Tag Archives: health care

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety December 2014


USFDA_footerTennessee Firm Recalls Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared AllergensCampos Foods, LLC, a Caryville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 5,300 pounds of chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

Tennessee Firm Recalls Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Campos Foods, LLC, a Caryville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 5,300 pounds of chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

 

12/31/2014 09:56 AM EST
Pink’s Ice Cream LLC of Seattle, WA is recalling all ice cream flavors produced in 2014 with the exception of Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/30/2014 08:07 PM EST
Bleating Heart Cheese (BHC) is expanding its voluntary recall notice of December 17, 2014 to cover all of its sheep milk, goat milk, water buffalo milk and cows milk cheese produced between February 14, 2014 (coded as 14–0214)
12/30/2014 07:20 PM EST
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Fisher 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces packaged in plastic bags because some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
12/30/2014 12:14 PM EST
Burkmann Feeds is recalling its 50lb bags of Layer Ration 20% Pellets lot # 2090341 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Monensin Sodium, an ionophore that is not approved for use in layer rations. Consumption of Monensin Sodium in chickens may cause sickness, lethargic birds and possible mortality.
12/29/2014 08:56 PM EST
Merb’s Candies, is issuing a voluntary recall of the Merb’s Candies brand Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/29/2014 03:09 PM EST
American Roland Food Corp. announced today the recall of Roland(R) Bruschetta from lots numbered 28 and 29 due to safety concerns. The affected product was distributed to a limited number of customers and is being recalled due to the possibility of glass in the product.
12/29/2014 04:26 PM EST
Jardine Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Chili Mix products because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins. We were notified by one of our third party suppliers that one of the spice ingredients purchased contains peanut proteins, an allergen which is not declared on the products’ ingredient statement.
12/30/2014 09:57 AM EST
Great Feeling Foods, LLC of Portland, OR has issued a voluntary recall of all Groove Gluten-free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches produced between May 16, 2014 and December 20, 2014.  These products contain custard ice cream base produced and recalled by Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. as an ingredient.
12/30/2014 11:51 AM EST
TEN BC LLC of Austin, TX is recalling its 10 ounce packages of “Tommy’s Superfoods Santa Fe Rice” because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Texas Firm Recalls Beef and Pork Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared AllergensHausman Foods, LLC., a Corpus Christi, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 38,400 pounds of beef and pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

Texas Firm Recalls Pork Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Garcia Foods, Inc., a San Antonio, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 190,450 pounds of pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

Texas Firm Recalls Pork Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
HEB Meat Center, a San Antonio, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 83,666  pounds of pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

Texas Firm Recalls Pork Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
J & B Sausage Co., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 45,904 pounds of chicken and beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.

12/24/2014 02:42 PM EST
Farm Country Cheese House of, Lakeview Michigan is recalling 1136.53 pounds of Raw Milk Cheddar, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
12/26/2014 08:49 PM EST
Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients of Gonzales, Texas is voluntarily recalling cumin products because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins. We were notified by one of our third party suppliers that one of the spice ingredients purchased contains peanut proteins, allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
12/27/2014 05:39 PM EST
California Snack Foods, is issuing a voluntary recall of California Snack Foods brand caramel apples with a best use by date between August 15th and November 28th 2014, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
2 illnesses linked to recall of Snoqualmie ice cream products
12/23/2014 05:04 PM EST
Real Foods of Kent, WA is initiating a voluntary recall of 299 units of Tofu Pad Thai Bowl and 178 units of Thai Noodle Salad
12/23/2014 04:35 PM EST
Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of all ice cream, gelato, custard and sorbet for all flavors and container sizes produced on or after January 1, 2014 until December 15, 2014 because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/23/2014 05:25 PM EST
Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), announced today it has initiated a voluntary recall of 10 lots, identified below, of MitoXANTRONE (both human and veterinary), due to confirmed subpotency and elevated impurity levels.

Canadian Firm Recalls Pork Products Produced Without Benefit of InspectionBMG Trading, Inc. an Oakville, Ontario establishment, is recalling approximately 26,108 pounds of pork products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.

