Committee on Education and Labor Press Releases

Chairman Miller Applauds Obama Administration for Releasing Additional Recovery Funds to States

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:57 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today applauded the Obama administration for acting quickly to send additional recovery funding to states that need help maintaining critical services, like education and public safety, and rebuilding their economies. The U.S. Department of Education announced this afternoon that nearly $2.7 billion will be allocated to states today as the last third of the government services fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This fund, included as part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, is specifically intended to help support education, repair and modernize school facilities, and to backfill cuts to public safety and other essential state government services.
�By releasing these funds ahead of schedule, the Obama administration will help keep more teachers in classrooms, more police officers on our streets, more doctors and nurses in clinics, and will spur new jobs by updating schools in need of repair. The historic education investments in this law are already starting to pay off by restoring harmful spending cuts and driving school reforms that will create a highly-skilled, competitive workforce for generations to come. Today�s announcement is another important step toward reviving our communities by protecting jobs that are integral to their local economies and building the world-class education system our economy needs and our children deserve.�

To view how much funding each state will receive, click here.

Starting Tomorrow, Student Loan Payments Become More Affordable for Millions of Americans

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:02 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � Starting tomorrow, federal student loans will become more affordable to repay as a new Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program takes effect. IBR will allow borrowers to cap their monthly loan payments based on how much income they earn. This program, in conjunction with a lower interest rate on subsidized � or need-based � student loans and an increase in the Pell Grant scholarship, will help make college more affordable and help alleviate devastating student loan burdens for millions of students, recent graduates and other borrowers.

�This help couldn�t be coming at a better time for borrowers in this tough economy, or for current and future students facing an escalating college affordability crisis,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee. �These benefits will make a serious difference for students and families working very hard to pay for college, and will provide millions of borrowers more flexibility in choosing a career they truly desire rather than one made necessary due to crippling student debt.�

�Under this new program, students no longer have to choose between serving their nation and communities and tackling a mountain of college debt,� explained U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). �Our nation is better and stronger when the best and brightest young Americans choose careers in public service.�

Under IBR, borrowers have a portion of their income protected from loan repayment (up to 150% of the poverty level for their family size) which means graduates can afford to take jobs at lower salaries. Borrowers are required to pay no more than 15% of any income above that threshold. This program will allow borrowers to devote the first part of their paycheck to covering core costs like housing, food and transportation. After 25 years of lower payments, borrowers� remaining loan balances, including interest, will be completely forgiven. For borrowers in public service fields, like nursing, public interest law, or non-profit work, their debts will be completely forgiven after 10 years of service and loan payments.

The chart below illustrates the IBR benefits.

SOURCE: Department of Education: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/IBRPlan.jsp

Income Based Repayment was enacted by the 110th Congress in 2007, as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. That bill invested an additional $20 billion in federal college aid for families at no additional cost to taxpayers. In addition to creating IBR, the law also halved interest rates on need-based federal student loans in equal steps over four years � making these loans more affordable for low- and middle-income students. Last July, the first of these four cuts took effect; today the second cut kicks in, as interest rates drop from 6 percent to 5.6 percent. The rate will continue to drop until it reaches 3.4 percent in 2011. Nationwide, about 5.5 million students take out these loans each year.

As a result of investments made by this law and more recently by Congress and the Obama administration, millions of low-income students will also receive a Pell Grant scholarship of $5,350 for the coming year. This is more than a $600 increase above last year�s award.

To view a fact sheet on these and other benefits, click here.

For more specific information on how the new Income-Based Repayment program will work and who will qualify, click here.

For more information on the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, click here.

Congress to Hold Hearing on Supreme Court�s �Gross� Ruling Regarding Age Discrimination, says Chairman Miller

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:43:46 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today announced that he will hold a hearing to examine how the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services will affect workers� protections against age discrimination and other forms of discrimination in the workplace. The 5 to 4 decision dramatically increases the hurdles that victims of age discrimination must overcome in order to have their day in court. �The Supreme Court�s ruling will make it even more difficult for workers to stand up for their basic rights in the workplace. A narrow majority of the Supreme Court has once again overturned decades of precedent and congressional intent and sided with powerful corporate interests on a workplace discrimination case. Like with the Lilly Ledbetter case, Congress may be forced to clarify the law�s intent so we can prevent the damage this decision will have on workers� civil rights. The court�s ruling was unacceptable, and this Congress will work to protect all Americans� ability to be treated fairly on the job. Employment decisions should be based on merit, not prejudice.�

BACKGROUND OF GROSS V. FBL FINANCIAL SERVICES

On June 18, the Supreme Court overturned a jury trial verdict that found that Jack Gross, 54, was demoted by his employer in part because of his age. The court said Gross had to prove not just that age played a role in his demotion but that age was the motivating factor in his demotion. The ruling overturns decades of case law and Congressional intent, which forces employers, after a plaintiff has shown that age was a factor, to show evidence that the employment decision would have been made anyway, regardless of the plaintiff�s age. Under the Supreme Court�s ruling, workers will now carry an extremely difficult burden when it comes to an employer�s internal motivations, having to prove both that age was a motivating factor for an employment decision and that no other factor would have motivated the decision without age.

