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Selasa, 31 Mei 2011

Following Pressure By Rep. Weiner, Justice Clarence Thomas Admits Spouse Earned Up To $150,000 More From Anti-Healthcare Group

Virginia Thomas’ Salary From Anti-Health Care Firm Only Adds to Clear Conflict of Interest, Need for Recusal

Today, after months of pressure from Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas publically released his financial disclosure forms, which reveal that he has an even greater conflict of interest in cases related to health care reform than was originally speculated, with his wife having received salary from Liberty Central, an organization that actively supports the repeal of health care reform. This latest filing casts even further doubt on Justice Thomas’ impartiality.

See Thomas’ filing HERE

“We knew that Justice Thomas’s family had a financial stake in opposing health care reform. Now we know even more,” Weiner said. “It’s pretty clear the Justice has one option here: recusal.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Weiner and 90 of his colleagues sent a letter to Justice Thomas calling on him to recuse himself from deliberations on health care reform due to the appearance of a conflict of interest related to income his spouse, Virginia Thomas, has received from groups that oppose health care reform. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Americans have signed petitions calling for Justice Thomas to recuse himself.

What Was Known:

Justice Thomas failed to cite his wife’s income on financial disclosure forms for 20 years.
Recently, he was forced to amend earlier financial disclosure forms after he failed to list $685,000 in salary his wife received from the Heritage Foundation, an organization that actively opposes health care reform
Separate IRS documents released by Liberty Central, seen HERE, reveal that Ms. Thomas may have received upwards of $150,000 from the organization in 2010, and was slated to receive as much as $165,000 in 2011 and $180,000 in 2012, if she had continued to work there beyond 2010.

What Was Learned Today:

Financial disclosure forms finally made public by Justice Thomas this afternoon confirm for the first time that his wife was also being paid salary and benefits by Liberty Central, another right-wing organization that is currently working to overturn health care reform
If Thomas was in fact paid up to$150,000 by Liberty Central in 2010, that would mean she’s received a total of nearly $850,000 from anti-health care organizations, including the previously disclosed $685,000 from the Heritage Foundation – all the more reason Justice Thomas needs to recuse himself.
Justice Thomas for the first time also filed a value of $15,000 or less in gross value for Liberty Consulting, Inc, the new anti-health care lobbying firm recently founded by his wife in late 2010.

Minggu, 29 Mei 2011

Following Pressure By Rep. Weiner, Justice Clarence Thomas Admits Spouse Earned Up To $150,000 More From Anti-Healthcare Group

Following Pressure By Rep. Weiner,

Justice Clarence Thomas Admits Spouse Earned Up To $150,000 More From Anti-Healthcare Group

Virginia Thomas’ Salary From Anti-Health Care Firm Only Adds to Clear Conflict of Interest, Need for Recusal

See Thomas’ filing HERE

What Was Known:

Justice Thomas failed to cite his wife’s income on financial disclosure forms for 20 years.
Recently, he was forced to amend earlier financial disclosure forms after he failed to list $685,000 in salary his wife received from the Heritage Foundation, an organization that actively opposes health care reform
Separate IRS documents released by Liberty Central, seen HERE, reveal that Ms. Thomas may have received upwards of $150,000 from the organization in 2010, and was slated to receive as much as $165,000 in 2011 and $180,000 in 2012, if she had continued to work there beyond 2010.

What Was Learned Today:

Financial disclosure forms finally made public by Justice Thomas this afternoon confirm for the first time that his wife was also being paid salary and benefits by Liberty Central, another right-wing organization that is currently working to overturn health care reform
If Thomas was in fact paid up to$150,000 by Liberty Central in 2010, that would mean she’s received a total of nearly $850,000 from anti-health care organizations, including the previously disclosed $685,000 from the Heritage Foundation – all the more reason Justice Thomas needs to recuse himself.
Justice Thomas for the first time also filed a value of $15,000 or less in gross value for Liberty Consulting, Inc, the new anti-health care lobbying firm recently founded by his wife in late 2010.

Rabu, 25 Mei 2011

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) Strikes The Last Word

Today, House Republicans brought another bill (HR 1216) to the House floor that does not address jobs and wastes time in a futile attempt to repeal part of the Affordable Care Act. House Democrats are staging a "mini-filibuster" by "striking the last word" allowing them five minutes of time to discuss their strong opposition to the Republican-passed budget which ends Medicare as we know it and forces seniors to pay over $6,000 more a year.

