28 Jul 2014

The Real Impact of Obamacare on IL-17

By Jan Schweppe

Forbes analysis shows young men, elderly women hit hardest; average 64 year old Galena woman paying $2,688 more in health insurance premiums annually. Cheri Bustos offers no solutions, no condolences

EAST MOLINE, IL?Congresswoman and Obamacare-apologist Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has so far refused to address the specific impact President Obama's health care law has had on her constituents, but that may be more difficult as new reports surface illustrating Obamacare's negative impact on health care consumers inside the Illinois 17th District.

According to a new analysis by Forbes, the Affordable Care Act is proving to be completely unaffordable. Obamacare has increased individual-market health insurance premiums by an average of 41 percent nationally. The Forbes study looked at 3,137 counties across the country?including all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District?to determine Obamacare's impact on individuals.

The Forbes study looked at six cohorts: men ages 27, 40, and 64, and women ages 27, 40, and 64. Five of the six groups saw premium increases across the board in all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District, while the remaining group?40 year old women?saw mixed results, with six counties seeing marginally cheaper premiums while the other eight counties saw large increases.

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign put together a document that shows the premium increases for each cohort in each county. That document is attached.

Obamacare's Impact on IL-17 By The Numbers:
  • Average individual health insurance premiums increased $768/annually

  • Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties were hit the hardest?these counties saw an average individual health insurance premium increase of $1,356/annually.

  • Elderly women were absolutely crushed?the average 64 year old women in all 14 counties saw at least a $1,000 premium increase, with 64 year old women seeing a $2,688 premium increase in Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties, a $2,136 premium increase in Knox and Fulton Counties, and a $1,956 premium increase in Winnebago County.

  • This study only looked at individual plans. Family plans saw even larger increases, as Forbes reported last year?the average family of four will see annual health care spending increase by $7,450.

Bobby Schilling (R-Colona), candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that he's focused on health care solutions.

"We need real health care reform that lowers costs for all Americans. Obamacare doesn't do that, and the Forbes analysis shows that. Obamacare is hurting everyone in our district?young people, elderly people, and middle class families. It's time to stop with the politics and start working to fix our broken health care system.

"I've proposed five concrete solutions to help reform health care, increase access to care, and lower costs. I've stood up, put myself out there, and led on this issue, as well as countless others. Where is my opponent? Where does she stand? Why won't Cheri Bustos answer to her constituents who can't afford to pay for their health insurance premiums? We need to roll our sleeves up, work together, and do everything we can to alleviate the financial pain Obamacare has caused people in our district."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Congresswoman Bustos needs to answer some questions.

"What has Congresswoman Cheri Bustos done to help struggling seniors with their health care costs? Where are her solutions? Why is she not taking a stand? Why is she defending what Obamacare has done to thousands of hard-working folks in her district? Will she work to pass real health care reform that helps people, or will she continue to stay to the Nancy Pelosi-Barack Obama party line, as she has on every other issue during her time in office? Only time will tell.

"But one thing is clear: Obamacare is unequivocally devastating people in the Illinois 17th District, and Cheri Bustos doesn't seem to care. It's shameful that Cheri Bustos refuses to empathize with her struggling constituents."

Bobby Schilling will be available throughout the day to discuss health care policy and how Obamacare's rate increases are impacting the Illinois 17th District. To schedule an interview contact Jon Schweppe at 309-749-7009.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

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25 Jul 2014

We're putting boots on the ground this weekend. Are you ready to go door to door?

By Bobby Schilling
We're launching a Quad Cities walk this Friday at 2:00 P.M. at our East Moline office, located at 367 Avenue of the Cities in the Hignight Florist Building. Come learn how to go door to door and what you can do to help Bobby get elected!

Are you looking to walk in other parts of the district? We're going to win this race on the ground, but we can't do it without you.

Let's pound the pavement!
22 Jul 2014

Schilling Camp Receiving Support

By Bobby Schilling

On Sunday, House Majority Leader-Elect Kevin McCarthy was in the district to talk about our race and campaign for us in Peoria.

