The Media Fund | Title: "June 14"

Republican National Committee ^ | June 14, 2004

[RWR8189]

Rhetoric

NARRATOR:  “It’s Monday June 14th - and Air Force One will bring George Bush to the Kansas City Area today. As the President approaches - his view from 30,000 feet will be magnificent. But he won’t see the 89,000 children who have no health care coverage.”

CHYRON:  Fact: 89,000 Missouri children have no health care. A full 6.0 percent of all Missouri children have no health care coverage - representing more than 89,000 children who do not have access to proper health care. [Source: “Children’s Defense Fund Analysis Shows Percentage of Uninsured Children Varies by State,” Children’s Defense Fund, 10/24/03]

The Facts

President Bush Is Expanding Access To Health Care For Uninsured Children

Uninsured Children Can Receive Health Care In Community Health Centers; Bush Administration Has Expanded Number Of Patients Served In These Centers By 30%. “Since 2001, the Bush Administration has increased the number of people served in health centers by almost 30%. When the President took office, there were approximately 3,300 health center sites serving approximately 9.6 million patients, including 4 million uninsured individuals. President Bush recognized the needs of the uninsured and medically underserved communities and promised to open or expand 1,200 health center sites to serve an additional 6.1 million Americans by 2006. By the end of March 2004, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will have opened or expanded 614 health center sites.” (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

ü      Community Health Centers Provide Medical Care To Uninsured And Medically Underserved. “Community Health Centers provide critical primary and preventive health care services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. These health centers are located in medically underserved urban and rural areas where there is little access to basic health care services, and primarily serve low-income individuals, migrant farm workers, homeless individuals, and children. Achieving the President’s goal for new and expanded Community Health Center sites will help to provide health care to a greater number of Americans.” (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

ü      Missouri Has 90 Community-Based Health Clinics Serving Over 230,000 Patients In Both Rural And Urban Areas.  “Missouri has built a network of 17 community and migrant health centers in both urban and rural Missouri, with 90 comprehensive, community-based clinics that serve more than 230,000 patients in over 911,000 visits each year.”  (Sen. Kit Bond, “Bond Announces $300,000 In Federal Funds For Sedalia Health Care Clinic,” Press Release, 4/16/04)

President’s budgets Are On Track To Fulfill His Promise Of Serving An Additional 6.1 Million Americans Through Community Health Centers By 2006. “The FY 2005 budget proposes an increase of $218 million, to open or expand 330 more health center sites to serve an additional 1.6 million people, leaving approximately 260 more community health center sites to add or expand to meet the President’s goal by 2006.”  (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

Kerry Has “Thin Record” On Health Care

“[O]n Education And Health Care, Two Of The Most Important Domestic Battlegrounds Between Democrats And Republicans, Kerry Has A Thin Record.” (David Nather, “Kerry’s Complex Record And His Pursuit Of The Presidency,” CQ Weekly, 4/24/03)

ü      “[Kerry] Has Not Played A Major Role In The Most Significant Health Care Debates Of Recent Years …” (David Nather, “Kerry’s Complex Record And His Pursuit Of The Presidency,” CQ Weekly, 4/24/03)

ü      “For Most Of [Kerry’s] 19-Year Senate Career … He Has Not Been Focused On Health Care.” (Marilyn Werber Serafini, “Targeting The ‘Worried Insured’,” National Journal, 2/7/04)

ü “In The Senate, Kerry Is Not Known For Work On Healthcare, Having Been In The Shadow Of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) On The Issue.”  (Bob Cusack, “Lobbyists And Academics Make Up Kerry’s ‘Deep Bench’ On Healthcare,” The Hill, 4/28/04)

Kerry Was Lead Sponsor On Just 14 Health Care Bills During His 19 Years In Senate. (S.1112, Introduced 5/22/03; S.2795, Introduced 7/25/02; S.1967, Introduced 2/26/02; S.1738, Introduced 11/28/01; S.1304, Introduced 8/2/01; S.1303, Introduced 8/2/01; S.706, Introduced 4/5/01; S.15, Introduced 11/20/02; S.2766, Introduced 6/22/00; S.2132, Introduced 3/1/00; S.2033, Introduced 2/3/00; S.1718, Introduced 10/12/99; S.2186, Introduced 10/1/96; S.1510, Introduced 7/21/87)

This Represents Just 4.5% Of All Bills Sponsored By Kerry.  (Thomas Website, http://thomas.loc.gov, Accessed 1/31/04)

None Of Kerry’s Health Care Bills Passed Senate As Introduced.  Several of Kerry’s bills were incorporated into other legislation and passed as amendments. The rest died in committee. (Thomas Website, http://thomas.loc.gov, Accessed 1/31/04)

»»»» 

Rhetoric

NARRATOR:  “As he steps off the jet, a band will play. But George Bush won’t hear from the nearly 93,000 Missouri seniors who will pay more under his prescription drug plan.”

