How Americans Rate Their Diet Quality

A new TV feature is available on the USDA FTP site. The new feature can also be seen on USDA's YouTube channel and downloaded as a video podcast. See below for details.

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FEATURE - How Americans Rate Their Diet Quality

INTRO: Are people learning the healthy eating information being directed at them? A U-S-D-A study aimed to find out. The U-S-D-A's Bob Ellison has more. (1:30)

 

A NEW U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STUDY SAYS AMERICANS KNOW THEY SHOULD BE EATING HEALTHIER EVEN IF THEY DON'T THINK THEY ARE. THE U-S-D-A'S ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE COMPARED DIET PERCEPTION SURVEYS FROM NINETEEN NINETY ONE AND FROM TWO THOUSAND SIX AND FOUND THAT PEOPLE IN THE OH-SIX SURVEY WERE MORE FAMILIAR WITH FEDERAL DIETARY ADVICE.

 

Christian Gregory, USDA ERS: People are really starting to comprehend that education programs and information in the media and from physicians is really starting to kind of click with people.

 

AND WHILE THOSE SURVEYED DON'T BELIEVE THEIR DIETS HAVE CHANGED, THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT A HEALTHY DIET IS HAS CHANGED.

 

Gregory: The healthfulness of the diet hasn't changed much. So we really think that there is some suggestive evidence that it's the information environment and people's comprehension of that information that's really changing. But all of this information basically has kind of gotten through and you basically evaluate your diet today and say, "Hmm...that might not be that great".

 

GREGORY SAYS THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO STUDY IF HEALTHY EATING INFORMATION IS AFFECTING PEOPLE'S ACTUAL DIETS AND NOT JUST THEIR PERCEPTIONS.

 

Gregory: We need to know more about how effective nutrition education programs, especially those that are funded by and sponsored by the USDA.

 

MORE DIET PERCEPTION STUDY INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT E-R-S DOT U-S-D-A DOT GOV AND HEALTY EATING GUIDELINES CAN BE FOUND AT CHOOSE MY PLATE DOT GOV. FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE I'M BOB ELLISON.

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Volunteers honor legacy of Dubuque veteran by "paying it forward" to Veterans' Freedom Center

 

Dubuque, IA - At 8:30 this morning, just two days before Veterans Day, dozens of volunteers from across the tri-state area gathered to put up drywall, paint, and help renovate the new home of the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center during the first-ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service.

The day of service honors the legacy of the late Andrew Connolly, a Dubuque native and Iowa National Guard veteran who never stopped urging others to "pay it forward" in every aspect of their lives.  Before he passed away on August 26, 2011, after a battle with spinal cancer, Andrew Connolly could often be found at Dubuque's Veterans' Freedom Center, a place close to his heart.

"Andrew's life was committed to serving others," Braley said.  "Whether he was with his wife, Jenny, or his son, Brody, or serving overseas in Iraq, or advocating on Capitol Hill on behalf of other veterans, Andrew led by example.  The mantra he often repeated was 'pay it forward.'

 

"We organized today's day of service to honor and commemorate Andrew's selfless spirit and 'pay it forward' to the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center.  I hope this day grows in its scope and significance from this point forward - it's a fitting tribute to a man who was so focused on helping others despite a life that dealt him a very challenging set of circumstances."

Braley joined Jenny Connolly, the Freedom Center, and local groups to organize the day of service.  Braley spent his time putting up new drywall.  Volunteers were given custom Andrew Connolly Day of Service t-shirts.

Andrew Connolly worked hard to help his fellow veterans.  In May, the US House passed the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, a bill Braley introduced to expand grant programs for permanently disabled veterans to remodel their homes and make them more disability-accessible

# # #

Herman Cain Leads GOP Poll in Three Critical Swing States

Presidential candidate Herman Cain leads the Republican field in three important swing states according to Quinnipiac University's first "Swing State Poll" of the 2012 campaign cycle.

Mr. Cain polls GOP voters in Florida, with 27 percent of the vote, a six percent lead over nearest challenger, and in Ohio, with 25 percent, a five percent lead over nearest challenger. In Pennsylvania, Mr. Cain and Gov. Mitt Romney tie at 17 percent.

For the past 50 years, these three states have predicted the presidential winner. Since 1960, no candidate has won the presidential election without carrying at least two of these states.

