Mark Meckler’s Take on Medicaid Expansion

Hello all,

The following was a letter from Mark Meckler.  Please review and comment .. . and most importantly, pick out the key points that mean the most to you and immediately send emails and make phone calls to your state legislators!

To Tea Partiers across Florida:

From my perspective it’s very simple.

1.  Tea Partiers put principle before politics.  One of the core principles of tea partiers is fiscal responsibility.  As tea partiers, our job is to stand on principles, not be convinced by the politics of the moment.  Expanding huge, inefficient, bloated, government programs for which our federal government must borrow 43 cents of every dollar spent is hardly fiscally conservative.  In fact, supporting such a program expansion would be the antithesis of what the movement stands for.

2.  The best conservative Governor’s in the nation are opposing the expansion of Medicaid.  Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. Rick Perry, Gov. Bobby Jindal, Gov. Nikki Haley, etc.  When the leading conservative Governors in the nation are rejecting the program, it’s hard to see how tea partiers could think accepting it is a good thing.

3.  Four Important Points about the proposed Medicaid expansion that everyone should know:

Four Important Points About Medicaid Expansion

A.  Support for Medicaid Expansion is Support for Obamacare.  If your tea party group supports the expansion of Medicaid, it is a major statement in support of Obamacare.  One of the major provisions of Obamacare was the expansion of Medicaid, which is intended to dramatically increase the number of people dependent on the federal government.  The rejection of the Medicaid expansion, which states were given the right to do by the Supreme Court in the only conservative victory on Obamacare, is one of the few tools remaining to help prevent Obamacare from swallowing the nation.

B.  The Medicaid Expansion is a Fiscal Nuclear Time Bomb.  Medicaid is a fiscal time bomb; today, states and the federal government jointly fund the program, but over time, Congress is almost certain to curtail its support due to Washington’s fiscal pressures.

C.  The Medicaid Expansion Drives the Cost of Insurance Up for Everyone Else.  Medicaid drives up the cost of insurance for everyone else, because hospitals overcharge people with private insurance to make up for the fact that they’re underpaid by Medicaid.

 

D.  Medicaid is a Broken Program Providing Terrible Health Outcomes.  Medicaid provides the worst health outcomes of any insurance plan in America; in many cases, it’s worse than having no coverage at all.

To me, it’s not even a close call for tea partiers.  If we won’t do our best to hold the line here…we should just fold up our tea party tents and go home.  It is impossible for fiscal conservatives to support the expansion of a bloated, broken federal program that borrows 43% of every dollar spent, and still consider ourselves principled fiscal conservatives.  If we support (or don’t vociferously oppose) the expansion of Medicaid, then the criticism sometimes leveled at us that we are willing to cut, but not when those cuts affect us, is true.  Are we Democrat-lite, or are we true fiscal conservatives who will stand on principle?  In Florida, the time to make that decision is now.

Below you will find a summary of where each state currently stands (as of Feb. 20) on the proposed expansion.

 

Where each state stands on ACA’s Medicaid expansion

A roundup of what each state’s leadership has said about their Medicaid plans

Topics: Health Care Reform, Market Trends, Strategy, Medicaid, Reimbursement, Finance

February 20, 2013

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Text last updated on Feb. 20, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. ET

The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed states to opt out of the law’s Medicaid expansion, leaving each state’s decision to participate in the hands of the nation’s governors and state leaders.

Based on lawmakers’ statements, press releases, and media coverage, the Daily Briefing and American Health Line editorial teams have rounded up where each state currently stands on the expansion.

We will continue to update this map and list as more information becomes available. Send us news, tips, and feedback by commenting below or emailing dailybriefing@advisory.com.

* indicates a state’s participation in the multistate lawsuit against ACA

NOT PARTICIPATING (13 states)

