Mark Schauer RSS Articles

Schauer named Majority Vice Chair of Highways & Transit Subcommittee

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

During yesterday’s full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure markup session, Chairman James L. Oberstar (Minn.) appointed Congressman Mark Schauer (Mich.) Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

“In his short time on the Committee, Rep. Schauer has stood out as a hard-working advocate for the people of his Congressional District,” said T&I Chairman Oberstar. “His thoughtful, probing questions at Committee hearings are proof of his dedication to his job and to the Committee. I can think of no one more deserving of this position.”

Yesterday Chairman Oberstar also named Vice Chairs of the five other T&I subcommittees: Subcommittee on Aviation (John A. Boccieri, Ohio), Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation (Michael E. McMahon, New York), Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management (Thomas S. P. Perriello, Virginia), Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials (Timothy J. Walz, Minnesota), and Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Donna F. Edwards, Maryland).

“As a donor state, Michigan needs strong voices on this important panel to make sure we get our fair share of federal funding to fix our crumbling roads and bridges. This appointment will put me in a stronger position to fight for Michigan businesses and workers as we consider the re-authorization of the surface transportation bill,” said Congressman Schauer. “I appreciate Chairman Oberstarr’s leadership and humbly accept this responsibility. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get our economy back on track and create jobs for Michigan workers.”

Congressman Schauer also serves as a member of the Subcommittees on Railroads, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials and Aviation.

“I’m pleased that Congressman Schauer has this new position to advocate for Michigan’s transportation needs. Cong. Schauer understands the importance of transportation to create jobs and grow the U.S. and Michigan economies," said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “He brings a thoughtful perspective to build a 21st century transportation system that meets the needs of both individual transportation users and job providers."

Rep. Nick Joe Rahall (W. Va.) was named Vice Chairman of the full Committee earlier this year.

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Schauer votes to extend unemployment insurance benefits, homebuyers' tax credit

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) voted to stimulate the local economy and provide stability to Michigan families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (HR 3548) will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to the 62,753 Michigan workers whose benefits would otherwise run out by the end of the year.

“This bill will offer a much-needed lifeline to struggling Michigan families and give unemployed workers a chance to get back on their feet,” said Schauer. “The families who receive these benefits will be putting money right back into our local economy – buying groceries, filling their cars with gas, and making their mortgage payments on time.”

The extension is fully paid for and will provide immediate, effective stimulus to the local economy. The Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus, and every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new demand, according to Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi.

The legislation will provide families in all states with 14 weeks of additional benefits, and six more weeks to the 27 states with the highest unemployment rate, including Michigan. Workers in these high unemployment states who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for a total of 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation.

“This legislation takes important, immediate steps to help stabilize our small businesses and strengthen the local housing market,” said Rep. Schauer. “These efforts are crucial to growing our economy and putting it back on sound footing.”

The bill includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010 and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more. It also helps military families struggling to make mortgage payments by making those payments tax-exempt.

To breathe life back into American businesses suffering from huge losses, this bill allows U.S. companies to carry back losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 against income earned in any of the five prior years.

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Schauer votes to protect MI consumers from unfair credit card rate hikes, hold Wall Street Accountable

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) voted to accelerate critical reforms that will protect consumers from the abusive practices of the credit card industry. By moving up the start date of much of the Credit CARD Act, Congress can limit the worst practices of credit card companies before the full law takes effect. The Credit CARD Act implemented tough regulations on the credit card industry and empowered consumers by equipping them with the tools they need to manage their own credit.

“In this tough economy Michigan families are having a hard enough time making ends meet, and the last thing they need is an unfair battle with deceptive credit card companies,” said Schauer. “These greedy firms are ripping off the same consumers who helped finance their $700 billion Wall Street bailout, and it needs to stop. Today’s vote will hold the big credit card companies accountable and protect consumers on Main Street.”

According to Pew Charitable Trusts, credit card interest rates climbed an average of 20 percent on credit cards representing more than 90 percent of outstanding balances in the first half of 2009.

The Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act moves up the effective date for these critical credit card reforms from February 22nd to immediately following the President’s signing this bill into law. The original legislation, which Congressman Schauer co-sponsored, includes crucial measures that protect consumers from unfair interest rate hikes on existing balances, double-cycle billing and due-date gimmicks. The common-sense reforms in this bill will bring transparency and fairness to the credit card industry and will provide customers with the information they need to make smart financial decisions.

Last week, Schauer joined 45 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to the CEOs of Bank of America and Citigroup, which together have received $45 billion in federal bailout funds, urging them to reconsider their decision to charge new credit card fees on customers in good standing.

A constituent from Battle Creek recently wrote into Congressman Schauer’s office to explain that his credit card interest rate from Citibank was going up from 6.99% to 29.99% on all charges, past and present. He said, “This will possibly cause me to declare bankruptcy. [My wife] and I are unemployed and she is now going through Chemotherapy. I have been with Citibank for over ten years and have never once been late or over drafted. No one can pay off a balance at 29.99%.”

If local residents have experienced similar unfair credit card rate hikes and need assistance, they are encouraged to contact Congressman Schauer’s district office toll-free at 877-737-6407.

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News on the Recovery Act, Unfair Credit Card Rate Hikes

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

MLive: Michigan's share of the Recovery Act so far: $5.2 billion, 22,000 jobs
Michigan's job-creation figure from federal Recovery Act spending rose above 22,000 in new data released by the Obama administration Friday. The state has received roughly $5.2 billion in stimulus funds and catapulted to No. 9 among states for jobs created or saved with 22,513, according to data posted on the Recovery.gov stimulus data-tracking Web site. A preliminary estimate released two weeks ago put Michigan about midway among states with just 397 jobs created or saved.

You can track Recovery Act funding for the 7th district by visiting Rep. Schauer's Recovery webpage.

AP: Credit-card rates rise before law changes
Have you checked the interest rates on your credit cards lately? Odds are they're going way up. That's because credit-card companies are rushing to raise rates and tack on extra fees ahead of a law slated to take effect Feb. 22 that is supposed to limit such moves in the future. In some cases, rates are doubling to as high as 30 percent or more, even for people who pay their bills on time. The current maneuvering by the card companies is serving up another blow to American consumers who are already struggling with their finances. U.S. lawmakers let that happen by giving the card companies nine months to prepare for the rules.

On Friday, Mark co-sponsored a bill to freeze unfair credit card interest rate hikes and protect consumers. You can read more about this bill by clicking here.

H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The information provided below comes from www.flu.gov. For Michigan-specific information, click here.

Q. When will the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be widely available in my community?

All states and the District of Columbia have placed orders for vaccine, and more orders are expected daily. Orders are coming in throughout the day; they’re being processed and shipped, and vaccine is arriving in thousands of places across the country.

The vaccine situation changes rapidly and we are slowly seeing the gap between supply and demand begin to close. Because the vaccine distribution system varies by state, the vaccine situation on the ground may differ from community to community.

As of Friday, October 30, 2009, 26.6 million doses have been allocated. Each week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports how much vaccine has been shipped to each state. You can find out how much H1N1 vaccine has shipped to your state at www.flu.gov.

Like the flu itself, flu vaccine production is notoriously unpredictable, and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is taking longer to produce than manufacturers initially expected. We are all deeply saddened by the illness and death caused by the H1N1 flu, and we are frustrated by the long lines and production delays, but scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock to produce this vaccine safely, effectively, and as quickly as the science allows.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was developed and began to be distributed across the country less than six months after H1N1 was first identified last April, which is significant since it often takes between six and nine months to make a vaccine.

Q: Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?

Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective. The FDA has licensed it. There have been no safety shortcuts.

H1N1 vaccine is produced exactly the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is produced every year, using the only technique available to get the vaccine safely and quickly to the American people. The 2009 H1N1 flu is simply a new virus strain. In fact, had H1N1 struck this country earlier than this spring, the H1N1 strain probably would have been included as part of this year’s seasonal flu shot.

Millions of Americans have been vaccinated against seasonal flu vaccine for years without any problems. Still, because some Americans have concerns about “new” vaccines, the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers conducted more rigorous tests on the H1N1 vaccine than on other flu vaccines, and there were no red flags from these clinical trials.