Miller Calls for Passage of Historic Climate Change Legislation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:46:39 -0500

WASHINGTON, DC � Rep. George Miller (D-CA) released the following statement calling on the House to approve the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, one of President Obama�s top domestic priorities.

�Passage will represent a monumental step forward in our effort to build a vibrant and green economy based on clean energy, less foreign oil, and a reduction in greenhouse gases,� said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and one of the co-authors of the energy bill. �Californians have led the nation in breaking our dependence on fossil fuels and have always known that the future belongs to clean energy technology jobs. It is long past time for us to stop sending our national treasure to pay for foreign oil. This bill gives us the opportunity to follow California�s lead and move America in a new energy direction.
�The provisions in this bill will drive energy costs down for consumers and families in the long run and will create millions of clean energy jobs that cannot be shipped overseas,� Miller added. �And, in a very important step, under our bill American workers will be able to take advantage of opportunities that will help them transition into the new sustainable careers of the future.�

As chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, Miller wrote into the bill significant provisions to ensure workers affected by climate change policy have access to health care coverage, income support, and employment services so they can transition into green economy jobs.

Among other provisions to assist workers in transition, eligible workers impacted by the new energy policy would:

�    Receive income support equal to 70 percent of their income for up to 156 weeks;
�    Receive an 80 percent credit toward their monthly health care premiums;
�    Have access to job training opportunities, including on-the-job training programs, as well as other support services; and
�    Receive job search allowances and relocation assistance, up to $1,500 for each.

Sen. Brown, Reps. Miller, McHugh Introduce Bill to Assist Workers Facing Mass Layoffs

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:16:21 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representatives George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, and John McHugh (R-NY) introduced legislation today that would strengthen the law requiring employers to notify workers and communities of mass layoffs or plant closings. The bipartisan FOREWARN Act, would strengthen enforcement of current law and close loopholes in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

In the House, the legislation is also cosponsored by Reps. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). The House introduced bill is H.R. 3042.
�Workers deserve more than just a pink slip when they lose their job because of our nation�s economic difficulties,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. �Current protections for workers being laid off are both confusing and rarely enforced. While an early warning may not save their job, a meaningful early notice will help them prepare to find a new job or upgrade their skills for new employment.�

�Across our country, communities and families have been devastated by mass layoffs. We have seen this acutely in Northern and Central New York and know all too well the lasting and fundamental impacts mass layoffs and plant closures have on individuals, families, and communities. In the two decades since the WARN Act was enacted, our nation�s economy has changed markedly,� said U.S. Rep. John McHugh (R-NY). �It is time to modernize the WARN Act to fit today�s economy, and thereby ensure workers and communities get the fair notice they deserve and need to prepare and adjust to their change in job status. Thus, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Chairman Miller and Senator Brown to develop the Forewarn Act.�

�Mass layoffs send shockwaves through individual households and entire communities,� U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said. �This bill is about protecting workers and helping communities respond to mass layoffs. The WARN Act was supposed to give employees time to find a new job. Unfortunately, fair notice has become the exception not the rule. This bill will modernize the WARN Act by closing loopholes and strengthening its enforcement. Workers and communities should be armed with best arsenal of protective measures during these challenging economic times.�

Over the past several months, laid-off employees have filed lawsuits over violations of the WARN Act against companies as varied as Lehman Brothers, retailers like Sam�s Club and Goody�s, the electronics chain Tweeter, ABX Air, USA Jet Airlines, and major law firms.

Congress passed the WARN Act in 1988 to give workers and communities 60 days advance notice to adjust to an impending �plant closing� or �mass layoff.� Compelling evidence demonstrated that retraining and other readjustment efforts have the greatest success when advance notice is provided.

The WARN Act�s effectiveness has been undermined by existing loopholes and weak enforcement. First, the WARN Act only covers 24 percents of all layoffs, according to a report by the by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Of those layoffs, employers only provided notice approximately one-third of the time. The WARN Act has several exceptions that employers can invoke� both legitimately and illegitimately� including unforeseen business circumstances and whether a company is trying to attract capital to avoid a shutdown. Furthermore, the WARN Act is only invoked at companies with at least 100 employees that layoff 33 percent or more of their workforce.

