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News From the Obama Campaign
Senate Passes Jobs Bill
03/17/2010 11:59pm
Earlier today, the Senate passed a bill to help small businesses hire workers and provide highway funding to encourage job growth. The bill, one of many proposals to spur job creation, now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.The Associated Press reported:Companies that hire unemployed workers will get a temporary payroll tax holiday under a bill that easily won congressional approval Wednesday in what Democrats hope is just the first of several election-year measures aimed at boosting hiring.The 68-29 bipartisan vote in the Senate sent the legislation to the White House, where President Barack Obama was expected to sign it into law Thursday. Eleven Republicans voted for the legislation, an impressive tally considering the politically charged atmosphere on Capitol Hill...."It is the first of what I hope will be a series of jobs packages that help to continue to put people back to work," Obama said after the vote.The bill contains about $18 billion in tax breaks and a $20 billion infusion of cash into highway and transit programs. Among other things, it exempts businesses that hire people who have been unemployed for at least 60 days from paying the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax through December and gives employers an additional $1,000 credit if new workers stay on the job a full year. Taxpayers will have to reimburse Social Security for the lost revenue."This is just the first, certainly not the last, piece of legislation that we will put forward in relation to jobs," said its sponsor, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "If we don't create jobs, the economy will not move forward."It also extends highway and mass transit programs through the end of the year and pump in $20 billion in time for the spring construction season. That money would make up for lower-than-expected gasoline tax revenues.
Still Have Questions Abou ...
03/17/2010 08:41pm
At 5:15 p.m. ET this evening, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will hold a live online video chat to answer your questions about how health reform will affect you and your family. For the first time, you can join the chat not just through Facebook, but using Twitter, MySpace, and AOL Instant Messenger.Join the discussion on Ustream using your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or AIM account at 5:15 p.m. ET.Watch the discussion live through WhiteHouse.gov/live. Secretary Sebelius wrote an op-ed on reform on Yahoo! News, highlighting the story of Natoma Canfield, the Ohio woman President Obama mentioned who had lost her insurance only to be diagnosed with leukemia last week:What's remarkable about Natoma’s story is how unremarkable it is. She was unlucky enough to get sick. But that was just chance. It could have happened to any of the tens of millions of Americans who don't have health insurance. Or to any of the tens of millions more who are underinsured. Some of them have caps on their benefits, which means their coverage can disappear in the middle of a hospital stay or a round of chemotherapy.Those of us who work for large employers that can negotiate better insurance rates have slightly more security. But the share of Americans under 65 who get health insurance through their job has been going down every year since 2000. And as soon as any of us change jobs or retire or decide to start our own business, we're facing the same risks as Natoma. Even if we keep our jobs, our health care premiums are rising three times faster than wages, eating up a bigger chunk of our paychecks every year.Our health insurance system is failing at the very job it is supposed to do. It's supposed to protect people against exorbitant health costs, yet many Americans who have insurance still spend tens of thousands of dollars a year on health care. It's supposed to soften the financial blow that comes with getting sick, yet the Americans who are most likely to have serious health problems often can’t get insurance. It's supposed to give families peace of mind, but it’s hard to think of any other issue that causes as many worries.President Obama's health insurance reform plan will make our insurance system work for families, small business owners, and individuals like Natoma by making three significant changes.
9 States Call Domestic Vi ...
03/17/2010 07:38pm
9 is today's White House health reform number of the day -- that's the number of states where there is still no specific law that makes it illegal for insurers to reject applicants who are survivors of domestic violence.But unfortunately, that's just one of the many gender inequalities that exist across our whole health care system.The White House blog explains the existing discrimination and how President Obama's plan will help:In many states, insurance companies can still discriminate on the basis of gender -- charging women higher premiums than men simply because of their gender or denying coverage because of so-called "pre-existing conditions" like being pregnant, experiencing a prior pregnancy complication, or having undergone a C-section. And health plans in the individual market often do not cover basic maternity care.President Obama's proposal for health insurance reform would end the days of discrimination based on gender. Insurance companies would be banned from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition and would have to cover preventative care like mammograms.Learn more about the White House's previous Numbers of the Day on WhiteHouse.gov.50/50. If you're an American under age 65, you have a 50/50 chance of finding yourself without health insurance coverage at some point in the next decade.1. One in every six dollars in the U.S. economy is spent on health care today. If we do nothing, in 30 years, 1 out of every three dollars in our economy will be tied up in the health care system.41. That's the number of leading economists -- including three Nobel Prize winners -- who sent a letter to President Obama and Congress yesterday urging swift passage of health reform to rein in out-of-control costs. It is also the percentage of adults under age 65 who struggled with medical debt, had trouble paying medical bills, or faced both during a recent year.625. That's the number of people who lost their health insurance EVERY hour last year.8. That's the number of people every minute who are denied coverage, charged a higher rate, or otherwise discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition. It's also the number of lobbyists hired by special interests to influence health reform for every member of Congress in 2009.$1,125. That's the average premium for employer-sponsored family coverage per month last year. Annually, it adds up to $13,375 -- roughly the amount someone earning a minimum wage makes.
