Greetings,

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
--Maria Robinson, Author

First, thank you brothers and sisters for answering our call to action. Notably, because of your help, there are 168 Representatives who have signed on to Congressman Courtney’s letter opposing an excise tax. Additionally, you were able to persuade 19 Senators who chose to support Senator Brown’s letter promoting a public option. Because of the UA’s action, we were able to solidify our positions regarding health care reform.

Health Care Update, as of October 8, 2009:

• The Congressional Budget Office a non-partisan organization, CBO, returned a fiscal analysis of the Senate Finance Committee’s bill at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 
• The CBO found:
• Baucus’ Bill would reduce the National Deficit, costing $829 Billion over 10 years, with a net deficit reduction of $81 Billion spanning the same timeframe, while covering 94% of Americans. This costs and covers less than the House version.
• Non-profit Co-Ops would not provide enough competition for Corporate Insurance
• Excise Tax was Still Included. The Government is floating back and forth between taxing plans that cost $21,000 or $26,000 for families, annually.
• There is not an employer mandate.
• The official language will be put to a vote by the Committee next Tuesday.

Currently, the House of Representatives raised the taxed salary ceiling to fund health care reform; what was originally $250,000 for singles was increased to $500,000 and from $500,000 for families to $1,000,000. Also, an idea in the House has presented itself titled the “Windfall” tax, which is placed on insurance companies. This beneficial tax would be placed on profits over a certain amount collected by larger firms. Moreover, there have been discussions of a reverse opt-out public option in the House. This reverse approach mandates a public-option, which form is unknown, but then giving the states the option, most likely put to a vote, on whether or not to provide such coverage. Again both topics have been presented as merely ideas. Although they are promising one cannot foresee what the projected outcome will be once in conference. 

Again thank you for your time, effort and involvement. 

Rick S Terven, Director
Legislative and Political Affairs
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the
United States and Canada 

Three Park Place
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Tel: 410-269-2000 extension 5016
Fax: 410-267-0285

Email: rickt@uanet.org
Website: ua.org
Website: political.ua.org