Second, weak penalties and enforcement measures may prevent employers from providing notice. GAO found that employers failed to provide notice to employees in two-thirds of layoffs and closures where the WARN Act applied. The WARN Act requires violating employers to pay an employee a day�s pay for every day of notice not provided and does not provide the federal government the authority to enforce workers� rights.

The FOREWARN Act would give the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) the authority to enforce the WARN Act, and would increase penalties for violation to double back pay. In addition, it would reduce the mass layoff figure from 50 to 25, reduce the employer size from 100 to 75 employees, and lower the mass layoff trigger. The lower thresholds would protect employees in both manufacturing and services firms. It would also lengthen the notification period from 60 to 90 days and require employers to provide written notification to the Department of Labor that includes the reason for the plant closing or mass layoff, whether the employer has jobs elsewhere, and a statement of each employee�s right to wages and benefits. The bill would also expand recipients of notification to Secretary of Labor, elected officials including the governor, member(s) of Congress, and state representatives, and the appropriate labor union(s) when applicable.

House Committee Approves Bill to Require Disclosure of Hidden 401(k) Fees

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:44:44 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � American workers would receive clear and complete information about fees that could be cutting deeply into their 401(k)-style retirement savings under legislation approved today by the House Education and Labor Committee.

By a vote of 29 to 17, the committee approved the 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act (H.R. 2989), which would help workers shop around for the best retirement investment options by providing information on how much in fees is taken from their retirement accounts. Current law does not require disclosure of certain fees, and even for fee information that is available, it can be difficult for workers to find and evaluate.
�It is beyond time that American workers have basic and clear information on costs and choices contained in their 401(k) plan,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. �The economic collapse has fueled Americans� concerns about whether they will have enough savings to last them throughout retirement. This bill will give Americans a fighting chance to strengthen their retirement and increase our nation�s future economic security.�

Miller said the issue is particularly important given that increasing numbers of American workers are relying on 401(k)s to help them pay for a decent retirement. Roughly 50 million Americans now have a 401(k)-style plan. Past surveys have shown that more than 80 percent of workers don�t know how much they are paying in fees on their retirement savings accounts.

According to the Government Accountability Office, even a seemingly small difference in the fees that workers pay can make an enormous difference in the overall size of their 401(k) account balance. A 1 percentage point difference in fees can reduce retirement benefits by nearly 20 percent.

Specifically, the version of H.R. 2989 adopted by the committee would:

Require 401(k) plans to disclose fees in one dollar figure taken from participants accounts in a worker�s quarterly statement;
Require 401(k) service providers and plan administrators to disclose fees charged on 401(k) plans broken down into four categories: administrative fees, investment management fees, transaction fees, and other fees;
Help workers understand their investment options by providing basic investment information, including information on risk, return, and investment objectives;
Require plan administrators to offer at least one low-cost index fund to plan participants in order to receive protection against liability for participants� investment losses;
Require service providers to disclose financial relationships so companies that sponsor 401(k) plans can make sure there are no conflicts of interest;
Ensure that if workers get investment advice through their jobs, that advice be based on the workers� needs � not the financial interest of those providing the advice;
Provide adjustments to pension funding rules to ensure plans can weather the economic crisis without being forced to choose between cutting jobs or freezing plans.

For more information on H.R. 2989 and the effects of hidden fees on workers� retirement savings, click here.

Chairman Miller Applauds Obama Administration for Simplifying Federal Student Aid Application

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:06:56 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today praised President Barack Obama and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan for announcing a new effort to simplify the federal student aid application, called the FAFSA. The Obama administration will be able to implement some of their proposed changes immediately; other proposals would require legislative action. Miller today said that the House will consider these proposals as part of its upcoming efforts to enact student loan reforms that will make college more accessible for American families:

�Confusing paperwork shouldn�t stand between qualified students and a college degree. As families� needs for college aid continue to grow in this economy, we have to ensure that students and parents can access an easy-to-navigate financial aid process designed to help them get the federal aid they are eligible for. Secretary Duncan has put forth commonsense proposals for streamlining the FAFSA, and Congress will examine how we can build on these steps as we work to make college more affordable by safeguarding and strengthening our federal student aid programs.�
In addition to other steps the Department of Education would take to simplify the FAFSA starting this summer, the Obama administration called on Congress to pass legislation that would dramatically cut down the number of questions on the form by allowing students and families to apply for aid using the information on their tax returns.

