November 2009 Archives

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and I hope you get a chance to spend some time with your family and friends next week. It’s a great time to count our blessings and remember the importance of family and sharing as we enter the 2009 Holiday season.

HEALTH CARE REFORM VOTE – While the House passed historic health care insurance reform legislation Nov. 7, the Senate likely will take up the debate further after the Thanksgiving break. For more on the House legislation, visit the Health Care page of my Web site. For the Senate’s version, click here.

MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT REFORM ACT – This week, I voted to preserve seniors’ access to their doctors by fixing the way Medicare pays physicians. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will permanently reform the Medicare payment system, repealing a 21 percent cut in payments to doctors scheduled to take place in January and replacing it with a stable system that protects seniors, disabled patients as well as our military families covered under TRICARE. This fix preserves patients’ relationships with their doctors and promotes primary care. For more, click here.

DISASTER RELIEF DEADLINE – Monday, Nov. 23, is the last day residents can apply for flood assistance. Georgians should register for assistance on the Web at www. DisasterAssistance.gov; or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have taken more than 27,000 applications for federal assistance.

SBA LOANS DEADLINE – Nov. 23 also is the last day to return applications for low-interest loans from the SBA, which has already approved $42 million in loans to flood survivors. The last day flood survivors can get help with SBA loans or FEMA Individual Assistance programs is Monday at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, 30058; or in Gwinnett County at Mountain Park, 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, 30047. For more, click here.

FLOOD INSURANCE – In September, only about 14,000 flood insurance policies were in effect in the 17-county designated area. That means a lot of Georgians and Fourth District residents were not adequately protected. This year’s rains have shown us that floods can occur anywhere, anytime with little or no warning. Low-to-moderate-risk policies cost about $287 a year, which would provide $100,000 of insurance on the house and $40,000 for contents. A policy in a Special Flood Hazard Area costs about $1,577 a year, which would provide $100,000 of insurance on the building and $50,000 on the contents. For more, click here.

H1N1 VACCINES – The DeKalb County Board of Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness will host an H1N1 vaccination clinic on Saturday, Nov., 21 at the former campus of DeVry Institute at 250 North Arcadia Road in Decatur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A vaccine supply of 2,500 injected doses will be administered to people in priority risk groups. The priority groups are:

– Pregnant women
– Healthcare and emergency medical staff with direct patient care
– People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months
– Anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age and
–Anyone from 25 to 64 years who has a medical condition.

For more information, call (404) 508-7880.

Please e-mail me with your thoughts and feedback any time. As always, I value your input and ideas. Thank you,

Rep. Hank Johnson
Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District
 

Floor speech, proclamation recognize Sharp’s 45 years of service:

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) honored one of the Fourth District’s most prominent daughters today with a floor speech to recognize Mary Anne Sharp’s 45 years of service as the choir director for the Decatur Civic Chorus in Decatur, Ga.

“Twice a year for nearly 50 years, Ms. Sharp has planned and presented a free major concert to the community,” said Johnson. “Not only has she fostered the spirit of volunteerism in our community, but she has brought together a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and abilities to blend their voices and share their love of music with the public.”

Sharp, an elementary school teacher in Atlanta, lives in Conyers but grew up in Decatur and attended Decatur public schools.

A graduate of Oglethorpe University and Emory University, Sharp and her singers have performed in Wales, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, and throughout the United States.

“While we must always focus on the larger issues of the day – such as war and peace, health care policy and other matters of state – we must also take the time to recognize the heroes of our communities. Ms. Sharp deserves our highest praise and is one of our community’s shining lights.”

Congressman Johnson and his staff will also present Ms. Sharp with a proclamation and DVD of the floor speech honoring her service prior to the Decatur Civic Chorus’ Annual Christmas Concert at First Baptist Church of Decatur on Saturday, Dec. 13.
 

El Johnson Resalta Que el Proyecto de Ley Reduce Costos y Reduce el Déficit:

Washington, D.C. — Hoy la Cámara de Representantes aprobó un proyecto de ley histórico que reforma el sistema de seguros médicos de nuestra nación, reduce el déficit y expande el acceso a cuidados médicos a costo accesible, y de calidad para casi todos los estadounidenses. 

El proyecto de Ley de Cuidados Médicos a Costo Accesible para Estados Unidos ofrece seguridad y estabilidad para todos los estadounidenses, reduce costos, mejora la cobertura y mantiene nuestras opciones de doctores, hospitales y planes de salud.

Esta legislación es crucial para la comunidad hispana, ya que una tercera parte de los latinos en los Estados Unidos no tienen seguro médico y tan sólo 41 por ciento de los latinos tienen cobertura a través de su lugar de trabajo, comparado con 71 por ciento de la población blanca no-hispana.

“Hoy, una cámara del Congreso ha aprobado una reforma significativa para los cuidados de salud, luego de un siglo de intentos”, dijo el Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04). 