Also, CDC has stepped up surveillance efforts to track the H1N1 vaccine and any possible adverse events. Since it is so closely related to the seasonal flu vaccine, we do not expect to see serious side effects. But we are taking all the necessary steps to promote and monitor safety.

Q. If the number of flu cases are decreasing in my community, should I still get vaccinated?

It is important that you get the vaccine as soon as it is available in your community. Flu pandemics are unpredictable, and often come in waves. There can be an increase in illness, then a decrease, then another increase and so forth. During the1957 flu pandemic there was early rise in disease around September and October, and then there was another big wave of influenza illness after the first of the year. Getting vaccinated will help protect you against the H1N1 flu as it continues to spread throughout the country.

Q: Should I get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if I have already had flu-like illness since the Spring of 2009?

The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when flu viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses.

If you were ill but do not know for sure that you had the 2009 H1N1 flu, you should get vaccinated when it is your turn., if your doctor recommends it.

In addition, unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 has not been widespread in seniors so far. However, doctors at the CDC are recommending that older people get both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccines when it’s their turn, just like everyone else.

Q: Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—an independent committee which advises CDC—recommended that novel H1N1 flu vaccine be made available first to the following five groups:

Pregnant women;
Health care workers and emergency medical responders;
People caring for infants under 6 months of age;
Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years; and
People aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, neuro-muscular disorders).

Q: How serious is the H1N1 flu?

The flu is widespread in 48 states right now and continues to rise.

Many people will get a mild case of H1N1, but there are groups who are at high risk for serious complications. Some of them, such as teenagers and young adults, are not typically at risk from the flu, but are especially vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

It is important that people with high risk for serious complications such as pregnant women, people under age 25, and those with asthma, diabetes or another underlying condition seek medical attention if they are sick and ask their doctor if a prescription for an anti-viral medicine is appropriate.

Q: In addition to vaccination, are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®).
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Q: Will there be enough pediatric Tamiflu to treat children who are ill?

As the H1N1 flu virus continues to spread, CDC is working with physicians and other health care providers to make sure children and adults who get sick can get the medicine they need, when they need it.

In the spring when the H1N1 flu virus first hit this country, the federal government released approximately 11 million doses of antiviral medication to the states. This consisted mostly of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and represented approximately 25 percent in the Strategic National Stockpile. Since then, we have replenished the stockpile. In October, Secretary Sebelius released an additional 300,000 doses of liquid pediatric Tamiflu from the stockpile to send to the states.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the maker of Tamiflu® have said that available supplies of liquid Tamiflu® for children are limited. If you cannot get liquid Tamiflu® for your child, a pharmacist can make a Tamiflu® suspension (liquid) using available Tamiflu® adult capsules. CDC is alerting pharmacists about this option and providing instructions on how to prepare a suspension using adult capsules. Children’s doses of Tamiflu® are also available in capsules.

Q: What has the government done to prepare for and respond to the H1N1 pandemic?

After this spring’s H1N1 outbreak, the U.S. government took aggressive steps to protect public health including:

Launched a public education campaign to curb the spread of the disease, including Public Service Announcements, guidance for schools, businesses, and clinicians, and a new website: flu.gov to provide the latest information about the flu;
Released 25 percent of the Strategic National Stockpile of antivirals in the spring;
Released 300,000 doses of pediatric oral suspension Tamilflu from the Strategic National Stockpile in October;
Developed a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine;
Began distributing the H1N1 vaccine across the country;
Authorized the use of a new anti-viral intravenous drug under for critically ill flu patients

Q: Where can I get more information?

Visit Flu.gov. It’s the government-wide, one-stop website for information about the flu. Flu.gov includes:

A self-evaluation section where you can check your symptoms and help make decision about seeking treatment.
A section on myths and facts about the flu to help people get accurate and timely information about the H1N1 flu and flu vaccine.
A vaccine locator that can help you find out where to get the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine. The vaccine locator will continue to be updated as states and communities announce vaccination sites.
Webcasts on what to do about the flu featuring doctors and scientists.
Educational tools like PSAs with Elmo in Spanish and English to teach kids about how to sneeze correctly and how parents need to come up with a plan in case their child gets ill.
Handouts like our Flu Essentials, which are available in ten languages to share with neighbors and friends that outline critical early warning signs about the flu.