"My message of real solutions and real leadership continues to resonate across the country. The American people are tired of career politicians and Washington insiders. They are hungry for an authentic candidate," said Herman Cain. "I appreciate the vote of confidence from the voters of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania and I deeply appreciate all of the support my campaign is receiving from every state in our great country."

###


 

Friends,

We did it.

But we can do more!

When we launched the Iowa Fund last week, many people did not believe we could reach our goal of $999,000, but they were very wrong.  Not only did we reach the goal, we exceeded it more than 24 hours early!

Our total is well over $1.1 Million dollars right now, and still climbing.

Together, we have sent a message...A message to the media, the political establishment, and the rest of the American people.

We will not go along with politics as usual. We will not keep quiet.  

This year, We The People of this great nation will be choosing our own candidate for President of the United States!

Tonight I need your help.  In a little while I will be joining the other candidates in another debate. Many seek to destroy our efforts. Many have said that our campaign cannot possibly remain on top.

They are wrong.

I need you to spread the word about the Iowa Fund.  If you haven't had a chance to contribute- now is the time! If you have, would you consider donating again and inviting your friends to do the same? Let's show the naysayers that we will not be stopped!  

Let's push the Iowa Fund so far above our goal that they can't avoid talking about us! Together we can do this!

Thanks,
signature
Herman Cain

 

Herman Cain Leads in Florida According to Rasmussen


The first survey by Rasmussen Reports of likely Republican primary voters in Florida has presidential frontrunner Herman Cain leading the Republican field with 30 percent, six percent higher than his nearest challenger.

This survey was conducted on November 8th and the margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level.

Herman Cain has been consistently leading the Republican pack in Florida since he won the Florida straw poll in September.

Cain Carries the Crowd, Reasserts Economic Plan in Rochester Debate

ROCHESTER, MI

Republican presidential frontrunner Herman Cain received uproarious applause at the latest and ninth debate for Republican presidential contenders at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan Nov. 9. Cain confronted questions about leadership and character head-on, saying, "Over the last nine days the voters have voted with their dollars and they are saying they don't care about the character assassination - they care about leadership and getting this economy going and all of the other problems we face."

The debate discussion went to Herman Cain first for his perspective on Italy and the global economic crisis. Cain said "We must grow this economy...as long as we are stagnant in terms of growth and GDP, we impact the rest of the world... we (must) put some fuel in the engine that drives economic growth which is the business sector. This administration has done nothing but put stuff in the caboose and it's not moving this economy."

The audience booed debate moderators for dredging up allegations from the last week against Cain. Directly addressing questions, Cain responded strongly: "The American people deserve better than someone being tried in the court of public opinion based on unfounded accusations," Cain continued, "I value my character and integrity more than anything else and for every one person that comes forward with a false accusation, there are thousands who would say none of that sort of activity ever came from Herman Cain."

The crowd cheered when questioners steered the debate back to the economy, which led to Cain reiterating his plan to save the US economy: "Uncertainty is what's killing this economy...we (need to) throw out the tax code and put in something bold. Get government out of the way by reducing the regulatory environment."

Cain said he would support the repeal of Dodd-Frank legislation and suggested that government intervention is not the solution to turn around the economy, "The government has no business trying to pick winners and losers...whether through the front door with legislation or through back door through regulation." Cain reiterated that he would work with politicians from both sides of the aisle with the peoples' support, saying, "Provide a compelling solution, and if the (American people) understand it, they will demand it."

 

Georgia State Senator Unterman Endorses Herman Cain for President

Georgia State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Gwinnett) today enthusiastically announced her endorsement of Herman Cain for president.

"This country needs a real leader, a man of Herman Cain's strong character, integrity, and problem-solving capabilities in the White House. This is why I am endorsing Mr. Cain for President of the United States." said Senator Unterman.

Senator Unterman continued, "I have known Herman Cain for many years, and I cannot think of a better person to be our next Commander-in-Chief.

Our country needs someone with bold ideas, who has experience producing positive results. Mr. Cain is a leader with a proven record of turning around troubled organizations. At this pivotal point in American history, this is the experience we need."

"As the sole female Republican in the Georgia Senate, I am deeply honored to have Senator Unterman's endorsement and thank her for her distinguished leadership in Georgia," said Herman Cain.

 

New Cain Video Features Alveda King and Opportunity Zones in Detroit

Detroit - In the city of Detroit, the very face of destructive liberal economics, presidential candidate Herman Cain presents his vision of turning poverty-stricken communities into thriving Opportunity Zones as part of his bold "9-9-9 Plan."

