Mayoral hopeful, Councilman at-large Megan Barry Speaks out against "Guns in Parks" bill

Megan Barry Press release.

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CBO now projects healthcare law will cost $2 trillion, more than double its original estimation.

Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) requested on Tuesday that members of the Senate Finance Committee hearing investigate discrepancies between the Congressional Budget Office’s original cost estimates for the Affordable Care Act and its latest estimates.

In a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (R-Wash.) and Ranking Member Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Roberts requested that the committee investigate why the CBO’s recent projection that the healthcare law will cost $2 trillion is more than double its original estimation.

“We rely on CBO to be a non-partisan resource for Congress, but we also depend on their projections to reflect a level of accuracy to allow us to make the best decisions on behalf of the people we serve,” Roberts said. “If the original estimates had contained the information in the most recent CBO projections, we might have been able to prevent the mess that is Obamacare today. At least the public would have had a much better understanding of the true costs, and I believe that would have impacted the debate.”

Roberts said legislators questioned the CBO’s original cost estimates because costs of related legislative actions such as efforts to reform Medicare’s sustainable growth rate were not included.

“…I believe CBO should explain the drastic difference between their earlier numbers and most recent projections and that the Finance Committee should examine ways to ensure transparent and accurate projections are presented for accompanying legislation in the future,” Roberts said.

The post Roberts calls for investigation into CBO healthcare estimates appeared first on Ripon Advance.

My Comment: A trillion dollars is a lot of money!  Increasing the estimate from 1 trillion to 2 trillion as the public cost for Obamacare for the next ten years is not just a minor mistake. The Congressional Budget Office has always been a respected institution where number crunchers provide unbiased information on cost of legislation and financial projections. To miss a 1 trillion dollar projection by 1 trillion dollars leads one to believe the CBO is no longer objective and is offering projections to aid the Obama administration and the Democrats or they are highly incompetent.

In one sense this doubling of the projection is good news. It confirms we were sold a pig in a poke.  Obamacare was build on lies from day one.  The if-you-like- your-doctor-you-can-keep-your-doctor-period lie and the lie that premiums would decrease and now we discover the "not 1 trillion dollars, but 2 trillion dollars" lie. Congress did not know what they were voting on when they passed it.

This also illustrates that the program is not sustainable. Obamacare will have the same impact on the Federal Government that TennCare had on our State government. The only difference is the State has to balance its budget and the Federal Government can create money out of thin air, but even borrowing will have its limits. I predict that as time passes more and more people will realized Obamacare is a flawed law.  I just hope the result is that we more toward a market model of health care rather than a single payer model.  If I were a cynical conspiracy theorist, I would conclude that Obamacare was designed to fail so we would eventually get single-payer.

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State Rep. Mike Turner retiring! Open seat presents opportunity for Republicans.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner who has served 14 years in the House announced today he won't seek re-election this year. This creates an opportunity for a Republican to capture another seat. It is much easier to take an open seat than topple an incumbent. President Barack Obama won the district with 66 percent of the vote in 2012 and Turner won reelection unopposed in the General Elections. In 2014 without Obama on the ticket and more interest in Republican races than Democrat races, Republicans may have a shot at winning this seat. The district covers the areas of Old Hickory, Madison, east Nashville, downtown Nashville and Germantown. To view the district map, follow this link and click "map."

According to the Nashville Scene, at least five Democrats have expressed interest in running for the seat. They are Zak Kelley, Wade Munday, Freddie O'Connell, Anthony Davis, and Kenny Byrd. For more on who these people are follow this link.

Turner has said he is  considering a run for mayor in 2015.

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Bob Corker: Obama's outreach to Republicans "was optics." Talks "were never serious."

The Washington Post, February 27, 2014 -Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Thursday that President Obama shouldn't bother trying to talk to Republican lawmakers unless he's willing to make considerable policy concessions to the GOP.

Corker was closely involved in White House outreach to Republicans over the course of last summer, a charm campaign that included fancy dinners at the White House and nearby luxury hotels and a rare golf outing involving Obama, Corker and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) at Joint Base Andrews.

But Corker dismissed the outreach Thursday. "That process, believe it or not, tore down trust," he said, adding later that the talks "were never serious." "I wouldn’t engage in those conversations if I were them, because I don’t think they were ever earnest. I think it was optics, it was disappointing, and if anything, it broke down trust," he said. (link)

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Gail Kerr says we shouldn’t allow companies to make a buck on the backs of Tennessee’s public school kids. I say we should.

