But special interest bills like McCotter's are one reason for the soaring national deficit. McCotter and his bill ought to be sent to the dog house.

Mike Bishop Blames Workers For Michigan's Problems

Kathy — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:27:18 +0000

Specifically, he told the Washington Post our high wages were to blame and they sent "negative vibes."

What Bishop conveniently forgot to mention was that his own wages increased 92% over a period of 8 years.

h/t MDP

Grand Valley Bills Students For Promise Scholarships Cut From Bishop-Dillon Budget

wizardkitten — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:20:10 +0000

The first of many to come, if these scholarships aren't restored.

President Thomas J. Haas e-mailed students Monday saying the university is reversing course and is assuming that scholarships of up to $4,000 will be lopped from the state's still evolving 2010 spending plan.
"I am disappointed beyond words that the state of Michigan cannot keep its promise to you," Haas wrote in the e-mail.
Students had been credited up to $500 for the scholarship on their fall semester tuition bills. Now they'll be billed for the amount, and can pay in two monthly installments.

Grand Valley will credit student accounts if the Legislature finally finds the political courage to stop being stupid.

In the meantime, send your complaints to:

andydillon@house.mi.gov or Mike Bishop's contact form. They'll be happy to hear from you.

Too Poor to Bury Their Dead

Snarky Anderson — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:35:08 +0000

Another grim sign of the times around here: an all-time high 67 corpses at the Wayne County morgue. The number of unclaimed corpses has tripled since 2000. The reasons? High unemployment in the area; many families cannot afford last rites; and the county's $21,000 annual budget to bury unclaimed bodies ran out in June.

The CNN story about the morgue contains this sad soundbite:

"One way we look back at a culture is how they dispose of their dead," said the county's chief medical examiner, Carl Schmidt, who has been in his position for 15 years. "We see people here that society was not taking care of before they died -- and society is having difficulty taking care of them after they are dead."

"One way we look back at a culture is how they dispose of their dead," said the county's chief medical examiner, Carl Schmidt, who has been in his position for 15 years. "We see people here that society was not taking care of before they died -- and society is having difficulty taking care of them after they are dead.":

Goodbye Saturn

wizardkitten — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:07:56 +0000

This breaks my heart.

Detroit auto icon Roger Penske has terminated a deal with General Motors Co. for the Saturn brand, because Penske could not find an automaker to supply new vehicles.
The deal's unraveling dooms about 340 dealers and the Saturn brand, which appeared to be saved this summer when Penske announced he had reached a memorandum of understanding with GM.
The deal was expected to be finalized as early as Wednesday, and dealers already had signed and returned new two-year sales and service agreements to Penske. Instead, GM will gradually wind down the dealerships, with details expected to be announced soon.

13,000 jobs are attached to the Saturn brand when you add in parts and dealerships. Sad day for those employees and Saturn fans everywhere.

WaPo's "The Fix" Honors Michigan's Best Political Reporters

wizardkitten — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:37:10 +0000

I put in my two-cents for Peter Luke, along with KB Hoffman, Chris Christoff and Mark Hornbeck. Here are the winners:

And this year, MLive.com's Peter Luke gets the honor, along with five other Michigan journalists: The Associated Press' Kathy Barks Hoffman, WKAR's Tim Skubick ("Off the Record"), The Detroit Free Press' Chris Christoff, Michigan Public Radio's Jack Lessenberry and Gongwer News Service's Stephanie Cepak.

Didn't think the pay services were included or I would have named Cepak as well.

Are Betty Weaver and the GOP Headed for Divorce Court?

Snarky Anderson — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:54:29 +0000

Elizabeth Weaver, elected to the Michigan Supreme Court as a Republican, has had a serious falling-out with her fellow GOP justices. She's up for re-election next year and today's Free Press speculates on whether the state Republican convention will nominate her for another term. If the delegates decide not to, Weaver can still get on the ballot--with the valuable "Justice of the Supreme Court" designation--by virtue of being a sitting justice. This could get interesting.