Huntsman Focuses on Health System Reform
With the release of Gov. Jon Huntsman’s budget, the enormous issues of health system reform is now squarely on the table and will be the subject of intense debate over the next few months. See Tribune and Morning News stories.
The governor’s entire budget is posted on the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget web site. A lot more information about why health care reform is needed and other budget details can be found there.
Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Chamber has thrown its support behind Huntsman’s budget, saying it commends Huntsman “for a bold and forward-leaning budget that invests wisely in Utah’s future. We applaud the governor for investing in core state functions that are important to Utah’s business community: workforce development, transportation infrastructure and health system reform. This investment will keep Utah’s economic strong—now and in future years.” On health care reform, the chamber says, “Record numbers of Utahns are without health care coverage, costs are increasing at unsustainable rates and far too many patients fail to receive proper care. We have a window of opportunity to act while the Bush Administration is encouraging state-based reforms and before the federal government mandates a one-size-fits-all approach. Gov. Huntsman’s budget recommendations that provide patients with cost and quality information, promote healthy behaviors, and improve the health care market are good first steps.” Read the chamber’s entire statement here.
Today in Political History
Dec. 11, 1725: George Mason, principal author and advocate of the Bill of Rights, was born on this date.
Dec. 11, 1816: Indiana is admitted to the Union. (Source: Perspicuity)
Dec. 11, 1941: Germany and Italy declare war on the United States; the U.S. responds in kind. (New York Times)
Dec. 11, 1998: The House Judiciary Committee approves three articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton. (Source: NBC5)
Wise Words
"We still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping at the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretenses for revenue and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without a tribute."
-- Thomas Paine (Source: GMU.edu)
Communications Tip
Get Me Out of the News
Levick Strategic Communications has an interesting pitch to win clients:
“When a journalist calls at 4 p.m., they’ve already written their story. Now they just need a quote – from the villain.
That’s you.
“You usually can’t escape media attention. ‘No commenting’ or not returning reporter calls will never deter an enterprising journalist. If you don’t tell your side of the story somebody else will. And you won’t like it. But there is another way. You can turn what would be a days, weeks, or months -long story into a one day news event.
“Draw on relationships with key reporters to shape that first story. Direct friendly regulators to the media. Negotiate an exclusive. Choose the right media source and time to win back control – such as an open the kimono to achieve your ends. When you do it right – nobody knows.”
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- Wall Street Journal: "The Republican presidential field gingerly defended tough immigration policies before a Hispanic audience [at a debate in Florida Sunday] even as candidates acknowledged that their party has lost support from the fastest growing minority group in the U.S."
-- Washington Post: "[L]ong before 'waterboarding' entered the public discourse, the CIA gave key legislative overseers about 30 private briefings, some of which included descriptions of that technique and other harsh interrogation methods, according to interviews with multiple U.S. officials with firsthand knowledge. With one known exception, no formal objections were raised by the lawmakers briefed about the harsh methods during the two years in which waterboarding was employed, from 2002 to 2003, said Democrats and Republicans with direct knowledge of the matter."
-- Associated Press: "Al Gore received his Nobel Peace Prize on Monday and urged the United States and China to make the boldest moves on climate change or 'stand accountable before history for their failure to act.'"
Blog Watch
-- At UtahSenateDemocrats, Sen. Mike Dmitrich notes: "The Utah Senate Democrat caucus met [Monday] and made changes in the leadership team (necessitated by the recent passing of Senator Ed Mayne). Senator Pat Jones was made Assistant Senate Minority Whip (replacing Senator Ed Mayne) and Senator Brent Goodfellow was elected Senate Minority Caucus Manager (replacing Senator Pat Jones). We thank Senator Jones and Senator Goodfellow for their willingness to serve on the leadership team and look forward to working with them in their new capacities."
Lighter Side
Signs…
On Maternity Room Door: Push, Push, Push
Podiatrist’s Window: Time wounds all heels
Muffler Shop: No appointment necessary. We’ll hear you coming. (Jeff Thredgold’s Tea Leaf) |