It is quite common for people do disdain profits as if profits were somehow evil. When it comes to education, some people will say they are for charter schools but not for for-profit charter schools.  Why?  They really can't give a good reason and neither does Gail Kerr in her Tennessean article today, For-profit charter schools would be bad business for Tennessee.

There is a bill being considered by the State legislature that would permit for-profit schools. Kerr says, "If this bill passes, Tennessee will be in the business of paying for what essentially becomes private schools."  Charter schools are not essentially private schools. They are public schools with greater flexibility to serve the needs of their students than pubic schools that are under the control of the central office bureaucracy. Why, would a for-profit charter schools be more like a private schools than a not-for-profit charter school?   Most private schools are non-profit. There is simply no logic to her statement.

She goes own to say that to squeeze profit out of schools, for-profit entities might skimp on quality. "And the for-profit charter owner would be tempted to push profits up anywhere they could" she says. "Would they hire less talented teachers at bargain salaries to save money and increase their profit margin? Scrimp on classroom materials? Undermine the unique programs that make charters so attractive?"

Gail does not understand how markets work or charter schools. If the manager of the charter school skimps on talented teachers or materials and children are not getting an education, parents will not send their child to that school. Also, If the school does not perform well, they will lose their charter. Unlike regular public schools which do not have to attract students, charter schools must actually attract students.  People go to a charter school because they want to, not because they have to. In a market economy if people are not pleased with the a service or product, the company loses customers and then goes out of business. While having a "bottom line" does force a company to look at controlling cost and being efficient that is balanced by the need to provide a level of service that will attract and keep customers.

Somehow some people think it is just wrong to make a profit off of something as important as educating children. Somehow they think socialized services are morally superior to free market services. I don't understand that. The results is what should matter, not the motivation of the person providing the service. If one teacher feels he was "called" to teach and loves children and teaches out of the most benevolent of motives and refuses a salary, but produces illiterates; while another teacher does it out of his own self interest to make a nice living and produces brilliant students, I would prefer my child be taught by the one producing brilliant student. Outcomes matter; not motivation.

Is is wrong to make a profit off of healing someone? Most doctors make a profit. Eating is pretty important, yet most food producers and grocery stores and restaurants are for profit. Is it wrong to make a profit off of burying someones dead loved one? Most funeral homes are for profit. Providing clothing? For profit. Providing shelter? For profit. Communications? For profit. Transportation? Mostly for profit. If it is not wrong to make a profit off of healing people or burying people or feeding or housing people, why is it wrong to make a profit off of educating children?

Our economy is built on for-profit businesses, on capitalism, and that’s a good and valuable system. But we shouldn’t allow companies to make a buck on the backs of Tennessee’s public school kids. Gail Kerr

 It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. Adam Smith

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How conservative are they? The Club for Growth scorecard.

The Club for Growth was founded in 1999.  It is a  501(c)4 organization  focused on cutting taxes, repealing the estate tax, limited government, a Balanced Budget Amendment, entitlement reform, free trade, tort reform, school choice, and deregulation. It endorses and raises money for fiscally conservative candidates. Since 2005, the Club for Growth has produced an annual congressional scorecard. Below is how the Club for Growth rated the Tennessee Congressional delegation:
                                                                 Rank  score  lifetime score

TN	2	R	Duncan, John	17	94%	85%
TN	4	R	DesJarlais, Scott	43	85%	79%
TN	7	R	Blackburn, Marsha	84	77%	91%
TN	3	R	Fleischmann, Charles	98	74%	79%
TN	6	R	Black, Diane	103	73%	77%
TN	8	R	Fincher, Stephen	120	70%	76%
TN	1	R	Roe, David	131	68%	77%
TN	5	D	Cooper, Jim	241	24%	26%
TN	9	D	Cohen, Steve	281	16%	7%

TN	R	Corker, Bob	26	75%	81%
TN	R	Alexander, Lamar	36	67%	68%

To view the complete scorecard and see the votes considered in developing the scorecard, follow this link.

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MNPS special meeting on charter schools.