"What you're doing is wor ...
03/17/2010 05:45pm
President Obama just sent the following email to supporters:I wanted to take a moment to thank you directly for the outstanding work you've been doing as part of Organizing for America's Final March for Reform. I can tell you that your voice is heard in Washington every day. I see how your efforts are moving us toward victory. But I also know that with just days remaining, the final vote is shaping up to be extremely close. Everything we've worked for is on the line, and your voice is needed now more than ever before. Raise your voice today: We must all speak out together to finish the job. In these final, crucial days, much more will be asked of us. Our resolve will be tested. During moments like this, I believe it's important to remember why we have worked so hard for so long. That's why I spoke to the country Monday at a gathering in Ohio and said it plainly: I'm here for Natoma. Natoma Canfield is like most of us: She works hard, and tries to do what's right. Years ago, she had battled back from cancer, so she always maintained health insurance in case she ever really needed it again. But because of her medical history, the insurance company kept raising her deductible and her premiums. Last year alone, Natoma paid over $10,000 in monthly premiums and co-pays, while her insurance company chipped in just $900. And then they hiked up her rates another 40%. She simply couldn't afford it -- she had to cancel her policy. That's when she wrote to me. I read her letter, and shared her story with insurance company CEOs as another reason why the system has to change. That was two weeks ago. Then, just last week, the unthinkable happened: Natoma collapsed, and was rushed to a hospital. It's leukemia -- the cancer has returned. Now she's in the hospital, worried sick not just about her condition, but how she'll financially survive. So why am I still in this fight? Simple. I'm here for Natoma. I'm here because of the countless others who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. I'm here for the small business owners forced to chose between health care and hiring. I'm here for the folks who are forced to watch helplessly as their premiums skyrocket with no reason or recourse. And I'm here for my mother. She died of cancer, and in the last six months of her life, I saw her on the phone in her hospital room arguing with insurance companies instead of focusing on getting well and spending time with her family. As I was finishing my remarks Monday, a woman in the crowd called out, "we need courage." She's right. The politicians in Washington need courage to face down the powerful interests who have held back progress for far too long. And all of us who share this cause need courage to speak up with persistence and clarity in these final days. I've always found that courage comes from remembering that we fight for something and someone beyond ourselves. It comes from our faith. And it comes from our commitment to those we love. So please take a moment to remember those who inspire you -- those who give you the strength to march on. There's very little time left, and still much to do. But I believe to my core in the power of Americans to change history when we put our mind to it. And if you'll stay with us in these final days, I know we can do it again: http://my.barackobama.com/speakout Thank you for making it possible, President Barack Obama
Pennsylvania: On-the-Grou ...
03/17/2010 04:10pm
Yesterday, hundreds of Organizing for America volunteers and local supporters in Pennsylvania turned out to show representatives Chris Carney and Jason Altmire that their constituents support health reform -- continuing to build momentum on the ground as a vote on reform nears. Several of the volunteers at yesterday's rally outside of Rep. Carney's office shared why they're fighting for reform and will work for the Congressman this election:Sarah S., Honesdale, PA:"I am a nurse and have been a nurse since 1976. I have seen firsthand the complications of the health care system in this country. I was there today to show my support, as a health care professional, to Congressman Carney. I pledge to support him in his in 2010 re-election because he will stand with us on health insurance reform."Michael E., Clarks Summit, PA:"Today we had a great turn out in support for Congressman Carney and health insurance reform. With my premiums rising annually, myself and many others like me are in great need of reform. I was happy to show my support for Congressman Carney, and thank him for his support of health reform."These OFA volunteers were just two of the many who gathered to thank Congressman Carney for his leadership and commitment to health reform, and have pledged they'll fight for his re-election in November. In Aliquippa, PA yesterday, more than 150 local volunteers rallied outside of Congressman Jason Altmire's office to let him know that if he stands up to the health insurance companies now, OFA volunteers will have his back this election season.These events are part of OFA's Final March for Health Reform -- where supporters are making their voices heard to members of Congress in a different way each day, using every possible channel. Click here to make a phone call, write a letter, or get involved in your community.