  • Alabama*: Gov. Robert Bentley (R) on Nov. 13 announced that Alabama will not participate in the Medicaid expansion “because we simply cannot afford it” (Gadsden Times, 11/13; Lyman,Montgomery Advertiser, 11/13).
  • Georgia*: Gov. Nathan Deal (R) in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Politico/11 Alive interview on Aug. 28 said, “No, I do not have any intentions of expanding Medicaid,” adding, “I think that is something our state cannot afford.” When asked about the insurance exchanges, Deal said “we do have a time frame for making the decision on that I think, especially on the exchanges,” adding that “we have just a few days after the election in order to make a final determination on that” (Wingfield, “Kyle Wingfield,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 8/28).
  • Idaho*: Gov. C.L. Otter (R) in his 2013 State of the State address delivered on Jan. 7 said that while “there is broad agreement that the existing Medicaid program is broken,” the state “face[s] no immediate federal deadline” to address the situation. He added, “We have time to do this right … [s]o I’m seeking no expansion of” the program. Otter said he’s instructed the state Health and Welfare director to “flesh out a plan” that focuses on potential costs, savings and economic impact, which he plans to introduce in 2014 (Ritter Saunders, Boise State Public Radio, 1/7; Young, Huffington Post, 1/7; Petcash, KTVB, 1/7).
  • Louisiana*: Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) in an NBC “Meet the Press” interview on July 1 said, “Every governor’s got two critical decisions to make. One is do we set up these exchanges? And, secondly, do we expand Medicaid? And, no, in Louisiana, we’re not doing either one of those things.” However, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson (D) and other Democratic leaders after the Nov. 6 election urged Jindal to reconsider his opposition or the state will not be forced to accept a “one-size-fits-all” plan, CBC News “Money Watch” reports (Barrow, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 7/2; “Money Watch,” CBS News, 11/9).
  • Maine*: Gov. Paul LePage (R) on Nov. 16 said that Maine will not participate in the Medicaid expansion. He called the expansion and the state-based insurance exchanges a “degradation of our nation’s premier health care system” (Mistler, Kennebec Journal, 11/16).
  • Mississippi*: Gov. Phil Bryant (R) on Nov. 7 said Mississippi will not participate in the Medicaid expansion, reiterating previous statements that he had made about the ACA provision (Pender/Hall, Jackson Clarion-Ledger, 11/7).
  • North Carolina: Gov. Pat McCrory (R) on Feb. 12 announced that his state will not expand Medicaid or establish its own health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. McCrory said state officials conducted a comprehensive analysis to determine the advantages and disadvantages of expanding Medicaid and the right type of exchange option in the state, and concluded that it is “abundantly clear that North Carolina is not ready to expand the Medicaid system and that we should utilize a federal exchange.” He said the review included discussions with other governors, White House officials, health care providers, and leaders in the state Legislature (AP/Myrtle Beach Sun News, 2/12; Binker/Burns, “@NCCapitol,” WRAL, 2/12; Cornatzer, Raleigh News & Observer, 2/12).
  • Oklahoma: Gov. Mary Fallin (R) on Nov. 19 said Oklahoma will not participate in the Medicaid expansion. “Oklahoma will not be participating in the Obama Administration’s proposed expansion of Medicaid,” she said in a statement. She noted that the program would cost the state as much as $475 million over the next eight years (Greene, Tulsa World, 11/19).
  • Pennsylvania*: Gov. Tom Corbett (R) on Feb. 5 sent a letter to HHS saying he “cannot recommend a dramatic Medicaid expansion” in Pennsylvania because “it would be financially unsustainable for Pennsylvania taxpayers.” He noted that the expansion would necessitate “a large tax increase on Pennsylvania families” (Tolland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/5).
  • South Carolina*: Gov. Nikki Haley (R) on July 1 announced via Facebook that South Carolina “will NOT expand Medicaid, or participate in any health exchanges.” The state Legislature is expected to make a decision on the Medicaid expansion during the 2013 session (Gov. Haley Facebook page, 7/1; Holleman, Columbia State, 11/9).
  • South Dakota: Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) in his annual budget address on Dec. 4 said he does not plan to participate in the Medicaid expansion. “I really think it would be premature to expand this year,” he said, adding that he hoped for more flexibility for the state program (Montgomery, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 12/4).
  • Texas*: Gov. Rick Perry (R) in a statement on July 9 said, “If anyone was in doubt, we in Texas have no intention to implement so-called state exchanges or to expand Medicaid under ObamaCare.” Perry also sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on July 9 asserting this position. The Dallas Morning News reported that on Nov. 8, Perry reiterated his opposition to the expansion, saying, “Nothing changes from our perspective” (Office of Gov. Perry release, 7/9; Gov. Perry letter, 7/9; Garrett, Dallas Morning News, 11/11).
  • Wisconsin*: Gov. Scott Walker (R) on Feb. 13 announced his rejection of the Medicaid expansion. He proposed an alternative plan that would expand coverage to low-income state residents through private health care exchanges (Spicuzza, Wisconsin State Journal, 2/13).

LEANING TOWARD NOT PARTICIPATING (5 states)

  • Iowa*: Gov. Terry Branstad (R) on July 2 said that he expects to opt out of the expansion. Reiterating the position in an Aug. 22 interview, Branstad spokesperson Tim Albrecht said the governor remains opposed to the expansion. Branstad likely will instead pursue state-based efforts to make health insurance coverage more affordable, Albrecht said (Totland, Washington Times, 7/2; Wiser, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, 7/3; AP/Omaha World-Herald, 8/22).
  • Nebraska*: Gov. Dave Heineman (R) in a statement on his website on June 28 said, “As I have said repeatedly, if this unfunded Medicaid expansion is implemented, state aid to education and funding for the University of Nebraska will be cut or taxes will be increased. If some state senators want to increase taxes or cut education funding, I will oppose them.” Heineman on July 11 sent a letter to state lawmakers saying the state could not afford the expansion, but he stopped short of saying that the state will not participate in the expansion, according to Reuters(Office of Gov. Heineman release, 6/28; Wisniewski, Reuters, 7/11).
  • New Jersey: Gov. Chris Christie (R)—in an interview on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” in July—said, “Medicaid is pretty well expanded in our state already because of the legacy of previous Democratic governors” and noted that he is leaning toward not raising the program’s eligibility limit any further. In April 2011, New Jersey opted to expand Medicaid eligibility ahead of 2014 to nearly 70,000 childless adults through a Section 1115 waiver allowed under the ACA. The Examiner on Nov. 12 reported that New Jersey likely would opt out of the expansion (Defalco,AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/15/2011; “Fox News Insider,” Fox News, 7/3; Livio/Friedman, Newark Star-Ledger, 7/3; Reilly, The Examiner, 11/12).
  • Virginia: Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) on Nov. 8 said he opposes expanding Medicaid, noting that he does not “believe the federal government can possibly deliver its commitment to fully fund the program, and I don’t want to be part of contributing trillions of dollars to the national debt.” However, McDonnell said Virginia could change course at a later date (AP/Modern Healthcare, 11/8).
  • Wyoming*: Gov. Matt Mead (R) on Nov. 30 recommended that Wyoming not participate in the Medicaid expansion, but added that his position could change in the future and urged “everyone to keep an open mind on this.” The state legislature will make the final decision on whether to expand the program, the AP/Jackson Hole Daily reports (Brown, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, 12/1; Graham, AP/Jackson Hole Daily, 12/1).

