Tag Archives: United States
The Final Stretch
Momentum Is Building As Enrollment Deadline Nears
We’ve been talking about the Affordable Care Act a lot this month, and we will continue to do so as the days tick away until the March 31 deadline to enroll in health insurance or pay a fine. With just 12 days left, more and more people are signing up for coverage and the word is spreading about affordable care. Here’s what has been going on:
- 5 million have now signed up for private insurance in the state and federal marketplaces. On the heels of last week’s announcement that 4.2 million had enrolled through the end of February, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that enrollment has now passed the 5 million mark. That’s 800,000 additional enrollments in just over two weeks – almost the same as the entire month of February. Enrollment is increasing rapidly as the deadline approaches, and it will continue to do so in the remaining days. This is in addition to the millions who are gaining coverage through Medicaid and the 3.1 million who have coverage by staying on the parents’ plan.
- 1 million have signed up for coverage in California. California has been a leader in helping to implement the law, and as a consequence has seen a huge number of people benefitting from the law. The state’s insurance exchange, Covered California, passed a million people enrolled on Saturday—one-fifth of all sign-ups nationwide. “We are pleased and privileged to be helping a million people find the peace of mind that comes with having insurance,” the exchange’s Executive Director said. “But we’re not stopping at a million.”
- Celebrities line up to lend their voices to enrollment efforts. Ever since President Obama sat down for the hilarious “Between Two Ferns” interview with comedian Zach Galifianakis, the administration has rolled out numerous other celebrity voices to spread the word about the law. LeBron James recorded a public service announcement in which he reminded his audience, “You never know when you might take a hit.” A number of celebrities’ moms sat down to ask, “Seriously, do you want your mothers to have a nervous breakdown? You need health insurance.” And famed NCAA basketball coaches Geno Auriemma and Roy Williams recorded a video to kick off a different kind of bracket – the sweet 16 reasons to get covered. Obama will make his first appearance as President on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” tomorrow to tout the law.
- Report finds sports injuries that are common among young people cost thousands. Many of the “young invincibles” who don’t think it’s worth it to enroll in health care coverage might want to think again. Accidents happen, and when they do health care can be costly. A broken arm, for example, costs an average of $7,700.
Meanwhile, as millions of Americans get access to health insurance for the first time, Republicans in Congress continue their repeal-at-all-costs approach. Their latest anti-Obamacare bill would cause a spike in insurance premiums up to 20 percent and leave 13 million fewer Americans with insurance. And while the GOP keeps insisting it will provide an alternative to the ACA, you shouldn’t believe the hype. The New York Times even called out their latest gambit for what it was: all new talk, but no new ideas. The only plan they agree on is to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
BOTTOM LINE: While Republicans keep trying to figure out ways to repeal the ACA and go back to the days when insurance companies were in charge of your health care, the new health care law’s successes march on. Insurance sign-ups passed another historic threshold Monday, with 5 million now covered. And there are numerous outreach efforts to keep the momentum up through the March 31 deadline to enroll.
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FREE MARISSA NOW !
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Florida State Attorney Angela Corey is best known for failing to secure murder convictions for the killers of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis. Now, she intends to send Marissa Alexander to prison for 60 years — for firing a warning shot in self defense to stop her abusive husband.1
In 2012, Marissa was unjustly sentenced to 20 years in prison, and after immense public outrage by Black folks and our allies around the country, she won her appeal and was set free last September.2 Rejecting persistent calls to drop the case once and for all, Corey is ramping up her prosecution. It’s cruel and unacceptable. Now is our time to make it clear to Gov. Scott that national outrage over Marissa’s case is growing and unless he takes action to hold Corey accountable, there will be a political price to pay in his tight re-election campaign for Governor.
Known as the “killingest prosecutor,” Angela Corey has a long legacy of biased and overly harsh prosecutions when the defendant is Black.3 Over the past 5 years, Corey has sent 21 people to death row — more than any other FL prosecutor — 66% of which have been Black despite the fact that Black people account for only 16% of Corey’s district.4 Additionally, Corey’s refusal to acknowledge racial bias in the murder trials of George Zimmerman and Michael Dunn led to accusations of prosecutorial misconduct including withholding evidence, failing to prepare key witnesses, and ultimately derailing the case.5
Florida’s constitution gives Governor Scott the power and responsibility to intervene and ensure justice for Marissa and Florida as a whole.6 Black women are significantly more likely to be convicted for defending themselves against an abuser, and as long as Corey remains at her post we can expect Florida’s criminal justice system to continue to fail Black survivors of violence.7 By demanding that Gov. Scott hold Corey accountable for her actions and increase political pressure to free Marissa, we can take important steps to move forward a national conversation on the ways in which Black people are mistreated in our criminal justice system — and secure systemic change.
