- Fanboy
- Mondegreen
- Webinar
These are a few of the official words which have been recently added to the Webster's Dictionary.
You can find the definitions here.
- Posted by Cheri
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top 3 Words of 2009
According to Global Language Monitor (GLM), the top word for 2009 is TWITTER. Go figure. Obama and H1N1 came in second and third, respectively.
Read the entire story here.
- Posted by Cheri
Read the entire story here.
- Posted by Cheri
Top 5 Postings of 2009
Here are the top five postings on Chat with the Chamber for 2009:
1. The Triplets Have Arrived - January 19, 2009
2. 20 Fav - October 10, 2009
3. Health Care Reform and Congressman Zack Space - July 23, 2009
4. 40 Inspiring Speeches - December 28, 2009
5. 12 Things To Do On My "Day Off" - April 10, 2009
- Posted by Cheri
1. The Triplets Have Arrived - January 19, 2009
2. 20 Fav - October 10, 2009
3. Health Care Reform and Congressman Zack Space - July 23, 2009
4. 40 Inspiring Speeches - December 28, 2009
5. 12 Things To Do On My "Day Off" - April 10, 2009
- Posted by Cheri
A Team Approach
Changes Ahead
I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog. If you have followed it for even a short period of time, you will notice that it is very random. There are postings about local business, regulation, politics, music, leadership, humor and occasionally some postings on me and my family, which really don't belong here. I'll elaborate on that in a minute.
As of January 1, 2010, Chat with the Chamber will now be written by my team; not just by me. We are an office of four women (talented women, I might add) and each have ideas and passions that compliment each other and will add value to this blog. So the new team is made up of Mandy, Vicky, Jennifer and me, Cheri.
Another benefit of this team approach is a selfish one. I maintain another blog, my personal one (http://www.naplesgirl.wordpress.com/) and keeping up with two blogs can sometimes be a difficult task. By not having the sole responsibility of Chat with the Chamber, I can be more creative on my personal blog and not intermix my crazy personal life with Chamber life.
I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog. If you have followed it for even a short period of time, you will notice that it is very random. There are postings about local business, regulation, politics, music, leadership, humor and occasionally some postings on me and my family, which really don't belong here. I'll elaborate on that in a minute.
As of January 1, 2010, Chat with the Chamber will now be written by my team; not just by me. We are an office of four women (talented women, I might add) and each have ideas and passions that compliment each other and will add value to this blog. So the new team is made up of Mandy, Vicky, Jennifer and me, Cheri.
Another benefit of this team approach is a selfish one. I maintain another blog, my personal one (http://www.naplesgirl.wordpress.com/) and keeping up with two blogs can sometimes be a difficult task. By not having the sole responsibility of Chat with the Chamber, I can be more creative on my personal blog and not intermix my crazy personal life with Chamber life.
Our goal is to provide more valuable content to you from four different perspectives. I hope you enjoy the new changes.
P.S. Slight change in our address. New one is www.chatwiththechamber.com, but you can still find us under the old one too at www.chatwiththechamber.blogspot.com
Action Alert!
Dear Chamber Members:
You only have one more opportunity to make your opinion known regarding the proposed Health Care Reform bill. Now that the Senate passed its bill on December 24th, the Senate and House must combine the two bills through a conference committee. The report issued by that committee is the last opportunity to stop the legislation. Both chambers must approve the report for it to go to the President for his signature.
Because it is being rushed through so quickly, it is impossible to fully understand the consequences of this legislation. Both the House and Senate bills = HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN NEW TAXES ON EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES!! We must work to defeat the conference committee report and instead encourage congress to start over and pass meaningful reforms.
I strongly urge you to contact your members of Congress and share your thoughts. Even if you have previously contacted your legislators about this issue, they need to hear from you AGAIN, urging them to vote NO on the current bill.
Thanks again for your help with this important issue.
You only have one more opportunity to make your opinion known regarding the proposed Health Care Reform bill. Now that the Senate passed its bill on December 24th, the Senate and House must combine the two bills through a conference committee. The report issued by that committee is the last opportunity to stop the legislation. Both chambers must approve the report for it to go to the President for his signature.
Because it is being rushed through so quickly, it is impossible to fully understand the consequences of this legislation. Both the House and Senate bills = HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN NEW TAXES ON EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES!! We must work to defeat the conference committee report and instead encourage congress to start over and pass meaningful reforms.