LEANING TOWARD PARTICIPATING (3 states)

  • Kentucky: Gov. Steve Beshear (D) when asked about the expansion in July said, “If there is a way that we can afford that will get more coverage for more Kentuckians, I’m for it.” However, state lawmakers are putting pressure on Beshear to reject the expansion (Office of Gov. Beshear release, 6/28; AP/Evansville Courier & Press, 6/28; AP/Evansville Courier & Press, 7/17; Autry, WYU, 7/5; Cross, Louisville Courier-Journal, 6/29).
  • New York: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in a statement on his website on June 28 said he was “pleased the Supreme Court upheld the [ACA]” and looks forward “to continuing to work together with the Obama administration to ensure accessible, quality care for all New Yorkers.” On July 26, Danielle Holahan—project director for New York’s health insurance exchange planning—said the state “largely meet[s] the federal required Medicaid levels already.” Although Cuomo’s office has not officially announced a decision, the Associated Press reported on Nov. 13 that New York will expand Medicaid (Office Gov. Cuomo release, 6/28; Grant, North Country Public Radio, 7/27; Delli Santi/Mulvihill, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 11/13).
  • Oregon: Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) said on June 28 that he is confident that the Oregon Legislature will approve a state Medicaid decision. In an interview with the Oregonian just hours after the Supreme Court issued its ruling on the ACA, Kitzhaber said, “We’ll make a decision on whether or not to expand the Medicaid program really based on, I think, the resources we have available in the general fund for that purpose going forward” (Budnick, Oregonian, 6/28).

PARTICIPATING (23 states and the District of Columbia)