Thanks and Peace,
–Rashad, Matt, Arisha, William, Lyla and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team March 17th, 2014
Help support ColorOfChange’s campaign to hold Angela Corey accountable by contributing today.
References
Image art by DignidadRebelde.com
1. “Marissa Alexander’s sentence could triple in ‘warning-shot’ case,” The Florida Times-Union, 03-01-14 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3359?t=9&akid=3336.1174326.lLcS3M
2. See reference 1.
3. “Florida’s killingest prosecutor,” Washington Post, 03-13-14 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3361?t=11&akid=3336.1174326.lLcS3M
4. See reference 4.
5. “Zimmerman Prosecutors Duck the Race Issue,” The New York Times, 07-15-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3366?t=13&akid=3336.1174326.lLcS3M
6. “Constitution of the State of Florida” http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3374?t=15&akid=3336.1174326.lLcS3M
7. “Women’s Experiences of Abuse as a Risk Factor for Incarceration,” VAWNet.org, 12-01-02 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3373?t=17&akid=3336.1174326.lLcS3M
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Overtime pay protections … a great year of ACTION
| In this week’s address, President Obama highlighted the action he took this week to reward hard work by strengthening overtime pay protections. As part of this year of action, the President has ordered the Secretary of Labor to modernize our country’s overtime rules to ensure that millions of American workers are paid a fair wage for a hard day’s work.While our economy is moving forward, the middle class and those fighting to get into it are still struggling and too many Americans are working harder than ever just to keep up, let alone get ahead. So, in consultation with workers and business, the Obama administration will update and simplify the rules to reward hard work and responsibility.
Click here to watch this week’s Weekly Address.
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| Between Two Ferns: POTUS EditionIf you’ve been living under a rock, you might not know that President Obama sat down between two ferns to talk health care, Bradley Cooper, basketball, and more with Zach Galifianakis.
The President didn’t hold back in the no-holds-barred interview. If you haven’t already seen the special episode of “Between Two Ferns,” or if you just want to watch it again, check it out on our blog. POTUS Uses His Pen, Updates Overtime On Thursday, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Labor to update and modernize the nation’s overtime pay system.
The new system will ensure that millions of our nation’s salaried workers will have the protections of overtime pay. “Please Just Do This One Thing and Sign Up for Health Care” Jennifer Lopez walked at eight months, and was climbing out of her crib at a year old. Alicia Keys was “an old soul” who could hear a song once and then play it. Jonah Hill flooded his elementary school. They also all thought they were invincible, like most young people do. How do we know? Their moms told us.
Sharon Feldstein, Patsy Noah, Terria Joseph, and Guadalupe Rodriguez (otherwise known as the moms of Jonah Hill, Adam Levine, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Lopez) recently sat down to share why, as mothers, they think it’s so important that everyone — and especially young people — make sure they’re covered. The President Meets with the Ukrainian Prime Minister President Obama met with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of Ukraine earlier this week. The two leaders discussed finding a peaceful resolution to Russia’s ongoing military intervention in Crimea that would respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They also discussed support that the international community can provide to help Ukraine confront its economic challenges, and the importance of uniting Ukraine and working to fulfill the aspirations of the Ukrainian people as they prepare for May presidential elections. West Wing Week: “What’s Up, Captain America?” As always, to see even more of this week’s events, watch the latest episode of West Wing Week:
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“My Brother’s Keeper”
Greetings,
The White House hosted a conference call on the President’s new initiative, “My Brother’s Keeper” with Latino organizations that are leading the effort to help our boys and young men of color get ahead. Please join the discussion with key policy staff from across the Administration to learn more about “My Brother’s Keeper” and ways that you can get involved.
To RSVP for the conference call, click here.
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at an event to highlight “My Brother’s Keeper,” an initiative to expand opportunity for young men and boys of color, in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 27, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Univision Telemundo Town Hall
Last week, President Obama participated in a town hall on Latinos and the Affordable Care Act. The town hall “Tu Salud y La Nueva Ley: Conversación con el Presidente” (Your Health and the New Law: A Conversation with the President) was an opportunity for people to learn about both the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and ways Latinos can sign-up for quality, affordable health insurance.
During the town hall, President Obama assured the participants that 99% of the problems with HealthCare.gov have been resolved. In addition, he stated that 95% of the problems with CuidadoDeSalud.gov have been resolved. He also guaranteed that information provided for health care enrollment would not be shared with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes. He stated, “So, for everybody out there that’s in a mixed family, there’s no sharing of the data from the health care plan into immigration services. You should feel confident that if somebody in your family is eligible, you should sign them up.”