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Obama Inauguration event ...
01/19/2009 01:19am by Scott CobbCelebrate Barack Obama’s Inauguration with BAND at Dimassi’s Tuesday in Webster, Texas, Beginning at 10 AM!
You are invited to the Obama Inauguration event at Dimassi’s Restaurant on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Bay Area New Democrats will set up our large projection screen to watch Barack Obama take the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States ! We’ll have full audio to watch the Inaugural Parade as well. Televised festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. Houston time, so please join us and get settled between 10 and 10:15 a.m. The Mediterranean-style lunch buffet is $10.81 and includes a full meal, dessert and beverage. The restaurant is located at 1039 West Bay Area Blvd. (Webster 77598) and the Gulf Freeway, near Barnes and Noble, at the site formerly occupied by Macaroni Grill.
If you can, please RSVP to Diane Rhorer (dianejr@earthlink.net) or go online at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptz5d or to Moveon at http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=91787&id so we can know how many celebrants to expect. See you there!
Inaugration Events in Aus ...
01/18/2009 07:45am by Scott Cobb
Information from Texas for Obama
http://blog.texansforobama.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=719381F54DA73FC17...
"Inauguration Watch Party"
Tuesday, January 20
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Free admission
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"A Dream Realized"
Tuesday, January 20
7:00 p.m. - midnight
Monarch Event Center
Lincoln Village
6406 North I-35
Austin, TX 78752
Come walk on the red carpet at our gala celebrating Barack Obama's inauguration - Texas style. Big screens, food and music. Attire is semi-formal. General admission tickets get you complimentary snacks, cash bar and DJ music. VIP tickets get you complimentary appetizers, champagne and live music. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the excitement.
TICKETS:
General - $25
VIP - $50
Click here to RSVP
Contact Gerry or Tom for more information, (512) 371-1711.
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"All Y'all's Inaugural Ball"
Tuesday, January 20
6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Mercury Hall
614 Cardinal Lane
Austin, TX 78704
The All Y'all's Inaugural Ball is a formal fancypants ball for all y'all that want to celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th president. Tuxes and ball gowns encouraged but if you don't have anything to wear, then put on your boots and come anyway. Children are welcome for free. In order to make this event cheap and affordable, it's BYOB.
TICKETS:
Advance - $10
General - $15
Click here to RSVP
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"Texas Presidential Inaugural Celebration/Gala"
Tuesday, January 20
6:30 p.m. - midnight
Four Seasons Hotel
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
The Texas Presidential Inaugural Celebration/Gala is a celebration of democracy and marks the beginning of a historic journey for the 44th President of the United States, President-Elect Barack Obama. This gala event is presented by 360 Media & Over The Top Events in conjunction with the National Women's Political Caucus-Texas and the Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (ACC). The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Judy Maggio, Anchor/Managing Editor at CBS KEYE-TV (Maggio has covered three presidential inaugurations). Dress is Texas Glam/Black Tie Optional.
Also, the Four Seasons is offering a special discounted room rate of $150 for the evening so come on over and enjoy the hospitality, food and drink. We will have live music so stay late and dance the night away. Wide screens with official inaugural activities will be featured. Also, that evening an original artwork of President Obama will be given away, value over $1,000.
The Host Committee includes:
Ada Anderson, Willie Mae Kirk, The Honorable Mark Strama, The Honorable Bruce Elfant, Fr. Senator Gonzalo Barrientos and Emma Barrientos, John and Charlotte Sharp, Bruce Todd and Elizabeth Christian, Ian Davis and Amy Everhart, Malcomb and Toni Gardner, Peck Young, Brenda Burt, Alicia Del Rio, Bob Cash and Linda Young.