Weiner: I move to strike the last word Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, you may recall I was standing here approximately two hours ago waiting to speak with several other members on the efforts of my Republican friends to eliminate Medicare as we know it and for reasons that are known only to the Chair, I was denied the ability to do that. Well, I’m back. And just to review the bidding, here’s where it was before that order was made. We had the Chairman of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, a good man, a guy I like, stand down in the well and say, ‘Oh, no’ (and this by the way is someone who is elected by the Republican members to represent them in races all around the country) saying that the Ryan plan wasn’t a plan it was and I’m quoting here, “a construct to develop a plan” and he said the proposal is not a voucher program and then he said it was a one size fits all, that Medicare was draining our economy is what he said.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, that might be the rationale for our Republican friends wanting to eliminate Medicare, but none of those things are true. It is not a ‘construct to develop a plan’ it is the proposal of the Republican party of the United States of America to eliminate Medicare as a guaranteed entitlement. If you don’t believe me, go get the book that they wrote, go get the budget that they wrote, go get the bill that they wrote.

Rabu, 18 Mei 2011

News and Notes from Rep Anthony Weiner (NY-9th)

Social Security Administration Targets Glendale Office for Closure

Weiner, Velazquez Call for Branch to Remain Open

On Tuesday, outside the Glendale Social Security office that is set to shut its doors on July 15^th, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), joined by concerned residents, senior citizens and representatives of local elected officials, called on the Social Security Administration to keep the Glendale office open, so that residents of Central Queens won’t be denied access to the vital services it provides

Today, with the Social Security office located in Glendale set to close its doors this summer, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez urged the agency to keep the Glendale office open, so that residents in large swaths of Central Queens won’t be denied access to the vital services it provides.

Two weeks ago, in what it described as an effort to save money, the Social Security Administration announced to local elected officials and community leaders that the Glendale office, located at 67-10 Myrtle Avenue, would be scheduled to shut its doors on July 15^th. In the process, thousands of residents who rely upon the office, including seniors and retired and disabled residents, would be left without access to many of the important services provided by the agency.

From assisting with claims for retirement benefits, to helping with Medicare enrollment and applying for Social Security, the Glendale office provides a vital service to those who rely upon it the most. The office ensures that thousands of residents in neighborhoods like Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Fresh Pond and Middle Village receive the benefits they not only deserve, but have earned over a lifetime of hard work.

Weiner is calling on the agency to forestall the closure of the Glendale office, so that the community’s large senior population as well as disabled residents will not be forced to travel all the way to Rego Park for another Social Security office.

Weiner is also committed to working with the agency to help find an alternative, easily-accessible location that would allow the agency to keep its presence in the Central Queens community and ensure that seniors and residents of Central Queens continue to have access to the essential services the office provides.

“My older neighbors rely on Social Security to be the impressive and successful program that it is, and accessibility to an office that provides information and help about their benefits is vital,” Weiner said in a letter to Beatrice Disman, Regional Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “I urge you to keep the current office open or to find a new, easily-accessible location for an office in the area.”

“The Social Security office in Glendale is part of the community’s fabric. Closing it would increase the time it takes for citizens to resolve problems, have new claims processed and obtain approval for benefits,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez.

As baby boomers continue to reach the retirement age, the number of seniors in neighborhoods like Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood and others who require assistance from the Social Security Administration, will invariably grow. Closing the Glendale Social Security office would only prevent the needs of thousands of residents throughout Central Queens from being met.

Full text of Rep. Weiner’s letter below:

May 12, 2011

Ms. Beatrice Disman

Regional Commissioner

Social Security Administration

26 Federal Plaza

New York, New York 10278-0004

Dear Ms. Disman,

I have been contacted by many of my constituents regarding the Social Security Administration's plan to close its office at 67-10 Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, which is the closest Social Security office to residents of Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village and Fresh Pond.

This office provides essential services to many members of these communities, including many of my retired and disabled constituents. Removing it would reduce access to Social Security for those who need it the most. My older neighbors rely on Social Security to be the impressive and successful program that it is, and accessibility to an office that provides information and help about their benefits is vital.