President Barack Obama participates in the Univision Telemundo Town Hall with Enrique Acevedo and José Diaz-Balart at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., March 6, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In other news, the President announced several Latinos for key administration posts. The new Latino nominees include:
- José Cisneros – Nominated to serve as Vice Chair to the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans
- Anna Maria Chávez – Nominated to serve as a Member on the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans
- Joe Echevarria – Nominated to serve as a Member on the President’s Export Council
As always, please share this information with your networks to help inform the Latino community on the latest news about the Health Insurance Marketplace and other updates.
Thank you.
Jorge Neri Associate Director White House | Office of Public Engagement
Administration Highlights
Opportunity For All: Middle Class Tax Cuts In The President’s FY 2015 Budget
The President’s FY2015 budget will show how to achieve real, lasting economic security and expand opportunity for all so that every American who is willing to work hard can get ahead. The President’s budget will show in real terms the choices we can make to expand economic opportunity and strengthen the middle class, like closing unfair tax loopholes so we can invest in the things we need to help the middle class and those striving to get into it, grow our economy, and provide economic opportunity for every American. It invests in infrastructure, job training, and preschool; the bill cuts taxes for working Americans while closing tax loopholes enjoyed by the wealthy and well-connected; and reduces the deficit.
Last week, the President released his FY2015 Budget laying out a specific vision for how we create opportunity for all Americans. The President’s Budget provides a roadmap for accelerating economic growth, expanding opportunity for all Americans, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. It invests in infrastructure, job training, preschool, and pro-work tax cuts, while reducing deficits through health, tax, and immigration reform. To read more about how the President’s budget supports Latino families, click here.
Agency Updates
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on the Minority Business Development Agency’s 45th Anniversary “Forty-five years ago today our nation embarked on a vision to ensure that minority-owned firms throughout the country could become critical economic agents of change and job creation. This vision led to the founding of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the only federal agency focused on strengthening the economic contribution of our nation’s 5.8 million minority-owned businesses. Today, more than ever, MBDA continues to play a vital role in growing the U.S. economy and providing jobs for Americans of all backgrounds and cultures by ensuring that minority-owned firms grow in size and scale.”
It’s Time to Enroll. Come Back to HealthCare.gov Today! As we head into the final weeks of open enrollment, HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov are ready to serve you. We all deserve the security and the peace of mind that comes from having health coverage that we can count on when we need it most. And we continue to make the application process easier for you. Read some of the ways we have improved the consumer experience.
Es Hora de Inscribirse. ¡Regrese Hoy a CuidadoDeSalud.gov! A medida que nos acercamos a las últimas semanas del período de inscripción abierta, CuidadoDeSalud.gov y Healthcare.gov está listo para servirle. Todos merecemos la seguridad y tranquilidad de tener cobertura médica con la que podemos contar cuando más la necesitamos. Y seguimos haciendo el proceso de solicitud fácil para usted. Lea más sobre la manaeras en la que hemos mejorado la experiencia para nuestros consumidores.
Blog Highlights
Still Need Health Insurance? Join a Live Chat with Valerie Jarrett & Cosmo for Latinas On Wednesday, March 12 at 3 p.m. ET, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett will join the editors of Cosmopolitan & Cosmo for Latinas for a live chat on Google+ to discuss everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act and how you can get insured before the March 31 open enrollment deadline.
Ask President Obama Your Health Care Questions on WebMD Next week, President Obama will sit down for his first-ever interview with WebMD, the leading source of health information for consumers and health care professionals, to discuss the importance of signing up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. During a conversation with the site’s health care reform expert Lisa Zamosky, the President will answer questions about health care and the ACA directly from WebMD users in an interview that will air on March 14.
Presidential Innovation Fellows Round 3: Serve. Create. Innovate. We are very excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the third round of the Presidential Innovation Fellows program. This initiative pairs talented, diverse individuals from outside government with top Federal innovators to implement game-changing projects that make the Federal Government work better for the American people.
Get Involved
My Brother’s Keeper: Latino Community Call President Obama’s recently launch an initiative called My Brother’s Keeper. For decades, opportunity has lagged behind for boys and young men of color. But across the country, communities are adopting approaches to help put these boys and young men on the path to success. And the President, in collaboration with foundations, businesses, and others, wants to build on that success to ensure that every American who is willing to work hard and lift themselves up has the opportunity to get ahead and reach their full potential.
Who: Jorge Neri, Associate Director, Office of Public Engagement What: Discussion with key policy staff from the White House and across the Administration to learn more about the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. When: 5 PM EST on Tuesday, March 11 RSVP: Click here to RSVP
White House Internship The White House Internship Program’s mission is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from around the nation, and cultivate and prepare those devoted to public service for future leadership opportunities. If you know of any such future leaders, please encourage them to visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/internships for more information.
Who: The White House Internship Program What: Fall 2014 White House Internship When: DEADLINE is Sunday, April 13 Apply: www.whitehouse.gov/internships
Be a Seed for Change 
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