I strongly urge you to contact your members of Congress and share your thoughts. Even if you have previously contacted your legislators about this issue, they need to hear from you AGAIN, urging them to vote NO on the current bill.
Thanks again for your help with this important issue.
18 Years and Never Missed a Vote
I would like to congratulate State Representative Jay Hottinger on his eighteen years of perfect attendance in public office. Here is an excerpt from a recent press release issued by his office:
2009 marks eighteen consecutive years of public service during which Hottinger has achieved perfect attendance. In addition to his three consecutive years of perfect attendance in the House of Representatives he has achieved nine years of perfect attendance in the Ohio Senate, three years during his previous time in the Ohio House of Representatives, and three years while serving on the Newark City Council. During this period of perfect attendance he has also never missed a vote.
“Being present for every vote has always been a priority for me. It is a duty I take very seriously,” Hottinger said. “My constituents elected me to be their voice in the Ohio House of Representatives and they deserve nothing less than 100% on my voting record.”
2009 marks eighteen consecutive years of public service during which Hottinger has achieved perfect attendance. In addition to his three consecutive years of perfect attendance in the House of Representatives he has achieved nine years of perfect attendance in the Ohio Senate, three years during his previous time in the Ohio House of Representatives, and three years while serving on the Newark City Council. During this period of perfect attendance he has also never missed a vote.
“Being present for every vote has always been a priority for me. It is a duty I take very seriously,” Hottinger said. “My constituents elected me to be their voice in the Ohio House of Representatives and they deserve nothing less than 100% on my voting record.”
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Quote of the Day
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”
- Martha Washington
- Martha Washington
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Jack Of All Trades
Read an article tonight over at zenhabits about whether it is better to be good at a lot of things, or great at one thing.
I was discussing this with my husband and he said it reminded him of a quote he recently heard :
"An educated person should know everything about something, and something about everything"
If conducting a self-examination, I would have to say that I fall into the 'good at a lot of things' category. My problem is that I'm not sure what the 'great at one thing' should be. According to the article and many others I have read, it should be something that I am passionate about.
So which category do you fall in? And what are you passionate about?
I was discussing this with my husband and he said it reminded him of a quote he recently heard :
"An educated person should know everything about something, and something about everything"
If conducting a self-examination, I would have to say that I fall into the 'good at a lot of things' category. My problem is that I'm not sure what the 'great at one thing' should be. According to the article and many others I have read, it should be something that I am passionate about.
So which category do you fall in? And what are you passionate about?
Friday, December 25, 2009
"Hey, how happy are you?"
Moodiness just doesn't happen in women; apparently states are experiencing "mood swings" according to some recent happiness studies.
There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal this week written by Carl Bialik. It presents the findings from some recent polls given to Americans about why they are happy or not-so-happy. One result: "People who are employed, married and high income-earning tend to be happier." - Duh.
Another result: "Researchers showed that states with happier people tended to be the same as states with the best coastlines, air quality and quick commutes, among other considerations."
Here are some of the rankings from the study that appeared in Science which is based on the answers to the survey question, "In general, how satisfied are you with your life?":
The top 10:
There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal this week written by Carl Bialik. It presents the findings from some recent polls given to Americans about why they are happy or not-so-happy. One result: "People who are employed, married and high income-earning tend to be happier." - Duh.
Another result: "Researchers showed that states with happier people tended to be the same as states with the best coastlines, air quality and quick commutes, among other considerations."
Here are some of the rankings from the study that appeared in Science which is based on the answers to the survey question, "In general, how satisfied are you with your life?":
The top 10:
- Louisiana
- Hawaii
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Arizona
- South Carolina
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Alabama
- Maine
Where does Ohio rank? Sadly, we are No. 42. And who was at the bottom of the list? No. 50 - New York.
Mystery Solved
I found a surprise under our tree this morning. Santa had been there and had left me a gift:
As I unwrapped the box, I found another wrapped box inside - several times. When I finally got to the last box, here is what I found:
The blob has been safely returned. Thanks for all the fun Kim and Patrick. Funny thing is that I never suspected Kim at all. I was blaming it all on the boys. Nice work.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Virginia's Letter
Over at Letters of Note, you can see the original letter from eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon written in 1897 and sent to The Sun asking if there really is a Santa Claus.
Priceless.
Oh, and found it via Matt.
Priceless.