  • Arizona*: Gov. Jan Brewer (R) in her 2013 State of the State speech, delivered on Jan. 14, announced that Arizona will participate in the Medicaid expansion, which would extend health care services to an estimated 300,000 more state residents. Brewer noted that the expansion plan will “include a circuit-breaker that automatically” would reduce enrollment if federal reimbursement rates decrease. Brewer was expected to offer further details of the plan in her budget proposal, which is subject to approval by the Republican-controlled Legislature (Christie,AP/Sacramento Bee, 1/14; Sanders/Wingett Sanchez, Arizona Republic, 1/14; Fischer, Sierra Vista Herald, 1/14; Safier, Tucson Citizen, 1/14).
  • Arkansas: Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Sept. 11 said he planned to participate in the Medicaid expansion, the Associated Press reports. According to the AP, Beebe agreed to participate in the expansion after officials assured him the state could opt out later if it faces a financial crunch. Beebe said, “I’m for it. I think it’s good for our people because it’s helping folks that don’t have insurance now that are working their tails off. They’re not sitting on a couch somewhere asking for something” (Brantley, Arkansas Times, 9/11).
  • California: Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in a statement on June 28 said the Supreme Court’s ruling “removes the last roadblock to fulfilling President Obama’s historic plan to bring health care to millions of uninsured citizens.” California got a head start on expanding its Medicaid program in November 2010 with its “Bridge to Reform” program, which aimed to bring at least two million uninsured Californians into Medicaid (Office of Gov. Brown release, 6/28; DeBord, “KPCC News,” KPCC, 6/28).
  • Colorado*: Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) on Jan. 3 announced that his state will participate in the expansion. In a news release, his office said the move would extend Medicaid coverage to about 160,000 low-income residents and save Colorado an estimated $280 million over 10 years without affecting the state’s general fund (Stokols, KDVR, 1/3; Wyatt, AP/Denver Post, 1/3).
  • Connecticut: Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) was among the first governors to sign up for the Medicaid expansion after the ACA was enacted in March 2010. Soon after the Supreme Court ruling on June 28, Malloy said “it’s great … [and a] very important decision for the people of Connecticut. 500,000 people would have lost coverage if Republicans had their way” (Davis, WTNH, 6/28).
  • Delaware: Gov. Jack Markell (D) in a statement on June 28 said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling enables Delaware to continue to implement provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide access to health care benefits for Delawareans.” He added, “On the Medicaid front, Delaware already voluntarily expanded the state’s Medicaid coverage program in 1996 to cover many Delawareans not previously covered” (Office of Gov. Markell release, 6/28).
  • District of Columbia: D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray (D) in a statement on June 28 said, “The District is not at risk of losing any Medicaid funding as a result of this ruling, because District officials have already begun implementation of the ACA’s Medicaid-expansion provisions and will continue to implement the expansion” (Executive Office of the Mayor release, 6/28).
  • Florida*: Gov. Rick Scott (R) on Feb. 20 announced that the state will participate in the ACA’s Medicaid expansion, citing HHS’s conditional support for a waiver to shift most of the state’s Medicaid beneficiaries into a managed-care program. However, Scott said that Florida would only participate in the expansion for three years before reevaluating the decision. Supporters of the ACA heralded Florida’s shift as a major reversal; Scott mounted his successful campaign for governor in 2010, in part, by being one of the nation’s foremost critics of President Obama’s planned health reforms (Kennedy/Fineout, Associated Press, 2/20; Office of Gov. Scott release, 2/20).
  • Hawaii: Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) in a statement on June 28 welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling and said the ACA “is our ally” in the effort to “support a health care system that ensures high quality, safety and sustainable costs.” Pat McManaman, director of the state Department of Human Services, said Hawaii’s Medicaid eligibility requirements in July would fall in line with the law’ guidelines, meaning an additional 24,000 people will be eligible for the program by 2014 (Office of Gov. Abercrombie release, 6/28; Garcia, AP/CBS News, 6/29).
  • Illinois: Gov. Pat Quinn (D) on June 28 praised the court’s decision and said he “will continue to work with President Obama to help working families get the healthcare coverage they need,” including expanding Medicaid (Office of the Governor release, 6/28; Thomason, Rock River Times, 7/3; Ehley, Fiscal Times, 8/20).
  • Maryland: Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) in a statement on June 28 said the Supreme Court’s decision “gives considerable momentum to our health care reform efforts here in Maryland,” adding that the state will move forward to implement the overhaul (Office of the Governor release, 6/28).
  • Massachusetts: Gov. Deval Patrick (D) in late June said Massachusetts is “an early expansion state as you know and we’re expecting further resources from the federal government to sustain the experiment here in Massachusetts.” Patrick called the ruling “good news for us” (Walker, YNN, 6/28).
  • Michigan*: Gov. Rick Snyder (R), in a statement released on Feb. 6, announced that his fiscal year 2014 budget proposal includes a plan to expand the state’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. The plan would extend Medicaid benefits to about 320,000 eligible residents. Snyder said the plan contains safeguards that will ensure the financial stability of the program and protect against changes in the government’s financial commitment to the expansion (Office of Gov. Snyder release, 2/6).
  • Minnesota: Gov. Mark Dayton (D) said in a statement on June 28 said, “Today’s ruling will be met with relief by the Minnesotans whose lives have already been improved by this law.” Dayton in 2011 used federal money to expand Medicaid early to 84,000 adults with annual incomes below $8,400 (Lohn, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 6/28).
  • Missouri: Gov. Jay Nixon (D) on Nov. 29 announced that Missouri will participate in the Medicaid expansion. Nixon said he will include the expansion in the state budget proposal he submits to lawmakers. “We’re not going to let politics get in the way of doing the best thing for our state,” he said (Crisp, “Political Fix,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 11/29).
  • Montana: Gov.-elect Steve Bullock (D) — who takes office on Jan. 7 — on Jan. 4 announced several changes to outgoing Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s (D) two-year budget recommendations, but retained the proposal to expand Medicaid. During a news conference, Bullock said the Medicaid expansion is part of his “Access Health Montana” plan to increase health care coverage for more Montana families. (Johnson, Billings Gazette, 1/5; Johnson, Montana Standard, 1/5).
  • Nevada*: Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) on Dec. 11 announced that the state will participate in the Medicaid expansion. “Though I have never liked the Affordable Care Act because of the individual mandate it places on citizens, the increased burden on businesses and concerns about access to health care, the law has been upheld by the Supreme Court,” Sandoval said in a statement, adding, “As such, I am forced to accept it as today’s reality and I have decided to expand Nevada’s Medicaid coverage” (Damon, Las Vegas Sun, 12/11).
  • New Hampshire: Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) in her Feb. 14 budget address said that New Hampshire will opt into the ACA’s Medicaid expansion because “it’s a good deal…[that will] allow us to save money in existing state programs, while increasing state revenues.” A state report estimates that the expansion will cost New Hampshire about $85 million through 2020, but will bring in $2.5 billion in federal funds and help reduce the number of uninsured residents from roughly 170,000 to 71,000 (Ramer, AP/Seacoastonline.com, 2/14)
  • New Mexico: Gov. Susana Martinez (R) on Jan. 9 announced that her state will participate in the Medicaid expansion, which potentially could extend health coverage to nearly 170,000 additional low-income uninsured residents. Martinez noted that contingency measures will be established if federal funding for the expansion diminishes, which would mean scaling back the expansion by dropping newly covered beneficiaries from the Medicaid rolls (Massey/Montoya Bryan, AP/Santa Fe New Mexican, 1/9; Schirtzinger, Santa Fe Reporter, 1/9; Reichbach, New Mexico Telegram, 1/9).
  • North Dakota*: Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) in January said the politics associated with the ACA should not prevent North Dakota from participating in the Medicaid expansion. He is supporting a bill that would allow the state health department to access federal funds allocated through the ACA. Dalrymple also said he will include the expansion in his budget proposal and that members of his staff will testify in favor of the expansion before state lawmakers (Jerke, Grand Forks Herald, 1/12).
  • Ohio*: Gov. John Kasich (R) on Feb. 4 announced that the state will be participating in the Medicaid expansion, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. He made the announcement in his two-year budget announcement, but warned that Ohio would “reverse this decision” if the federal government does not provide the funds it has pledged to the expansion (Tribble, Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/4).
  • Rhode Island: Gov. Lincoln Chaffee (I) in a statement on his website on June 28 said, “I have fully committed to ensuring Rhode Island is a national leader in implementing health reform whatever the Supreme Court decision, and this just reinforces that commitment.” According to Steven Costantino, the state’s secretary of health and human services, “The expansion is easy to do and makes sense.” Moreover, on July 12, USA Today reported that Chaffee planned to participate in the expansion (Chaffee statement, 6/28; Wolf, USA Today, 7/12; Radnofsky et al.,Wall Street Journal, 7/2).
  • Vermont: Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) on June 28 said Vermont’s Medicaid program already meets the requirements under the health reform law’s Medicaid expansion (Steimle, WCAX, 7/1).
  • Washington*: In an email responding to a query by American Health Line, Karina Shagren—a deputy communications director in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s (D) administration—in early July said “the governor supports the Medicaid expansion—and Washington will move forward.” U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D)—who supports the expansion—was elected governor on Nov. 6 (Shagren email, 7/5; Washington Secretary of State website, 11/12).