The new video focuses on a desperate city, hungry for jobs, commerce, and true hope; Herman Cain lays out specific plans for returning Detroit to a pinnacle of industrial achievement.

In this video, respected author and conservative activist, Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lends her support for Mr. Cain's vision for economic renewal.

"Where some see economic decline, Herman Cain sees fertile soil for growth," begins the narrative. And the citizens of Detroit seem to feel it can't happen soon enough...

You can see the video on the Herman Cain YouTube channel.

This Monday, November 14th, the Sugar Shack at 1939 West 4th Street in Davenport, along with various chuches and pastors in the area and the 180 Zone (an outreach ministry), will be handing out free hot dogs and chips to local kids and their families. Also, they'll have coats, shoes, gloves and hats to give away.

This will be the 7th Monday of outreach at the Sugar Shack. It is their desire to provide much goodness and care in the west end of Davenport.

~ ONLINE EBUSTERS AND OFFERS BEGIN AT 6:00 A.M. THANKSGIVING DAY ~

"May All Your Gifts be Merry and Bright"

York, PA, November 9, 2011 - The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT) today announced Bon-Ton stores will open their doors at 12:00 a.m. on November 25 for the biggest After-Thanksgiving Sale offering over 500 door busters, more than ever before, and a myriad of special offers and discounts for its customers.  Bon-Ton's After-Thanksgiving eBusters and specials will be available online beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.  In addition, Bon-Ton announced its holiday marketing campaign inviting its customers to experience the "May all Your Gifts be Merry and Bright" theme in our stores, social media and online.

Bud Bergren, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are very excited about giving our customers an early start on one of their favorite shopping days and believe they will appreciate the exceptional value of our door busters and special offers.  Our customers can maximize their holiday budget with our value-priced gifts, all offering the quality, fashion and styling shoppers have come to expect from Bon-Ton.  The decision to open at midnight was based on our customers' feedback - they wanted the convenience of shopping earlier.  We believe this will enhance our customers' over-all shopping experience."

Mr. Bergren continued, "'May all your gifts be merry and bright' says it all.  We are offering our customers distinctive gifts in every category making it even easier to choose that special gift for that special person at values that will exceed our customers' expectations.  Our customers can enjoy the convenience of shopping the way they choose - in our stores, online and kiosks. We are very excited about the holidays and we believe our customers will be too when they experience the glitter and sparkle of our gift assortments."

  • After-Thanksgiving Day hours: Bon-Ton will be open from 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on November 25.  Over 500 After-Thanksgiving door busters will be available from 12:00 a.m. on November 25 until 1 p.m. on Black Friday, November 25, or while quantities last.
  • Marketing campaign for November and December: "May all Your Gifts be Merry and Bright" campaign highlights the dazzling array of gifts in the ladies, men's, children's, cosmetics/fragrances and home departments. We have bright gift ideas at prices that will make our customers merry.
  • 24/7 - Bon-Ton is there whenever and wherever customers are:
  • Every Tuesday in November and December, there will be weekly Deal of the Day with extraordinary online-only gift deals.
  • 20 Days of Holiday Gift Giving starting December 1.  Every day for 20 days, a feature gift category with 30% off + FREE shipping on that category.
  • Digital and Social Media: Bon-Ton will increase its investment in all digital channels including Facebook, Twitter and mobile campaigns.  Through these media channels, customers will be able to stay in the loop on special holiday gift ideas, discount offers and exclusives throughout the holiday season.  For the convenience of our customers, coupon offers during the holiday season can be sent directly to their mobile device by texting "SHOPPASS" to 266866.  Customers can show their mobile phone at any register to get their digital savings.
  • Email Alerts: sign up to receive email exclusive offers for the entire holiday season by visiting any of our Bon-Ton Stores web sites.
  • Television: Bon-Ton has increased its spend to reach more customers.  Holiday television will include a mix of :15 and :30 spots that will support sale events and highlight unique merchandise offers that support the holiday campaign.
  • Direct Mail: Bon-Ton will mail to a wider base of customers this holiday season.  Bon-Ton Stores proprietary credit card holders will receive advance notice of sales as well as special shopping offers.
  • Extended Shopping Hours during the holiday season starting with After-Thanksgiving through December 24 make shopping more convenient. We know our customers appreciate that extra time as they shop for that extra special gift.
  • Holiday Plush Animals to Benefit Boys and Girls Clubs: Again this year we will offer two exclusive plush animals in our stores and online - a holiday moose and polar bear - 10% of sales will benefit the local Boys & Girls Clubs in our communities. In its ninth year, the promotion has raised more than $940,000 for local Boys & Girls Clubs through fundraising events.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 276 department stores, which includes 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, in the Detroit, Michigan area, under the Parisian nameplate.  The department stores offer a broad assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings.  Visit www.bonton.com for more information on special store hours, in-store offerings and online specials.