Oh, and found it via Matt.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mystery Update
Just received the following message regarding the kidnapping:
Good Day today!
They let me have a shower and a nap today.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday Morning Mystery
I was first to arrive at the office this morning and found this note:
To give you a little background, an interesting item was kidnapped from me last week. Obviously someone is having some fun with it. I'm told that it will be returned. . .soon.
UPDATE: I just received an anonymous email which contained a picture of the item. At least it is still in one piece. I must say that whoever took that picture - you left behind a clue in the photo - a reflection maybe?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
131-Piece Christmas Tree
Jayme received her Christmas gift from her grandma and grandpa last night. Here is what we have been working on today:
Only 684 more pieces to go until the Winter Toy Shop is finished. Oh my.Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Health Care Reform Action Alert!
Over the past few months, I have been keeping you informed on the progress of the Health Care Reform legislation and have asked you to contact your legislators to share your thoughts with them. THIS DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
In the coming days, the U.S. Senate will vote to pass health care reform legislation that will increase government spending by $1 trillion, levy billions in new taxes on employers, impose more penalties and fines on businesses and create more employer mandates. If you haven’t already sent a letter or email to your senators, I strongly urge you to contact your senators today and share your thoughts.
Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to start procedural votes on the bill this Saturday morning in order to pass legislation on Dec. 23 or 24.
Thank you very much for your participation in this important issue.
In the coming days, the U.S. Senate will vote to pass health care reform legislation that will increase government spending by $1 trillion, levy billions in new taxes on employers, impose more penalties and fines on businesses and create more employer mandates. If you haven’t already sent a letter or email to your senators, I strongly urge you to contact your senators today and share your thoughts.
Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to start procedural votes on the bill this Saturday morning in order to pass legislation on Dec. 23 or 24.
Thank you very much for your participation in this important issue.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Decorated and Not So Decorated Doors
Today Mark Evans and I were the judges for the Christmas Decorating Door Contest at Coldwell Banker King Thompson Real Estate. Some doors were beautifully decorated and some, well, let's just say they must have been busy selling homes today.
Here are my favorites:
The winner - Melissa Johnston
I thought this one was very creative. Must have taken Hugh hours to come up with this!
And this was found on Karen Riley's door. It was probably the most interesting of them all, considering I don't recall ever golfing with Santa, Mark or Karen. Not quite sure that's my body either. . .
Thanks for including me in today's festivities Jeffrey. Merry Christmas!
Why Was I Not Invited??
Check out this group of holiday shoppers. There are at least two Chamber members in this shot.
Today Could End Budget Impasse
My husband arrived home late last night (actually early this morning) because the folks over at the Statehouse couldn't agree on how to fix the Governor's Budget proposal. But it now seems that they have somehow come to terms on it. Today could end the budget impasse.
Here's the story which appears in the Columbus Dispatch today:
Budget deal at hand?
Plan may include tax delay, construction-law pilot projects
Thursday, December 17, 2009 3:30 AM
By Jim Siegel and Catherine Candisky
The long impasse over how to fix an $851 million hole in the state budget is expected to end today.
After another long day of negotiations that stretched late into the night, both the Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the spokesman for House Speaker Armond Budish said they anticipated the deal to be completed this afternoon.
The deal would close the budget hole by delaying this year's 4.2 percent income-tax cut. The plan also will include a revamping of Ohio's 132-year-old public construction laws on a limited basis and will make it easy for schools to get a waiver to avoid having to offer all-day kindergarten starting next school year.
Sen. John A. Carey Jr., R-Wellston, said the Senate president, governor and House speaker were "working toward a resolution on the issue." He said action was not taken late yesterday because time was needed to draft the revised bill.
"We just need some time to work out the language," said Keary McCarthy, spokesman for Speaker Budish, D-Beachwood.
The deal would end a nearly two-month impasse, in which most Senate Republicans refused to vote for a budget fix that they deemed to be a damaging income-tax increase. But as the stalemate wore on, advocates for the poor, mentally ill, schools and libraries were increasingly fearful of further budget cuts.
"I guess what they are saying is the suffering isn't great enough for these guys to feel any responsibility," Joel Potts, executive director of the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors' Association, said yesterday hours before a budget deal was reached after 11 p.m.
The 21-member Senate Republican Caucus has offered to provide five votes for the budget fix, meaning they need all 12 Democrats to vote for it in order to reach the required 17 votes for passage.