TICKETS:
General - $80
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John Reiser:
There will be an Inaugural party at Maria's Taco Express on South Lamar from 6-8 p.m. on January 20th. Music by the fabulous Leeann Atherton and her band! It is open to the public and free. I'll be there with some free Obama merch, courtesy of the Obama store. Swing by and hear Leeann belt out some Texas R & B.
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110 Year old daugher of f ...
12/21/2008 04:57am by Scott Cobb
Amanda Jones was Central Texas' oldest voter
Daughter of slave dies days after her 110th birthday.
By Joshunda Sanders
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Amanda Roberts Jones, who was the daughter of a man born into slavery and who lived long enough to vote for the country's first African-American president, died in her sleep about noon Thursday, two days after her 110th birthday, her family said Friday.
Jones, who had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia, was preparing for a birthday party Sunday afternoon that was expected to be a standing-room-only event at a downtown Austin hotel. On her birthday, Tuesday, Jones became a member of a small group of supercentenarians — people who live to 110 or older, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which validates claims of extreme old age.
"She lived awful long," Jones' granddaughter Brenda Baker said. "It was a full life, and her faith in God helped her live a long life."
The middle child of 13, Jones was part of a family that had lived in Bastrop County for five generations. Her father, Emmanuel Alfred Roberts, worked as a slave for a rancher before he was emancipated at age 12.
When she mailed in her ballot for President-elect Barack Obama in late October, Jones became a minor celebrity.
Eloise Baker, 75, said she had taken her mother to vote for Obama in the March primary. Area election officials said Jones was probably the oldest active registered voter in Central Texas. When news of her vote spread, Jones was profiled in the American-Statesman and later on National Public Radio and ABC News. More than 200 people signed an online petition to send her to Obama's inauguration. Birthday cards from around the country arrived at her home, Baker said.
During a life that touched three centuries, Jones worked as a maid, a farmer and a stay-at-home mother of 10 while keeping a deep faith as the cornerstone of her life, Baker said. Jones attended the Inspiration Pentecostal Church in Bastrop for more than 30 years, Baker said.
"She went every Sunday she was able," Eloise Baker said. "She always said that she had lived so long because she followed Christ and because she was obedient, and she taught us to do the same."
Jones had voted for more than 70 years — even when it meant she had to pick cotton to save money to pay a poll tax, her daughter said.
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Obama Picks Opponent of D ...
11/19/2008 12:38am by Scott Cobb
President-elect Obama today chose Eric Holder as his pick for U.S. Attorney General. He would become the first African-American to head the Justice Department, according to Newsweek.
In an interview with the New York Times in 1997, Holder separated his personal opposition to the death penalty from his professional responsibilities:
Mr Hatch questioned Mr. Holder about his views on the death penalty in general and in particular about a case in which Mr. Holder initially did not seek the death penalty for someone who was accused of killing a District of Columbia police officer.''I am not a proponent of the death penalty, but I will enforce the law as this Congress gives it to us,'' Mr. Holder said.
Mr. Holder said that at first he had not thought the crime met the legal conditions for the death penalty. But he said he changed his mind after a conversation with Attorney General Janet Reno. ''I hope that the committee would feel very assured that even with those statutes that have death penalty provisions will be fully enforced by me,'' he said.
Janet Reno, Attorney General for 8 years under Bill Clinton, was also personally opposed to the death penalty, although she sought the death penalty in some prosecutions.
In an interview with Jim Leherer, Reno explained her position:
JANET RENO: I was personally opposed to the death penalty, and yet I think I have probably asked for the death penalty more than most people in the United States.JIM LEHRER: Was that difficult for you to do?
JANET RENO: I had concluded when I was the prosecutor that I would vote against the death penalty if I were in the legislature but that I could ask for it when I was satisfied as to guilt and to the proper application of the penalty.
Given that there is more recognition today about the problems with the death penalty and the risk of executing innocent people, we expect that any attorney general under Obama would support significant reform of the federal death penalty and increased support for states that need federal support for reforms at the state-level, such as increased funding for innocence programs.
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Reaction at Martin Luther ...
11/09/2008 06:39am by Scott Cobbhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwaEEtS0lWE.
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