 

###

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa expressed concern in 2009 when the IRS, Treasury Department and congressional supporters decided to end a program using outside contractors to try to help collect overdue taxes.  Grassley made the following comment today on a new report showing the IRS has not pursued many of the cases from the private debt collection program.

"The IRS assured us all that the agency could do a better job with these tax cases than outside firms and didn't need any help.  It turns out that the IRS isn't doing a better job and in many cases, isn't doing the job at all.  The IRS and Treasury Department went out of their way to stop a means of collecting tax debt that the IRS otherwise will never collect.  They bowed to union pressure and terminated an alternative collection program before it had a chance to reach its full potential.  It's a shame the IRS continues to let tax debt slide while honest taxpayers pay what they owe.  The agency should explain why that's the case.  And the Administration should be focused on collecting existing taxes owed before trying to impose new taxes, as is being suggested in deficit reduction proposals."

Report details follow:


Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

Press Release

 


November 9, 2011
TIGTA - 2011-80
Contact: David Barnes
(202) 622-3062
David.barnes@tigta.treas.gov
TIGTACommunications@tigta.treas.gov

TIGTA: The IRS Did Not Pursue Collections on All Cases Returned From the Private Debt Collection Program

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not taken collection actions on 47 percent of a statistical sample of 62 past-due tax cases that were returned when the Private Debt Collection Program ended in 2009, according to a new report publicly released today by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

From 2006 to 2009, the Private Debt Collection (PDC) Program collected $98.2 million from delinquent cases that were considered low-yield and therefore not generally worked by IRS employees. The IRS initially contracted with three private debt collection agencies to pursue these collection cases.

When the PDC Program was discontinued in March 2009, the IRS recalled cases with a total assessed balance of $848.5 million from the remaining contractors. TIGTA reviewed the effectiveness of collection actions taken by the IRS on taxpayer accounts returned by the PDC Program.

The IRS did not always pursue collection actions on cases returned to the IRS or analyze the best practices of the private debt collection agencies in the PDC Program for possible improvement of IRS collection practices, TIGTA found.

"The IRS must do its best to work these cases, since taxpayers who do not timely pay all their taxes create an unfair burden on taxpayers who do," said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. "This sense of unfairness can erode the public's respect for the tax system," added George.

TIGTA reviewed a statistical sample of 62 cases returned in Fiscal Year 2009 and found that collection actions were not taken for 29 (47 percent) of the 62 cases. These cases were not selected for collection action due to collection policies and inventory assignment practices. TIGTA estimates that potentially $30.7 million in collections will remain as outstanding liabilities. In addition, TIGTA estimates that the IRS may not collect an additional $103.2 million per year, or $516 million over the next five years, from similar cases in its inventory that would have otherwise been assigned to the PDC Program.

TIGTA also reviewed a statistical sample of installment agreement cases returned during Fiscal Year 2009 and determined that no collection actions were taken for six (10 percent) of 61 cases reviewed. TIGTA estimates that potentially $58,000 in collections will remain as outstanding liabilities. Finally, the IRS did not capture or use PDC Program data and results to improve its own collection practices.

TIGTA recommended that the IRS:

  • Ensure that Collection policy and procedures are reviewed for inventory assignment practices to determine if cases that otherwise would have been assigned to the PDC Program can be worked, or consider reinstituting the Program; and
  • Evaluate private-collection agency best practices and lessons learned for potential improvement of IRS collection processes.

In their response to the report, IRS officials partially agreed with the recommendations and stated that they have begun taking steps to address TIGTA's concerns. The IRS implemented a process to improve balance-due case prioritization and reviewed collection agency operations to identify potential best practices. TIGTA is encouraged by the IRS's commitment to improving case selection and prioritization processes. However, it is still unclear how the IRS would actually work lower priority cases like those eligible for the Program.

Read the report.