Democrats, prodded by trade unions, said the construction overhaul the Republicans were pushing as part of the deal would be better off in separate legislation. Black lawmakers worried that it could harm minority contractors' abilities to obtain state business.
The compromise that surfaced yesterday would allow three pilot university projects to be completed under changes to public construction law -- one large, one medium and one small project. Supporters of the construction overhaul say it could save up to 30 percent on building costs.
Democrats say they will agree to the three projects under the changes proposed in April by a panel convened by Gov. Ted Strickland. Some lawmakers expect the $1 billion medical center project at Ohio State University might be one of the projects.
"With any kind of pilot demonstration project, it's going to let us objectively evaluate what is working and what is not -- and, if construction reform will ultimately be a cost-saving measure," said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro, D-Hubbard.
Though most of the talks focused on construction-law changes, Republicans also pushed for a delay in Strickland's requirement that all schools offer all-day kindergarten starting next school year. A study found it could cost Ohio schools about $200 million at a time when all districts are seeing state budget cuts or only minimal increases.
A deal will undoubtedly come as relief to county agencies that have already been forced to scale back or eliminate protective services for abused and neglected children and the elderly; mental-health services; and preschool for low-income children.
"Further cuts in community mental-health services will be a death sentence for many Ohioans who will be unable to access needed but unavailable critical care and supports," officials with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio said in an e-mail to supporters yesterday.
Supporters for public schools and libraries also started blitzing legislators with phone calls and e-mails urging them to preserve their funding.
jsiegel@dispatch.com ccandisky@dispatch.com
Here's the story which appears in the Columbus Dispatch today:
Budget deal at hand?
Plan may include tax delay, construction-law pilot projects
Thursday, December 17, 2009 3:30 AM
By Jim Siegel and Catherine Candisky
The long impasse over how to fix an $851 million hole in the state budget is expected to end today.
After another long day of negotiations that stretched late into the night, both the Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the spokesman for House Speaker Armond Budish said they anticipated the deal to be completed this afternoon.
The deal would close the budget hole by delaying this year's 4.2 percent income-tax cut. The plan also will include a revamping of Ohio's 132-year-old public construction laws on a limited basis and will make it easy for schools to get a waiver to avoid having to offer all-day kindergarten starting next school year.
Sen. John A. Carey Jr., R-Wellston, said the Senate president, governor and House speaker were "working toward a resolution on the issue." He said action was not taken late yesterday because time was needed to draft the revised bill.
"We just need some time to work out the language," said Keary McCarthy, spokesman for Speaker Budish, D-Beachwood.
The deal would end a nearly two-month impasse, in which most Senate Republicans refused to vote for a budget fix that they deemed to be a damaging income-tax increase. But as the stalemate wore on, advocates for the poor, mentally ill, schools and libraries were increasingly fearful of further budget cuts.
"I guess what they are saying is the suffering isn't great enough for these guys to feel any responsibility," Joel Potts, executive director of the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors' Association, said yesterday hours before a budget deal was reached after 11 p.m.
The 21-member Senate Republican Caucus has offered to provide five votes for the budget fix, meaning they need all 12 Democrats to vote for it in order to reach the required 17 votes for passage.
Democrats, prodded by trade unions, said the construction overhaul the Republicans were pushing as part of the deal would be better off in separate legislation. Black lawmakers worried that it could harm minority contractors' abilities to obtain state business.
The compromise that surfaced yesterday would allow three pilot university projects to be completed under changes to public construction law -- one large, one medium and one small project. Supporters of the construction overhaul say it could save up to 30 percent on building costs.
Democrats say they will agree to the three projects under the changes proposed in April by a panel convened by Gov. Ted Strickland. Some lawmakers expect the $1 billion medical center project at Ohio State University might be one of the projects.
"With any kind of pilot demonstration project, it's going to let us objectively evaluate what is working and what is not -- and, if construction reform will ultimately be a cost-saving measure," said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro, D-Hubbard.
Though most of the talks focused on construction-law changes, Republicans also pushed for a delay in Strickland's requirement that all schools offer all-day kindergarten starting next school year. A study found it could cost Ohio schools about $200 million at a time when all districts are seeing state budget cuts or only minimal increases.
A deal will undoubtedly come as relief to county agencies that have already been forced to scale back or eliminate protective services for abused and neglected children and the elderly; mental-health services; and preschool for low-income children.