“Luego de casi 100 horas de audiencias en comité, 3,000 asambleas populares y eventos por todo el país, y 239 enmiendas sometidas a consideración, hemos aprobado un proyecto que es crítico para salvaguardar la futura prosperidad económica de nuestro país y de la clase media de los Estados Unidos”, dijo el Rep. Johnson.

Reformar el sistema de cuidados médicos es una parte crucial de nuestra recuperación económica. Nuestro proyecto de ley recorta los costos de los cuidados médicos a largo plazo y reduce $109 mil millones del déficit a lo largo de los primeros diez años, y continúa reduciendo el déficit para ayudar a que nuestra economía crezca y a que recupere su solidez.

Esta legislación aprobada hoy cubrirá al 96% de los estadounidenses y garantiza estabilidad, costos más bajos, mejor calidad y mayor opción de planes para todos los estadounidenses.  Lo pone a usted y a su doctor – no a las compañías de seguros- a cargo de las decisiones sobre sus cuidados de salud.

Si tiene un seguro, esta legislación:
• Impide que su compañía de seguro le niegue cuidados o cobertura –o le cobre más- por padecer diabetes, enfermedades del corazón o cualquier otra “condición pre-existente”.
• Le da la tranquilidad de que no perderá su cobertura si pierde su empleo, se muda, o cambia de trabajo
• Impide que las compañías de seguros cancelen su póliza porque lo consideren “muy enfermo”.
• Cubre cuidados preventivos sin co-pagos ni deducibles
• Limita los pagos que su compañía de seguros le puede hacer a usted pagar.
Si no tiene seguro, esta legislación:
• Le permite comparar antes de comprar para obtener el plan de mejor calidad y a costo más accesible a través de un nuevo mercado de seguros de salud.
• Le ofrece tarifas de grupo aún por cobertura individual
• Ayuda a bajar el costo de sus primas con subsidios para reducción de costos, para aquellos que necesitan ayuda para pagar por un seguro.
• No permite que ninguna compañía de seguros le niegue cobertura por padecer enfermedades del corazón, diabetes o cualquier otra “condición pre-existente”.
• Extiende la cobertura para los jóvenes, permitiéndoles mantenerse en el plan de seguro médico de sus padres hasta que cumplan 27 años, si así lo desean.
• Incluye una opción de seguro médico pública para competir en igualdad de circunstancias con las aseguradoras privadas.

Para las personas mayores, esta legislación:
• Fortalece a Medicare, ampliando su solvencia para el futuro.
• Mejora el acceso a su médico
• Reduce los precios de los medicamentos obtenibles a través de Medicare ya que empieza a cerrar la brecha de cobertura inmediatamente.
• Reduce ineficiencias y costos programáticos para ayudar a mantener solvente a Medicare sin cortar beneficios.
• Mejora la coordinación y aumenta la calidad del cuidado para las personas mayores con diabetes, alta presión arterial y otras condiciones crónicas.
“En este momento, más de la mitad de los estadounidenses posponen su atención médica o se brincan dosis de sus medicinas con receta por los altos costos, y los pequeños negocios a menudo deben elegir entre ofrecer beneficios a sus trabajadores o despedirlos”, dijo el Rep. Johnson.  “Hoy yo estoy votando no solamente para controlar los costos exorbitantes, sino también para ofrecer un salvavidas a los residentes del estado de Georgia que a diario enfrentan decisiones tomadas por las compañías de seguros que les niegan cuidados o cobertura, o que ponen los tratamientos o medicamentos a costos fuera de su alcance.  Este es el voto más importante que he emitido y trabajaré para enviarle al Presidente el proyecto de ley más fuerte que sea posible.

En el distrito del Rep. Johnson, la Ley de Cuidados Médicos a Costo Accesible para Estados Unidos logrará:

• Mejorar la cobertura ofrecida por los lugares de trabajo para 349,000 residentes.
• Proporcionará créditos para ayudar a pagar la cobertura de 166,000 hogares.
• Mejorará Medicare para 65,000 beneficiarios, incluyendo cerrar la brecha de cobertura para medicinas recetadas para 5,400 personas mayores.
• Permitirá que 15,400 pequeños negocios puedan obtener cobertura de cuidados de salud y dará subsidios para ayudar a pagar la cobertura y reducir los costos de los seguros médicos a hasta 14,200 pequeños negocios.
• Proporcionará cobertura para 153,000 residentes sin seguro.
• Protegerá hasta 2,200 familias de la bancarrota por los costos inaccesibles de los cuidados médicos.
• Reducirá los costos por cuidados sin compensación para hospitales y proveedores de cuidados médicos por $98 millones.
 

Dear Friends,

I would like to express my condolences to the soldiers, families and civilians of the Fort Hood community. The shooting was an unspeakable tragedy. Our nation asks much of our military service members – they should never face violence here at home. I stand with our service men and women and the Fort Hood military community in particular during this difficult time. Veterans Day will be especially painful this year.

VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES – Please take some time Wednesday, Nov. 11 to recognize and observe the sacrifice – past and present – of our service members, who defend our freedoms. Click here to find the location nearest you.

HEALTH CARE REFORM VOTE – The House is poised to vote on historic health care insurance reform legislation this weekend. If passed and signed into law, millions of uninsured Americans will have access to affordable, quality care and people who have insurance will not be denied for pre-existing conditions or subject to caps on coverage. The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) updates bills passed by House committees over the summer.

HEALTH REFORM IN THE FOURTH – If passed and signed into law, the health insurance reform bill will provide the following benefits to the people and businesses of the Fourth District:

• Improve employer-based coverage for 349,000 residents;
• Provide credits to help pay for coverage for up to 166,000 households; 
• Improve Medicare for 65,000 beneficiaries, including closing the prescription drug donut hole for 5,400 seniors;
• Provide coverage for 153,000 uninsured residents;
• Protect up to 2,200 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs;
• Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $98 million;
• Allow 15,400 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 14,200 small businesses.

For more on the legislation, visit the Health Care page of my Web site.

HELPING EVERYDAY GEORGIANS – I voted this week to help Georgia’s families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The unemployment benefit extension will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to millions of workers, families and businesses nationwide. The Homebuyer bill includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010 and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more. To breathe life back into American businesses suffering from huge losses, the tax relief bill allows U.S. companies to carry back losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 against income earned in any of the five prior years. The President signed these into law Nov. 6. For more, click here.

EFFECTIVE DEATH PENALTY APPEALS ACT – This week, I introduced the Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act (H.R. 3986), which would ensure that death row inmates have the opportunity to present newly discovered evidence of innocence in certain circumstances. Today, legal technicalities prohibit new, important evidence from being heard in court. Reps. John Lewis, John Conyers, Jerrold Nadler, Shelia Jackson-Lee, Bobby Scott and Andrew Weiner are co-sponsoring the measure and it’s endorsed by Amnesty International and the NAACP. For more on this bill, click here.

CREDIT CARDS – If you’ve noticed your credit card company raising your interest rates, minimum payments, and fees ahead of a new law scheduled to take effect in February, you’re not alone. I voted this week to accelerate critical reforms that will protect consumers from the abusive practices of the credit card industry. By moving up the start date of much of the Credit CARD Act, Congress can limit the worst practices of credit card companies before the full law takes effect. For more on this bill, click here.

COST OF LIVING INCREASES FOR SENIORS – I’m working with my colleagues in the House and support President Obama’s effort to provide Social Security recipients with an additional $250 to offset the lack of a cost-of-living increase this year. It’s especially important as countless seniors and others have seen their retirement accounts and home values decline as a result of this financial crisis. There are several pieces of legislation that would achieve this, and I will do everything I can to make sure at least one gets a floor vote. I already voted to prevent Medicare premiums from going up this year, but it’s crucial we address the Social Security issue as well.

DON’T FORGET SOLUTION SATURDAY – Remember, the IRS is holding “Solution Saturday” on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atlanta Summit Building, 401 West Peachtree St. NW. This event is for residents who are struggling to pay back taxes and keep food on the table, a roof over their head or their business open. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 404-588-5444.

HISTORIC FLOODING – Flood survivors still have two weeks to apply for FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance. Nearly 26,000 people have already applied and more than $82 million in federal aid has been made available to families, individuals and businesses. Please share this important information to ensure that everyone affected by the flooding receives the help they need.

DISASTER RELIEF DEADLINE – Monday, Nov. 23 is the last day residents can apply for assistance. Georgians should register for assistance on the Web at www. DisasterAssistance.gov; or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SBA LOANS DEADLINE – Nov. 23 also is the last day to return applications for low-interest loans from the SBA. One-on-one help with SBA loans or FEMA Individual Assistance programs is available this week at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, 30058, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in Gwinnett County at Mountain Park, 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, 30047, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more, click here.

FLOOD GRANTS WON’T AFFECT SOCIAL SECURITY, TAXES – The more than half million people living in Georgia’s disaster-designated counties who are receiving Social Security benefits need not worry about disaster recovery grants effect on their taxes. Generally, federal disaster recovery grants directly provided to individuals do not adversely affect federal income taxes. Taxpayers do not have to include FEMA disaster relief grants on their tax returns. For more on this, click here.

Please e-mail me with your thoughts and feedback any time. As always, I value your input and ideas. Thank you,

Hank
 

Washington D.C. --  El Representante Johnson preocupado porque una gran mayoría de sus electores no tienen acceso a un servicio de salud de calidad asequible, anunció el pasado jueves 29 de octubre su apoyo a la legislación de reforma de seguro de salud actualizada revelada en el Capitolio.