The proposals announced today build on steps taken by the 110th Congress to streamline the FAFSA and enable the Department of Education to work with the Internal Revenue Service to eliminative repetitive financial aid questions. That law, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which Miller was the House author of, included the following provisions:

Streamlines the FAFSA Application Process

Encourages the U.S. Education Secretary to reduce the number of questions on the FAFSA form over the next five years.
Simplifies the FAFSA re-application process so that applicant can provide update information in subsequent years, rather than re-filing a new FAFSA form.
Enables the U.S. Department of Education and the Internal Revenue Service to work together to use information the government already has from applicants� federal tax forms, such as income and asset information.

Provides Families with Early Estimates of College Aid Packages

Allows students and families to enter information and receive estimates of their Expected Family Contribution as well as their estimated federal student aid packages in the years before they fill out the FAFSA.

Creates an Easier Application Process for Low-Income Families

Creates a two-page �FAFSA-EZ� form for low-income students and families who qualify for the �auto-zero� family contribution.

Tri-Committee Discussion Draft Advances President Obama�s Health Reform Goals, Witnesses Tell House Committee

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:45:00 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � The House Tri-Committee Discussion Draft advances President Obama�s goals for health care reform, a diverse group of small business owners, economists, consumers, patient advocates and other stakeholders told the House Education and Labor Committee today.

The plan, which was unveiled last Friday by the House Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees, would reduce out-of-control costs, improve choices and competition for consumers and expand access to quality, affordable health care. It would provide health care coverage to at least 95 percent of Americans by 2019, the most of any proposal to date.

�Consistent with President Obama�s goals, our discussion draft builds on what works and fixes what�s broken in our current system,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and one of the authors of the draft. �It lays the foundation for an American solution that will reduce costs for families, businesses and taxpayers, guarantee choice of doctors and plans, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care.�

�The Tri-Committee bill, I think, is an important step in coming up with a bill that does encompass so many of the principles that the President has said was important, and that the dual thing of expanding coverage and making the kinds of meaningful reforms that will slow the growth rate of cost,� said Dr. Christina Romer, the Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors.
The discussion draft will provide significant relief to small businesses, which spend 18 percent more on health coverage, on average, than larger employers. Among other things, the draft includes targeted support to help small businesses ensure that their workers get coverage, and requires employers to share responsibility, along with individuals and the government.

A new survey of small business owners in 16 states, released at today�s hearing, found that 81 percent of small business owners support a health exchange and that 66 percent of small businesses are willing to share responsibility for paying for it.

�A system requiring an employer contribution, with appropriate levels of tax credits, sliding scales and exclusions, will give small businesses the relief they need, potentially saving as much as $855 billion over the next 10 years, reducing lost wages by up to $339 billion and minimizing job losses by 72%,� said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of the Small Business Majority. The committee�s draft is �workable,� he explained, �and if properly designed can produce substantial benefits for small businesses.

�Our firm faces health insurance premium expenditures that would add 12-13 percent to our payroll expenses in order to provide health insurance for our workers,� said ReShonda Young, who manages her family�s transportation and contracting business in Waterloo, Iowa. �The contribution level in the bill � even without the small business tax credit � would reduce our contribution amount by one third, to 8 percent of payroll. And the insurance package would actually cover our health care costs, with no preexisting conditions. This is a tremendous improvement over our current options.�

Contrary to what some critics argue, these requirements would not �place a tax on employment, leading to fewer jobs,� explained Dr. Jacob Hacker, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley. �By lowering the cost of care and requiring that all firms eventually contribute to the cost of coverage, the legislation would encourage employers to continue to provide health insurance.�

The health exchange established by the draft would allow people to comparison-shop for quality, affordable, patient-centered care in a transparent, user-friendly marketplace. By creating a public health insurance option to compete alongside private insurers, the draft would lower costs for everyone and ensure that all plans operate honestly and in the best interests of consumers.

�We believe the draft is a plan that would at long last ensure access to affordable, quality, �peace of mind� health insurance for every American,� said William Vaughan, Senior Health Policy Analyst for the Consumers Union.

�We are pleased that your draft bill demonstrates your commitment to ensuring that patients, consumers and their families have a strong voice and role to play in a reformed health care system,� said Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.�

Ron Pollack, the Executive Director of Families USA explained how the draft will meet the needs of all consumers: �For American consumers who believe the current health insurance system works well for them�the House bill protects you. For American consumers who believe that the current health insurance system is like that house in the real estate ads coined a �handy-man�s special��that is, it needs some leaks fixed, perhaps an addition, a little re-modeling, but it holds great promise�the U.S. House of Representatives provides a toolbox to get the improvements done.�

For more information on the Tri-Committee Discussion Draft, click here. To view a statement of support for the draft issued by the White House, click here.