UNDECIDED/NO COMMENT (8 states)

  • Alaska*: Gov. Sean Parnell (R) on Aug. 8 said he is guarded on the expansion “because our history with the federal government right now is they cut what they promise to fund.” Parnell said he wants to thoroughly understand the costs to the state before making a decision (Bohrer, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 8/8).
  • Indiana*: Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) in a statement on June 29 said, “Any decision to expand Medicaid in 2014 is entirely the province of the next General Assembly and governor.” U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R) was elected governor on Nov. 6. In a position statement earlier this year, Pence noted that the Medicaid expansion would double “down on an already broken and unaffordable Medicaid system.” Addressing the Affordable Care Act as a whole, he wrote, “I believe the State of Indiana should take no part in this deeply flawed healthcare bureaucracy” (Office of Gov. Daniels release, 6/29; Pence letter).
  • Kansas*: Gov. Sam Brownback (R), who has been a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act, has not stated whether to opt in or out of the Medicaid expansion, the Associated Pressreported on Nov. 9 (AP/NECN, 11/9).
  • Tennessee: Gov. Bill Haslam (R) has not decided whether Tennessee will participate in the Medicaid expansion. However, two lawmakers—Sen. Brian Kelsey (R) and Rep. Jeremy Durham (R)—already have committed to introducing legislation that would block expansion, and the state’s new Republican supermajority in the General Assembly means such a bill could pass (Bohs, “Bohs Column,” The Jackson Sun, 11/9).
  • Utah*: In an email responding to a query by American Health Line, Nate McDonald—public information officer for Gov. Gary Herbert (R), who won re-election in the state’s gubernatorial race in November 2012—said “[n]o official decision” has been made on the Medicaid expansion (McDonald email, 11/9).
  • West Virginia: Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) in a statement on his website on June 28 said, “We know what the law is but as I’ve said before, I will continue to do what is best for West Virginia … We’re going to review the Supreme Court’s ruling, and work with our federal delegation on how we move forward.” In the state’s gubernatorial race in November 2012, Tomblin was re-elected (Office of Gov. Tomblin release, 6/28; AP/Marietta Times, 11/7).

Hope this helps you in your work in Florida.

Mark

Mark Meckler, President
Citizens for Self-Governance

February 27, 2013 | Filed Under blog, Core Principles, fiscal responsiblity, free markets, limited government | 3 Comments 

PBCTP Leadership Changes

Hello friends,

It is only after considerable prayer and with sadness that I am resigning as the County Coordinator for the Palm Beach County Tea Party. I believe strongly that term limits and new leadership are both refreshing and critical to the long-term success of any program.

More importantly, this move will enable me to better contribute to the Palm Beach County Tea Party in the areas that I believe will will be critical in the coming 23 months before the 2014 midterm elections:
* Oversight — keeping our members up to date on key local, state, and federal issues and creating action alerts when needed.
* Hispanic Outreach
* College Outreach

I will continue to serve on the board and as the liaison to both the Tea Party Patriots and the Tea Party Alliance.