I urge you to keep the current office open or to find a new, easily-accessible location for an office in the area. If a new location is necessary, I would be happy to offer my assistance in finding one. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention and reply to this matter.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER

Member of Congress

On AIDS Walk Day, Weiner, Gottfried & Advocacy Groups Call on FDA

to Permit Sales of Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests

Nearly 300,000 Infected Americans Unaware of Situation

Outside of Beth Israel Hospital on AIDS Walk Day, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), joined by Assembly Member Richard Gottfried (D – Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and representatives from advocacy groups committed to advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, displayed an easy-to-use oral rapid HIV kit. Weiner and Gottfried called on the FDA to allow the kits to be sold over the counter to ease access to testing for the thousands of New Yorkers who are currently unaware they are infected.

Yesterday, on AIDS Walk Day, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), Assembly Member Richard Gottfried (D – Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and representatives from advocacy groups committed to advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, including Tracy Welsh, Executive Director of HIV Law Project, and Peter Pavich, Executive Director of Queens Pride House, called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the sale of over-the-counter rapid HIV tests, which would ease access to testing for the nearly 300,000 Americans and thousands of New Yorkers who currently are unaware they are infected.

Rapid HIV tests are both simple and effective. Using a mouth swab or a finger prick, individuals can know their preliminary HIV status within minutes – with greater than 99% sensitivity. Currently, there are four FDA-approved low complexity rapid HIV tests commercially available in the United States; however, they all require a laboratory license in order to purchase them.

Weiner is calling on the FDA to make rapid HIV tests available to everyday Americans by allowing both over-the-counter sales and free distribution of tests directly to individuals. Rapid HIV tests would provide Americans the ability to conduct tests in the comfort of their home and encourage testing by offering privacy and reducing perceived stigma.

Even on the 30^th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic, the need for increased HIV testing has never been greater. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that up to 1.2 million people in the U.S. currently have HIV, and nearly 1 in 4 do not know they are even infected. In fact, two-thirds of new HIV infections are caused by people who are unaware they are infected.

In New York City alone, more than 107,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV – and thousands more don't know they are infected. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the AIDS case rate in the City is almost 3 times the national average, and HIV is the 3rd leading cause of death for New York City residents aged 35 to 54.

In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Weiner said “Many medical professionals and HIV/AIDS groups support the approval of OTC rapid HIV tests, including the AIDS Institute, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the National Minority AIDS Council. Given the critical need for increased HIV testing, it simply doesn’t make sense to keep OTC rapid HIV tests off the market.”

"It's vital for people who are HIV-positive to know their status as soon as possible, so they can begin treatment and avoid infecting others," said Assembly Health Committee chair Richard N. Gottfried.

While the Center for Disease Control claims that self-testing is not currently recommended because of counseling concerns, HIV/AIDS advocates and test manufacturers say that easy-to-read inserts in home test kits can educate users about HIV transmission, prevention, and the possibility of false positives and negatives. Additionally, a 24-hour 800 hotline can provide psychological and medical counseling to self-testers who receive HIV positive results.

Full text of Rep. Weiner’s letter below:

May 15, 2011

Dr. Margaret Hamburg

Commissioner

Food and Drug Administration

10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Dear Dr. Hamburg,

I write to urge you to accelerate the approval process for over-the-counter (OTC) rapid HIV tests. There is a critical need to expand HIV testing in order to reduce the number of people who are unaware of their HIV status. Approving OTC rapid HIV tests would tear down unnecessary barriers that currently keep people from getting tested.

Rapid HIV tests are simple and effective. Using a mouth swab or a finger prick, individuals can know their preliminary HIV status within minutes. Currently, there are four FDA-approved low-complexity rapid HIV tests commercially available in the US. All are simple to use, show results in under 20 minutes, and have greater than 99.3% sensitivity. However, these tests can currently only be administered by a licensed organization or individual, creating an unfortunate roadblock to the goal of wider HIV testing. Even the sole FDA-approved “at home” HIV test requires individuals to wait several days before calling a laboratory to receive their results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly two-thirds of new HIV infections may have been unknowingly caused by individuals who were unaware of their HIV status. The requirement that individuals must be tested by a licensed third party acts as a barrier to testing, even where anonymity is assured. Especially in smaller communities, anonymity does not necessarily ensure privacy. There is good reason to believe that some individuals who would otherwise test themselves for HIV avoid clinics and outreach centers because of the perceived stigma involved.

