A severe recession, double-digit unemployment, record foreclosures and $12 trillion debt doesn’t paint a very rosy picture about the country’s future; Americans across the country are working harder and longer to meet their monthly budget – not Washington D.C.
As Washington prepares for a rare weekend vote, American’s are bracing for the surprises that are sure to pop out of the massive 2,000 page health care reform bill.
An issue sure to take center stage is the payroll tax increase. According to reports, the Senate legislation includes $376 billion in new taxes. These taxes are expected to trickle down to every American.
Experts agree that raising payroll taxes will dampen any new hiring and curtail business expansion, the result will have the opposite effect the American people are looking for.
Page nine of the Senate health care bill discusses the public option. While there may be different ideas as to the viability of the public option, one thing is certain, it in theory is supposed to offer lower-cost health insurance to those who have trouble obtaining insurance.
The Senate’s version of public-option will actually cost more than similar plans offered by companies such as Blue Cross/Shield, again not what the beltway promised Democrat voters during the Presidential campaign.
The Administration also floated a trial balloon this week regarding guidelines for women’s mammograms. They used a government panel within the Health and Human Services Department as the lapdog and the net result was outraged women crying this was only the beginning of government rationing.
The ‘Doctor fix’ which amounts to $210 billion in payment to physicians has been kicked out of the health care bill because the cost would send this legislation past the trillion dollar mark. This in turn will tack on billions to an already out-of-control federal deficit.
Another key point to keep in mind is that union leaders are supporting this plan, not only with purple shirts, but greenbacks. Millions of dollars have been spent to support Obamacare.
Leading the health care charge is Service Employees International Union’s Andy Stern. Unionization of the health care workers is at the top of his wish list and it looks like Santa may deliver this to him as Stern has topped the White House visitor list with 23 visits to the Oval Office.
However, unions cost money. The Heritage Foundation estimates the boost in health care union money would add up to $27 billion in the first year. They also project the total cost for out years 2013-2018 will be in the neighborhood of $192 billion.
The cost of the bill isn’t solely targeted to tax increases or decreased benefits. On page 432, Senate Leader Harry Reid-D NV offers a bribe to Senator Mary Landrieu-D of LA in the form of tax relief for her state. A $100 million tax-relief bribe.
Even more troubling is the real cost of the health care bill over the 10-year period will be $2.5 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
No doubt the mega bill holds many more surprises for Americans; the question remains will the Senate surprise the President on Saturday night with a no vote?
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
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