To view all of the testimonies from today�s hearing, click here.

House Democrats Unveil Discussion Draft for Providing Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:24:49 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � Today, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their discussion draft for health care reform that would reduce out-of-control costs, improve choices and competition for consumers and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. The discussion draft would guarantee that almost every American is covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019.

Consistent with President Obama�s goals, the draft builds on what works in the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken with it. The draft would cover more Americans than any other proposal released to date.
Over the past several months House Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce have been working together as one committee � an unprecedented approach � to develop one proposal for health care reform. In releasing their discussion draft today, the chairmen reiterated that they will continue to seek the input of all members and stakeholders during hearings and markups in the coming weeks.

�Today marks a historic moment in America�s urgent quest to fix our broken health insurance system,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee. �Our discussion draft is the first step in delivering on the fundamental change that President Obama has called for, and that families and businesses need, by building a truly American solution to reduce costs, offer real choice, and guarantee affordable, quality health care for all.�

�President Obama issued a call to action to reform our nation�s health care system and the House Committees have answered in an unprecedented way, working as one to produce a draft that will help control costs, preserve and expand coverage and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid,� said U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Chairman. �In the coming weeks, we will continue working with our colleagues and stakeholders to move this draft forward so we can create a new day in American health care that will benefit our nation for generations to come.�

�This draft sets out a very practical and uniquely American proposal,� said U.S. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. �It fulfills President Obama�s commitment to provide quality, affordable health care for all. Nothing is more important to the long term health of the American people.�

�We are beginning an important process that I am confident will make history. The discussion draft is the first step towards creating a distinctly American Solution to our health care crisis. This bill includes a public option, which will provide the American people with a real choice,� said U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman Emeritus of the Energy and Commerce Committee. This public option will lower costs and establish consumer protections that private companies have refused to commit to. The cooperation between Chairmen Miller, Rangel and Waxman is unprecedented and it is my pleasure to be working with them. We are committed to working with all the members in writing a bill that will provide quality, affordable care for all but also prevent the next great economic crisis we face.�

"We are not going to have economic growth until our health care system is fixed. Nearly a fifth of our economy is spent on health care, and while our world competitors continue to offer more efficient care, America lags behind,� said U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), the Chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee. �Insured Americans bear the heavy financial burden for those who cannot afford coverage and millions of struggling families cannot meet the rising costs. This plan is about freeing financial waste within our system and getting more value for our dollar so that we can afford to cover the 46 million uninsured Americans and freeing up money to be invested toward out nation�s economic growth.�

"Today's draft is the result of cooperation between members of the House. The bill provides affordable, quality health care for all," said U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), the Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. "The discussion draft builds on what works. It keeps employer-sponsored insurance, makes market reforms, and limits catastrophic costs. The draft improves the Medicare program; eliminating co-pays for preventive care and the 'donut hole.'"

"While this country has the best medical care in the world, fewer and fewer people are able to access it and more and more people can't afford it," said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) the Chairman of Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. "Today we are taking a big step towards historic health care reform for all Americans. History is not often made in a day and it certainly won't be made without continued hard work, but this plan is a big step on a truly meaningful issue. A new day for health care is now closer in sight."

The key principles of the House Democratic discussion draft for health care include, among other things:

If an individual likes their current plan, they would be able to keep it.
For individuals who either aren�t currently covered, or wanted to enroll in a new health care plan, the proposal would establishes a health care exchange where consumers can select from a menu of affordable, quality health care options: either a new public health insurance plan or a plan offered by private insurers. People will have similar choices that Members of Congress have.
This new marketplace would reduce costs, create competition that leads to better care for every American, and keep private insurers honest. Patients and doctors would have control over decisions about their health care, instead of insurance companies.

Giving Americans peace of mind. Second, the proposal would ensure that Americans have portable, secure health care plans � so that they wouldn�t lose care if their employer drops their plan or they lose their job.

Every American who receives coverage through the exchange will have a plan that includes standardized, comprehensive and quality health care benefits.
It would end increases in premiums or denials of care based on pre-existing conditions, age, race or gender.
The proposal would also eliminate co-pays for preventative care, cap out-of-pocket expenses and guarantee catastrophic coverage that protects every American from bankruptcy.

Improving quality of care for every American. Third, the proposal would ensure that Americans of all ages, from young children to retirees have access to greater quality of care by focusing on prevention, wellness and strengthening programs that work.

