This puts incredible pressure on Bill Owens, who is still undecided on how he will vote. NY-23 and NY-24 are similar districts demographically and politically. The people of NY-24 don't want a government take-over of health care just like the people of NY-23 don't want it. And now the public is learning about the sweetheart deals in this bill that benefit other states. The Senate health care bill that the House is preparing to vote for on Sunday contains the Cornhusker Kickback, the Louisiana Purchase, the Gator-Aid and the Husky Hospital. On top of that it cuts Medicare for seniors by more than half a trillion dollars, uses the taxing-power of the federal government to pay for other people's abortions and adds new mandates and taxes on individuals and small businesses. New Yorkers are already saddled with huge debts and we are sick of the lack of transparency in government.
Here is a brief analysis of the avalanche of sleazy deals that is killing this bill:
The Cornhusker Kickback: A Nebraska Senator got a special deal where no one in his state would ever have to pay Medicaid taxes ever again. In exchange for a critical Senate vote, Nebraska's Medicaid costs would be paid for by the other 49 states. That is included in the 2,400+ page Senate bill all the House members will be voting on.
The Louisiana Purchase: A Louisiana Senator got $300+ million for new medical projects in exchange for her vote to pass the Senate bill. That $300+ million would come from taxpayers in the other 49 states.
The Gator-Aid: Somehow Florida, the Gator state, was able to keep the Medicare Advantage program for its almost 1 million seniors. No other state in the union would keep the Medicare Advantage benefits many seniors across the country rely upon. If this bill passes the House on Sunday, seniors in NY-23 will lose their Medicare Advantage benefits, but Florida seniors will keep theirs.
The Husky Hospital: The Senate bill has $100 million allocated for a new hospital in Connecticut, paid for by taxpayers across the country. Why doesn't NY-23 get its own new hospital?
On top of those hand-outs, Obama and Pelosi are sweetening the deal for other members of Congress to get this thing passed at the 11th hour. Human Events reported on these goodies today: "Rep. Bart Godron (D-Tenn.) who announced his retirement from Congress has been promised the job of NASA administrator in exchange for his vote, and Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.), another retiring Democrat, has been promised an appointment as U.S. Ambassador to NATO in exchange for his vote." Ask Owens what he got for NY-23, besides the bill for the taxpayers and some campaign contributions from Obama and company. Ask him if he is going to vote for the Cornhusker Kickback, the Louisiana Purchase, the Gator-Aid and the Husky Hospital for Connecticut.
Why would someone elected to represent our interests vote for our tax dollars to go to special deals in other states? Does Bill Owens really expect the voters of NY-23 to forgive him if he votes to make us pay federal taxes that go to benefit other states, but not our own? Right now the whip count stands at 205-202 in favor of the good guys. Owens is still undecided and to pass the Big Government take-over Obama needs 216 votes.
Watch the 90-second video below, which describes the whole process with some humor, and ask yourself why Bill Owens is more liberal than the Democrats south of NY-23. So much for hope and change. The only change NY-23 should be looking for is Owens to change his vote on health care. Our freshman congressman, Bill Owens, should follow his neighbor Michael Arcuri's lead on this big issue.
Thank you Congressman Arcuri! I am a Republican in your district (outside of Utica) and I really appreciate your no vote. This bill would severely affect my small business and even though I know how important this bill is to the president it is nice to know you listened to your constituents and make the choice that is right for our district. I would encourage everyone in NY-23 to contact Congressman Owens and let him know your feelings about this bill. I find it hard to believe that many congress people have even read this bill in its entirety. I have read it for about 3 hours and it didn't take me very long to realize how it would negatively affect my ability to keep my employees on the payroll. After reading a lot of different news reports on this issue I feel confident that the best thing for central New York is that this bill not be passed. Let your voices be heard because after the vote we won't have a chance to change it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTime for Owens to step to the plate and just say no to Health care that comes with sleazy deals. Health care should not be run by the government!
ReplyDeleteMr. Owens hopes we do not judge him on this one issue, base it on his record. What record, and a yes vote on health care will end his career in politics.
Very thorough analysis, Buggs. Even with the high profile Louisiana Purchase and the Conhusker Kickback, not everyone knows about the Florida and Connecticut deals.
ReplyDeleteSmall businesses (less than 50 employees) will benefit because their employees will be able to obtain affordable insurance through the exchanges taking the burden off from business. Instead of paying group insurance premiums, which are often very expensive for small businesses, these businesses can also increase pay more to encourage employees to purchase their own, or hire new employees.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it is difficult today for any politician to change his vote without being seen as a flip-flopper on an issue. Although, I suppose that if you state in your run for Congress that you will not vote for the health care bill, and then you get into office and your first day in office you vote YES, then you are already a flip-flopper. Right? Therefore, Bill Owens already has the reputation, why not do the right thing and just flip to the RIGHT this time: Right for his district, Right for the country and Right of Liberal which is what he ran on. Bill Owens is damaging his already weak reputation by not being able to make up his mind. This is where you put the pedal to the metal and show your constituents that you can be firm, tough and principled. Bill, OWN something...anything...man up and take a stand.
ReplyDelete* Small businesses with fewer than 30 employees ARE NOT required to buy care for their employees -- they are exempt.
ReplyDelete* Medicaid is expanded and states GET more help to offset the that impact.
* 95% of all Americans ARE covered.
* 32 million more get coverage, and Insurance companies gain new customers (and still they complain).
* Those with preconditions get help right away.
* Covers kids under 27 who don't have care on their own (will stay on parents plan).
* Under age 21 with congenital problems, get coverage.
* Does NOT fund abortions with Fed dollars.
* "End of Life" counseling for those who ask for it, along side their doctors - not mandatory (no mention of “Death Panels”).
* AMA, Pharm and Cath Bishops many others support it.
* "Cornhusker" and a few others are pulled from the bill by those members who asked for them.
** $138 billion deficit reduction (btw: Mr. Bush ran up a $2 trillion deficit bill: 2001 and 2003 Medicare Part D, two Bush tax cuts) - not even counting the fiscal mess he left when he left town.
*** Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) and a few others now screaming about the deficit, voted for the Bush deficit spending in 2001 and 2003.
I have been reading the 1,990 page bill ... you should, too.
Come November elections say goodbye to Congressman Owens job. We will add one more unemployed person thanks to OBAMA.
ReplyDeleteNice points Dan and how are we going to pay for it? it is not free and the country is BROKE! Medicaid is expanding? It's going BROKE. If President OBAMA did anything about getting those 32 million uninsured a job we wouldn't need to put them on medicare and pre-existing conditions are moot for a an employer plan. Cover kids that are 27??? Since when are you a kid at 27 years old? GO WORK and move out of your parents house and contribute to society. You can join the army at 18! I am tired of excuses.