El Acta Americana de Seguro de Salud Asequible (H.R. 3962), la que actualiza proyectos de ley aprobados por  Comités de la Casa de Representantes durante el verano, refleja las prioridades de la Casa de Representantes, el Presidente Obama y los ciudadanos Americanos. 

El voto sobre esta legislación esta previsto para esta semana.

“Este histórico proyecto de ley es una oportunidad que se presenta una vez en la vida para asegurar que todos los ciudadanos Americanos obtengan un cuidado de salud asequible y de calidad” dijo Johnson. “Esta legislación reducirá costos, prohibirá practicas discriminatorias en contra de pacientes con condiciones previas y extenderá la cobertura a individuos sin seguro”.  

La legislación asegurará que un 96 porciento de americanos sean cubiertos con un plan de salud asequible y de calidad y cubrirá a 36 millones de personas quienes actualmente no tienen cobertura. La oficina de presupuesto del Congreso (CBO por sus siglas en inglés) calcula el costo de expansión de cobertura en $894 billones de dólares, consecuente con los $900 billones en cobertura estipulados por el Presidente Obama. CBO estima que el proyecto de ley reducirá el déficit por lo menos en $ 30 billones de dólares en un periodo de 10 años.

“Para las personas del distrito cuatro, éste es un proyecto de ley que se necesita urgentemente”, dijo Johnson. “Estoy satisfecho que después de cientos de audiencias y reuniones publicas en toda la nación, estamos un paso más cerca en el largo camino hacia la reforma”

Un Vistazo de Cerca

• Exenciones para pequeños negocios. Bajo la versión revisada de la legislación, pequeños negocios con una nomina de menos de $500,000 dólares (en vez de $250,000 dólares)  serán exentos del mandato del empleador. Lo que equivale al 86 porciento de los negocios de los americanos. 

• Ayuda para personas de la tercera edad con el costo de medicamentos en la parte D, conocida en inglés como “donut hole”.  La versión revisada del proyecto de ley adelanta la fecha efectiva para la reducción del “donut hole” en $ 500 dólares del 1 de enero de 2011 al 1 de enero del 2010, e instituye un descuento del 50 porciento en medicinas de marca. También elimina el “donut hole” en el 2019 en vez del 2024.

• Mayor reducción del déficit. De acuerdo con CBO, la versión revisada del proyecto de ley reduce el déficit en $ 30 billones de dólares durante los primeros 10 años.  En la versión original del proyecto de ley el déficit se reducía en $ 6 billones de dólares en los primeros 10 años.  La versión revisada continúa reduciendo el déficit durante el segundo periodo de 10 años.

• Termina con la inmunidad para las compañías de seguros de las leyes en contra de monopolios (conocidas en inglés como “anti-trust laws”). Con el propósito de abrir el mercado de las compañías de seguros a una competencia real, la versión revisada del proyecto de ley termina con la protección de los aseguradores de las leyes contra monopolios. Trayendo acciones contra monopolios aplicables a dos de las prácticas más abusivas de los aseguradores de salud: ajuste de precio y distribución de mercado.

• Extiende cobertura para jóvenes hasta los 27 años a través del seguro de los padres. La versión revisada requiere a las compañías de seguros permitir que los jóvenes hasta los 26 años puedan permanecer en las pólizas de seguro de los padres, si estos así lo deciden.

• Crea un nuevo programa de seguro de salud a largo plazo, voluntario y publico. La versión revisada del proyecto de ley, crea un programa de seguro de salud a largo plazo, que será financiado a través de deducciones voluntarias de la nómina para adultos quienes resulten con discapacidades.  La medida provee un beneficio de dinero en efectivo para ayudar a individuos con  servicios de organizaciones comunitarias.

Para ver una copia del Acta Americana de Servicio de Salud Asequible, H.R. 3926, haga click aquí

Para ver una copia del Acta de la Reforma de pagos para Médicos de Medicare, H.R. 3961, haga click aquí.

Para ver un resumen detallado del proyecto de ley, lista de hechos y más información en el significado de la reforma de seguro de salud para los americanos, haga click aquí.

Congressman commends bill for lowering costs, reducing deficit:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A longtime supporter of making health care more accessible and affordable for the American people, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted in favor of health care reform today.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) passed 220 to 215.

“Today, we are one step closer to enacting historic health care reform,” said Johnson, pleased that the legislation includes a public option. “For the majority of my constituents who receive health coverage through their employer, this bill will provide stability by doing away with rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions. For the more than 190,000 residents in my district who have no health insurance, it will allow access to affordable care.”
 
The House now awaits Senate action before voting on a final reconciled bill that will then go to the president’s desk for his signature.

On the eve of the vote, Johnson said he was encouraged by constituents’ calls and letters supporting the bill. He also cited the support of AARP, leading economists, the American Medical Association, the NAACP and countless women’s health advocacy groups, among hundreds of other well respected medical, social and business organizations.