McCarthy said he viewed our race as "a top priority." Check out the story on WEEK Peoria's website here.

Congressman Aaron Schock and Congressman Adam Kinzinger have also aggressively campaigned for us in recent weeks.

This is an exciting time. We are one of the highest targeted races in the country. We're raising money, knocking on doors, and reaching voters.

17 Jul 2014

Illinois Freedom PAC Releases New Ad, "Privilege"

By Rick Martin

As Billionaire Bruce Rauner's tax avoidance schemes come to light, middle class families will know he's a candidate they can't trust

Chicago, IL - Today Illinois Freedom PAC released a new television commercial  highlighting billionaire Bruce Rauner's exploitation of the tax code, which ultimately places a higher burden on Illinois' working families.

The 30-second spot underscores the shocking fact that the Republican gubernatorial candidate used loopholes now under scrutiny by the IRS to slash his tax obligation, despite earning $53 million in 2012.

The ad points out that Rauner not only used a loophole to avoid contributing a single penny to Social Security and Medicare for two straight years, in 2010 and 2011, he now says he's open to taxing retirement income including Social Security. Other schemes employed by Rauner lowered his tax rate to below that of what millions of middle class families pay.

"As Bruce Rauner's tax avoidance schemes come further to light, middle class families will know he's a candidate they can't trust," says Neal Waltmire, Communications Director for Illinois Freedom PAC, regarding the ad's anticipated impact.  "Billionaire Bruce Rauner may believe it's okay for him to play by a different set of rules, but hard-working Illinoisans are sure to disagree."

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Watch the commercial on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?
15 Jul 2014

Loebsack's Representative to Hold Office Hours

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton and Scott Counties for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692)

Marquard's schedule is as follows.

Tuesday, July 22

  • DeWitt Community Center

512 10th St.

9:00 - 10:00 AM

  • Clinton City Hall

611 S. 3rd St.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Eldridge City Hall

305 N. 3rd St.

2:00 - 3:00 PM

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14 Jul 2014

Braley's Fight to Increase Minimum Wage Also Strengthens Social Security

By Rick Martin
Des Moines, IA - Today Braley For Iowa highlighted a report that shows how Bruce Braley's fight to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 would not only provide 300,000 Iowans with a pay raise, but also strengthen the Social Security program that more than 580,000 Iowans rely on. In contrast, plans to privatize Social Security could reduce benefits for Iowa's seniors and actually leave the program in worse financial shape.

According to the study from the Social Security Works coalition, an increase to the minimum wage would improve Social Security's finances by increasing the wages of 28 million Americans, resulting in $35 billion in additional earnings by 2016 and providing more funding to the program.

"Bruce is fighting to raise the minimum wage because he believes no Iowan, whether now or in retirement, should work hard at a full-time job and be unable to support his or her family," said Braley for Iowa spokesman Sam Lau. "Beyond providing 300,000 Iowans with a pay raise, a minimum wage increase also means Social Security would be strengthened for Iowans who have paid into the program their entire working lives.  As a U.S. Senator, Bruce Braley will ensure the hard work of Iowans is respected and the promises made to them are kept."

The report also details the many other benefits that would come with an increased minimum wage, including decreased inequality, reduced elderly poverty, increased retirement security, and reduced taxpayer subsidies of low-wage employers.

Braley has made increasing the minimum wage and protecting Social Security a key focus of his campaign for Senate. He is a sponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act that would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Braley is strongly opposed to any proposals to privatize Social Security or to gamble Iowans' retirement savings on Wall Street. He has also opposed efforts to reduce future Social Security benefits for retirees if cost-of-living increases were shifted to a so-called "chained CPI" calculation.
14 Jul 2014

Braley opens office in Davenport

By Casey Petrashek
We're opening a field office in Davenport.

This election is heating up and our supporters in Davenport are going to be the ones to put us over the top and keep Iowa blue this November.

You'll hear from our next Governor, Jack Hatch and have the chance to catch up with your neighbors and meet organizers in your area who are working hard to make sure we're electing Democrats up and down the ticket this fall.

