Fort says Deal ignored blue ribbon panel recommendations
The Senate Democrats were quick to respond with sharp criticism over Gov. Nathan Deal's unilateral decision refusing to participate in the state health care exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
"It is unfortunate that the Governor has chosen to put politics over the needs of Georgians. He has ignored his own blue ribbon panel's recommendation to include state health care exchanges," said Sen. Vincent Fort, whip of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Deal's characterization of the health care exchanges as a one-size-fits-all contradicts the reality that we are sacrificing any impact the state of Georgia may have in how our exchange is set up, Fort said.
"Regardless of his decision not to set up the exchanges, we urge him to proceed with the expansion of Medicaid so thousands more Georgians can have access to health care, including children and families caring for aging parents," Fort said.
Thousands of Georgians are without health insurance. The costs associated with this are widespread. Most insured individuals pay around $1,300 every year to defray the costs of those without insurance. The cost to businesses is great and it takes a negative toll on our state economy.###
I think we should get border control advice from Israel on our own border situation, not tell them to disarm like the foolish approach we take. I just can't help but think that the visit from our Homeland Secretary under President Obama and her attempts to "guide" Iraqi leaders in security is the sole reason they rejected troop agreements shortly thereafter. They listened to our "current" approach on national borders as done in the USA and kicked us out as a result.
(With money we DON'T have, but that's not important now) Easy as pie, just like a car loan or a "room to go" ... THEN you get the full upkeep all by yourself for EVERMORE- Joy to the checkbook! Kinda like splosts, getting the seed money isn't hard - its the little things like staffing, operation expansion and upkeep on the back end that gets ya where it hurts... After the salesmen all leave and the warranty is over.... Why it's a national HOT Lane on steroids!!! But I could see where the confusion comes from because if you take the new Falcon Stadium @ 1.5 Billion "DEAL", it seems we are made of money. Gee its just ONE year of Gwinnett County's general operation budget.
Long term entitlement forecasting and funding has obviously been poorly done at the federal level. The Feds just sell Treasuries to pay for it when the numbers don't work, states obviously can't. The state exchange financial projections will depend on policy coverage mandates/subsidy requirements on up to multiples of the FPL. In addition, increased employer opt-outs will push folks into the exchanges so these subsidies are also likely underforecasted. The assumptions/plans in the ACA are slowly unraveling (Long Term Care up front money, Objections to Med. Device Taxes, employers opting out/paying the fine, many states opting out of exchange burdens, etc.). We also know federal budget cuts will be coming in some form. IE....it seems sensible to not commit to a major entitlement expansion at the state level especially when the feds will do it. I also believe even the Democrats will have to look at significant revisions to the ACA bundled with all the other health entitlements. Don't agree on Keynes as economic fact. We must produce private sector economic growth to pay for all this stuff. My big fear is when we are no longer able to sell treasuries at low interest rates.
Japan did not try this which was why their economy experienced slow anemic growth after their recession.
The problem is not "entitlements" but the top income people not paying enough in taxes, excessive and wasteful defence spending,unpaid for wars, special interest loop holes in the tax code(Delta pays no sales tax on fuel),and a health care system that is structured to to deliver the highest cost in the worldper capita and delivers the least care.It also seems strange that the states electing to not start the exchanges are reactionary, Republican dominated states that are in the South.
Heaven forbid we're going to be forced to bjy government life insurance now. Can you imagine how horrible that plan would be implemented. There is affordable insurance available. You just have to do your research. I have it and it is very reasonable. MUCH cheaper than my previous employer plan for similar benefits.
When the private sector is not producing jobs it is up to the government to spend money to create jobs (infrastructure, education, research, new public buildings, etc.) by the private sector. If not the government who will? Our biggest problem is not spending enough to create job creation not the debt. We are having the wrong debate. The debate should how to provide full employment to all at decent living wages not the debt. The debt is a long term problem that can be solved.
So you propose taking more money from the people that already pay the vast majority of income taxes, and do what? The private sector is not producing jobs because they are afraid of the government and the direction they are headed. These are business people that do know how to balance a budget, maybe they understand a few things that you don't, did you ever that about that? .
And yes, much of the problem is entitlements George, and it's rapidly increasing. It's got to stop.
The private sector is not producing jobs because the government is stymying them from doing so with threats of new taxes, etc. And to think the Dems complain about the Republicans not having any good ideas. Stupid, just plain stupid.
Who said anything about handing out money? I believe I said spend money on infrastructure, education, research, new public buildings, etc.
The only thing I agree with you on is the uncertainty and instability created by the obstructionist ,do nothing,reactionery Republican congress in refusing to negotiate in good faith on the financial crisis that the Republicans themselves put us in during the Bush years..
We have empty commercial buildings because of lack of demand. That is because our mixed capitalist system goes through periodic failures. While over one half of the school buildings in the United States are in need of repair and the nation's transportation system including metro Atlanta is in need of repair, expansion, and improvement. We need more public spending instead of private spending until the system gets in balance.
Financially, I'd rather be in GA than CA (its not a republican vs. dem issue). I agree on the highest health cost point but ACA just hits insurance and not true costs. There are better ideas than ACA to do this. Actually ACA mandates could even increase costs more. The ACA approach will likely create a two-tier system (Doctors opting out of accepting insurance with less that do). I am hopeful this doesnt reduce just reduce supply of healthcare to those in need. Sadly, this is already starting to happen.
Why wait for taxes to push you over the cliff? Really it's the village thing to do - GOVERNMENT will catch you. Care to give it a try and report results first hand??
The senate is not controlled completely by the Democrats because it takes 60 votes to get past the Republican filibuster.Yes it is unfair and the rules need to be changed.
Government projects create many things through funded research projects;ie, micro computers,the internet.atomic power,etc..The list is rather long.
Mandates - we need them to survive... A real money saver if you blow the pittance in the FIRST year...
As aerlier mention that we are Diamond Collectors for New Mining company of gold and Diamond in Cote D Ivoire Conakry, mali and West Africa Sub-Region. In view of your correspondence of interest, This is our Full Corporate Offer (F. C. O) for your perusal and subsequent action. For the Gold quality 96% purerity 22 carat for AU-Dust. price FOB in our office in Mali Bamako $28,500,par kilo (FOB) Mali Bamako For the Gold Bars quality 99% .99% purerity of 24 carat Bars. $34,500 par kilo (FOB) N/B Packed in 25kg par sachet well sealed this is our method of packing ok. For the quantity of the AU-Dust we have now is 800kg. For quantity of Gold Bars we have 600kg available now for sale. For Diamond quantity is show in the maniferst sand you and the price He will be waiting to recieve your urgent call so that we can proceed in your company supply. Direct Tel: +225-01-26-18-98 Direct email to me is !jean_billa@yahoo.fr Regards. Jean Billa