“This bill is not only morally right, but an imperative for working-class families” said Johnson. “When this bill becomes law, 166,000 households in my district could qualify for affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage, 65,000 seniors will benefit from a strengthened Medicare, 15,000 small businesses will be able to join the health insurance exchange and thousands of families could avoid bankruptcy due to catastrophic health care costs.”

Johnson said H.R. 3962 will not only help cover uninsured Americans and provide stability for people who have insurance, but be good for the economy by buoying small businesses and reducing the deficit by $30 billion over 10 years.

“Small businesses pay up to 18 percent more per worker than large firms for the same health insurance policies, and since 2000 have seen a 129 percent increase in insurance costs,” said Johnson. “More than half of our nation’s uninsured are small business owners and employees and their families. With this legislation, we are ensuring that small businesses can do well by their employees and their families.”

Johnson successfully amended the Act to include a provision that calls for a full report to Congress about the threat from a cluster of diseases termed “neglected infections of poverty.”

Parasitic infections and other diseases usually associated with the developing world are cropping up with alarming frequency among U.S. poor, especially in states along the U.S.-Mexico border, the rural South and in Appalachia, according to researchers. Johnson’s addition to the bill – Sec. 2587 – will require a report to Congress on the current state of parasitic diseases that have been overlooked among the poorest Americans.

Rep. Johnson’s testimony before Rules Committee Nov. 6 concerning two amendments to the Affordable Health Care for America Act

“The goal of health reform is to expand access to quality affordable health care. The underlying bill makes commendable strides to expand access, but I believe that we must go further to ensure that Americans can afford the care they need. Many Americans – our friends and neighbors – suffer from debilitating and chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or severe arthritis. The medications available to them are so expensive that insurers create so called “specialty tiers” within their formularies for these medications. People living with chronic conditions incur heavy financial burdens for treatment and prescription drugs – and they are at the breaking point. High out of pocket costs limit access to care and ultimately reduce their chances of living healthy lives. In a recent study of medical bankruptcies, out-of-pocket medical costs averaged $17,749 for the privately-insured, and $26,971 for the uninsured. Patients with neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, faced the highest costs at an average of $34,167.  I believe it is time to put a limit on these outrageous costs. Because of my passion regarding health care and my early championing of the public option in this legislation on Nov. 6 in Rules committee, I proudly offered two amendments. 

My first amendment would cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $200 per monthly prescription and $500 per month, total. This would apply to all insurance plans, including Medicare Part D.  My amendment would also amend the current Medicare Part D exemption process so low-income beneficiaries can request an exemption for specialty tier drugs that would lower their costs. The amendment would also request two MedPAC studies of discrimination and cost-sharing. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.
 
My second amendment would build on the underlying legislation by reducing the cap on out of pocket medical expenses from $5,000 annually to $1,250 quarterly. People whose care results in high out of pocket costs could easily reach the $5,000 limit in a one or two month span. This is potentially unaffordable for people with chronic disease and dividing the cap quarterly would achieve the same policy outcome while increasing its affordability. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.”
 

Congressman commends bill for lowering costs, reducing deficit:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A longtime supporter of making health care more accessible and affordable for the American people, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted in favor of health care reform today.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) passed 220 to 215.

“Today, we are one step closer to enacting historic health care reform,” said Johnson, pleased that the legislation includes a public option. “For the majority of my constituents who receive health coverage through their employer, this bill will provide stability by doing away with rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions. For the more than 190,000 residents in my district who have no health insurance, it will allow access to affordable care.”
 
The House now awaits Senate action before voting on a final reconciled bill that will then go to the president’s desk for his signature.

On the eve of the vote, Johnson said he was encouraged by constituents’ calls and letters supporting the bill. He also cited the support of AARP, leading economists, the American Medical Association, the NAACP and countless women’s health advocacy groups, among hundreds of other well respected medical, social and business organizations.

“This bill is not only morally right, but an imperative for working-class families” said Johnson. “When this bill becomes law, 166,000 households in my district could qualify for affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage, 65,000 seniors will benefit from a strengthened Medicare, 15,000 small businesses will be able to join the health insurance exchange and thousands of families could avoid bankruptcy due to catastrophic health care costs.”

Johnson said H.R. 3962 will not only help cover uninsured Americans and provide stability for people who have insurance, but be good for the economy by buoying small businesses and reducing the deficit by $30 billion over 10 years.

“Small businesses pay up to 18 percent more per worker than large firms for the same health insurance policies, and since 2000 have seen a 129 percent increase in insurance costs,” said Johnson. “More than half of our nation’s uninsured are small business owners and employees and their families. With this legislation, we are ensuring that small businesses can do well by their employees and their families.”