Guarantees that every child in America will have health care coverage that includes dental and vision benefits.
Provides better preventative and wellness care. Every health care plan offered through the exchange would cover preventative care.
Grows the health care workforce to ensure that more doctors and nurses are available to provide quality care as more Americans get coverage.
Strengthens Medicare and Medicaid so that seniors and low-income Americans receive better quality of care and see lower prescription drug costs and out-of-pocket expenses.

Ensuring shared responsibility. Fourth, the draft would ensure that individuals, employers and the federal government all share responsibility for a quality and affordable health care system.

Employers who currently offer coverage would be able to continue offering coverage to workers. Employers who don�t currently offer coverage could choose to pay for their workers to gain health care coverage through the exchange or pay a penalty.
All individuals would be required to get coverage, either through their employer or the exchange, or pay a penalty.
The federal government would provide affordability credits, available on a sliding scale for low- and middle-income individuals and families to make premiums affordable and reduce cost-sharing.

Protecting consumers and reduces waste, fraud and abuse. Fifth, the proposal would put the interests of consumers first, protect them from any problems in getting and keeping health care coverage, and reduce waste, fraud and abuse.

Provides complete transparency in plans in the health exchange so that consumers have the clear, complete information needed to select the plan that best meets their needs.
Establishes Consumer Advocacy Offices as part of the exchange to protect consumers, answer questions and assist with any problems related to their plans.
Would identify and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse by simplifying paperwork and other administrative burdens. Patients, doctors, nurses, insurance companies, providers and employers would all encounter a streamlined, less confusing, more consumer friendly system.

To view a complete summary of the discussion draft, click here.

To view detailed fact sheets and more information on what the health care reform discussion draft means for American families, click here.

Chairman Miller Announces New Staff for Education and Labor Committee

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:16:28 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, today announced that new staff will be joining the committee to focus on worker safety and health, higher education and K-12 education policies.

�These talented staffers join our committee at a time when our goal of rebuilding and strengthening America�s middle class is more important than ever,� Miller said. �Each of them brings a tremendous level of experience and expertise to the table and I look forward to working with them to make our workplaces safer and healthier and improve educational opportunities for all Americans.
Richard Miller joins the committee as a senior labor policy advisor specializing in worker safety and health issues. He replaces Jordan Barab, who left the committee to serve as acting assistant secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Miller previously served as an investigator on the House Energy and Commerce Committee�s Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee and as professional staff on its Energy & Air Quality Subcommittee. He has also worked as senior policy analyst at the Government Accountability Project and as a policy analyst for the Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers Union. Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts for the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Industrial Policy and Labor Economics.

Ajita Talwalker joins the committee as an education policy advisor, focusing on higher education. She recently earned a Masters of Public Policy from Harvard�s Kennedy School of Government. Prior to graduate school Talwalker served as a policy analyst at The Institute for College Access and Success. She has also served as president of the United States Student Association and as a James H. Dunn Fellow in the Office of the Governor of Illinois. She holds her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Lillian Pace joins the committee as policy advisor for the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. She replaces Lloyd Horwich, who recently joined the U.S. Department of Education�s Office of Congressional Affairs. Pace most recently served as legislative director for U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), a former member of the House Education and Labor Committee. She also served as communications director for U.S. Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR), communications director and legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY), and legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and a Masters of Public Policy from George Washington University.

Mike Kruger joins the committee as the online outreach specialist. He worked previously for 21st Century Democrats as an online associate during the 2007-2008 election cycle. Prior to that, he taught domestically and internationally for 9 years. He earned his Masters in Education and Social Justice from the University of London and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Western Washington University.

Alexandria Ruiz joins the committee as staff assistant. She previously served as an intern for the committee and is a recent graduate from the University of California Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Ruiz has also served as an assistant at Mitchell & Courts, LLP, research assistant for the University of California Berkley�s Office of Equity & Inclusion, intern at Pretrial Services for Alameda County Superior Court, and intern for AT&T.

Worker Safety Program Expanded by Bush Administration Not Effective, GAO Reports

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:42:21 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � An Occupational Safety and Health Administration program expanded by the Bush administration lacked proper oversight, did not improve worker safety, and diverted scarce resources from other enforcement duties, the Government Accountability Office concluded in a report released today by two Congressional committees.