Schauer Co-Sponsors Bill to Freeze Unfair Credit Card Rate Hikes, Protect Consumers

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) co-sponsored the Credit Card Rate Freeze Act, legislation that would immediately freeze interest rates on consumer credit card accounts ahead of federal credit card reform legislation slated to go into effect early next year. Earlier this week, Schauer joined 45 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to the CEOs of Bank of America and Citigroup, which together have received $45 billion in federal bailout funds, urging them to reconsider their decision to charge new credit card fees on customers in good standing.

“Rather than helping small business owners obtain credit to create Michigan jobs and stabilize our economy, these credit card companies are taking advantage of responsible consumers who helped finance their bailouts,” said Schauer. “This is why I voted against the Wall Street bailout in the first place, and why I’m committed to holding these companies accountable and protecting consumers.”

Congressman Schauer was a co-sponsor of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which aims to curb unfair and deceptive credit card lending practices and was signed into law earlier this year. It is slated to go into effect in February of 2010.

The Credit CARD Act requires 45 day notification of interest rate increases and lengthens from 14 days to 21 days the amount of time before the due date that a statement must be delivered. The bill Rep. Schauer co-sponsored today would force companies to immediately freeze rates on existing balances until the remaining provisions in the Credit CARD Act go into effect.

A constituent from Battle Creek wrote in this week to explain that his credit card interest rate from Citibank was going up from 6.99% to 29.99% on all charges, past and present. He said, “This will possibly cause me to declare bankruptcy. [My wife] and I are unemployed and she is now going through Chemotherapy. I have been with Citibank for over ten years and have never once been late or over drafted. No one can pay off a balance at 29.99%.”

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A copy of Schauer’s letter to the CEO’s of Bank of America and Citigroup is available below.

October 28, 2009

Mr. Kenneth Lewis
Bank of America Chief Executive Officer
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28255

Mr. Vikram Pandit
Citigroup Chief Executive Officer
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Dear Mr. Lewis and Mr. Pandit,

We have received numerous complaints from our constituents regarding unreasonable credit card interest rate changes prior to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act) reforms.

Three weeks ago, we sent letters to credit card industry leaders urging them to follow the example set by Bank of America, who announced they would not increase their credit card interest rates prior to the effective date of the Credit CARD Act. The Today Show and USA Today are now reporting that Bank of America will begin charging customers an annual fee for not carrying a balance. Even more troubling, the reports also reveal that Citigroup has already begun charging consumers who maintain balances below $2,400. These reports are especially disappointing and further erode any good faith left in the industry.

While we understand that your companies have been struggling to stabilize during this economic downturn, penalizing consumers for maintaining responsible credit practices is both absurd and unfair. Bank of America and Citigroup have each received $45 billion in federal bailout funds over the last year. We urge you to consider those consumers, whose tax dollars funded your bailouts, and who dutifully pay their bills on time and are now struggling to make ends meet.

This practice may also bring unintended consequences for credit in America, as a consumer’s credit score is negatively impacted by closing a credit card account. Many Americans may choose to cancel their accounts rather than pay additional fees for being responsible customers, which could further destabilize the credit card industry. In a time when businesses are struggling to maintain their customer base just to survive, the credit card industry seems openly disdainful of the hard working Americans who comprise theirs.

The Credit CARD Act does not prohibit these new fees; however, this legislation has brought many of these credit card practices under scrutiny and highlighted the gaps in consumer protection. We will continue to evaluate these practices to determine if further legislative action is warranted.

Finally, we would like to remind you that consumers and businesses drive the American economy. It is in our country’s best interest to ensure they can weather this economic crisis. Wall Street banks have received hundreds of billions of dollars of taxpayer money while families and small businesses on Main Street face a severe credit crunch and rising unemployment. With additional Congressional oversight, increased media attention, pending legislation, and economically stressed constituents, we feel that Bank of America and Citigroup have made very poor decisions. We urge you to immediately reconsider your decision to institute new credit card fees on customers in good standing.