12/19/2014 04:48 PM EST
Reily Foods Co., New Orleans, announced today it is recalling certain Carroll Shelby brand and Wick Fowler brand chili seasoning kits after learning that one or more of the spice ingredients purchased from a third-party supplier contain peanut and almond allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
12/20/2014 11:53 AM EST
After Perfect Bar’s routine product testing, the company is issuing a nationwide recall of specific lot numbers of its Peanut Butter and Cranberry Crunch flavor recipes due to potential contamination of Salmonella. While no illnesses to date have been associated with any of the recalled products, Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/19/2014 04:48 PM EST
Reily Foods Co., New Orleans, announced today it is recalling certain Carroll Shelby brand and Wick Fowler brand chili seasoning kits after learning that one or more of the spice ingredients purchased from a third-party supplier contain peanut and almond allergens that are not declared on the products’ ingredient statements. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products
12/19/2014 10:40 PM EST
Kkot Saem Sprouts, Inc. of Spanaway, Washington is voluntarily recalling Soybean Sprouts and Mungbean Sprouts sold under brand names Kkot Saem, Winter Blossom Bean Sprouts, and Winter Blossom because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

 

12/19/2014 08:48 PM EST
Bethel Nutritional Consulting, Inc. is recalling one lot of SLIM-K Capsules to the consumer level. The firm was informed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that a sample of SLIM-K collected and tested by the FDA was found to contain Sibutramine, desmethylsibutramine, and Phenolphthalein.
12/19/2014 11:59 AM EST
Frankfort -based Zachary Confections, Inc. announced today a nationwide voluntary recall of one lot of Market Pantry Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, sold exclusively at Target Stores, because they include peanuts which are not declared on the label.
Recall Notification Report 085-2014
Katadyn North American Foods, LLC, a Rocklin, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,719 pounds of spicy sausage products due to misbranding; the label indicates that the product contains beef, but is actually formulated with pork sausage.
12/17/2014 10:17 AM EST
Tristar Equine Marketing, LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of Gastrotec down to the consumer level. Gastrotec was previously marketed by Tristar as an OTC drug for use in horses, and contains a combination of Omeprazole and Misoprostol.
12/15/2014 09:32 AM ESTFlat Creek Farm & Dairy of Swainsboro, GA has recalled 3 lots of cheese with lot codes 140802XAZ (Aztec Cheddar), 140702XAZ (Low Country Gouda voluntary recall) and 140725XGO (Aztec Cheddar voluntary recall) because of potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/12/2014 11:50 AM EST
Giant Eagle has issued a recall of Giant Eagle Apple Pistachio Salad and Apple Pistachio Salad with Chicken because the salads may contain fresh cut Gala red apples currently recalled by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, Giant Eagle has received no reports of customer illnesses associated with this recall.
Washington Firm Recalls Chef Salads with Ham and Turkey Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Real Foods LLC, a Kent, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 308 pounds of Chef Salad with Ham and Turkey due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.
12/10/2014 02:22 PM EST
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. (“Del Monte Fresh”) announced today the voluntary recall of fresh cut fruit containing Gala red apples grown in Pennsylvania. The affected product was distributed to a limited number of customers in a few States in North East US and is being recalled because these apples have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/10/2014 02:35 PM EST
Whalen’s Horseradish Products, Inc. of Galway, NY is recalling WHALEN’S SEAFOOD & BURGER SAUCE, because it contains undeclared anchovy, an element of the Worcestershire Sauce used in the finished product. People who have an allergy to fish run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
12/09/2014 07:22 PM EST
Global Garlic, Inc. of Miami, FL is recalling De Mi Pais products: Cuajada Fresca (Fresh Curd) 12oz. and Cuajada Olanchana (Fresh Curd) 12oz., because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
12/08/2014 07:39 PM EST
Alere Inc. (NYSE:ALR) has initiated a voluntary correction to inform U.S. users of the Alere INRatio and INRatio2 PT/INR Monitor system of certain medical conditions that should not be tested with the system (INRatio Monitor or INRatio2 Monitor and INRatio Test Strips). In certain cases an INRatio and INRatio2 PT/INR Monitor system may provide an INR result that is clinically significantly lower than a result obtained using a reference INR system (laboratory method).
12/04/2014 06:28 PM EST
Abdallah Candies of Burnsville, MN is taking precautionary measures and voluntarily recalling red and silver foil wrapped Holiday Caramel Bites. One customer has reported finding a peanut butter bite, wrapped in red foil, in a bag of holiday caramel bites.
12/06/2014 03:12 PM EST
Safeway is voluntarily recalling Safeway Select French Salted Caramel (Fleur De Sel) Premium Ice Cream sold in all Safeway-owned stores from November 4, 2014 through December 5, 2014 due to the inclusion of an undeclared peanut allergen.
12/05/2014 12:02 PM EST
House of Flavors, Inc., based in Ludington, Michigan, is recalling Ciao Bella Dark Cocoa Sorbetto manufactured by House of Flavors because it’s ingredients may include an undeclared dairy allergen. Consumers who may have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Nebraska Firm Recalls Pork Belly Product Produced Without Import Inspection
Quality Meats, Inc., an Omaha, Neb., establishment, is recalling approximately 44,372 pounds of frozen pork belly product because they were not presented at the border for USDA-FSIS Import Inspection.
12/03/2014 02:01 PM EST
Heart Sync Inc. announces that it has notified customers of a Voluntary Urgent Device Correction for certain Multi-function Defibrillation Electrodes due to a connector compatibility issue with Philips FR3 and FRx Defibrillator Units.
12/03/2014 08:58 PM EST
Overhill Farms, Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling the frozen food product Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas due to potential Salmonella contamination.
12/04/2014 12:05 PM EST
Lakeland Animal Nutrition has been informed that certain horse feeds manufactured by the company in Lakeland, Florida and distributed within the state of Florida may contain monensin and lasalocid. Serious injury or death can occur in horses consuming feeds containing monensin and/or lasalocid.
12/03/2014 09:30 AM EST
Women and their health care providers can look forward to getting more, and more recent, information about the effects of medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The improvements are required by the Food and Drug Administration’s recently published final rule on labeling information for prescription drugs and biological products. The rule replaces a decades-old labeling system and includes major changes in the sections concerning pregnancy and breastfeeding.
12/01/2014 02:42 PM EST Three Connecticut Whole Foods Market locations are recalling “Tarte Aux Pommes” produced and sold in West Hartford Center, Bishops Corner and Glastonbury, Connecticut due to an undeclared almonds. The 6 inch tarte was mislabeled as a “Tarte Aux Pomme 10in” and has a “best by” date between November 20 and December 1, 2014. The six inch tarte contained almonds as an ingredient, which was not declared on the label.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Union of Concerned Scientists … Playground politics