This meeting is almost four hours long. I have not watched it myself yet, but hope to do so. It is clear from The Tennessean's report that MNPS continues to view charter schools, not as a means of improving public education but as a threat to public education. We need a chance at the school board. We need school board members that embrass reform and educational excellence.

Below is the Tennessean's report on this special meeting:

Multiple charter school proposals clash with new MNPS guidelines

Metro school officials didn’t back down from a controversial new policy that defines where new charter schools in Davidson County can locate as talks opened on Monday.
Instead, its chief architect reaffirmed the lay of the land. (link)

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Obama to dictate which vendors may sponsor highschool gym scoreboards

Apparently believing local school boards are not to be trusted with even the smallest of decisions,  the Obama administration will decide which vendors may sponsor the high school gym scoreboards. Children who are old enough to decide for themselves whether or not to have an abortion or going to be protected from seeing the Coke or Pepsi logos on school properties all over America. Washington's micro management shifts into high gear.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Even the scoreboards in high school gyms will have to advertise only healthy foods under new rules announced Tuesday by the Obama administration.

Promotion of sugary drinks and junk foods around campuses during the school day will be phased out under the rules, intended to ensure that such marketing is brought in line with health standards that already apply to school foods.

That means a scoreboard at a high school football or basketball game eventually wouldn't be allowed to advertise Coca-Cola, for example, but it could advertise Diet Coke or Dasani water, which is also owned by Coca-Cola Co. Same with the front of a vending machine. Cups, posters and menu boards which promote foods that don't meet the standards would also be phased out. (link)

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No Annexation without Concent bill passes House.

The bill that would require a vote in favor of annexation by the people being annexed passed the State House today by a vote of 78 "Ayes," 8 "Nays" and 5 present but not voting. It now goes to the Senate. 


Under current law a municipality may extend its corporate limits by annexation of adjoining territories, by ordinance, when petitioned by a majority of the residents and property owners of the affected territory, or "upon its own initiative when it appears that the prosperity of the municipality and territory will be materially retarded and the safety and welfare of the inhabitants and property endangered." (link)

The roll call record is not yet available.

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam: GOP Governors Know How Jobs Are Created

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TNGOP Announces New Engagement Director, Regional Political Directors for 2014

Statewide Staff Represents the Earliest Field Operations in TNGOP History, Unprecedented Commitment to Engaging Minority Voters

 NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Following the 2012 election, the Republican National Committee conducted a top-to-bottom review of the Party’s infrastructure and political activities across the nation. It quickly became apparent too little was done in terms of outreach to communities beyond the traditional GOP base. 

With more Republicans running for office in 2014 than ever before, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney today officially unveiled the TNGOP’s statewide Engagement Director, as well as the new team of Regional Political Directors responsible for organizing and implementing the 2014 Republican victory plan.

Victor Evans, a former teacher and Rhodes College graduate with a Masters from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, joins the TNGOP as its Engagement Director. His responsibilities include enlisting support from the African-American, Latino, and other minority communities across Tennessee. Evans will also direct the TNGOP’s Global Engagement Team, which has already been actively working in Nashville to grow minority support.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus applauded the move and stated, "Victor Evans brings valuable skills and experiences to the Republican Party. He will play a critical role in strengthening our ties to all Tennessee voters.  His hire will ensure our positive vision for the country and our message of 'opportunity for all' reaches across the state." 

Devaney remarked,  “Victor understands we have a lot of ground to make up in communities across Tennessee—and he’s helping to lead the effort. We will compete for every voter across the Volunteer State. Whether it is educational opportunities for all students or fighting for adults who need a job now, we’re the Party of opportunity. Victor will be instrumental in communicating that message for all in 2014.”

Evans, who is fluent in Spanish, has already been working on behalf of the TNGOP for several months now. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Whether it is in Frasier in Shelby County or East Nashville in Davidson, people are feeling empowered by the Republican Party’s message. This isn’t a one-time proposition. This is about laying the groundwork for years to come.”

In addition to Evans, the TNGOP has brought aboard an experienced and talented team to carry the Party’s message throughout the state.

Kim Perry, an experienced political operative based in Memphis, will engage voters in Shelby County. Jordan Maynor, a political operative with expertise in sales and business-to-business service, will focus on Davidson County and other targeted areas of Middle Tennessee. A former TNGOP intern, Thomas Stephenson, returns to the Tennessee Republican Party to engage the Party’s rural and suburban targets. And Zack Huff, a former campaign field staffer for U.S. Representative Diane Black, will manage the Party’s victory efforts in East Tennessee.

