If you want tangible evidence of the way that the new health care law is already helping ordinary people, it’s worth having a conversation with one of the 8.5 million Americans who received rebates from their insurance companies this summer. Just ask the folks who got checks in the mail.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurers are required to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on medical care, instead of overhead like salaries or advertising. And if an insurance company doesn’t meet that standard, it has to provide a rebate to its customers.

It’s a really big deal, and we want to make sure everyone understands how it works.

Here’s a graphic that breaks things down. Will you share it to help answer questions in your community?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/health-care-rebate

Thanks! Tara

Tara McGuinness Senior Communications Advisor The White House

@HealthCareTara

Black History

Congress On break until 7/23

07/19/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. It is expected he will renew his motion to proceed to S.1243, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The time until 12:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
The next roll call vote will be at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 23^rd on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1243. Cloture was filed on that motion during Thursday’s session of the Senate. If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be yielded back and the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to proceed to S.1243 (likely a voice vote). If the motion to proceed to S.1243 is adopted, the text of H.R.2610, as reported by the House Appropriations, will be deemed House passed text for the purposes of rule 16.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

************************************************************************************************************

Last Floor Action:7/19
9:53:37 A.M. -H.R. 5
DEBATE – Pursuant
to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20
minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) substitute amendment No. 26.

9:00:21 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:00:25 A.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

9:01:22 A.M.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.

9:01:53 A.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Welch to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

9:02:03 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:06:43 A.M.

H.R. 5

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5 — “To support State and local accountability for public education, protect State and local authority, inform parents of the performance of their children’s schools, and for other purposes.”

9:15:03 A.M.

H.R. 5

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

9:15:47 A.M.

H.R. 5

An amendment, offered by Mr. Culberson, numbered 22 printed in House Report 113-158 to empower States by giving them the opportunity to accept or reject feder al grant money. Grant money rejected by State legislatures would be dedicated to paying off our outstanding national debt.

9:16:05 A.M.

H.R. 5

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Culberson amendment No. 22.

9:23:12 A.M.

H.R. 5

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Culberson amendment No. 22, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Tierney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

9:23:49 A.M.

H.R. 5

An amendment, offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick, numbered 23 printed in House Report 113-158 to provide a funding condition for a state or local educational agency to be eligible for funds, agency personnel cannot facilitate the transfer of an employee if they know, or have probable cause to believe, that the employee has engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor. Agencies must also require employees be subjected to background checks in compliance with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.

9:24:09 A.M.

H.R. 5

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment No. 23.

9:29:51 A.M.

H.R. 5

On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

9:30:15 A.M.

H.R. 5

An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 24 printed in House Report 113-158 to create a report containing recommendations regarding the advisability of authorizing a state education authority to close a school district over the opposition of a locally elected school board, and regarding best practices governing the exercise of authority by a state education agency in monitoring, supervising and controlling under-performing school districts with particular emphasis on rural and underserved school districts.

9:30:37 A.M.

H.R. 5

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 24.

9:37:10 A.M.

H.R. 5

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 24, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

9:37:45 A.M.

H.R. 5

>An amendment, offered by Mr. Cantor, numbered 25 printed in House Report 113-158 to allow Title I funds to follow students to other public schools or charter schools, upon the state opting to allow it.

9:38:03 A.M.

H.R. 5

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cantor amendment No. 25.

9:53:19 A.M.

H.R. 5

On agreeing to the Cantor amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

9:53:30 A.M.

H.R. 5

An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Miller, George, An substitute amendment numbered 26 printed in House Report 113-158 to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to maintain the civil rights and equity focus of the law and to ensure all students have access to an education that prepares them for college and the workforce. Supports all students, and in particular those who are historically disadvantaged, through access to high quality state-developed standards, a meaningful but flexible accountability and school improvement system, improved and targeted professional development and working conditions for teachers and school leaders, additional learning time and after-school programs, and dedicated supports for wrap-around services for students and a well-rounded education.

9:53:37 A.M.

H.R. 5

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) substitute amendment No. 26.—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

10:19:01 A.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the George Miller (CA) amendment No. 26, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. George Miller (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
10:46:53 A.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Culberson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 196 (Roll no. 370).
10:51:17 A.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 237 (Roll no. 371).
10:55:58 A.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Miller, George amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 233 (Roll no. 372).
10:56:11 A.M.	H.R. 5	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5.
10:56:49 A.M.	H.R. 5	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:57:02 A.M.	H.R. 5	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
10:58:01 A.M.	H.R. 5	Ms. Kuster moved to recommit with instructions to Education and the Workforce.
10:58:21 A.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kuster motion to recommit with instructions pending a reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prevent lowering standards for children with disabilities, including autistic children. It establishes safety standards for the use of seclusion and restraint in schools so children are not physically and mentally harmed. It also establishes standards for protecting student athletes from concussions. Lastly, it provides for criminal background checks of school and contractor employees who have contact with children. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was withdrawn.
11:06:52 A.M.	H.R. 5	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:14:39 A.M.	H.R. 5	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 196 – 231 (Roll no. 373).
11:20:51 A.M.	H.R. 5	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 221 – 207 (Roll no. 374).
11:20:52 A.M.	H.R. 5	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:21:06 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
11:21:07 A.M.	H.R. 5	The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5.
11:58:55 A.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, July 19, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
11:59:06 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:10:09 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:18:23 P.M.		Mr. Wolf moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:18:35 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:18:36 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 22, 2013.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the special person

07/18/2013 Nativegrl77

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Zach Silk, Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility

07/18/2013 Nativegrl77

We won in court last week — and the judge gave us some very clear, very honest, language for our petition gathering, which will start in the next few days.