"Further cuts in community mental-health services will be a death sentence for many Ohioans who will be unable to access needed but unavailable critical care and supports," officials with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio said in an e-mail to supporters yesterday.
Supporters for public schools and libraries also started blitzing legislators with phone calls and e-mails urging them to preserve their funding.
jsiegel@dispatch.com ccandisky@dispatch.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thank You Nicholas Bate
I am extremely humbled and to be honest, a bit shocked, that Chat with the Chamber made the list of Bloggers of The Year for 2009, as selected by Nicholas Bate.
Here's why I like his blog so much:
1. It is a quick read. When you only have limited time, like we all do, it is a great place to check out. I guarantee that once you go, you will return, time and time again.
2. He is the best encourager. We all need someone to encourage us to be the best we can be. He does that every day.
3. He gives you step, by step instructions on how-to-do many things. I like that. I need that.
Congrats to all who made his list.
Here's why I like his blog so much:
1. It is a quick read. When you only have limited time, like we all do, it is a great place to check out. I guarantee that once you go, you will return, time and time again.
2. He is the best encourager. We all need someone to encourage us to be the best we can be. He does that every day.
3. He gives you step, by step instructions on how-to-do many things. I like that. I need that.
Congrats to all who made his list.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." ~ Oren Arnold
The Capitol Christmas Tree
The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington , D.C. , is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren.
Beautiful.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
“Uncle Sammie’s Super Free Donuts Corp”
Here's an explanation of what a "public option" in health care could mean to private industry.
5 Rules for PowerPoint Presentations
For anyone who does presentations, take a few minutes to watch this video. Makes sense to me. Rule #5 is my fav.
Office Powerpoint 2010 "Five Rules" sample presentation from Long Zheng on Vimeo.
Found this at Geek In Disguise.
A Change Of Heart? Nah.
I find it interesting how during an election some view their opponent's ideas as crazy and idiotic, until they decide that those ideas just might make sense. . .
Friday, December 11, 2009
49 Days To Go
No, this isn't my Christmas countdown, or even my New Year's countdown. 49 is the number of days until our Annual Groundhog Breakfast. Many months of planning result in a wonderful community breakfast that all enjoy every year. January 29, 2010 marks 54 years that the Chamber has been hosting this breakfast.
The BIG secret each year comes at the end of the breakfast, when our celebrity Groundhog removes its head to reveal his/her true identity.
We also present someone in the community with the John Alford Community Service award.
But there is another secret that goes on each year relating to the Groundhog Breakfast. Here it is:
The BIG secret each year comes at the end of the breakfast, when our celebrity Groundhog removes its head to reveal his/her true identity.
We also present someone in the community with the John Alford Community Service award.
But there is another secret that goes on each year relating to the Groundhog Breakfast. Here it is:
It is the Christmas orniment exchange between the members of the Groundhog Committee. I am pleased to say that my orniment has been purchased AND wrapped. I am now ready.
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Greensleeves
This is the kind of music that I love to listen to around the holidays. Enjoy.
The Bar Boys
Special thanks to our bartenders from last night's Business After Hours at The Grill Works - Patrick Guanciale and Dave Hardy. Although it was bitter cold out, that didn't stop people from attending our last BAH of the year. Thanks also to Eric Mason for hosting the event.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
AP Sources: Dems deal to drop public option
In today's Advocate, it appears that the public-option for health care reform has some issues.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Social Media Blackout
This past week was an interesting test for me. I didn't blog for about a week. Didn't twitter either. No Facebook. No LinkedIn. So what on earth was I doing??
Enjoying life. Having fun with my friends and family. Reading.
And the world didn't stop because they didn't hear from me.
Today I checked up on a few of my favorite bloggers and they went on blogging, even without me reading and commenting on their stuff. Can you believe it?
Point is that life continues to happen - with or without you. But it is good to take small breaks away from things once in a while. You will survive and may have fresh new ideas when you return. Try it.
Enjoying life. Having fun with my friends and family. Reading.
And the world didn't stop because they didn't hear from me.
Today I checked up on a few of my favorite bloggers and they went on blogging, even without me reading and commenting on their stuff. Can you believe it?
Point is that life continues to happen - with or without you. But it is good to take small breaks away from things once in a while. You will survive and may have fresh new ideas when you return. Try it.
Welcome Mattingly Foods Cash n Carry!