A small group of lawmakers are dead set on stopping the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.Don’t let them get away with it.Fight for strong limits on global warming pollution with your tax-deductible gift.

Donate Now

Or read on to find out how we’re fighting on the state level this year.

 

Here’s what a Texas lawmaker recently said:

“What if we just said no [to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new rules on power plant pollution]? There is a precedent in Texas to say we’re not going to be under the federal government’s boot.”1

He might as well have said, No! We don’t have to follow the rules! That sort of thing is barely acceptable on the playground—as a way of setting national policy, it’s downright dangerous.

Yet it’s happening now: Twelve states are suing the EPA to block new rules on global warming pollution.2 And even if they lose, there are a string of bills in state houses around the country to gut progress on clean energy and protect fossil fuel interests—in effect, to roll back years of work and victories you and I have made possible.

That’s why UCS is launching an ambitious new campaign next month to make sure states make real progress on clean air and renewal energy.

States have to devise plans to comply with new EPA rules that cut global warming pollutants from power plants. If we don’t have the right resources now, our opponents will beat us to the punch, and we’ll miss out on this opportunity to move states forward. Please don’t let that happen.

Our analysts and outreach staff need resources to take our hard hitting, science-based campaigns to even more states—to beat back attacks on the EPA and pass proactive legislation to ramp up wind and solar development and energy efficiency. What you give now determines just how hard we can fight in the weeks and months ahead—for science, clean air, and our families’ health.

Here’s how UCS will use your support to make a difference. Here’s how we’ll win:

  • We’ll mobilize the 20,000 scientists and technical experts in our Science Network to collaborate on new research and share their findings with lawmakers and regulators.
  • We’ll organize more than 450,000 individuals who’ve signed on as activists across all 50 states to make sure elected officials know they’re being watched, and ask them to follow the science on global warming, clean energy, and more.
  • We’ll work in key states to help them adopt strong clean energy and climate policies to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s new standards for power plant global warming emissions, and using the momentum to create a tipping point for national climate action.
  • We’ll expose misinformation from corporate and political interests in the media, in Congress, and in state houses—so decision makers know the difference between science fact and corporate fiction.

Those are the same ways UCS members helped secure landmark fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, impose limits on global warming emissions from coal-fired power plants, and cut sulfur pollution from gasoline—all in the last two years.

It’s also how we helped kill nearly every single legislative attempt to roll back support for wind and solar development in the states. We even beat the Koch brothers in their home state of Kansas.3

And it’s how we’ll convince key states to strengthen their reliance on clean and renewable energy. On January 1, we’re immediately ramping up our work in three states where legislators are poised to adopt stronger renewable energy policies—Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. That’s just the beginning of our state-based work in 2015. The number of states we can reach depends on your support right now.