And, as a fellow supporter, I wanted to say thank you — and share with you the language that was approved for this campaign, so you can be sure as to exactly what we’re trying to do with I-594.

It’s game time — and we need to get enough signatures to make sure that Washington can vote to protect our families by requiring a background check on all gun purchases.

You’ve already taken the first step.

Will you click here to help us build the campaign by sharing this image on Facebook, and asking your friends and family to endorse I-594?

With your help, we beat the gun lobby in court — but that just got us in the door, and we have a long way to go before we’re done.

Thanks for everything — we’d not have gotten anywhere near this far without your help.

Talk to you soon,

Zach Silk

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

USA: Save the bees

07/18/2013 Nativegrl77

Across the USA, millions of bees are dying, threatening our food supply. Scientists blame one group of pesticides some of which have just been banned in Europe. A new bill could save America’s bees, but big Agriculture and the pesticide industry are lobbying hard against it. We only have days to make sure Congress acts to stop the Chemical Armageddon — sign the emergency petition now!Quietly, across the USA, millions of bees are dying, threatening our crops and food. A new bill this week could ban one group of deadly pesticides and save bees from annihilation, but only if Congress feels the sting of public opinion.

America’s bees are facing a chemical Armageddon — just last week, 50,000 died in a single car park in Oregon after being exposed to pesticides, and last winter over 50% of all California’s bees died. Leading scientists blame one group of pesticides called neonicotinoids. The evidence is so compelling that the entire European Union has begun banning them, and the Save America’s Pollinators Act could impose a ban on these deadly poisons in the US.

Now it’s up to us to get our politicians to save America‘s bees. Big Agriculture and powerful chemical companies like Bayer are already lobbying hard to stop the bill, but if we show an overwhelming public support for a ban, we can counter their influence. Sign the petition below and tell everyone — when we reach 250,000 signers, we’ll take Avaaz’s giant inflatable bee to Capitol Hill to tell Congress to save our bees:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/usa_save_the_bees/?biEWLbb&v=27215

Bees don’t just make honey, they are vital to life on earth, every year pollinating 95 types of fruits such as avocados, almonds, apples, and that’s just the A’s — with an estimated $30bn value. Without immediate action to save bees, many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts could vanish from our shelves.

Recent years have seen a steep and disturbing global decline in bee populations — some bee species are already extinct and some US species are at just 4% of their previous numbers. Scientists have been scrambling for answers. Some studies claim the decline may be due to a combination of factors including disease, habitat loss and toxic chemicals.

But increasingly, independent research has produced strong evidence blaming neonicotinoid pesticides, forcing the European Union to temporarily suspend use of one or more of these bee killers. But, in the US, the EPA has been slow to react — their review won’t be completed until 2018 condemning our bees to 5 more years of chemical Armageddon.

This issue is now coming to the boil as major new studies have confirmed the scale of this problem, and Representatives Blumenauer and Conyers have introduced legislation. If we can get other members of Congress to act, we could shut down once and for all Bayer’s influence on policy-makers and scientists. The real experts — the beekeepers and farmers — want these deadly pesticides prohibited until and unless we have solid, independent studies that show they are safe. Let’s support them now. Sign the urgent petition to Congress now, then forward this email:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/usa_save_the_bees/?biEWLbb&v=27215

We know we can win on bees. Last April, over 2.5 million of us signed a petition calling on the EU to adopt a ban on bee killing pesticides and won! And in the US, nearly a million of us persuaded the EPA to review their position on these poisons. Now let’s go one step further towards saving bees!

With hope,

Iain, Luis, Anne, Alex, Allison, Ricken, and the whole Avaaz team

PS – Many Avaaz campaigns are started by members of our community. It’s easy to get started – click to start yours now and win on any issue – local, national or global: http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/start_a_petition/?bgMYedb&v=23917

MORE INFORMATION

Mystery Malady Kills More Bees, Heightening Worry on Farms (NY Times):
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/science/earth/soaring-bee-deaths-in-2012-sound-alarm-on-malady.html?pagewanted=all

Bee protection: US in spotlight as EU bans pesticides (The Guardian):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/30/bee-protection-us-eu-bans-pesticides

Legislation to restrict pesticide use proposed by Rep. Blumenauer (Oregon Live):
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/07/legislation_to_restrict_pestic.html

Some US bumblebees see 96% drop in last decades (Treehugger):
http://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/some-us-bumblebees-see-96-drop-in-last-decades.html