###

Senator Chuck Grassley made remarks this morning about the impact of the 2010 health care reform law on the individual insurance market and employers, and how it is costing Americans both insurance coverage and jobs.

 

Floor Statement of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

 

Mr. President, I'd like to begin by thanking my friend from Nebraska, Senator Johanns for joining me on the floor today.

America's families are struggling to put food on their tables, pay their utility bills as winter arrives, and purchase health insurance as costs skyrocket.  Unemployment continues to hover around nine percent and millions of Americans are underemployed.  With the economic situation that our country is facing, Congress must reexamine its actions and realize the errors made through partisan votes.

Last month, The Des Moines Register reported that the American Enterprise Group, an insurance company participating in the individual health insurance market in Iowa and Nebraska, will be leaving the market.  This action shows the importance of repealing and replacing the health care overhaul passed by Democrats in Congress and signed by the President last year before the situation deteriorates further.

American Enterprise notified 110 employees in Iowa and Nebraska that they will lose their jobs sometime during the next three years.  American Enterprise is leaving the individual health insurance market as a result of the instability caused by implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  American Enterprise stated that it will no longer sell individual health insurance policies because of the regulatory environment created by the health care reform bill.

This isn't an isolated incident for Iowa.  The Principal Financial Group left the small group health insurance market in 2010.  This has cost many Iowans their jobs, while leaving scores of small businesses and their employees to choose from health insurance plans in a health insurance market where there is less and less competition.

The regulatory culprit is the new Medical Loss Ratio regulation.  This regulation requires insurers to pay a certain percentage of premiums in claims.  And I will know supporters will defend the regulation as "keeping insurers in check", the real world effect is to force insurers to leave the market reducing competition and choice available to consumers.

The small group and individual markets are volatile.  Insurers bear risk and have to set their premiums accordingly.  Insurers are making the rational decision to get out of the market because the risks have become too great.  Competition is reduced and costs rise.

Once upon a time, the President promised Americans that if you like the insurance plan you have, you can keep it.  This is more evidence that that promise rings hollow.  This recent plan pull out will leave 35,000 individuals without the insurance plan they have grown accustomed to receiving.  Forcing people to choose a different insurance option can lead to higher costs and may limit the health care accessibility these individuals have depended on for years.

This is especially detrimental when these individuals have a pre-existing condition or an acute chronic disease.  The President specifically promised that if people want to keep their health care coverage they would be able to after the passage of this law.

This is just one of the many examples of how this overhaul has led to broken promises made by the President and the Democrats when pushing through the passage of this legislation in a partisan way.  These problems will certainly continue.

The Congressional Budget Office expects people in the individual insurance market to see an average nine percent rise in premium costs solely based on the passage of the health care law.  Is that increased accessibility or affordability?

Not only has the health care overhaul caused health insurance companies to leave parts of the health insurance market and health insurance costs to increase, it has also put additional burdens on employers.  Some employers will no longer offer their employees health care coverage.  Higher taxes and mandates put on employers by the new health care law have left many employers without the resources to maintain current coverage for family members of their employees.

The negative impact this legislation is having on large employers and those insured by employers is demonstrated by the National Business Group on Health.  In its recent annual survey, overall plan costs for large employers are expected to rise by 5.9 percent in 2012.  The National Business Group on Health also notes that seven out of ten employers will lose their grandfather status, meaning that employees will lose their current health care plan and employers will be subjected to additional regulations.

According to this same survey, three out of ten employers are unsure if they will continue to insure employees due to the health care overhaul.  Other employers will increase the employee share of the insurance premium, and many employers state that they will likely lower the level of health care coverage offered to their employees.  For example, Wal-Mart will not allow many of its new part-time employees to receive health care insurance through the company.  Many of these workers are already under-employed.

They work hard, yet don't always have adequate resources to purchase health insurance on their own, especially as costs in the individual insurance market continue to increase due to the new health care law.  Additionally, many businesses are simply dropping coverage for their own employees because of the extra cost incurred with the health care bill recently enacted.

It is more affordable for some employers to drop coverage for their employees and pay the fine associated with the employer mandate.  An employer must provide health insurance for their employees if they have more than fifty employees, or fifty full-time equivalent employees.  Employers who are required to insure employees will be fined $2,000 per employee who seeks health insurance through one of the exchanges created under the health care overhaul.