And come hungry ? we're providing the snacks! Can you make it? Click here to RSVP.

Here are the details:

What: The Davenport Office Opening

Where: The Davenport Field Office
1706 N Brady Street, #205
Davenport, IA 52804

When: Wednesday, July 16, 2014
at 6:00 p.m.

This new office in Davenport is going to be the organizing hub in our neighborhood ? where folks like you come to make phone calls to voters and meet up to knock doors for our candidates.

This is important work ? and it's what will make sure we win back the governor's mansion and send Democrats like Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack to Washington.

11 Jul 2014

Anderson urges both parties to consider measures to strengthen caucus integrity

By Sam Roecker
Plan includes using electronic poll books for check-in

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, Brad Anderson, candidate for Iowa Secretary of State, releases his plan to strengthen the integrity of the caucuses and keep Iowa first in the nation. 

The caucuses are, and must remain strictly a party function run independently by the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party.  This ensures we will maintain our special relationship with New Hampshire and our first in the nation status with the two national parties.

Although there is no formal role the state should play in the caucuses, given the importance of the caucuses in the nomination process, as well as to Iowa's reputation and economy, there are ways the next Iowa Secretary of State can be supportive to keep Iowa first in the nation.

"I commend both parties for exploring ways to increase participation in the caucuses," said Anderson. "I believe any caucus reforms should include measures to strengthen the integrity of the caucuses to further ensure only eligible Iowa voters are participating. The technology exists to strengthen caucus integrity, shorten lines and modernize the check-in process, and the Secretary of State's office can play a vital role in assisting the parties by providing technical support and quality data. Given the record participation we saw in the caucuses in 2008, the time has come to utilize 21st Century innovation such as electronic poll books to accommodate the tremendous interest in the Iowa caucuses."

ANDERSON PLAN TO STRENGTHEN CAUCUS INTEGRITY AND KEEP IOWA FIRST IN THE NATION:
  • ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT USE OF ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS FOR CAUCUS CHECK-IN: Strengthening the integrity of the caucuses should be a top priority for both parties.  In the age of Twitter, any perceived impropriety could be tweeted, re-tweeted and become viral in a matter of minutes.  Both parties should utilize 21st Century solutions to ensure only eligible caucus-goers are attending and participating in the process. The days of printing out reams of paper with outdated lists of eligible caucus-goers for volunteers to reference during the cumbersome check-in process must come to an end. Parties should be encouraged to utilize electronic poll book technology that would provide up-to-date lists and allow Iowans to check-in electronically. I believe the next Secretary of State should work with each of the parties to develop and support an affordable, efficient and effective electronic poll book that would allow caucus participants to easily check-in and allow volunteers to immediately confirm eligibility. Utilizing existing technology to develop a caucus poll book will increase the speed of development and cut down on cost for the parties.

  • MAINTAIN OPEN DIALOGUE WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE SECRETARY OF STATE: For decades Iowa has had a productive, working relationship with New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner. Maintaining this relationship must be a priority for Iowa's next Secretary of State. As Iowa Republicans and Democrats search for ways to increase participation and strengthen the integrity of the process, we must continue to engage New Hampshire and the national parties to ensure the caucuses remain a true caucus and adhere to the spirit and guidelines of the nomination calendar.
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08 Jul 2014

Thank You for Walking

By Bobby Schilling


I just wanted to thank all of the volunteers who walked with us in parades this weekend! We had great turnouts in both Peoria and East Moline. Let's keep up the hard work! Four months to go.

Liberty,

Bobby Schilling

07 Jul 2014

Braley Stands Up For Social Security and Medicare During Statewide Tour

By Braley for Iowa
Last week, Bruce Braley took his Protecting Social Security and Medicare Tour to eight cities across Iowa to speak with voters about the clear choice in the US Senate race on retirement security. On one hand, Bruce Braley is fighting for working families to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. On the other hand, Sen. Joni Ernst supports privatizing Social Security, ending guaranteed benefits and putting Iowans retirement in the hands of the Wall Street billionaires supporting her campaign. Read all about it below:


Iowa Public Television
Reporters' Roundtable
July 3, 2014
Reporters Jennifer Jacobs, O. Kay Henderson, James Lynch, and Kathie Obradovich discuss the Senate race, highlighting the important role Social Security has come to play in the race.