Please let me know if you would like to join me in any of these three programs! We will have some fun and definitely create value!

The board is actively recruiting my replacement. I can tell you that this is an exciting and fulfilling job. With the new addition of a Communications Director,Richard Bock, and my new role, the director position will be less time intensive and will be able to focus on strategy and operational efficiencies.

Other Changes in Our Organization

Jupiter/PBG Chapter
Gary Summers has resigned as the Chapter Coordinator for Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens. Gary had only lived in Florida one month when he found us and almost immediately went to work as our Jupiter/PBG Chapter Leader. He did an awesome job despite his work and family commitments. He is now involved in a business start-up and must focus on that in the coming months. Thank you, Gary, for all that you have done for PBCTP in the past year!

Laura Hanley has accepted this position starting immediately. Laura has been involved in Palm Beach County politics and grassroots efforts for years and, through her efforts, willingness to work and effervescent personality, has a large network of friends and supporters. We look forward to working with her in this capacity. Laura will also serve on the Board of Directors.

Wellington Chapter
Gina Rascati and Joe Madej have also resigned as coordinators for the Wellington Tea Party. Joe did a Herculean job as the GOTV leader in Wellington, personally canvassing hundreds of homes despite hip and knee surgeries only months before. Joe was inspired by our recent visit by Brigitte Gabrielle and will be focusing on programs designed to understand radical Muslim issues in our country.

Marion Frank will be replacing Gina and Joe as the Wellington Chapter Coordinator and will also serve on the Board of Directors. Marion, like Laura, has been very active in the county, is on top of the issues, especially healthcare, and will be an energetic and valuable contributor to our organization.

Boca Raton Chapter
Alex Berry is stepping down as Chapter Coordinator in Boca Raton. In Alex’ words, “The most pressing reason for my departure is that I need to spend more time with my family, my businesses, and my church. I wanted to do all I can up until this past election, and I was as disappointed as could be with the results. I look forward to re-engaging in the future as time and opportunity allow.”

We would like to extend a special thanks to Alex for his hard work and commitment over the years!

Please Consider These Open Leadership Positions

Please contact Mel Grossman, our vice-chair, if you are interested in any of the following positions. His number is (561) 628-1873.

  • County Coordinator
  • Chapter Coordinator for Boca Raton (includes Delray Beach and Boynton Beach)
  • Assistant Coordinator for the Wellington Chapter

Yours in hope & action,

Pam Wohlschlegel
Co-founder & Oversight Coordinator
Palm Beach County Tea Party
Phone: 561.254.1036
pam@palmbeachcountyteaparty.org

Florida State Coordinator
Tea Party Patriots

December 5, 2012 | Filed Under blog, Featured, Jupiter, Wellington | Leave a Comment 

Wellington Candidate Forum on Monday, October 8th

The elections in November are critical to our nation and to Florida! On your ballot, there will be some key seats up for grabs.  The winners of these seats will work hard to change the course of our federal and state governments — one way or the other.  You must meet and hear them firsthand!

David DiCrescenzo will moderate our last PBCTP candidate forum of the 2012 elections season on Columbus Day, October 8th in Wellington.   The confirmed candidates are:

US Congress:  Cesar Henao (District 21)

FL Senate:  Melanie Peterson (District 25)

FL House of Representatives:  James O’Hara (District 81) and Tami Donnally (District 86).

Place:  Binks Forest Country Club

Time:  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  An all inclusive buffet for $15 will be served from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  The candidate forum will begin at 7:00 p.m. and end no later than 8:30 p.m.

Address:  400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington.

Directions and map:  Click here

We anticipate a full house so be sure to RSVP by clicking the link below.

September 26, 2012 | Filed Under blog, Elections, event, Wellington | Leave a Comment 

Leading Global Islamic Terrorism Expert to Speak

September 23, 2012 | Filed Under blog, event | 1 Comment 

Let your views be heard on the EPA Lawsuit

We have posted information in the past as to how the EPA is holding our taxpayers hostage requiring unreasonable, possibly unattainable phosphorus  reduction in the Everglades.  Here is an article written in May: EPA holds Florida taxpayers hostage with billion-dollar ransom

In response to the lawsuit by the EAA, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be voting August 9, 2012 to authorize spending another $880 million to make the water going into the Everglades six (6) times cleaner than rain!
If you object to this waste of your tax dollars, please email the district’s Governing Board Members and our elected officials to let them know how you feel!  Here are their email addresses:
Joe Collins   jcollins@sfwmd.gov

Daniel O’Keefe dokeefe@sfwmd.gov

Kevin Powers kpowers@sfwmd.gov

Juan M. Portuondo  jportuon@sfwmd.gov

Sandy Batchelor  sbatchel@sfwmd.gov

James J. Moran  jmoran@sfwmd.gov

Timothy Sargent  tsargent@sfwmd.gov

Daniel DeLisi   ddelisi@sfwmd.gov

Glenn J. Waldman   gwaldman@sfwmd.gov

Governor Rick Scott  www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor    1-850-488-7146

Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr.  herschel.vinyard@dep.state.fl.us  1-850-245-2011

 

 

August 1, 2012 | Filed Under blog | Leave a Comment 

This is Your Wake Up Call!