“This is a strong team we have put together for our field operations across Tennessee,” commented Devaney. “They represent the earliest statewide field staff we have ever put in place and they’ve already played instrumental roles in candidate recruitment, county party training, and data-building. The bottom line is we’re pressing the advantage over our counterparts to ensure that Republicans are elected at the local level and that we keep the Governor’s seat, U.S. Senate seat, and Legislature in Republican control this November.”

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Gov. Haslam on PBS Newshour talking minimum wage, education, unions and Medicaid expansion.

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Alexander Statement on President Obama’s Failure to Include Chained CPI in Budget

Senator Lamar Alexander, the senior Republican on the Senate health committee, released the following statement on the White House announcement that President Obama has dropped chained CPI from his budget this year:

Using the most accurate measure of inflation for entitlement spending and tax rates would be the simplest, fairest way to take a meaningful step toward fixing the federal debt. The president was exactly right to include it in last year's budget. His failure to do so this year makes confronting runaway mandatory spending even harder.

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How Conservative are they? The most recent Heritage Action Scorecard report.

The Heritage Action Scorecard measures votes, co-sponsorships, and other legislative activity to show how conservative Members of Congress are.  Below are the latest scores for the Tennessee delegation. To see other scores and to see the key votes that went in to determining scores, follow this link. 

TN	2	Rep. John Duncan Jr.	R	88%
TN	4	Rep. Scott DesJarlais	R	79%
TN	7	Rep. Marsha Blackburn	R	78%
TN	3	Rep. Chuck Fleischmann	R	78%
TN	6	Rep. Diane Black	R	72%
TN	1	Rep. Phil Roe	R	66%
TN	8	Rep. Stephen Fincher	R	65%
TN		Sen. Lamar Alexander	R	46%
TN		Sen. Bob Corker	R	44%
TN	5	Rep. Jim Cooper	D	36%
TN	9	Rep. Steve Cohen	D	17%

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Parade and Job Fair for Tennessee's Iraq War Veterans

My name is Daniel Horwitz, and I am a civilian living in Nashville, Tennessee.  Over the past two years, I have been attempting to set up a “Welcome Home” parade and job fair here in Nashville to thank and benefit Tennessee’s Iraq War veterans.  With the help of organizations like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, similar parades have already been held in cities across the nation like St. Louis and Richmond, Chicago and Houston, Philadelphia, Austin, and Tucson.  I believe it’s long past time for Nashville to join these cities by formally thanking our veterans for their service and giving them the jobs that they need and deserve.  Fortunately, that time has finally come.

After working with several local, state and federal officials on this event, I’ve received approval to apply for a permit to hold a parade and job fair on May 17th, 2014.  Fortunately, local businesses have been extremely supportive of this effort as well, so the costs associated with the parade permit are graciously being offered at heavily discounted rates.  The total costs of the parade permit application will be as follows:

1. A $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy, which will be provided by local veteran James Manning of The Manning Agency at a total cost of just $301.
2. Event security, which will be provided by local combat veteran T.J. DeMartino of Phalanx Risk Solutions at a total cost of just $660.
3. Street barricades and traffic control, which will be provided by veteran supporter Larry M. Patton, Jr. of Blinker-Lite at a total cost of just $125.
4. Additional incidental expenses related to trash cleanup, tent set up, and street closure permits estimated at $400.
5. A $30 application fee.

If you support this effort and you want to help thank Tennessee’s Iraq War veterans for their extraordinary sacrifice and service to this country, please consider donating to help make this event a reality.  Any contributions above the $1,500 target will be donated directly to Operation Stand Down Nashville, a full-service veterans non-profit organization that is committed to providing life changing social services to veterans throughout Middle Tennessee.  If you have any questions about this event, if you would like to help organize it, or if you run a business and would like to participate in the job fair, please contact me anytime at daniel.a.horwitz@gmail.com.

Thank you so much,
Daniel A. Horwitz

Contact the Organizer

Follow this link to make a donation: Parade and Job Fair for Tennessee's Iraq War Veterans.
My Comment: Please join me in supporting this worthwhile cause and show our veterans that we care and appreciate their sacrifice. Rod

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