Any employer-sponsored plan must meet the definitions set by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on what an adequate health insurance plan is under the mandate.  This requirement will increase insurance costs for employers and employees when they must upgrade health insurance benefits in order to meet the standards defined in the regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Forcing employers to provide health insurance when they are having a tough time hiring new employees just adds to the burden employers are facing in this struggling economy.  Employers will likely pay their increased health insurance costs by reducing employee take-home pay or by increasing the employee share of health insurance premiums.  Also, employers will continue struggling in future years as the federal government increases, year by year, the requirements for health insurance benefits needed to avoid the penalty associated with the employer mandate.  Furthermore, employers already faced with economic uncertainty have had to deal with government regulations that continue to change, creating greater uncertainty.

A Department of Health and Human Services rule released last November allows fully-insured group plans to switch insurance providers as long as the insurance benefits provided to the beneficiaries remain comparable; however, this is only for group plans that switch after November 15, 2010.  The Department of Health and Human Services wrote this new rule so more group plans can find affordable coverage and shop around for similar coverage at a cheaper rate.  If the group insurance plan carrier was changed before November 15, 2010, the plan would lose grandfather status which would subject the plan to numerous insurance regulations and increased costs.

Ironically, what created the need for this new rule was another rule that the President's administration and HHS crafted in June 2010 that stated plans would lose their grandfather status if they switched carriers.  This chaotic situation shows what happens when the government is given more authority to regulate the health insurance market.  Mr. President, what we have here is a mess.  We need to put a halt to the implementation.  We need to repeal the law and start over again with common sense solutions.  We need to move away from the regulatory and bureaucratic nightmare that is costing Americans their coverage and too many Americans their job.

***

PELLA, IA (11/09/2011)(readMedia)-- During her fall break, Allison Redman, a junior elementary education major from Davenport, Iowa, along with 17 other students from Central College in Pella, Iowa, traveled to Esperance and Schoharie in New York to help clean up some of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irene in August.

The group left after classes Wednesday, Oct. 12 and drove through the night to reach New York. On Friday, they helped clean up the remains of destroyed homes on Priddle Camp Road in Esperance, trying to make sense of the piles of houses the flooding from Irene left behind.

"There was nothing left to salvage," said Kristin Tremper, coordinator of Reformed Church in America relations at Central, who organized the trip. The students moved garbage out into the street so that trucks could pick it up.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, students worked in Schoharie to muck mud out of basements and rip out ruined drywall.

The trip wasn't all hard work for the students. On Thursday, they did a ropes course, ziplining and a cave tour at Howe Caverns. They also hiked and visited The Old Stone Fort, a revolutionary war museum in Schoharie.

"Our students are awesome," said Tremper. "This was the best group I've ever been able to work with. It was a joy to get to know them."

Central College is a four-year, private, residential, liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Central offers a bachelor's degree in 39 majors and pre-professional advising. For more information about Central, call 877-462-3687 or go to www.central.edu

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today called for effective oversight of the federal discount drug program after the federal agency in charge of it confirmed it has not conducted a single audit since the program began in 1992.

"This program is growing in popularity," Grassley said.  "That will only increase under the health care overhaul law, which increased eligibility.  The federal government needs to get a handle on potential abuse before program growth gets out of hand, the taxpayers have to pay for it, and program sustainability is in question."

The government entity that runs the 340B program, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), confirmed in a letter to Grassley, in response to an inquiry from Grassley and Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Fred Upton, that it has not conducted any program audits itself.  The agency said it has referred only two cases for outside audit, one to an inspector general and one to the Justice Department.

"Those were both very narrow cases," Grassley said.  "With the lack of oversight, the taxpayers through state and federal governments could be grossly overpaying for prescription drugs and not know it, and that situation could continue to accelerate.  The agency needs to start conducting oversight and keep going."

The health care reform law enacted last year expanded the 340B program to include additional types of hospitals.  The law also included measures to improve program integrity, including provisions to prevent drug manufacturers from overcharging program participants and sanctions in the form of payments to manufacturers for eligible hospitals and other health care entities that violate program requirements.  However, the Government Accountability Office said more steps are needed, including audits.

HRSA's response to Grassley is available here.  Background on the cases referred by HRSA to the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Justice Department are available here and here. Information on the Grassley-Hatch-Upton inquiry to HRSA is available here.

The Government Accountability Office September report concluding more oversight is necessary is available here.  A June 2011 Health and Human Services Inspector General report that raised questions of program integrity without proper federal oversight of taxpayer dollars is available here.

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