Businesses that participate in OSHA�s Voluntary Protection Program are able to avoid routine inspections, as long as they demonstrate that they have exemplary safety and health program, have no ongoing health and safety enforcement actions, and have an injury and illness rate below the average rates for the industry. The program�s goal is to promote cooperation between workers and management on developing innovative workplace health and safety programs. Prodded by the Bush administration, the VPP more than doubled to 2,174 worksites over the last five years and now covers more than 885,000 out of the 112 million workers covered by Occupational Safety and Health Act.
�GAO�s report makes clear that OSHA has strayed too far from its core mission of protecting the safety and health of workers on the job. The agency has spent too much time seeking voluntary compliance from employers and too little time enforcing the law,� said U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. �I look forward to working with the Obama administration to see that OSHA effectively carries out its important responsibilities to the nation�s workforce.�

"The GAO findings only confirm what many had already known�the Bush administration�s misdirected reliance on voluntary programs siphoned scarce resources that were needed for enforcement of our nation�s health and safety laws,� said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. �Fortunately, the Congress and Obama administration are committed help set OSHA on a new course to provide the additional resources and staff in order to ensure that agency all workers are able to return home safely after their shifts.�

�Taking a hands-off approach to a voluntary enforcement program is a recipe for disaster,� said U.S.Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), chairman of the Senate HELP Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee. �Unfortunately, under the Bush administration, enforcing the law often took a backseat to taking employers at their word. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration to build an agency that takes the initiative to keep businesses honest about the dangers their workers face."

�This report illustrates what many of us have been arguing all along - that when it comes to protecting America�s workers, voluntary safety programs by themselves don�t work,� said U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), chair of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. �It�s time for OSHA to join the 21st Century and update their rules and regulations to confront the risks faced by today�s workers. That�s why I have introduced the Protecting America�s Workers Act, and will continue to work with my colleagues and Secretary Solis to ensure that OSHA does everything in its power to keep our workers safe.�

The GAO found that OSHA did not properly ensure that only worksites which had exemplary safety programs were eligible for relief from routine inspections. The GAO found that 12 percent of the worksites participating in the program had an injury or illness rate higher than rates for their industry. In fact, one worksite participating in the VPP had an injury and illness rate 4 times higher than their industry average. OSHA performance goal is for VPP work sites to have an injury and illness rate of 50 percent less than their industry average.

In addition, OSHA continued to allow businesses to participate in the voluntary program even though companies were cited for serious safety violations. For example, one worksite was allowed to continue to participate in the VPP even though it had three separate fatalities over a five year period. Another workplace was cited for 10 violations related to a fatality, including seven serious violations, and one related to discrepancies in the site�s injury and illness logs, but was able to continue to avoid regular inspections as a result of their participation in the VPP.

Although VPP is intended to increase worker participation in safety decisions, GAO found that some employees at VPP sites said �that injury and illness rates requirements of the VPP are used as a tool by management to pressure workers not to report injuries and illnesses.�

OSHA also stated today that they have accepted GAO�s recommendations so that only eligible worksites participate in the VPP program and the agency will develop new performance goals and measures to ensure the program is effective.

To read the full GAO report, click here.

Chairman Miller Applauds President Obama�s United We Serve Campaign

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:50:35 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. George Miller issued the following statement today after President Obama launched the United We Serve campaign, a new initiative to engage Americans in service and volunteer opportunities to help rebuild the country. Recent news articles report that American�s interest in service is surging, partly as more unemployed Americans seek volunteer opportunities while they look for a new job.
�I applaud President Obama for taking this next step to tap into Americans� talents, skills and desire to give back. The United We Serve campaign will help Americans become a part of the solution to the many challenges we face � health care, energy and education � and help our economy recover. Service is a fundamental American value, and President Obama deserves great credit for recognizing that it can be a valuable tool for rebuilding our country at a critical moment.

�Earlier this year, President Obama launched a new era of American service to build a stronger, vibrant America and harness the energy we see across this country in the same way that President Kennedy first did nearly fifty years ago. This effort, just like the law that inspired it, will create a continuum of service for Americans of all ages and walks of life � from middle school through retirement � to help transform our nation by making a difference in their communities.�

This campaign comes after President Obama enacted legislation, co-authored by Miller, to create the most significant expansion of community service and volunteer opportunities since President Kennedy issued his call to serve nearly fifty years ago. Among other things, the law established a call to service campaign and encouraged Americans to recognize September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Building on this, the United We Serve Campaign will run from June 22 through September 11.

Chairman Miller Welcomes Rep. Kline as New Ranking Member of House Education and Labor Committee

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:42:14 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement today congratulating U.S. Rep. John Kline (R-MN) on becoming the new ranking Republican on the committee. Kline replaces U.S. Rep. Howard �Buck� McKeon (R-CA), who recently left the panel to become ranking Republican for the House Armed Services Committee.
�Rep. Kline has been a diligent, hard-working member of our committee and I want to congratulate him on his new post. Our committee has a proud tradition of working together in a bipartisan way to improve the lives of America�s children, students, workers and families. I look forward to continuing this tradition and working with him in the busy months ahead to make college more affordable, strengthen retirement security, and fix our broken health care system so that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care. Together, we can continue our critical mission of rebuilding our middle class and helping our economy recover.

