Can we get the right reform for the needs at hand?

Otolaryngologist Dr. Michael Hickham speaks to us about his concerns regarding the potentiality of the government taking over our health care industry. He makes a whole lot of sense when he points out that of the 47 million people who are currently uninsured, only about 12 million of them are in trouble (ie: normal middle class Americans who simply can't afford it or have a preexisting condition). Listen to the doctor. As President Obama said during his campaign for presidency: don't use a hatchet for a job that should be done with a scalpel. Listen to the doctor, he knows the difference between the two.

Campaign volunteers cheer Sen. Landrieu

Volunteers for the Louisiana Campaign for Responsible Reform woke up on a muggy and dank Saturday morning to visit the InterContinental Hotel in New Orleans show support for our Senator, Mary Landrieu, who was speaking at a conference there to show our appreciation for her commitment to a bi-partisan solution to the health care woes facing our country.

Stay vigilant, things are still moving

Well folks, just when things seemed to be cooling off in the health care debate up in D.C., things are starting to heat up again! Earlier today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent out a release harshly criticizing the House Tri-Committee's health care proposal, H.R. 32000. They argue the bill as is will:

      •     Increase the federal debt and deficits

     •     Launch a massive federal bureaucracy for employer-sponsored insurance

     •     Force changes to current employer plans, regardless of whether employees liked the original plans

     •     Unfairly deny individual affordability credits to low and moderate income workers whose employers provide health insurance

     •     Tie up substantial resources of employers, insurers, and providers to adjust to a wide variety of new rules and changes

     •     Reduce spending under Medicare, but not direct those savings to address the problem of unfunded obligations under Medicare.

     •     Fail to reduce the rise in national health care costs

 To see the entire study, visit http://www.uschamber.com/publications/reports/090925healthcare

But that's not all. Things look a bit brighter on the senate side, but we're still not quite there. There are numerous ways to improve upon Sen. Baucus' proposal, and luckily for us, the Chamber has pointed them out to him. Click the following to download their letter to the Senator: 090923_HealthCareBaucusMark_Bau

Talk'in Health Reform in the Big Easy...

This past Saturday was perfect. Weather was beautiful, there was a brisk breeze coming off of Lake Pontchatrain, and we weren't at a loss when it came to finding people that are concerned about health reform.

That being said, let the testimonials begin!

Here is Trey Roberts, whose expertise lies in finacial services. Here is his take on the problems with government-run.




**FYI** We're actually having a technical difficulty with our second testimonial, but it will be up in the next 24 hours, so keep checking back for updates!

GEAUX Health Reform!

This weekend was a knockout! Even the stormy weather couldn't stop us from getting people involved in our campaign, and it certainly didn't quell the enthusiasm of Louisiana citizens as they gave us their stories on health care.


Below is a video testimonial from Walter Diaz, who worked in the EMS system (he was an emergency responder) and told us about the abuses he saw first hand of the health care system. Long story short: Fix the fraud and waste and you'll find ways to make health care more affordable and thus more accessible to the uninsured.

Rep LaBruzzo speaks to the Campaign for Responsible Health Reform

Earlier today, State Representative John LaBruzzo from Metairie took a few minutes of his time to field a few questions and give us his reasons why the public option is not an option. 

A Day at the Chamber...

Today Devin and I stopped by a meeting of the Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce. We were astounded by the great speakers they had lined up and were inspired by the following two gentlemen.

First is Mike Mitternight, a local small business owner who not only offers his employees health insurance but pays 100% OF THEIR PREMIUMS! And guess what... he's doing it without a mandate! Listen to what he had to say:



The next speaker, Mike Bertaut, was an absolute knock out. I'm an uber-geek and love seeing statistics and cold hard data (remember, I own my own company that does this stuff!) and he had plenty to offer while making his case on the dangers of government intrusion into the health insurance industry.