Sincerely,

Betsy Markey, Betty Sutton, John Salazar, Larry Kissell, Ed Markey, Marcia Fudge, Grace Napolitano, Chris Carney, Michael Arcuri, Chellie Pingree, Phil Hare, Joe Courtney, Carol Shea-Porter, Bruce Braley, Mark Schauer, Dina Titus, Steve Cohen, Paul Tonko, Eric Massa, Elijah Cummings, Harry Teague, Maurice Hinchey, Mike Doyle, Alcee Hastings, Dale Kildee, Lois Capps, Allen Boyd, Jan Schakowsky, Marcy Kaptur, Barbara Lee, Pete Stark, Mike Quigley, Chaka Fattah, Judy Chu, Mazie Hirono, John Olver, John Conyers, Bob Filner, Yvette Clark, Kathy Dahlkemper, Jesse Jackson, Stephen Lynch, Ben Chandler, Danny Davis, Chris Van Hollen

Affordable Health Care for America Act Clearinghouse

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

UPDATED: 11/6/09

Read the bill: You can read a copy of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by clicking here (PDF). You can also read a copy of the Manager's Amendment to the bill here (PDF).

Section-by-section analysis: The House Energy and Commerce Committee has produced a section-by-section analysis of the bill, which you can read here (PDF).

Share your thoughts: Please share your thoughts about this effort to offer every American access to quality, affordable health insurance by submitting a comment below. You can also submit feedback by filling our Congressman Schauer's constituent survey on health insurance reform.

Schauer statement on the bill (10/29/09):

“This is the plan we need to fix our broken health care system and get our economy back on track by reducing the federal deficit by $30 billion over the next decade.

“After talking to small business owners, workers, doctors and seniors, it’s clear to me that our current health care system is broken. Health costs for small businesses have skyrocketed 129% since 2000, and if we don’t act now, health care costs for average Michigan families will continue to increase by $1,800 each year for the next ten years.

“For consumers, this bill guarantees everyone access to quality, affordable insurance coverage that you can never lose, even if you get sick or lose a job. It also prevents the use of pre-existing conditions to deny coverage and will help lower medical costs for middle-class families. For seniors, it will preserve and strengthen Medicare by closing the prescription drug donut hole and eliminating co-payments for preventive services. And for small businesses – like the one my wife and I own – it offers access to affordable group rates through a health insurance exchange, which will lower costs and allow entrepreneurs to re-invest in their business.

“Michigan can’t afford to wait for health insurance reform. The time to act is now.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

What's in it for Michigan: You can learn more about what's in the new health insurance reform bill for Michigan families, seniors and small businesses by reading this fact sheet (PDF), prepared by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Guide for seniors: You can learn more about what's in the bill for senior citizens and people with disabilities by clicking here (PDF).

Guide for small businesses: To learn more about how health insurance reform will help lower health care costs for small businesses, click here (PDF).

What's in the bill for rural America: Learn more about how the bill will benefit rural Michigan families and small businesses by clicking here (PDF).

Who's supporting health insurance reform: Nonpartisan groups representing Americans from all walks of life have lent their support to this critical legislation, such as AARP, the National Security to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Consumers Union, the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Farmers’ Union.

HOW WILL HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AFFECT YOU?

TOP 14 PROVISIONS THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY

1. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE — Reduces the donut hole by $500 and institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, effective January 1, 2010.

2. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL) — Creates a temporary insurance program until the Exchange is available for individuals who have been uninsured for several months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

3. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.

4. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Prohibits insurers from nullifying or rescinding a patient’s policy when they file a claim for benefits, except in the case of fraud.

5. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE— Requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.

6. ELIMINATES COST-SHARING FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.

7. IMPROVES HELP FOR LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES—Improves the low-income protection programs in Medicare to assure more individuals are able to access this vital help.

8. PROVIDES NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN MEDICARE ADVANTAGE— Prohibits Medicare Advantage plans from charging enrollees higher cost-sharing for services in their private plan than what is charged in traditional Medicare.

9. IMMEDIATE SUNSHINE ON PRICE GOUGING—Discourages excessive price increases by insurance companies through review and disclosure of insurance rate increases.