Legislative sessions open up in early January. We either get ahead of the fossil fuel industry or we don’t.

The only disadvantage we face when compared to the people who protect corporate interests and deny climate science is resources. It’s just that simple. We’ve got the science, the experts, the everyday people fighting for their futures and their families’ health. We’re making a difference, but with your extra generous support right now, we can—we will—do so much more.

A lot of groups have a role to play in fighting global warming. Ours is unique. We are the leading national organization built by and for scientists and people like you who look to science first when faced with threats like sea level rise, persistent drought, and toxic pollution. We are the trusted experts on climate science and clean and renewable energy. And you are the power behind each of our campaigns.

The new year is just around the corner,

Ken Kimmell Sincerely,
Ken Kimmell
Ken Kimmell
President
Union of Concerned Scientists

 

P.S. As a UCS member, you should know you’re well respected by leaders in the climate movement. Just recently, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) said he “always follows UCS because they’re always right.” We appreciate that, and I can tell you—with your support—we always strive for accuracy and integrity in the defense of science. I’m proud of that, and hope you are too.

1. http://www.dallasnews.com/business/energy/20140929-litigation-looms-over-state-co2-hearings.ece
2. http://www.ok.gov/oag/documents/Section%20111d%20Settlement%20Filing.pdf
3. http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article1138361.html
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood ~~ Personal reasons for hope


Just yesterday we got some exciting news: the U.S. Supreme Court did the right thing by protecting women’s continued access to medication abortion in Arizona, at least for now.This win for women’s health is yet another reason I’m hopeful for the year to come — but to keep fighting dangerous laws like this one in Arizona, we’ll need people like you with us every step of the way. Please, make your tax-deductible year-end gift to Planned Parenthood today. Every dollar will be matched, up to $1 million, so your support will go twice as far in the year to come!At moments like this, I’m so proud to have you by our side. Thanks for all you do to protect women’s health and rights when it counts.Sincerely,
Cecile
Planned Parenthood
I’ve been at Planned Parenthood for eight years now. And I’ve been an activist my whole life. So when I say that the constant attacks and disturbing news for women, for rights, for whole communities over the last few weeks — and months, and years, really — are utterly devastating, that’s saying a lot.And yet…and yet…despite the terrible news, it might surprise you to know that I’ve never been more hopeful. Stick with me here — I’ve got darn good reasons.But first, Carmen, I want to tell you why I’m writing today. Truth is, this is the time of year when I ask you to donate, and it’s just about the most important time to give. Right now is when we make our plans for the next year. The money we raise this month determines our course for all of 2015. So, I’m counting on my reasons for hope being your reasons for hope — and your reasons to give.
You could say that it all comes down to these two (very tall) young men, Eladio and Robert. I met them in North Carolina, where they were canvassing. They drove an hour and a half to Raleigh each way, each day to knock on doors and talk about health care access and reproductive rights. Why? Because, they told me, it’s not enough to complain about what’s wrong. Planned Parenthood Federation of America gives them a chance to DO something about it.These two young men are remarkable. But they’re not alone. Far from it! Everywhere I go, I meet young people who are taking back this world of ours.Who see a chance for change, for good — and I’m so deeply proud to say they see it in Planned Parenthood.After a pretty depressing election for many of them and in the face of increasing attacks on women and rights, these young people are bringing astonishing hopefulness and energy and indomitable will to their volunteer and organizing work with Planned Parenthood. And lest you think it’s always been this way, it hasn’t. This is new. This is different. This is what hope looks like.Oh — and then there’s Texas. My home state has dealt just about the rawest deal to women I can imagine. You know — you’ve been with us through the few ups and many, many downs. But get this: Today we will cut the ribbon on a brand new health center in Dallas, TX. Because you cannot keep this organization, this movement, this family down.
Hope? Damn straight. They can try to limit access to affordable birth control and safe and legal abortion. They can push for dangerous laws that will roll back our rights. They can try to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers for good. All of these threats are all too real, and daunting indeed. They’re what we’re facing in 2015. We know this: Opponents of women’s health will try, again and again and again to keep women from getting the care they need.But here’s what else I know: Across the country, we’ve kept our doors open, no matter what, every day for more than 90 years and nothing, nothing, can stop us.Because we’ve got Eladio and Robert. Because we’ve got thousands of other young people who are stepping up like never before. And because, of course, we’ve got you. You and your unending support.Good reasons to hope? You bet. Good reasons to give? I’m counting on it. Literally! Thank you so much for believing in us, believing in these young people, and believing in hope today. Your support means the world to me, and to us.