Johnson successfully amended the Act to include a provision that calls for a full report to Congress about the threat from a cluster of diseases termed “neglected infections of poverty.”

Parasitic infections and other diseases usually associated with the developing world are cropping up with alarming frequency among U.S. poor, especially in states along the U.S.-Mexico border, the rural South and in Appalachia, according to researchers. Johnson’s addition to the bill – Sec. 2587 – will require a report to Congress on the current state of parasitic diseases that have been overlooked among the poorest Americans.

Rep. Johnson’s testimony before Rules Committee Nov. 6 concerning two amendments to the Affordable Health Care for America Act

“The goal of health reform is to expand access to quality affordable health care. The underlying bill makes commendable strides to expand access, but I believe that we must go further to ensure that Americans can afford the care they need. Many Americans – our friends and neighbors – suffer from debilitating and chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or severe arthritis. The medications available to them are so expensive that insurers create so called “specialty tiers” within their formularies for these medications. People living with chronic conditions incur heavy financial burdens for treatment and prescription drugs – and they are at the breaking point. High out of pocket costs limit access to care and ultimately reduce their chances of living healthy lives. In a recent study of medical bankruptcies, out-of-pocket medical costs averaged $17,749 for the privately-insured, and $26,971 for the uninsured. Patients with neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, faced the highest costs at an average of $34,167.  I believe it is time to put a limit on these outrageous costs. Because of my passion regarding health care and my early championing of the public option in this legislation on Nov. 6 in Rules committee, I proudly offered two amendments. 

My first amendment would cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $200 per monthly prescription and $500 per month, total. This would apply to all insurance plans, including Medicare Part D.  My amendment would also amend the current Medicare Part D exemption process so low-income beneficiaries can request an exemption for specialty tier drugs that would lower their costs. The amendment would also request two MedPAC studies of discrimination and cost-sharing. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.
 
My second amendment would build on the underlying legislation by reducing the cap on out of pocket medical expenses from $5,000 annually to $1,250 quarterly. People whose care results in high out of pocket costs could easily reach the $5,000 limit in a one or two month span. This is potentially unaffordable for people with chronic disease and dividing the cap quarterly would achieve the same policy outcome while increasing its affordability. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.”
 

Congressman commends bill for lowering costs, reducing deficit:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A longtime supporter of making health care more accessible and affordable for the American people, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted in favor of health care reform today.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) passed 220 to 215.

“Today, we are one step closer to enacting historic health care reform,” said Johnson, pleased that the legislation includes a public option. “For the majority of my constituents who receive health coverage through their employer, this bill will provide stability by doing away with rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions. For the more than 190,000 residents in my district who have no health insurance, it will allow access to affordable care.”
 
The House now awaits Senate action before voting on a final reconciled bill that will then go to the president’s desk for his signature.

On the eve of the vote, Johnson said he was encouraged by constituents’ calls and letters supporting the bill. He also cited the support of AARP, leading economists, the American Medical Association, the NAACP and countless women’s health advocacy groups, among hundreds of other well respected medical, social and business organizations.

“This bill is not only morally right, but an imperative for working-class families” said Johnson. “When this bill becomes law, 166,000 households in my district could qualify for affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage, 65,000 seniors will benefit from a strengthened Medicare, 15,000 small businesses will be able to join the health insurance exchange and thousands of families could avoid bankruptcy due to catastrophic health care costs.”

Johnson said H.R. 3962 will not only help cover uninsured Americans and provide stability for people who have insurance, but be good for the economy by buoying small businesses and reducing the deficit by $30 billion over 10 years.

“Small businesses pay up to 18 percent more per worker than large firms for the same health insurance policies, and since 2000 have seen a 129 percent increase in insurance costs,” said Johnson. “More than half of our nation’s uninsured are small business owners and employees and their families. With this legislation, we are ensuring that small businesses can do well by their employees and their families.”

Johnson successfully amended the Act to include a provision that calls for a full report to Congress about the threat from a cluster of diseases termed “neglected infections of poverty.”

Parasitic infections and other diseases usually associated with the developing world are cropping up with alarming frequency among U.S. poor, especially in states along the U.S.-Mexico border, the rural South and in Appalachia, according to researchers. Johnson’s addition to the bill – Sec. 2587 – will require a report to Congress on the current state of parasitic diseases that have been overlooked among the poorest Americans.