Studies have shown that individuals can both administer rapid HIV tests and interpret their results appropriately. Concerns about user education can be addressed by easy-to-read informational inserts in the test kits that inform about false negatives, false positives, and the need for confirmatory testing. Counseling concerns can be addressed by providing a 24-hour toll free hotline for psychological and medical referrals.

Many medical professionals and HIV/AIDS groups support the approval of OTC rapid HIV tests, including the AIDS Institute, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the National Minority AIDS Council. Given the critical need for increased HIV testing, it simply doesn’t make sense to keep OTC rapid HIV tests off the market. I therefore urge you to accelerate the FDA’s approval process for OTC rapid HIV tests and set a firm deadline by which these tests will be available to the public.

Thank you for considering this critical issue.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER

Member of Congress

Weiner Addresses Roll Call of 112^th Precinct

On Monday at the NYPD’s 112^th Precinct in Queens, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) addressed officers during roll call, where he thanked them for their ongoing commitment to fighting crime and helping the community

Weiner, Nadler Introduce Legislation to Re-route Osama Bin Laden Reward Money to 9/11 First Responders, Families & Survivors

If Bounty Isn't Paid, Bin Laden Victims Should Get It

Outside of World Trade Center 7 on Sunday, Reps. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Jerrold Nadler (D – Manhattan and Queens), joined by family members of 9/11 victims, announced legislation to redirect the $50 million bounty for the capture of Osama bin Laden, which the White House declared will likely never be paid, to organizations that help 9/11 survivors, families and first responders.

On Sunday, Reps. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Jerrold Nadler (D – Manhattan and Brooklyn) announced legislation that would award the bounty of up to $50 million approved by Congress for the capture of Osama Bin Laden, which many news reports indicate may never be distributed, to be instead distributed amongst organizations that provide service or aid to 9/11 first responders, families and survivors.

The Rewards for Justice Program, established in 1984 and administered by the State Department, established a bounty of up to $25 million in 2001 to help bring Bin Laden to justice. In 2004, Congress passed legislation providing the Secretary of State up to $50 million to award at his or her discretion to those who provided information leading to the capture of Bin Laden.

Now, following his death, U.S. officials are unsure whether the bounty of up to $50 million will be paid because his whereabouts were pieced together from various bits of information, leaving no single person responsible for putting investigators on his trail.

Weiner and Nadler’s legislation would redirect the funds to organizations that assist first responders, families, and survivors who were affected by the tragedy at Ground Zero.

“If the bounty isn’t paid, Osama Bin Laden’s victims should get it,” Weiner said. “I can think of no better recipient than those organizations which have committed themselves to helping first responders, their families and survivors whose lives have been forever affected by Bin Laden’s actions.”

"Because there is likely no awardee for the $50 million bounty for Osama bin Laden’s capture, those funds should now be used in support of the thousands of 9/11 families, responders and survivors," said Nadler. "I urge the State Department to distribute the reward money to established organizations and institutions which provide services and programs to the 9/11 community."

Jumat, 13 Mei 2011

Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Republicans' Attack on Women's Health

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and 29 of their Republican colleagues attacking women’s health by going beyond existing federal law that already prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions in the new health care law:

“When we should all be focused on creating jobs and growing our economy, Republicans are mounting an egregious, ideological effort to please their base and launch an all out assault on the rights of women, and the health services for millions of American families. Current law is clear: federal funds cannot be used to provide abortions. That has been the law of the land for 30 years. Their shameless attacks show a blatant disregard for women, who shoulder the worst of the health care costs.”

Emily's List Live Chat with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 1

EMILY's List Live with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 2

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sat down with EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock for the inaugural EMILY's List Live event, streamed through Facebook

HealthCorps® Announces Highway to Health Festival 2011 With Dr. Oz...

HealthCorps® Announces Highway to Health Festival 2011 With Dr. Oz

Featuring Talent Competition, 5K Fun Run and Teen Battle Chef Competition

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center - May 14

HealthCorps®, www.healthcorps.org, a proactive health movement with a presence in 17 New York City schools, announces Highway to Health Festival presented by Fairway Market, a free community festival for all ages with an appearance from Dr. Mehmet Oz, heart surgeon and host of the Emmy Award-winning nationally syndicated talk show, “The Dr. Oz Show.” Dr. Oz and his wife Lisa co-founded HealthCorps.