10. CONTINUITY FOR DISPLACED WORKERS—Allows Americans to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in place and they can access affordable coverage.

11. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled.

12. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a $10 billon fund to finance a temporary reinsurance program to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64.

13. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.

14. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS — Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.

TOP 10 CHANGES IN H.R. 3962 FROM H.R. 3200 (the previous House bill)

1. REDUCES THE DEFICIT MORE—According to the CBO, the revised bill reduces the deficit by $30 billion over the first 10 years. (The original bill reduced the deficit by $6 billion over the first 10 years). The revised bill also continues to reduce the deficit over the second 10 years.

2. ENDS HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES’ BLANKET EXEMPTION FROM ANTI-TRUST LAWS—In order to open up health insurance markets to real competition, the revised bill ends insurers’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws, bringing antitrust enforcement to the two most abusive practices of health insurers – price fixing and market allocation.

3. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE—The revised bill requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ policy, at their parents’ choice.

4. CREATES A NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—The revised bill creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. The measure provides a cash benefit to help individuals with community-based services.

5. EXEMPTS SMALL BUSINESSES WITH PAYROLLS BELOW $500,000 FROM EMPLOYER MANDATE—The revised bill exempts a greater number of small businesses from the employer mandate – exempting 86% of all America’s businesses. Specifically, the bill exempts firms with payrolls up to $500,000 (instead of $250,000) from the mandate and provides only a graduated penalty for not offering coverage for firms with payrolls between $500,000 and $750,000 (instead of firms with payrolls between $250,000 and $400,000.)

6. LIMITS THE “HEALTH CARE SURCHARGE” TO MILLIONAIRES—Under the revised bill, only the wealthiest 0.3% of Americans would pay a surcharge on the portion of their income above $500,000 (instead of $280,000) for individuals and $1 million (instead of $350,000) for couples, in order to help make health insurance affordable for middle class families.

7. ADDRESSING GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN MEDICARE PAYMENTS/MOVING TO MEDICARE PAYMENTS REWARDING QUALITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS—The revised bill provides that the Institute of Medicine (IOM), through two studies, will make recommendations on how to fix the current Medicare reimbursement system, including addressing current geographic variations. Under the bill, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement the IOM recommendations on changes to Medicare payment systems unless disapproved by Congress.

8. BEGINS CLOSING THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE IMMEDIATELY—The revised bill moves forward the effective date of reducing the donut hole by $500 and instituting a 50% discount for brand-name drugs in the donut hole, from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2010. It also completes elimination of the donut hole by 2019 (instead of 2024).

9. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL)—To fill the gap before the Exchange is available, the revised bill immediately creates an insurance program with financial assistance for those who have been uninsured for several months or denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

10. HHS NEGOTIATION OF DRUG PRICES—Under the revised bill, the Secretary of HHS is required to negotiate drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

Schauer comments on new House health insurance reform legislation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) issued the following statement on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, HR 3962.

“This is the plan we need to fix our broken health care system and get our economy back on track by reducing the federal deficit by $30 billion over the next decade.

“After talking to small business owners, workers, doctors and seniors, it’s clear to me that our current health care system is broken. Health costs for small businesses have skyrocketed 129% since 2000, and if we don’t act now, health care costs for average Michigan families will continue to increase by $1,800 each year for the next ten years.

“For consumers, this bill guarantees everyone access to quality, affordable insurance coverage that you can never lose, even if you get sick or lose a job. It also prevents the use of pre-existing conditions to deny coverage and will help lower medical costs for middle-class families. For seniors, it will preserve and strengthen Medicare by closing the prescription drug donut hole and eliminating co-payments for preventive services. And for small businesses – like the one my wife and I own – it offers access to affordable group rates through a health insurance exchange, which will lower costs and allow entrepreneurs to re-invest in their business.

“Michigan can’t afford to wait for health insurance reform. The time to act is now.”

The bill is available on Congressman Schauer’s website by visiting www.schauer.house.gov and clicking on the ‘Health Care Reform’ button. It will be posted online for at least 72 hours before a House votes takes place.