Rep. Johnson’s testimony before Rules Committee Nov. 6 concerning two amendments to the Affordable Health Care for America Act

“The goal of health reform is to expand access to quality affordable health care. The underlying bill makes commendable strides to expand access, but I believe that we must go further to ensure that Americans can afford the care they need. Many Americans – our friends and neighbors – suffer from debilitating and chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or severe arthritis. The medications available to them are so expensive that insurers create so called “specialty tiers” within their formularies for these medications. People living with chronic conditions incur heavy financial burdens for treatment and prescription drugs – and they are at the breaking point. High out of pocket costs limit access to care and ultimately reduce their chances of living healthy lives. In a recent study of medical bankruptcies, out-of-pocket medical costs averaged $17,749 for the privately-insured, and $26,971 for the uninsured. Patients with neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, faced the highest costs at an average of $34,167.  I believe it is time to put a limit on these outrageous costs. Because of my passion regarding health care and my early championing of the public option in this legislation on Nov. 6 in Rules committee, I proudly offered two amendments. 

My first amendment would cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $200 per monthly prescription and $500 per month, total. This would apply to all insurance plans, including Medicare Part D.  My amendment would also amend the current Medicare Part D exemption process so low-income beneficiaries can request an exemption for specialty tier drugs that would lower their costs. The amendment would also request two MedPAC studies of discrimination and cost-sharing. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.
 
My second amendment would build on the underlying legislation by reducing the cap on out of pocket medical expenses from $5,000 annually to $1,250 quarterly. People whose care results in high out of pocket costs could easily reach the $5,000 limit in a one or two month span. This is potentially unaffordable for people with chronic disease and dividing the cap quarterly would achieve the same policy outcome while increasing its affordability. This amendment is supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America.”
 

Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Below are all the parades, observances and ceremonies being held in the Fourth District:

Saturday, Nov. 7 – The Georgia Veterans Day Parade in downtown Atlanta will begin at 11:11 a.m. For more information, log on to http://www.gavetsdayparade.org/.

Sunday, Nov. 8 – The Lilburn Annual Veterans Day Celebration will be held Lilburn City Park from from 3 - 5 p.m.   

Tuesday, Nov. 10 – The DeKalb Veterans Day Ceremony is presented by DeKalb Veterans Affairs Advisory Board (sponsored by DeKalb County) at 10 a.m. in downtown Decatur on the Square. For more information, call Ray Jones at 770-656-0994.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 – The Rockdale County Walk of Heroes begins at 11:11 a.m at Randy Poynter Lake in north Rockdale County. For more information, visit www.walkofheroes.com or call Barbara Clanton at 770-278-7003.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 – The Gwinnett County Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Gwinnett’s Fallen Heroes Memorial, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 770.822.8840.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony in Decatur Cemetery - To honor the veterans buried in Decatur Cemetery, the Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC) will place flags on the graves prior to the 11 a.m. ceremony sponsored by FODC and American Legion Post 66. For more information, call 404-378-4411.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), along with Constitution Subcommittee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers [D-MI], Crime Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Scott [D-VA], Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY] , Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX], and Ways and Means Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis [D-GA] today introduced the Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act (H.R. 3986), which would ensure that death row inmates have the opportunity to present newly discovered evidence of innocence. 

Under current law, an inmate on death row can be stranded with no procedural options to appeal a conviction, even if there is compelling new evidence that he or she is innocent. 

The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act would:

(1) empower federal courts to grant habeas corpus relief for a prisoner on death row who presents newly discovered evidence that demonstrates probable innocence; and

(2) allow prisoners on death row to file successive federal habeas petitions if, and only if, they present newly discovered evidence that a panel of federal judges rules may be reasonably expected to demonstrate innocence.

If a federal court were to grant such a habeas corpus petition, the case would likely return to its original jurisdiction for retrial.

“We’ve got folks on death row with no opportunity to show compelling new evidence of innocence,” said Johnson, Chairman of the Court and Competition Policy Subcommittee. “The status quo is inhumane and unconstitutional.”

“The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act would prevent the execution of possibly innocent people where there is new evidence of innocence,” said Constitution Subcommittee Chairman Nadler. “If the death penalty remains the law of the land, then, at the very least, our legal system must never ignore evidence that could exonerate the accused. Death is different from all other penalties; it is irreversible. Those on death row must have the opportunity to bring forward all of the available evidence.”

“Unfortunately, errors in death penalty cases are not discovered until after the defendant is already incarcerated,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers. “In some terrible cases, the system may well be allowing some innocent defendants to be executed.”

“We have learned in Georgia,” said Rep. Lewis, “from the injustice of cases like that of Troy Anthony Davis, where legal technicalities prohibit new, important evidence from being heard. The value of a human life overrides any inconvenience of law. We have a duty and an obligation to ensure that those who may be innocent have every opportunity to be heard.”

“When it comes to a human life, the courts must always be able to take a closer look at evidence that supports claims of innocence,” said Johnson. “We should never put someone to death if there are innumerable doubts or omissions.”

The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act has been endorsed by Amnesty International and the NAACP.

Why this bill matters

Two cases – one present, one past – demonstrate the necessity of this legislation.

Today, Troy Anthony Davis sits on death row in Georgia. He was convicted of murder in 1991, but nine of eleven eyewitnesses have subsequently recanted their testimony. Because Davis has exhausted his appeals at the state level and federal law offers him no path to relief, he is unable to present the new evidence that might exonerate him. 