The Highway to Health Festival is being organized in partnership with the United Stated Tennis Association (USTA). Fairway Market represents the Platinum Sponsor.

Among the Festival’s healthy lifestyle family activities are a 5K Fun Run/Walk, Ten and Under Tennis, free health screenings, healthy food and beverage samples, fitness workshops and unicycle rides. Hosted by MC Todd Robbins, the Music for a Better America Talent Competition will offer youth and adult divisions (over 18.) The event also features a Healthy Food Mall hosted by Miss Saturn, including cooking demonstrations, hands-on gardening and other activities.

WHERE: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow – Corona Park in Flushing, Queens 11368. Festival takes place on South Plaza. Use main public entrance to Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

WHEN: Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At noon, Dr. Oz will lead a press conference from the main stage to highlight HealthCorps’ work in fighting the child obesity crisis. MEDIA PHOTO AND VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES.

11 a.m. - 5K Fun Run/Walk begins in Corona Park near the Unisphere and features
Alfredo “Frado” Dinten from “The Biggest Loser”
12 p.m. – Dr. Oz leads press conference on Main Stage with celebrities. Run winners announced
12:30 p.m. Music for a Better America Talent Competition – Youth Division
1 p.m. - Teen Battle Chef cooking competition with HealthCorps students
2: 30 p.m. Music for a Better America Talent Competition – Adult Division
2:30 p.m. Teen Battle Chef winners will be announced

WHO: At the press conference, Dr. Oz will be joined by public officials; Daniel Zausner, Managing Director, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; Alfredo “Frado” Dinten from “The Biggest Loser” and other HealthCorps Ambassadors.

Partners supporting the event include the New York City Council, the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, the United Stated Tennis Association, Emblem Health, Family Cook Productions, Susan G Komen Foundation, Vemma Nutrition Company, the California Walnut Board, Sahaja Meditation, Pirate's Booty and Zumba.

For more details on Highway to Health Festival & Youth Forum, please visit www.highwaytohealthfestival.com, call 212-742-2875 or email highwaytohealth@healthcorps.org.

Kamis, 05 Mei 2011

Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Republicans’ Attack on Women’s Health

Crowley Speaks Out Against GOP’s Pro-Tax Increase and Anti-Choice Bill

Below are Congressman Joe Crowley’s (D-Queens, the Bronx) remarks as prepared for delivery on the House floor today during debate on the Republicans’ H.R. 3 – legislation that would infringe on Americans’ rights to make decisions about their own health as well as prohibit employers from receiving tax credits for employees’ health care coverage if the plan includes abortion care, ultimately raising costs for employees’ health insurance and burdening America’s small businesses:

“Mr. Speaker, on the Republicans’ 100^th day of majority rule in the House, I stood speechless on the House floor at their failed campaign promise to focus on job creation and economic growth.

“They say actions speak louder than words, and it is true.

“For all the Republicans’ talk about putting Americans back to work, their actions demonstrate this is the least of their priorities. Instead, they have cut jobs, raised taxes and reduced Americans’ access to health care.

“The bill being debated today also has no jobs component whatsoever. In fact, it will raise taxes and hamper small businesses. In their ideological zeal to restrict women’s right to choose, the Republicans have prioritized a measure that the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce calls a “slap in the face” to small business owners.

“My colleagues, please remember that your actions, not words, are what truly speak for you.

“If you vote for this bill, you are voting to raise taxes and hurt small businesses.

“I urge you to vote to uphold your campaign promises.

“Vote no on this bill and let’s get back to work on America’s priorities.”

Selasa, 03 Mei 2011

Sen Addabbo: I Support Amending Public Health Law to Establish Medicaid Identification & Anti-Fraud Biometric Technology Program

Scanners to Be Used by Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies for Patient ID, Greatly Reducing Costs of Fraud

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Committee on the Aging, supports a measure pending in the Legislature, A.6555/S.4384, which would amend the public health law to allow New York to rapidly roll out a fraud prevention technology program many legislators say is well overdue.