Full video: http://www.iptv.org/iowapress/episode.cfm/4142/video


Sioux City Journal
Sioux City Stop: Braley Continues Social Security Defense
July 3, 2014
"It's a promise we made to people that if you work hard and invest your hard-earned money into these programs, they're going to be there for you when you need them," said Braley, a Democrat, during a meeting with local seniors at UFCW Local 222 in Sioux City. The topic has become a major campaign issue between Braley and Ernst, who are seeking the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Tom Harkin.

Full article: http://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/sioux-city-stop-braley-continues-social-security-defense/article_15c30639-2c12-551a-ae68-9e35c82a181a.html


Omaha World-Herald
Bruce Braley Stops in Council Bluffs, Advocates Minimum Wage Increase
July 3, 3014
Braley also said he is against proposals to privatize Social Security, which he said would put benefits at risk during a recession.  Senior citizens, many of whom have lived through several economic downturns, "have seen why this safety net is so important," Braley said.

Braley's stop in the Bluffs was the last of nine round tables he held recently across the state to discuss the future of Social Security and Medicare.

Full article: http://www.omaha.com/news/iowa/bruce-braley-stops-in-council-bluffs-advocates-minimum-wage-increase/article_61587db1-a385-5d0c-924c-9fa96688265a.html


Telegraph Herald
Braley, Ernst Air Differences on Social Security
July 3, 2014
Bruce Braley, northeast Iowa's U.S. representative and the Democratic candidate for the state's open U.S. Senate seat, has campaigned on Social Security recently, discussing the program with residents in 11 cities. Braley advocates for preserving Social Security, making only minor adjustments.

Full article: http://www.thonline.com/news/tri-state/article_15feec46-6f3c-5f8c-aab4-1e16cc2dc4fe.html


Mason City Globe-Gazette
Braley Cites Differences with Ernst
July 2, 2014
Braley said privatizing Social Security would eliminate one of the three legs of the retirement stool -- Social Security, pension and savings. He said scrapping Social Security and setting up individual investment accounts relies too heavily on the stock market.

Full article: http://globegazette.com/news/local/braley-cites-differences-with-ernst-in-talk-with-seniors/article_e43e77c2-ea88-5fa7-8822-7e118b11709c.html


Ottumwa Courier
Braley: 'Stark Choice' in Senate Election
July 2, 2014
Braley said Iowa voters have "a stark choice," in the election. He cast himself as someone capable of defending Social Security and Medicare, while working with Republicans when the two parties have common goals.

"We want someone who can work across the aisles and solve the problems we have," he said. "I have a proven record of doing that."

Full article: http://www.ottumwacourier.com/local/x1927835986/Braley-stark-choice-in-Senate-election


Burlington Hawk Eye
Braley Holds Roundtable on Social Security and Medicare
July 2, 2014
The Waterloo Democrat held a roundtable discussion with local seniors to discuss the importance of the programs to their retirement security. He also talked about the importance of honoring the promise of Social Security and Medicare to current and future retirees.

"When people think about the economy, retirement security is on a lot of peoples minds," Braley told a group of about 15 people Tuesday. "All you have to do is look at the numbers in Des Moines County. Almost 10,000 people in Des Moines County get Social Security benefits of some kind."

Full article: http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Braley-070214


Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
Braley Holds Roundtable on Social Security
June 27, 2014
The Waterloo Democrat didn't give the usual talking points on those issues sensitive to aging Iowans. Instead, he sought greater understanding of the issues and, barring that, a renaming of those political buzzwords.

"One of the things people are always raising objections to is calling these programs entitlements because it creates this false perception that you're getting something you don't deserve, and maybe we should just adopt the language of the investment community," Braley said.

Full article: http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/braley-holds-roundtable-on-social-security/article_bbaf22ee-8dea-5527-89aa-3d2a45491250.html

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