December '09 Nevada Government—U.S. Senator Harry Reid Column

Reid Urges Governor To Address Nevada’s Eligibility
For Federal Education Funds During Potential
Special Session Of The Legislature
Reid calls on governor to better position Nevada to
compete for millions in federal education dollars
December 2, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today called on Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons to address Nevada’s eligibility for federal education funds in a possible special session of the Nevada State Legislature being considered by the governor. Currently Nevada would not be eligible to apply for U.S. Department of Education “Race to the Top” grant funding because of a state law that prevents student achievement data from being used as a factor in teacher evaluations. Reid urged the governor to act as soon as possible to change the law and allow the Silver State to competitively apply for up to $175 million in education funding.

Full text of Sen. Reid’s letter is below:

December 2, 2009

Dear Governor Gibbons,

In these challenging economic times, school districts across Nevada have faced unprecedented budget cuts and have been forced to make many difficult decisions as a result. Fortunately, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which I worked hard to pass, provided Nevada’s schools, colleges, and universities with over $500 million in funding to help them weather the economic downturn.

In addition to these funds, the recovery legislation also included $4 billion for a nationwide competition to help spur innovation and raise student achievement. Recently, as you know, the U.S. Department of Education announced the final rules for this competition, which Education Secretary Duncan has referred to as the “Race to the Top.” Through this program, Nevada could compete for up to $175 million in federal grant funds.

Our state, in large part due to one of the lowest per-pupil funding rates in the nation, has lagged behind other states in student performance, high school graduation rates, and college completion rates. We should seize this unique opportunity to help put into place meaningful reforms. These funds are not intended for short-term fixes to budget gaps or as a substitute for state support for education. Rather, they can help put Nevada in a stronger position to raise standards, improve student achievement, better recruit and retain teachers, and help prepare Nevada students for success in college or a career.

As you are aware, in order to compete for these funds, states may not have any legal, statutory, or regulatory barriers to linking student achievement and teacher evaluations. Nevada is one of just a few states that would not be eligible to apply for “Race to the Top” funding due to current law that prohibits such use of student achievement data.

I understand that you are considering calling for a special session of the Nevada legislature to address a number of budgetary issues. Should you decide to do that, I urge you to also address Nevada’s eligibility for “Race to the Top” funding. It is in our state’s interest to act as soon as possible to ensure that Nevada is able to apply. Swift action will allow our legislators, school districts and state education officials the time needed to build support and prepare a proposal that can compete with other states.

I pledge my strong support for this effort and am confident that with strong bipartisan backing and the support of Nevada’s teachers, we can ensure that the opportunity to compete for millions in federal funds will not be lost.

Sincerely,

HARRY REID

United States Senator

Reid, Mikulski, Women’s Health Advocate Discuss Commitment To Improve Coverage Of Women’s Preventive Health Services

December 1, 2009 – Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Senator Barbara Mikulski joined Jenny Luray of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance at a media availability today following the Democratic caucus lunch. Senator Mikulski’s amendment to The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would require all health plans to cover comprehensive women’s preventive care and screenings at no additional cost to women. It would also preserve the doctor-patient relationship and protect patients’ ability to consult with their doctors on what services are best for them.

“No Senator has done more for women’s health than Barbara Mikulski, and her work to develop this amendment adds to that long legacy,” said Senator Reid. “Like our entire reform proposal, Senator Mikulski’s amendment will save lives and save money. As the first amendment to this health reform bill, the American people will be watching to see if Republicans are truly committed to fixing our broken health care system.”

Senator Mikulski said, “For many insurance companies, simply being a woman is a pre-existing condition. Women pay more and get less. My amendment guarantees access to preventive screenings for the number one killers of women—heart disease, cancers and chronic conditions like diabetes—to save lives and save money.”

“We are concerned that at a time when one-third of women who qualify for screening today are not being screened due to a lack of access, education or awareness, that this confusion will drive more women away from screening,” said Jennifer Luray. “As such, the Komen Advocacy Alliance is offering its support of Senator Mikulski’s amendment, which will ensure that all women who need and want mammograms will be able to get them.”

Reid: Mikulski Amendment Strengthens Reform By Helping Women Afford Preventive Care

December 1, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following remarks on the Senate floor this morning. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Here are two truths about the historic health reform bill before us: The first is that it will save lives, save money and save Medicare. And while that’s a pretty good start, the second fact is that there is always room for improvement in the bill. Of course, that’s what this legislative process is all about.

“Senator Mikulski has offered an amendment that does both. Her proposal would improve this bill by making sure women can get—at no cost—the preventive screenings they need to stay healthy. These are important screenings that can catch potential problems as early as possible. That will save both lives and money.

“As health care premiums rise higher and higher every year—far faster than incomes in this country—more and more women are simply skipping the important preventive care they need. They’re skipping screenings for cervical cancer and breast cancer. They’re skipping screenings for pregnancy. They’re even skipping annual check-ups, doctor visits that could flag serious problems like postpartum depression and domestic violence.