The proposal would implement a technology-based fraud prevention mechanism in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies all across New York by relying on biometric technology. Biometrics is the science and technology of measuring and analyzing biological data. In information technology, biometrics refers to technologies that measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as DNA, fingerprints, eye retina and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand measurements, for authentication purposes.

The legislation will do away with the current and faulty practice of allowing each county to issue its own Medicaid card and strengthens weak identification requirements to access Medicaid services. The implementation of biometric technology in the Medicaid program will bring mass fraud to a halt due to the strong verification and authentication measures of the system. It will stop Medicaid payments for fraudulent services at the point of service rather than the “pay and chase” behavior New York has become too comfortable using.

The legislation would require the implementation of biometric palm readers and software in all hospitals, health clinics, and pharmacies. The technology would catch duplicate prescription requests and medical services. In addition to security, the driving force behind biometric verification has been convenience. Biometric devices, such as finger scanners, consist of: a reader or scanning device; software that converts the scanned information into digital form and compares matches; a smart card that stores the biometric data authentication, identification and payment authorization. The law would also require the NYS Department of Health to provide a report to the legislature on the cost and implementation of the Medicaid identification and anti-fraud biometric technology program within six months of enactment.

Explains Senator Addabbo, “Billions of dollars in Medicaid fraud are being wasted annually in New York State, and with anticipated further major cuts in Medicaid funding on the horizon, I am hopeful that this legislation could result in saving the state needed funds and protect health care for many individuals.” According to the Senator, the state will spend over $54 billion dollars this fiscal year (2011-2012) on Medicaid. Experts predict that 10%, or over $5 billion, comprises fraudulent charges to the state’s health insurance for the poor, disabled and elderly. It is Addabbo’s contention to cut out the fraud on such a tremendous scale first, before the state cuts billions of dollars in vital services for our children and the elderly infirm. “I believe that Medicaid’s skyrocketing expenditures are mostly caused by rampant fraud. It’s time our state legislature addresses this issue for our people and looks to prevent the annual theft of over $5 billion of taxpayer funds. Fraud prevention technology is the only practical mechanism to stop Medicaid fraud, abuse and overuse of services,” Addabbo concluded.

The $20 million one-time investment in the technology needed for this anti-fraud measure can be raised by implementing a one-penny-per-prescription charge for a six-month period on each of the $4 billion Medicaid-paid prescriptions written each year (on average, each Medicaid recipient fills 100 prescriptions per year and there are over four million Medicaid recipients in New York).

The legislation is now being reviewed by the state Senate’s Committee on Health before passage and being sent to the governor for his signature. If passed, the law will take effect immediately.

Kamis, 21 April 2011

The First Guess: Lotto Nation by Keith Olbermann - FOK News Channel

Watch original...

Keith Olbermann's latest at The FOK News Channel -- The First Guess: Lotto Nation:

Three-time Murrow-Award Winner Keith Olbermann is the "K" in "Friends Of Keith" and "Friends Of Keith" is the FOK in the not-for-profit FOKNewsChannel.

Selasa, 19 April 2011

News and Notes from Rep Anthony D. Weiner - NY 9th Congressional District

GOP Budget Would Cut Queens to Its Core

Weiner Study Highlights Impact of More Than $25 Billion

in Funding Cuts To Borough Over 10 Years

Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) released a study highlighting how the GOP budget plan to be considered this week would cut funding to Queens by more than $25 billion over 10 years, slashing money for cops, transportation, seniors and education.

Under the Republican budget plan, more than $25 billion in federal aid to Queens would be cut over 10 years. During a time when the City is facing a massive budget deficit, this proposal would force major cuts in programs like Medicare and Medicaid, hurting countless seniors and low-income residents in the borough. Title I education funding would be cut by over $205 million, and federal grants to the NYPD would be cut by $111 million. This could mean that more than 425 cops would be taken off the streets of Queens.

Additionally, if the GOP budget passes, over the next decade the MTA would lose over $667 million that is used to fund vital rail and bus infrastructure and security projects throughout Queens, and the more than 300,000 seniors in the borough would lose their guaranteed Medicare benefits and be forced to pay additional premium costs.

"The GOP budget is not about debt reduction, it’s about increasing the dangerous inequities in our economy and society. It is an assault on the middle class and those struggling to make it.”