Today is a very sad day.  I am sitting here in Washington, DC with about 50 fellow patriots.  All of us were checked out of our hotel room by 6 am this morning and standing on the steps of the Supreme Court by 6:30am.  We said the pledge of allegiance, sang patriotic songs, chanted things like “See that flag a flying hi makes me proud as I pass by  “, and silently prayed that the announcement that the Supreme Court would declare the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional.  As you know, that did not happen and the worst case scenario unfolded.  The Supreme Court upheld  ACA or “ObamaCare” as it is affectionately called by both sides.


Somber moments for tea partiers!

Should we, the tea party, consider this a win for the opposition and a loss for us.  Yes, it was a win for them but we should also consider this a wakeup call for America and especially for the tea party!  We have an opportunity now to energize the masses.  The Supreme Court declared ObamaCare a tax — a tax for all people, poor, middle income, and rich alike!  The administration orchestrated a President Franklin D. Roosevelt-like bait and switch.  President Roosevelt first sold social security to the masses as benefit, not a tax; then when challenged by the Supreme Court, he declared it a tax . . . and won!  This is exactly what happened today!

Everyone is asking what does this mean?  The news reporters asked where is the tea party going from here?  Does this signal an end to the tea party?  Very quickly the leftists surrounded us and declared that the tea party “does not care about people needing health care.”  This could not be further than the truth!


Tea partiers from across the US
after the Health Care decision

Tea party groups across the country are focused on quality health care for any person, irrespective of their income situation and if they want it.  Tea partiers believe that we must repeal the ACA in full and replace it with effective free-market based solutions.

Simply stated, the tea party stances are reflective of the majority of the American people.  Per a June poll by NYT/CBS, 68% of the American voters want all or part of ObamaCare repealed.  Per a YG Network June poll, 92% say they are already satisfied with their healthcare (pre ObamaCare) and 90% say that their health care costs have gone up or stayed the same since ObamaCare passed.  Per a June 13th Rasmussen poll, those who strongly favor repeal is almost double those that strongly oppose repeal.

So what does this mean for the tea party?  It means that we energize America against this very pervasive tax that will effect everyone.  We fight to repeal ACA with a newly minted handle:  “Repeal the ObamaCare Tax!”

We need to focus on the costs, on its impact on our economy, the inevitable reduction in the quality of health care in this country, the rationing power of Medicare imbedded in the law, the Medicare payment cuts imbedded int he law, and the overall higher health care costs for every person and every company that must now provide healthcare benefits for their employees.  We cannot give up!  America’s future depends on our effort!

We are on the steep, slippery slope to socialized medicine!  We need to make today a turning point — the first day of our renewed effort to repeal the ObamaCare tax!

June 28, 2012 | Filed Under blog, Core Principles, fiscal responsiblity, free markets, limited government | 2 Comments 

Tea Partiers from all over the US Heading to Wisconsin!

Help Save Wisconsin and Save our Country!

On June 5th, the citizens of Wisconsin will vote in a recall election to decide the fate of their fiscally responsible Governor and Lieutenant Governor. In the past the handful of recalls in America’s history were due to illegal actions on the part of elected officials.  In this case, the Progressives created this recall to punish these elected officials for keeping their campaign promises to get the state’s spending problem under control. It is not as if these elected officials have not done a good job  in their first year.  Wisconsin now has a budget surplus instead of being on the brink of bankruptcy.  Teachers are being hired instead of laid off!

The recall situation in Wisconsin is critical to the rest of the nation. This is a direct attack on our core value of fiscal responsibility, as well as on the very Representative Democracy that has propelled America to the heights of freedom! If the Left is successful in causing havoc in Wisconsin, they will spread their abuse of our system to the rest of the country.

Simply stated, progressives are waging an ugly war on fiscal responsibility and our election processes. And if they succeed, they will move on to other states including Florida, Arizona, Ohio, and many more. No state or elected official will be immune.   We must defeat them now before they spread their war around America!

Tea party members from across the USA are traveling to Wisconsin with the sole purpose of preserving the integrity of our election processes in the United States.  Union members are traveling the same direction but for the opposite purpose!  Tea partiers who cannot travel are making calls from their homes.  Everyone is working to win this battle!  Click here if you want to fight this battle with us!

Saul Alinsky, (the Communist organizer who taught Hillary Clinton [in person] and via his book, Rules for Radicals inspired numerous “community organizers” such as Barack Obama) taught his followers never to accept defeat and never to consider a political contest over until it is won by “progressives”, that is the Left. According to them, conservatives can never be allowed to win. If we concede to such tactics, the American experiment in self-government is over!