The Chamber participated in a ribbon cutting yesterday at Mattingly Foods Cash n C
arry, located at 1280 East Main Street, across from Matesich Distributing. I was impressed.
It turned out to be much more than a ribbon cutting for us. We ended up filling up a shopping cart and loading down the mustang with our newly purchased goods. And let me tell you, we all reported that our dinners last night were delicious. I can't wait to go back.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
arry, located at 1280 East Main Street, across from Matesich Distributing. I was impressed.
It turned out to be much more than a ribbon cutting for us. We ended up filling up a shopping cart and loading down the mustang with our newly purchased goods. And let me tell you, we all reported that our dinners last night were delicious. I can't wait to go back.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Senator Brown's Response on Health Care Reform
Dear Ms. Hottinger:
Thank you for sharing your views on health reform.
With health care costs rising to a breaking point and access to health coverage rapidly eroding, our health care system is in need of reform. We must reduce the long-term growth of health care costs for patients, taxpayers, and businesses; protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of health expenditures; guarantee a choice of doctors and health plans; invest in prevention and wellness; improve patient safety and quality of care; assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans; and end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
One promising solution to the problems of cost, quality, and access that plague our health care system is to increase competition in the health insurance market. If the private insurance industry was truly competitive, then there would be strong incentives to provide coverage to as many Americans as possible and to build customer loyalty through cost savings and quality improvements. Unfortunately, insurers do not truly compete against one another; instead, they make use of the same basic strategies to earn significant profits. These tactics include selectively insuring the lowest risk enrollees, slow-walking claims payments so they can earn interest on every premium dollar, and denying as many claims as possible.
What the insurance industry needs is some healthy competition from a public insurance option. This option would not replace employer-sponsored coverage and no one would be forced into it; the public option would simply give uninsured or underinsured Americans the choice of enrolling in a quality, affordable health insurance plan that does not engage in the same cost-avoidance tactics that some private insurance plans do. The public health insurance option would also be a vehicle for improvements in quality, coverage, and provider-access that sets the bar higher for private insurance plans. This option would be available to all Americans: both private and government employees, including members of Congress and their staffs.
Since Congress began debating health reform, an overwhelming number of people in Ohio have contacted me. I appreciate this input and am carefully considering the thoughts, questions, and concerns that you and other Ohioans have shared with me.
One question I am often asked is whether I would enroll in the public insurance option. Since first coming to Congress in 1993, I have refused to enroll in the coverage offered to members of Congress until every American has access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. Should a health care reform bill pass that offers a public insurance option, I would be pleased to enroll.
I have also heard from Ohioans concerned about proposals to tax employer-sponsored benefits. I am opposed to taxing these benefits, which would unjustifiably increase the cost of health insurance for working families in Ohio.
Several Ohioans have also questioned whether Americans should be required to purchase coverage. They have expressed concerns over establishing fines intended to increase participation in the health insurance system.
It is important to clarify that these fines would not affect anyone who is currently insured. One of the key principles of the reform effort is that Americans who are satisfied with their coverage today should be able to keep it without being subject to additional costs. However, without a mechanism that encourages the purchase of insurance, some individuals will continue to forego coverage, resulting in uncompensated care costs that inflate insurance premiums and increase the costs of Medicare and Medicaid.
Unfortunately, too many Americans today forego health insurance not by choice, but by circumstance. Many Americans are left without health insurance because their employers don’t offer it, and because it is too expensive to buy in the individual market. That’s why I am working to ensure that individuals who cannot afford the high costs of coverage are provided with federal subsidies to help them purchase insurance. I recognize that, even with federal help, some individuals will still not be able to afford health insurance and I firmly believe that those individuals should not have to pay any fines because they are unable to afford health insurance.
A consolidated Senate health reform bill, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” was released on November 18, 2009, and will be considered by the Senate over the next few weeks. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this bill would extend coverage to an additional 31 million Americans, would cost approximately $848 billion to implement, and would reduce the national deficit by $130 billion over the next decade. The bill is available online at http://democrats.senate.gov/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act.pdf.
On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed legislation, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), by a vote of 220 to 215. For more information on the House of Representatives’ health reform bill, please visit http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0327.
I am currently reviewing the Senate bill, but am pleased we are one step closer to passing health reform legislation beneficial to health care consumers, businesses, and taxpayers alike. I also support giving every member of Congress, and every member of the public, time to review the bill.