Weiner’s study found the following:

CUTS TO QUEENS OVER 10 YEARS: MORE THAN $25 BILLION

Medicare

· The over 300,000 seniors in Queens would lose their guaranteed Medicare benefits and be forced to pay premium costs that the new proposed subsidy doesn’t cover. (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and U.S. Census)

Medicaid

Medicaid costs would be shifted to Queens residents as state and local taxes revenue would need to cover the over $20 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years contained within this budget proposal. (NYC OMB and Center for Budget and Policy Priorities)

SNAP Program

The SNAP Program will now be tied to a block grant program with benefits contingent upon on work or job training. Over 96,000 Queens residents would lose their SNAP benefits and Queens would see $1.7 billion cut in funding over 10 years. (U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Census)

Education

Title I funding, which provides funding for primary and secondary schools, would be cut by over $205 million over 10 years.(NYC Independent Budget Office (IBO)
Pell Grants which provide grants for lower income college students would be cut by $1 billion over 10 years and the maximum Pell Grant award would be cut by $819 per student. (NYC Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Census)

Law Enforcement

Federal grants to the New York Police Department for Queens would be cut by $111 million over 10 years. This could mean that 425 cops are taken off the streets of Queens. (NYC IBO)

Housing

The Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps the lowest-income New Yorkers stay warm would be cut by over $68 million over 10 years. (NYC OMB)
Section 8 vouchers which provide vouchers for low-income families to locate decent, safe, and affordable housing would be cut by over $83 million to NYC over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
The Public Housing Operating Fund, which provides subsidies to public housing agencies, would be cut by nearly $310 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funds local Queens community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development, would experience over $53 million in cuts over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
The HOME investment partnerships program, which works with nonprofit groups to build, buy, and rehabilitate affordable housing would be cut by $4 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
The Public Housing Capital Fund, which provides funding for the development and modernization of public housing, would be cut by $22 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Transportation

MTA would lose over $667 million over 10 years that is used to fund vital rail and bus infrastructure and security projects throughout Queens. (Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA))

Human Services

The Child Care and Development Fund which provides subsidies for child care for low-income families so that parents can work would be cut by nearly $20 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
Community Services Block Grants which provides funding to assist with employment, education, nutrition and emergency services for the homeless, migrants and the elderly would be cut nearly $10 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Infrastructure

The Drinking Water Revolving Fund which works to ensure that local residents receive clean and safe drinking water would be cut by $150 million for Queens. (NYC OMB)
The Clean Water Revolving Fund which works to ensures that local communities can provide clean and sanitary wastewater treatment services for their residents would be cut by $778 million over 10 years for Queens. (NYC OMB)

Job Training

Queens job training and workforce investment which provides adult workforce training, job-related activities for young adults, and dislocated workers programs would be cut by over $94 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Weiner on President’s Budget Speech: “Today, We Go on Offense”

With President Obama set to give a major speech today outlining his plan for the budget, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) released the following statement:

"Now it's our turn. For months, we have heard the one-note attacks by the GOP on the middle class and those struggling to make it. Medicare, student loans and women's health have all been under attack.”

“Today, we go on offense.”

Weiner Announces $281 Million in Pell Grants for Local Students

More Than 67,000 Will Receive Vital Education Aid in Queens Alone

Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) announced that more than 67,000 Queens students will receive $281 million in Pell Grants this year to help cover the rising costs of a college education.

Federal Pell Grants provide need-based assistance to low-income students to help promote access to college and postsecondary education. This year, students across the nation are eligible to receive up to $5,550 each in Pell Grants, which are not required to be repaid.

In Queens alone, over 67,000 students will receive more than $281 million in aid – with an average grant of $4,136 per student. The announcement, however, comes in the midst of attempts by Congressional Republicans to cut the important grant by $1 billion over the next ten years in Queens.

Republicans in Congress, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, are proposing to reduce the maximum Pell Grant award by $819 per student beginning next year. If successful, the maximum Pell Grant will be slashed to $4,731 – a reduction of more than 14 percent. With the cost of higher education rising every year, the GOP proposal would devastate a vital lifeline for students in the borough.

"During a time when colleges are raising tuition, Pell Grants are an important tool in helping students get the education they deserve and the education they need to succeed in the 21^st century workplace,” Weiner said. “$281 million in Pell Grants for Queens is great news, but it’s also a reminder of what’s at stake next year if the draconian budget being pushed by Republicans actually passes.”