The Palm Beach County Tea Party is affiliated with the national group, Tea Party Patriots.  The Tea Party Patriots are refusing to sit on the sidelines as the Left attacks the very nature of our Representative Democracy by:

• Shutting down the state of Wisconsin

• Preventing its people from finding real solutions to real problems

• Abusing the law in order to force their undemocratic will on the majority

Appearing on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” show, AFL-CIO Head and Washington Insider Richard Trumka trumpeted the real purpose of the recall effort, which is to threaten and intimidate elected officials who might be considering reasonable efforts to deal with unfunded state pension liabilities and other fiscal problems resulting from an out-of-control public sector: “Would you like to take this fight on?” “A year after you were in office, would you like to be in the fight of your life, spending $25-30 million to hold onto a seat that you were supposed to have for four years . . . would that embolden you? Not if you’re sane and rational it wouldn’t.”

Wisconsin could be the key to determining how the rest of this year plays out. If the Left is successful in Wisconsin, they will no doubt use their success as a model to spread havoc in other places around the country. We must stand with Wisconsin because if we Save Wisconsin, we can Save the Country!

To this end, Tea Party Patriots is engaging in a strategic ground game initiative to bring reinforcements to assist the Wisconsin activists who have been working tirelessly to protect our core values. In whatever way you are able to help, know that you are bringing hope to those tired Wisconsin patriots, fighting the good fight to save our Representative system of government. You can help by making phone calls from your home, going to Wisconsin to canvass key neighborhoods, or by donating ito the effort.

The tea party movement needs your help in our campaign to put a stop to the recalls once and for all. We are calling it, “Save Wisconsin, Save the Country!”.

Click here if you are ready to fight them by telephoning from your home or going to Wisconsin to canvass in person . If you want to go to Wisconsin but cannot pay your way, Tea Party Patriots may be able to help you with the expenses. Please send this letter to the other members of your tea party, your friends, and your family.

The unions are doing this across the country. If not us fighting them, who?

Anyone reading this posting can help us stop them! Click here if you’re ready to fight them!  Please click the button, sign up, and email info@palmbeachcountyteaparty if you have any questions.

May 12, 2012 | Filed Under blog | Leave a Comment 

Don’t Miss the Great Music at our Tax Day Tea Party on April 15th

You can’t miss our 2012 Tax Day Tea Party on Sunday, April 15th at the Wellington Amphitheater starting at 1:30pm.  Our keynote speakers will be Congressman Allen West, Dick Morris from Fox News, Anita MonCrief from ACORN fame, Dan Mangru from Fox Business, and local talk radio hosts Joyce Kaufman and Craig Henne.  Our MC will be Brian Mudd from WJNO AM1290.  We have a host of other speakers listed here.

In addition, we will have activities for children, excellent food concession from the Tuxedo Gourmet, drawings with great prizes, and much more!

If that weren’t enough, we will have opera-trained Lou Galterio sing the National Anthem, and a young up & coming singer, Brie Goldsobel singing patriotic songs.

An extra special treat will be the music of LeVeL, a West Palm Beach-based band (area code 561) best known for edgy, acoustic rock.  Their unique and predominantly original music is a direct reflection of the band members’ extensive and varied experiences, and contains elements of classic rock, punk, funk, jazz, acoustic rock, dance music and heavy metal.  Their music is uplifting, inspiring and will touch the hearts of people of all ages.

To hear them now click here


April 8, 2012 | Filed Under blog, event | 1 Comment 

Craig Henne Now on the Tea Party Channel!

Craig Henne, a very popular conservative radio talk show host in Palm Beach County, was recently fired from WPBR1430AM where he held to 6am to 9am spot for years.  As Craig explains it, he was given the ultimatum to say positive things about Communism or leave.  He would not compromise his beliefs and he left.  That was the bad news last week.

The good news this week is that you can now listen to Craig every weekday on The Tea Party Channel from wherever you have internet access.  He has gone national!  Simply go to Craig Henne Show 7 to 10am daily.

You can speak with Craig on the air and share your views.  Just call (954) 940-0142.

Craig is a true patriot and is not afraid to tackle difficult issues!  Listen in today!

March 28, 2012 | Filed Under blog | Leave a Comment 

Understanding the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012 was signed into lady by President Obama on December 31, 2011.  This Act addresses national security programs, DOD health care costs, military modernization, economic sanctions against Iran, counter-terrorism, the strategic goals of NATO and many other US issues and capabilities.  The language and content of this wide reaching bill are still being discussed by many constitutional experts who are concerned with the impact on the rights of American citizens, the serious ambiguity of the verbiage, and the expanded scope of the President’s authority.

We need to impress on our sitting congressmen and senators the need to revisit this bill and to support an amendment as soon as possible!

KrisAnne Hall, a constitutional lawyer and astute legislative analyst, has produced the attached video entitled:  “NDAA — A True Legal Analysis”.  This is an excellent, comprehensive analysis of this law.  She addresses the evolution of the bill up to it’s passing as well as the troublesome wording that essentially waive the rights of Americans.  Please take the few minutes required to watch this video.  You will fully understand the problems with this law and will enable you to better question your congressmen and political candidates on their support of this legislation.   NDAA — A True Legal Analysis

My suggestion is that all who read this send this link to their congressmen and senators and ask them to address the issues.

March 17, 2012 | Filed Under blog | 1 Comment 

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