“Why is this happening? Do women simply care less about their wellbeing today? Of course not. Are diseases on the decline? Of course not. The only reason women are putting off going to the doctor is that in our broken health-care delivery system, it simply costs too much to stay healthy.

“Senator Mikulski’s amendment also makes clear that the decision of whether and when to get a mammogram should be made by a patient and a doctor. It shouldn’t be made by an insurance company, by Members of Congress or by someone you’ve never met.

“No matter what independent task forces recommend and no matter what some Republican Senators falsely claim, our bill offers free preventive services to millions of women who are being discriminated against by their insurance companies.

“Senator Mikulski has long been a leader who has looked out for women’s health. With this amendment, she does that once again.

“I’m sorry to see Republicans deliberately confuse the facts about women’s health, particularly as they relate to mammograms. It shows just how desperate some of them are to distract the American people from the real debate—and from the fact that they have no vision for fixing our broken health care system.

“I’m even more sorry to say it’s part of a larger trend. In recent days, they have been distorting the data from the Congressional Budget Office—an independent agency many Republicans are on record praising—about two of this nation’s top priorities: reforming our health insurance system and helping our economy recover.

“First, on health care: the CBO said yesterday that the majority of American families who buy insurance in the new marketplace we’ll create—called the health insurance exchange—will see their premiums go down. And for many, they’ll go down by almost 60 percent.

“CBO’s experts aren’t the first to recognize these benefits. MIT’s Jonathan Gruber, who is one of the most respected economists in the country, said this in today’s Washington Post: ‘Here’s a bill that reduces the deficit, covers 30 million people and has the promise of lowering premiums in the long run.’

“That means that millions of Americans who today cannot afford coverage—or whose medical bills drive them to financial ruin—will be able to afford to stay healthy. And it means that if we don’t reform health care, millions more will find themselves in bankruptcy, bad health or worse.

“Second, on economic recovery: the CBO also said yesterday that the extraordinary steps we took to bring our economy back from the brink has created or saved hundreds of thousands of jobs—its estimate reaches as high as 1.6 million jobs, each one a direct result of our economic recovery plan. The same report also said that our country’s gross domestic product has gone up by as much as 3.2 percentage points higher than it would have if we hadn’t acted.

“Both of these facts tell us the same thing: not acting is not an option.

“But some of my Republican colleagues prefer to close their eyes and ears to this reality. They prefer to play politics than to do what is right, and what is necessary. They are content to just say ‘no,’ without offering any constructive alternatives in response.

“That’s no way to lead. And it’s no way to lead our country or our constituents back to health.”

Reid Statement On World Aids Day

December 1, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement on World AIDS Day:

“World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of people in Nevada and around the world who are living with HIV/AIDS. This group encompasses more than 8,000 Nevadans and more than one million Americans. Today we remember that these numbers represent parents, siblings, sons and daughters across our state.

“AIDS does not discriminate—it affects people of all ethnicities, ages, and income levels—and health insurance companies shouldn’t be able to discriminate either. People living with AIDS, and others dealing with chronic illness, deserve quality, affordable health coverage that doesn’t exclude them because they have a pre-existing condition.

“Today we stand with all those living with HIV/AIDS by fighting for real change in the broken health insurance system and supporting access to the critical medical care that they need.”

Reid: Recent CBO Report Strengthens Belief That Reform Expands Access To Affordable Care To More Americans

November 30, 2009 – Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today about the recent CBO analysis regarding how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would affect the rising cost of premiums:

“One of the reasons that the Senate has made health insurance reform a top priority is because of skyrocketing health insurance premiums that are breaking the backs of American families. The most recent analysis that we received from the CBO today strengthens our belief that the Senate reform proposal will bring security and stability to American families and will stem the tide of rising premiums.”

“Most Americans will see lower premiums as a direct result of reform. In addition, small businesses would see a reduction in premiums for their employees because of the tax credits included in the Senate proposal. Today’s analysis confirms that millions of Americans who lack the necessary coverage to avoid potential financial ruin would have access to more coverage at an affordable price because of our proposal.

“Today, we also received analysis from an MIT economist who has reviewed our bill and concluded that it will help Americans pay less and get more health insurance coverage. His findings show that while the cost of private insurance continues to rise, the new health-insurance Exchanges in the Senate proposal will save hundreds—and in some cases, thousands—of dollars annually.

“Our caucus remains energized by the strong momentum for reform. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our proposal through a spirited floor debate as we work to deliver reform to the American people.”

PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SAVES AMERICANS MONEY

The reviews are in—the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act significantly reduces the costs of health care for Americans, bends the cost curve and reduces the deficit. The CBO projects that PPAC will reduce the federal deficit by $130 billion in the first ten years and reduce premiums for American families. And an MIT study agrees—with PPAC, American families will see lower costs of care.

PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT CURBS HEALTH CARE COSTS, MAKES AMERICAN FAMILIES A PRIORITY

With Health Reform Legislation, “Savings are Large for Both Singles and Families,” Saves Families Between $500—$7,500. MIT economist Jonathan Gruber issued a report evaluating what would happen to premium costs with health reform. “I find that the savings are large for both singles and families, and that they are particularly large for the lowest income families that qualify for premium credits under the Senate Bill but would be left to face the full high non-group premium without legislation. In particular, I find that the single individual would save over $2500 at low incomes (175% of poverty), and would save $200 even at higher incomes (425% of poverty or higher). For families, the savings are much larger, ranging from nearly $7500 for low income families (at 175% of poverty) to $500 for higher incomes (425% of poverty or higher).” [“The Senate Bill Lowers Non-Group Premiums: Updated for New CBO Estimates,” Jonathan Gruber, 11/27/09]

Majority of American Families Buying Insurance in the Exchange Will See a Reduction in Premiums. The CBO evaluated what would happen to premiums for Americans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and found that a majority of Americans purchasing their insurance on the Exchanges will see their premiums decrease by 56–59 percent. [CBO, 11/30/09]

Wall Street Journal: PPAC Eases “the Financial Burden on Workers”; Cuts Deficit By $130 Billion in First 10 Years. The Wall Street Journal reported that, “(I)n a boost for the bill’s prospects, the CBO estimated the Senate measure would reduce the federal budget deficit by $130 billion over the next decade, and additional amounts over the second 10 years of the program….To help ease the financial burden on workers, Mr. Reid lowered the maximum amount the bill would require them to spend on premiums, capping premiums at 9.8% of income, down from 12%.” [Wall Street Journal, 11/19/09]

Senate Bill a “Coup,” Comes in Far Below Obama’s Price Tag. Describing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as a “coup” Roll Call reported “(T)he price tag is also less than the $900 billion President Barack Obama had called for and the $1.2 trillion cost of the House-passed version… ‘He was applauded. His staff was applauded,’ said Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), a deficit hawk who said Reid did ‘an exceptionally good job.’” [Roll Call, 11/18/09]

PPAC Will Reduce Deficit by $650 Billion in the Second Decade. “The Senate legislation would reduce the deficit by $650 billion in the second decade, according to preliminary estimates from the nonpartisan CBO cited by lawmakers.” [Bloomberg, 11/19/09]

Reform Includes Needed Medicare Reforms to Drive Down Costs. In a letter to the President, 23 of the nation’s most well-respected health economists—a group that included both Democrats and Republicans, former Bush Administration officials and Nobel laureates—identified reforms that would make health care fiscally responsible. “In their letter, the economists identified as their final pillar of fiscally-responsible change a series of ‘delivery system reforms’ intended to nudge the system away from today’s fee-for-service model and toward a framework that more closely links compensation to results. Reid’s bill is crowded with Medicare reforms meant to do just that, from penalizing hospitals that readmit too many patients too quickly; to cutting reimbursement rates for inefficient and ineffective physicians; to creating financial incentives for teams of providers to better manage patients’ overall health. And it funds an innovation center in the Health and Human Services Department to incubate further reforms.” [Letter to President Obama, 11/17/09; Washington Post Op-Ed, 11/19/09; Political Connections, National Journal, 11/25/09]

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill Will Reduce the Deficit, Slow Growth of Health Care Costs. “The health reform bill that Senate leaders unveiled yesterday meets two rigorous fiscal tests: it reduces deficits over the next decade and beyond, and it puts long-term downward pressure on health care costs. The bill would reduce deficits by an estimated $130 billion over the 2010–2019 period and by about one-quarter of one percent of GDP in the decade thereafter, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This amounts to about $55 billion in 2020 and several hundred billion dollars over the 2020–2029 period. The bill also would likely slow the growth of health care costs over time by, for instance, imposing an excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans, reducing overpayments that private insurers receive through Medicare Advantage, and reducing the cost of prescription drugs in Medicaid.” [“Senate Health Reform Bill Is Fiscally Responsible,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 11/19/09]

Washington Post: “The Curve, as They Say, is Bent.” In the Washington Post, Ezra Klein wrote, “One actual surprise is that the Senate bill doesn’t just pay for itself. It balances itself out….The savings from Medicare and Medicaid, paired with the excise tax (which CBO says ‘is effectively a reduction in the existing tax expenditure for health insurance premiums’) and a handful of other changes, leaves the government spending no more on health care than it otherwise planned to. That’s impressive stuff given that some 94 percent of the country has health insurance. And it implies, of course, that in the third decade, the federal commitment actually goes down relative to expectations. The curve, as they say, is bent.” [Ezra Klein, Washington Post, 11/19/09]