As Congress moves forward on health reform, I will certainly work to address the issues contained in your letter. If you wish to learn more about my work on health reform as well as the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that Ohioans have posed to my office, please visit my website at:
http://brown.senate.gov/issues_and_agenda/stories/share/?issue_id=f565635b-e37a-45d3-b15f-edf6b930bd1a.
Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
Thank you for sharing your views on health reform.
With health care costs rising to a breaking point and access to health coverage rapidly eroding, our health care system is in need of reform. We must reduce the long-term growth of health care costs for patients, taxpayers, and businesses; protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of health expenditures; guarantee a choice of doctors and health plans; invest in prevention and wellness; improve patient safety and quality of care; assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans; and end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
One promising solution to the problems of cost, quality, and access that plague our health care system is to increase competition in the health insurance market. If the private insurance industry was truly competitive, then there would be strong incentives to provide coverage to as many Americans as possible and to build customer loyalty through cost savings and quality improvements. Unfortunately, insurers do not truly compete against one another; instead, they make use of the same basic strategies to earn significant profits. These tactics include selectively insuring the lowest risk enrollees, slow-walking claims payments so they can earn interest on every premium dollar, and denying as many claims as possible.
What the insurance industry needs is some healthy competition from a public insurance option. This option would not replace employer-sponsored coverage and no one would be forced into it; the public option would simply give uninsured or underinsured Americans the choice of enrolling in a quality, affordable health insurance plan that does not engage in the same cost-avoidance tactics that some private insurance plans do. The public health insurance option would also be a vehicle for improvements in quality, coverage, and provider-access that sets the bar higher for private insurance plans. This option would be available to all Americans: both private and government employees, including members of Congress and their staffs.
Since Congress began debating health reform, an overwhelming number of people in Ohio have contacted me. I appreciate this input and am carefully considering the thoughts, questions, and concerns that you and other Ohioans have shared with me.
One question I am often asked is whether I would enroll in the public insurance option. Since first coming to Congress in 1993, I have refused to enroll in the coverage offered to members of Congress until every American has access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. Should a health care reform bill pass that offers a public insurance option, I would be pleased to enroll.
I have also heard from Ohioans concerned about proposals to tax employer-sponsored benefits. I am opposed to taxing these benefits, which would unjustifiably increase the cost of health insurance for working families in Ohio.
Several Ohioans have also questioned whether Americans should be required to purchase coverage. They have expressed concerns over establishing fines intended to increase participation in the health insurance system.
It is important to clarify that these fines would not affect anyone who is currently insured. One of the key principles of the reform effort is that Americans who are satisfied with their coverage today should be able to keep it without being subject to additional costs. However, without a mechanism that encourages the purchase of insurance, some individuals will continue to forego coverage, resulting in uncompensated care costs that inflate insurance premiums and increase the costs of Medicare and Medicaid.
Unfortunately, too many Americans today forego health insurance not by choice, but by circumstance. Many Americans are left without health insurance because their employers don’t offer it, and because it is too expensive to buy in the individual market. That’s why I am working to ensure that individuals who cannot afford the high costs of coverage are provided with federal subsidies to help them purchase insurance. I recognize that, even with federal help, some individuals will still not be able to afford health insurance and I firmly believe that those individuals should not have to pay any fines because they are unable to afford health insurance.
A consolidated Senate health reform bill, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” was released on November 18, 2009, and will be considered by the Senate over the next few weeks. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this bill would extend coverage to an additional 31 million Americans, would cost approximately $848 billion to implement, and would reduce the national deficit by $130 billion over the next decade. The bill is available online at http://democrats.senate.gov/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act.pdf.
On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed legislation, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), by a vote of 220 to 215. For more information on the House of Representatives’ health reform bill, please visit http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0327.
I am currently reviewing the Senate bill, but am pleased we are one step closer to passing health reform legislation beneficial to health care consumers, businesses, and taxpayers alike. I also support giving every member of Congress, and every member of the public, time to review the bill.
As Congress moves forward on health reform, I will certainly work to address the issues contained in your letter. If you wish to learn more about my work on health reform as well as the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that Ohioans have posed to my office, please visit my website at:
http://brown.senate.gov/issues_and_agenda/stories/share/?issue_id=f565635b-e37a-45d3-b15f-edf6b930bd1a.
Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
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