�I�d also like to thank Rep. McKeon for his service to this committee as ranking member and chairman and congratulate him on his new role. Over the past few years, Rep. McKeon has been a leader on key issues, from increasing transparency and controlling skyrocketing college costs to increasing student aid for veterans to improving our nation�s education laws. With his partnership, we�ve passed critical, bipartisan laws to help expand college access for students, cut corrupt practices out of our student loan programs, and safeguard families� access to low-cost federal student loans from economic turmoil. I look forward to continuing to work with him and I wish him the best of luck in his new post on the House Armed Services Committee.�

House Retirement Subcommittee Approves Bill to Prevent Conflicted Investment Advice

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:54:15 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Pensions and Labor of the House Education and Labor Committee today approved legislation by a 13 to 8 vote to protect workers from conflicts of interest when receiving retirement investment advice at work.
�The American retirement system has already suffered $2 trillion in losses due to last year�s economic collapse. Now more than ever, Americans cannot afford to subject their hard-earned retirement savings to the increased threats posed by conflict-driven advice,� said U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), chairman of the subcommittee. �Working Americans deserve and require conflict-free advice so that they can make informed and responsible decisions about their financial future.�

The Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009 (H.R. 1988) would restore federal safeguards that ensured that investment advice provided to workers on their employer-sponsored retirement plan be independent and free from any conflicts of interest.

Protections against providing conflicted investment advice were watered down by the Pension Protection Act and a midnight proposal rushed through by the Bush administration�s Department of Labor. These actions opened the door for financial services companies to provide advice to employees where they had a direct or indirect financial interest.

The Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act will restore workers� protections by laying out clear rules to ensure that workers receive investment advice at work that is based solely on interests of the account holder�s needs, not investment firms� bottom line.

House Retirement Subcommittee Approves Bill to Expose Hidden 401(k) Fees

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:21:29 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. � The House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Pensions and Labor today approved landmark legislation by a 13 to 8 vote that would expose hidden 401(k) that may be eating into Americans� retirement security. The bill will be considered by the full Education and Labor Committee.

The 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act (H.R. 1984) will help workers shop around for the best retirement options by requiring simple fee disclosure on the investment options contained in their employer�s 401(k) plan. Current law does not require all fees workers pay to be disclosed; and even for information that is available, it can be difficult for workers to find and evaluate.
"When a worker spends most of their lifetime investing their hard-earned dollars into an account for their retirement and later discover that they were being charged fees that contributed to a significant loss of their nest egg, they understandably lose trust and confidence in the system,� said U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), chairman of the subcommittee and cosponsor of the bill. �The lack of transparency in the 401(k) system is unacceptable and must end now."

According to recent data, more than two-thirds of workers with retirement plans rely solely on 401(k) type plans as their primary retirement vehicle. Where investment decisions were once made by professionals managing a traditional pension portfolio on behalf of workers, the responsibility of picking the right investments and implementing retirement savings strategies are left up to an individual account holder.

�I pleased that that subcommittee moved quickly on this urgent priority,� said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the full committee and sponsor of H.R. 1984. �Americans should be entitled to clear and complete information on the fees taken from their hard-earned retirement savings.�

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, even a seemingly small difference in the fees that workers pay can make an enormous difference in the overall size of their 401(k) account balance. A 1 percentage point difference in fees can reduce retirement benefits by nearly 20 percent. A 2007 survey by the AARP found that roughly 80 percent of plan participants were not aware how much in fees were taken out of their 401(k)s.

Specifically, the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2009 would:

Ensure that workers receive basic investment information, including information on risk, return, complete fees, and investment objectives before signing-up for a plan;
Require that all fees � in one number � that are charged against a worker�s account to be included in the account holder�s quarterly statement;
Require service firms to tell employers the fees workers are charged on all investment options into four categories: administrative fees, investment management fees, transaction fees, and other fees;
Require 401(k) plans to offer at least one low-cost index fund to plan participants in order to receive protection against liability for participants� investment losses;
Require service providers to disclose financial relationships so companies that sponsor 401(k) plans can make sure there are no conflicts of interest; and
Give the U.S. Department of Labor the authority to enforce new disclosure rules and fine service providers who violate them.

The 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act is endorsed by a number of consumer and shareholder rights groups, including the AARP, Consumer Federation of America, and the Pension Rights Center. To view a complete list, click here.

For more information on the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2009, click here.