June '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus Column

Titus Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Incentives for Energy Efficient Gas-Fired Heat Pumps

June 10, 2010 – Washington, DC – Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District joined with Representative Dean Heller of Nevada and Representatives Gabrielle Giffords and Trent Franks of Arizona to introduce today bipartisan legislation that provides a tax incentive for energy efficient natural gas heat pumps.

“Expanding this important tax credit to include natural gas heat pumps will not only help reduce our dependence on oil, but it will help Nevada businesses and families save money on their energy bills by promoting efficient technologies,” Congresswoman Titus said. “In addition, promoting efforts to reduce our water usage and preserve this precious commodity are critical for desert communities in Southern Nevada.”

Currently, a 10 percent tax credit is available to businesses and a 30 percent credit is available to homeowners for geothermal heat pumps. This legislation would expand the credit to apply to natural gas heat pumps as well. Utilizing natural gas at the point of usage is as much as three times more efficient than burning natural gas in central station power plants to provide electricity to buildings and homes. In addition, central station power generation uses as much as a gallon of water for each kilowatt hour of electricity produced compared to heat pump technologies that require little to no water.

To be eligible for the tax credit under this legislation, the technology must be highly efficient – at least 20 percent more efficient than the best available gas furnaces on the market today. The credit will facilitate lower costs for consumers by reducing electricity demand charges and by using inexpensive natural gas during summer months and gas very sparingly during the cold winter months.

Titus Highlights $250 Payments for Seniors in the Prescription Drug Donut Hole

As a Result of Health Care Reform, Checks Begin to Go Out Tomorrow

June 9, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's Third District highlighted a key element of health care reform that begins to take effect tomorrow. On June 10, seniors across the country who have fallen into the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole will begin to receive checks for $250 to help the cover the cost of prescription drugs.

“These $250 checks will help Nevada's seniors at a time when every dollar counts and the high cost of prescription drugs is squeezing their budgets,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This first step to ending the prescription drug donut hole, which has taken a toll on too many seniors, will help prevent them from having to choose between life-saving drugs and other basic necessities. Seniors need to be aware that there are scam artists out there trying to take advantage of this situation. If anyone calls or writes saying they need personal information to send the check, it is a scam and seniors should report it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). ”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act begins to close the donut hole with these checks this year, and will continue to assist seniors until the donut hole is completely closed in 2020. Seniors who fall into the donut hole do not have to take any action to receive the $250 check. They will be mailed automatically.

Closing the prescription drug donut hole is one of many benefits for seniors in health care reform, including an end to co-pays for preventive care; the strengthening of Medicare by reducing waste, fraud, and abuse; and important consumer protections for seniors in Medicare Advantage.