Who Is Newt Today?

Government-mandated healthcare OK

 

According to Newt:

"All of us have a responsibility to help pay for health care."

(Wall Street Journal)

"I agree that all of us have a responsibility to pay ? help pay for health care."

MSNBC's David Gregory: But that is the individual mandate, is it not?

"It's a variation on it."

(National Review)

"In 2008, according to an AP report, Gingrich suggested 'insurance mandates for people who earn more than $75,000 a year.' Two years later, he was telling Sean Hannity at Fox News that health insurance mandates were unconstitutional."

(CS Monitor)

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"Did Newt actually think Freddie Mac's business was sound, or was he just earning his $300,000?"

http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/flashback-newt-took-300000-from-freddie-mac-to-stop-congress-from-making-much-needed-reform/

Who Knows?

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28108013/How_Freddie_Mac_Splashed_Cash_to_Halt_Regulation

"Internal Freddie Mac budget records show $11.7 million was paid to 52 outside lobbyists and consultants in 2006. Power brokers such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were recruited with six-figure contracts.

 

"The Bush administration and Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan were sounding the alarm about the potential threat to the nation's financial health if the fortunes of the two mammoth companies turned sour.

"Pushing back, Freddie Mac enlisted prominent conservatives, including Gingrich and former Justice Department official Viet Dinh, paying each $300,000 in 2006, according to internal records.

"Gingrich talked and wrote about what he saw as the benefits of the Freddie Mac business model."

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Springfield, IL...The Illinois House of Representatives voted Wednesday to close the pension loophole that allowed two teachers union lobbyists to earn huge state pensions after serving for a single day as substitute teachers.


State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) co-sponsored House Bill 3865, which would prohibit employees of teachers unions from participating in the state's Teachers' Retirement System. It requires the lobbyists already in the system to forfeit all pension credit earned. HB 3865 passed the House unanimously and will go to the Senate for consideration.

"Today we close the book on another shameful chapter of Illinois history," Morthland said. "These guys were lobbyists masquerading as teachers. They took advantage of a pension loophole that allowed them to receive a teacher's pension after subbing for just one day in the classroom. That's a slap in the face to hard working teachers across Illinois. As a member of this union and as the husband of a member of this union, I'm appalled that it has gotten this far."

A Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV investigation found that two lobbyists with no prior teaching experience were allowed to count their years as union employees towards state teacher pensions after subbing for a single day in 2007.


According to the Tribune report, Steven Preckwinkle, the political director of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and fellow IFT lobbyist David Piccioli were the only people who took advantage of a small pension window opened by state lawmakers just a few months earlier. The law allowed union officials to get into the Teachers' Retirement System and count their previous years as union employees after quickly obtaining teaching certificates and working in a classroom. Preckwinkle and Piccioli could collect nearly $3 million in pension payouts, based on their union salaries and years of union credit.


"Illinois' pension systems face serious financial problems, with more than $85 billion in unfunded liability," Morthland said. "I'm glad to join my House colleagues in voting to stop these egregious abuses of pension loopholes."

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Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been working to restore public access to data on malpractice payouts, hospital discipline and regulatory sanctions against doctors and other health professionals and to hold accountable the federal government official who shut down access to this information.  Today, the responsible agency reopened the public part of the database but imposed restrictions.  Grassley made the following comment on the new version.

"HRSA is overreaching and interpreting the law in a way that restricts the use of the information much more than the law specifies.  Nowhere in the law does it say a reporter can't use the data in the public use file to combine that with other sources and potentially identify doctors who have been disciplined in their practice of medicine.  This agency needs to remember that half of all health care dollars in the United States comes from taxpayers, so the interpretation of the law ought to be for public benefit.  It's also hard to see how HRSA has the resources to require the return of supposedly misused data or how that would even work.  It seems the agency's time would be better used in making sure the database is up to date and as useful as possible.  I'm seeking opinions from legal experts on HRSA's interpretation of the law.  And I continue to expect a briefing from HRSA on this situation, including participation from the person who pulled the public data file after a single physician complained that a reporter identified him through shoe leather reporting, not the public data file.  One complaint shouldn't dictate public access to federally collected data for 300 million people."

Details of Grassley's prior inquiries are available here and here.

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.

FTP Download instructions:

The host: ftp://ocbmtcmedia.download.akamai.com

User name: usdanews

Password:  Newscontent1

Filename: diet perception feature

The new file is in QuickTime Movie (H.264 ), MPEG 4, MPEG2 and HDV.

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXY9mbpgXHg&feature=channel_video_title

video podcasthttp://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/usda-down-to-earth-video-podcast/id461819504?uo=4

RSS feed: http://downtoearth.usda.libsynpro.com/rss

Please email bob.ellison@usda.gov if you have problems or suggestions.

Also, use this free ftp client if you have problems.

http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type+client

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.

USDA Down To Earth Video Podcast

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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."

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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.

 

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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.

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