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Schauer votes to increase access to credit for small businesses

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Mark Schauer voted to create new jobs and stimulate the economy by providing small businesses with access to the loans and investment dollars they need to expand and grow their operations. The Small Business Financing and Investment Act (HR 3854) will help open tight credit markets that have shut out small business owners during this economic crisis, so they can create jobs – particularly in struggling regions and industries.

“Small businesses are the number one source of new jobs in this country” said Schauer. “By helping small businesses grow, we will create jobs for Michigan workers and get our economy back on track.”

Small businesses create 60-80% of new jobs every year, but the current economic crisis has frozen credit and made it difficult for American small businesses to get the financing they need. By comprehensively updating the Small Business Administration’s capital access programs, the legislation is expected to support $44 billion in lending and investment for smaller firms.

SCHAUER REMARKS, AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY ON THE HOUSE FLOOR:

During debate on the House floor, Schauer told the story of how a small business owner in Delta Township was able to create 10 jobs with a loan through the Small Business Administration.

“The Small Business Administration has played a key role in the current economic crisis in helping businesses and manufacturers maintain access to credit. But we need to do more. Michigan’s unemployment numbers are still unacceptably high, and counties in my district still suffer from unemployment rates higher than 15 percent.

“Local businesses tell me every day that they are ready to invest and hire more employees. Unfortunately, they are having trouble getting the credit they need to help get Michigan back to work. Earlier this year, we passed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which created new programs to revitalize our small business and manufacturers.

“These programs have helped. With just a $12,500 government-backed loan, Diane Brabon, was able to create 10 new jobs at the Trusting Heart Home Health Services in Delta Township. Yet successful businesses are still starved for credit. With this amendment, the SBA will be able to guarantee loans that recognize the challenges small businesses are facing in high unemployment areas. I proudly support this amendment and I look forward to working with Rep. Peters and my other colleagues on finding ways to encourage more lenders to participate in these important programs.”

BACKGROUND:

The Small Business Financing and Investment Act reduces paperwork required for SBA loans, making it easier for both small business borrowers and lenders to participate.
The bill helps the SBA act as a matchmaker between lenders and businesses and, in times of tight credit, allows the SBA to step in and fill in the gaps when private lenders stop lending.
H.R. 3854 also increases loan sizes, giving businesses access to larger amounts of capital. Conventional loan sizes increase by 30% to $3 million; other loan programs will provide as much as $25 million for small manufacturers.
The legislation establishes a new training program to encourage lender participation, creating more choices for businesses seeking to acquire SBA-guaranteed loans.
H.R. 3854 also creates a new grant program so small firms can receive grants of $100,000 in order to help them recover from disasters.
A new program at the SBA will help smaller and solo health practitioners adopt Health Information Technology, improving patient care, reducing health care costs and helping speed the adoption of electronic health records among small practitioners.

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Mark in the news

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

CIT PAT: Tenneco Inc. secures $24 million loan commitment from Department of Energy
Tenneco Inc. has secured a $24 million loan commitment from the Department of Energy to assist in the engineering and manufacturing of exhaust components of nine new models of advanced technology vehicles. Through a condition of the loan, engineering work will be done at the company's Grass Lake facility, while manufacturing will take place at its sites in Marshall and Litchfield... According to a statement from the company, Tenneco is the first auto parts supplier to receive federal funds through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing incentive program. "We have the tools, talented workforce and resources to develop the high-tech, energy efficient vehicles of tomorrow right here in Michigan," U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D- Battle Creek, said in a statement. "At a time when businesses are struggling to obtain credit to expand their operations and create jobs, this public-private partnership is welcome news for Tenneco, its workers, and the entire Grass Lake community."

WWMT: Company gets government loan for new car technology
A West Michigan company has received a big government loan to develop new car technology. The Department of Energy announced a $24 million boost for Tenneco Incorporated. The company will use the money to develop components to control fuel emissions to help car-makers meet the Obama administration's new fuel economy standards. Tenneco will design the new technology at its facility in Grass Lake and make the parts in Litchfield and Marshall. Congressman Mark Schauer says the investment will help keep Michigan a global leader in the automotive industry. A new study shows clean energy investments like this one could create up to 42,000 jobs in Michigan. The lead author says the green transition will also translate into better paying jobs and help the state bring in money.