Sincerely,
Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
P.S. Right now, a generous donor has agreed to match all gifts up to $1 million, but only until December 31st — don’t wait to make your gift to Planned Parenthood Federation of America. This is the moment when you can make a difference.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The Expanding List of Expandeders


By

More Red States Are Deciding That Closing The Coverage Gap Is The Right Move

The news today that, through December 12, there have been 2.5 million signups in the second year of open enrollment is another indication of the success the Affordable Care Act is having in bringing health care to millions of Americans. The website has been withstanding surges in traffic, too.

But there is more evidence that the law is working. As the holiday season approaches, conservative-led states previously committed to resisting the Affordable Care Act at all costs are doing a funny thing. With the 2014 elections behind them, more and more red state governors are announcing that they support accepting federal funding to close the coverage gap and provide affordable healthcare to families. While we hope that state legislatures will come on board with these state executives and approve plans quickly, in some cases it could be a long slog from governors announcing a deal to these same governors signing legislation. Despite that, this news is incredibly encouraging:

  • Yesterday, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced Insure Tennessee, a federal-state hybrid program that could bring coverage to more than 160,000 Tennesseans. A recent poll found that 58 percent of registered Tennessee voters supported taking federal funding to expand coverage for low-income Tennesseans.
  • Earlier this month, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead announced his support for his state’s version of Medicaid expansion, which could cover up to 17,600 Wyomingites.
  • Also earlier this month, Utah Governor Gary Herbert released his plan to expand coverage in his state, which would go beyond closing Utah’s coverage gap and could provide insurance for 77,000 Utahns.
  • Newly-elected Alaska Governor Bill Walker, an independent, continued his campaign to expand Medicaid from the campaign trail into his administration, though he will face stiff resistance from the Republican statehouse to bring affordable health care to 40,000 Alaskans.
  • According to reports, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D), undeterred after Republicans blocked him from expanding Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians, will continue to push for Medicaid expansion in 2015, despite facing long odds.

Since it is the holiday season, it would not be complete without a Grinch. That would be Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. Fresh off a tough re-election fight where he had to defend his tax cuts that blew a huge whole in the budget and deepened the recession’s damage to state services, Brownback has to continue to try and stitch together a balanced budget. His new idea to fill that pothole, however, is to use funds available to Kansas in part due to savings through the Affordable Care Act. Kansas received about $30 million thanks to the ACA through Medicaid, but instead of using that money to pay for Medicaid, Brownback wants to use it to replace the money given out in tax cuts disproportionately to the wealthy.

BOTTOM LINE: Despite setbacks by obstructionist Republicans, the Affordable Care Act’s fight to expand coverage to millions more Americans is not over. Expanding health coverage and closing the coverage gap is good for state budgets, for state economies, and of course for the uninsured. More red states are realizing this now, and we’ll bet even more will in the year to come.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Why I support the National Women’s Law Center



I’ve seen a lot of change in the world since I spoke out in 1991 about the sexual harassment I experienced when I worked for Clarence Thomas.Over the years, I’ve continued working as an educator, lawyer, and advocate. I’ve seen progress for women and families moveforward, backward, and forward again. I know we’ve accomplished much, but we still have much to do.That’s why I serve on the board of the National Women’s Law Center. Because we have a long way to go in the struggle for equality — and NWLC will be the one to take us there.

Join Anita Hill with a Year-End Gift to NWLCYour tax-deductible gift of $10 or more to supportNWLC’s work for women and families will be worth twice as much thanks to a matching gift.Donate Now

Just this year, NWLC helped win a Presidential Executive Order to strengthen equal pay protections and stop federal contractors from firing women who ask about fair pay. The Center wrote a groundbreaking report that calls attention to a key roadblock to enforcing sexual harassment laws — and so much more.

We’ve got a lot of work to do to ensure fair treatment for women in 2015 and beyond. We have to defend the gains we’ve made and push not only Congress but also regulatory agencies, state legislatures, and the courts to dismantle the barriers women face.

And the National Women’s Law Center is exactly who I trust to get the job done.

Join me with a gift of $10 or more today. Your year-end donation will be doubled, up to a total of $140,000, thanks to a matching gift.

It’s up to all of us to speak out as the struggle for equality continues into the next generation, in 2015 and beyond.

Thank you so much for your support.

Sincerely,
Anita Hill
Board of Directors
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. I’m grateful to NWLC for leading the way in the fight for equality. I know you are too. Make your year-end donation and it will be doubled by a matching gift.