The Supreme Court has relied upon its original jurisdiction to order the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to grant Mr. Davis an evidentiary hearing.  However, the law in its current form does not necessarily give the District Court authority to grant Mr. Davis’ habeas petition, even if they find that the new evidence supports his innocence claim. 

In his opinion “In Re Troy Davis” (No. 09-1443; August 17, 2009), Supreme Court Justice Stevens wrote that the section of law to be amended by the Rep. Johnson’s bill is in its present form “arguably unconstitutional to the extent it bars relief for a death row inmate who has established his innocence.”  Rep. Johnson’s bill would amend that section to allow a prisoner on death row to present newly discovered evidence of their innocence.

In 2004, Cameron Willingham was executed by the State of Texas for the murder of his children by arson. After Willingham’s conviction, a widely-respected forensics expert reviewed the case and concluded in a report that there was “no evidence of arson.”  The report was sent to Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles with Willingham's appeal for clemency. Willingham was executed anyway. Subsequent investigations have cast even more doubt upon the conviction. Newly discovered evidence never got the full hearing it deserved.

# # #
 

“Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act” would provide critical options for death row inmates with new evidence of innocence:

WASHINGTON – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), along with Constitution Subcommittee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers [D-MI], Crime Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Scott [D-VA], Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY] , Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX], and Ways and Means Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis [D-GA] today introduced the Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act (H.R. 3986), which would ensure that death row inmates have the opportunity to present newly discovered evidence of innocence. 

Under current law, an inmate on death row can be stranded with no procedural options to appeal a conviction, even if there is compelling new evidence that he or she is innocent. 

The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act would:

(1) empower federal courts to grant habeas corpus relief for a prisoner on death row who presents newly discovered evidence that demonstrates probable innocence; and

(2) allow prisoners on death row to file successive federal habeas petitions if, and only if, they present newly discovered evidence that a panel of federal judges rules may be reasonably expected to demonstrate innocence.

If a federal court were to grant such a habeas corpus petition, the case would likely return to its original jurisdiction for retrial.

“We’ve got folks on death row with no opportunity to show compelling new evidence of innocence,” said Johnson, Chairman of the Court and Competition Policy Subcommittee. “The status quo is inhumane and unconstitutional.”

“The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act would prevent the execution of possibly innocent people where there is new evidence of innocence,” said Constitution Subcommittee Chairman Nadler. “If the death penalty remains the law of the land, then, at the very least, our legal system must never ignore evidence that could exonerate the accused. Death is different from all other penalties; it is irreversible. Those on death row must have the opportunity to bring forward all of the available evidence.”

“Unfortunately, errors in death penalty cases are not discovered until after the defendant is already incarcerated,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers. “In some terrible cases, the system may well be allowing some innocent defendants to be executed.”

“We have learned in Georgia,” said Rep. Lewis, “from the injustice of cases like that of Troy Anthony Davis, where legal technicalities prohibit new, important evidence from being heard. The value of a human life overrides any inconvenience of law. We have a duty and an obligation to ensure that those who may be innocent have every opportunity to be heard.”

“When it comes to a human life, the courts must always be able to take a closer look at evidence that supports claims of innocence,” said Johnson. “We should never put someone to death if there are innumerable doubts or omissions.”

The Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act has been endorsed by Amnesty International and the NAACP.

Why this bill matters

Two cases – one present, one past – demonstrate the necessity of this legislation.

Today, Troy Anthony Davis sits on death row in Georgia. He was convicted of murder in 1991, but nine of eleven eyewitnesses have subsequently recanted their testimony. Because Davis has exhausted his appeals at the state level and federal law offers him no path to relief, he is unable to present the new evidence that might exonerate him. 

The Supreme Court has relied upon its original jurisdiction to order the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to grant Mr. Davis an evidentiary hearing.  However, the law in its current form does not necessarily give the District Court authority to grant Mr. Davis’ habeas petition, even if they find that the new evidence supports his innocence claim. 

In his opinion “In Re Troy Davis” (No. 09-1443; August 17, 2009), Supreme Court Justice Stevens wrote that the section of law to be amended by the Rep. Johnson’s bill is in its present form “arguably unconstitutional to the extent it bars relief for a death row inmate who has established his innocence.”  Rep. Johnson’s bill would amend that section to allow a prisoner on death row to present newly discovered evidence of their innocence.

In 2004, Cameron Willingham was executed by the State of Texas for the murder of his children by arson. After Willingham’s conviction, a widely-respected forensics expert reviewed the case and concluded in a report that there was “no evidence of arson.”  The report was sent to Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles with Willingham's appeal for clemency. Willingham was executed anyway. Subsequent investigations have cast even more doubt upon the conviction. Newly discovered evidence never got the full hearing it deserved.