Where Does Your Tax Dollars Go: Economic Stimulus Package

I thought I would bring this site to everyone's attention and thought you might enjoy it.

Recovery.gov

Basically, this site was created as a provision for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or Economic stimulus package as most of us know it.  It was made so the taxpayers could see where the money goes
The Map is completely interactive.  Try putting in your zip code, it will show jobs that were created in your area.

Now we cant say we do not know where the money goes, providing that this information is accurate.

Highlights of the Health Insurance Reform Bill: Consumer Protections

Here is some info I came across on some consumer protections.  Although I have seen a lot of these in the current bill, I cannot verify all of them, I will try to do a search and let you know if I cant find some of the protections actually in the bill.  Beware that this is from Whitehouse.gov and could be propaganda. I wouldnt expect them to post anything that is not in the bill.  I just wanted to raise a flag.

The thing that raises my eyebrows, they will come at a cost.  For example:

• No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill

 If the Government protects the insurance purchaser from being dropped if they get seriously ill, that will raise the risk for the company issuing the insurance.  Now I agree that it is not ethical for an insurance company to drop a customer if they get seriously ill.  But what it will do is raise the risk factor of doing business for these insurance companies, which in turn raise insurance premiums.  But maybe this insurance marketplace they will set will combat some of these factors.

Health Insurance Consumer Protections

• No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions
  
  
• Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
  
  
• No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays
  
  
• Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for
  out-of-pocket expenses.
  
  
• No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care
  
  
• Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
  
  
• No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill
  
  
• Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
  
  
• No Gender Discrimination
  
  
• Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
  
  
• No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage
  
  
• Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
  
  
• Extended Coverage for Young Adults
  
  
• Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
  
  
• Guaranteed Insurance Renewal
  
  
• Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

Obama's goal for the Afghanistan war: Quick recap of the address

 
As we saw in the President's address last night, Obama will send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Here are some key points that he made during his speech.

Three goals for the war:

1. Deny Al Qaeda a safe haven in Afghanistan
2. Reverse the Taliban's Momentum and deny their ability to overthrow the government
3. Strengthen the Afghan security forces so they can take lead responsibility
   

Three Keys to be successful in the war:

1. U.S. Military forces will break Taliban momentum
2. They will work the United Nations on a civilian strategy, for improved security
3. Success in Afghanistan will be directly linked to Pakistan relations

Also note that this needs to happen by 2011.  He also will be removing all troops from Iraq.

Watch President Obama's Speech on the Afghanistan War

Whether you Agree or support him or not.  I think its our duty to listen to what he has to say.

Florida Senator George LeMieux Discusses Drastic Medicare Cuts in the Health Care Bill

Im not sure what to make of this speech. If this is true, you gotta feel for the seniors, but on the other hand in order for this bill to work the cuts have to come from somewhere.

So, do the seniors need to make the sacrifice even though they have paid into taxes all those years or should Congress find other ways to cut the spending?

Remember, if you agree/disagree with this, let your congressman know. Click the links provided on the right hand column to let your voice be heard. It only takes a few minutes.