G.O.P. to Fight Health Law with Purse Strings

House Republicans intend to use their new muscle to cut off money for President Obama’s health care law. They plan to use the power of the purse to challenge the main component s of the law to force Democrats into a series of votes to defend it (Pear, pg. 1). Republican lawmakers plan to cut funds available to Internal Revenue Service, use spending bills to block federal insurance regulations, limit access to government-subsidized private health plans, eventually shut off funds for the new law. They also plan to propose strict budget caps to minimize spending for domestic programs. A few of Republican Representatives have plans to “repealing Obamacare piece by piece and blocking funds for implementation” says Eric Cantor. Now democrats must stick together and fight to preserved fundamental elements of the law. Both parties are determined to avoid government shut down. “House Republicans cannot enact legislation the president won’t sign,” said R. Scott Lilly, a former Democratic staff director of the House Appropriations Committee. “But the president cannot force them to appropriate money they don’t want to appropriate.” (Pear, pg. 1).

Sequoia Lee

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/health/policy/07health.html?ref=health

Sept. 11 workers face health settlement deadline

The effects of September 11th 2001 are still being felt to this day over nine years later. Over 10,000 people have filed lawsuits against the city of New York, stating that they have gotten sick from their negligence to provide them with proper breathing devices to protect against the dust from the twin towers. A deadline for Monday was put in place to get ninety-five percent of these lawsuits to join together for one large legal settlement. Under the settlement, the people would get paid about 815 million dollars. New York officials say the money will not cover everything but it could be the best the clients can get with very little proof that the debris is the leading cause of these illnesses.
-Will Kalish
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40055177/ns/us_news-life/

Latinos Prove their Political Might

This past week’s elections brought to light the power of the United States’ largest minority group, Latinos. Although they suffered a few loses, they won many house seats for the Republican Party which is unprecedented for a group that normally votes pro democratic. The article brings about the ideas that Latinos are not voting just based on party lines, or the surname of the candidate. They are now voting based on harden political issues, showing a move towards assimilation into the American political system which many anti-immigration believers based their views upon. Latinos having a larger say in American government will become a huge point of contentions for years to come, with the debate on immigration and U.S. policy towards it continuing to very relevant.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/us/politics/06latino.html?_r=1&ref=politics

Ben Rains

Program puts you in a driver's seat for elders

In many places around the country, there is growing concern about elderly drivers' ability to safely operate a car. The ailments that come with growing older can hamper ones ability to drive more than most could imagine. Liberty Mutual was presenting its "National Conservation Drive" in an effort to get adult children to talk to their elderly parents about whether it is time for them to give up driving. Liberty Mutual ran the program with ITNAmerica, a nonprofit organization that provides rides to the elderly any time of day or night. Several programs exist that help adults have the conversation with their parents and give tips on altering cars in ways to make them safer for the elderly.

-Matt Osborne

http://www.lohud.com/article/20101107/NEWS01/11070367/Program-puts-you-in-a-driver-s-seat-for-elders

For all who've dreamed of education reform, the time has come

The quality of education in America remains a popular topic. Mitch Daniels plans to take action immediately. He has an outlined plan set out that only needs to be implemented by society. For example, Daniels plans to contribute more of the state's money towards teachers who are doing their job correctly. If their is social regulation present then society as a whole can implement his outlined plans which will lead to the system operating more efficiently.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101107/NEWS08/11070358/1008/NEWS05/Tully-For-education-reformers-the-time-is-now?odyssey=mod_sectionstories

Pentagon openings give Obama new options

Over the next year and before the end of Obama's first term as president, he must appoint new officials in key positions within the military aspect of the government. The current defense secretary along with numerous top generals is among those whose terms are up or are retiring and must be replaced. All of these opening will be key moving forward not only in the Obama administration but for the current war and years to come. No matter who the appointees are, Obama will certainly face scrutiny from the Senate who has made it their mission to defeat him. However, he could do another political first and move Hillary Clinton to Defense Secretary, who would be the first woman appointed, only time will tell.
-Will Kalish
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_16551300?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Taking on a Second Mortgage to Pay the Foreclosure Lawyer

Many Florida residents are having to take out a second mortgage that is paid towards their lawyers. Since banks have been bad with foreclosures many look to their lawyers. People will like this because it saves money and will allow them to avoid foreclosure. Some will take clients who can pay as they go. This policy will help citizens keep their homes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/business/07lawyers.html?pagewanted=2&ref=us

-Matthew Abelman