CHYRON:  Fact: Over 93,000 poor Missouri Medicare recipients will face higher drug costs under Bush Administration’s prescription drug plan. Under the Medicare bill signed by Bush, 93,847 poor Missouri seniors and disabled persons would see their prescription drug costs increase. [Source: “Congress Prescription Deal,” Institute for America’s Future, November 2003]

The Facts

Kerry Would Repeal Medicare Bill That Is Currently Helping
Millions Of Seniors Get Affordable Prescription Drugs

Kerry: “If I’m President We’re Going To Repeal That Phony [Prescription Drug] Bill.”  (Sen. John Kerry, “Ending The Era Of Special Interests,” Remarks In Nashua, NH, 1/21/04)

Kerry Missed 36 Of 38 Votes On Medicare Bill, Including Final Passage Of Senate Version And Conference Report.  (H.R.1, CQ Vote #459: Prescription Drug Benefit - Conference Report, Passed 54-44: R 42-9; D 11-35; I 1-0, 11/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #262: Prescription Drug Benefit - Passage, Passed 76-21: R 40-10; D 35-11; I 1-0, 6/27/03; S.1, CQ Vote #261: Prescription Drug Benefit - Means Test, Rejected 38-59: R 3-47; D 35-11; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #260: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alternative Plan, Rejected 21-75: R 20-29; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #259: Prescription Drug Benefit - Retiree Fallback Plan, Rejected 42-54: R 0-49; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #258: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medigap Policies, Rejected 43-55: R 1-50; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #257: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medicaid Coverage, Rejected 47-51: R 5-46; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #256: Prescription Drug Benefit - Immigrant Coverage, Rejected 33-65: R 32-19; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #255: Prescription Drug Benefit - Experimental Drug Coverage, Adopted 71-26: R 50-0; D 20-26; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #254: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #253: Prescription Drug Benefit - Additional Disease Treatment, Agreed To 57-41: R 51-0; D 5-41; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #252: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alzheimer’s Subsidy, Adopted 98-0: R 51-0; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; CQ Vote #251: Prescription Drug Benefit - Asset Test, Adopted 69-29: R 22-29; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #250: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Patient Coverage, Agreed To 54-44: R 51-0; D 3-43; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #249: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Care, Adopted 97-1: R 50-1; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #248: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #247: Prescription Drug Benefit - Disability Services, Agreed To 50-48: R 48-3; D 2-44; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #246: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost-Effectiveness Studies, Rejected 43-52: R 0-48; D 43-3; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #245: Prescription Drug Benefit - Durbin Substitute, Rejected 39-56: R 0-48; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #244: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-56: R 0-49; D 39-6; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #243: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 26-69: R 0-49; D 26-19; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #242: Prescription Drug Benefit - Health Centers, Adopted 94-1: R 48-1; D 45-0; I 1-0, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #241: Prescription Drug Benefit - Employer Compensation, Rejected 41-55: R 0-50; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #240: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Coverage, Rejected 41-54: R 0-49; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #239: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Availability, Rejected 41-54: R 1-48; D 40-5; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #238: Prescription Drug Benefit - Two-Year Fallback Plan, Agreed To 51-45: R 48-2; D 2-43; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #237: Prescription Drug Benefit - Congressional Coverage, Adopted 93-3: R 50-0; D 42-3; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #236: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost Sharing Extension, Agreed To 54-42: R 50-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #235: Prescription Drug Benefit - Canadian Price Equity, Agreed To 66-31: R 51-0; D 14-31; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #234: Prescription Drug Benefit - Open Enrollment Period, Agreed To 55-42: R 51-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #233: Prescription Drug Benefit - Third-Party Coverage, Agreed To 52-43: R 49-0; D 3-42; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #232: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Importation, Adopted 62-28: R 21-25; D 40-3; I 1-06/20/03; S.1, CQ Vote #230: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Patents, Adopted 94-1: R 50-1; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #229: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Cap, Rejected 39-56: R 0-51; D 39-4; I 0-1, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #228: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Disclosure, Adopted 95-0: R 51-0; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #227: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Within Medicare, Rejected 37-58: R 0-51; D 37-6; I 0-1, 6/18/03; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

ü      Kerry Was One Of Only Two Senators To Miss Final Vote On Conference Report. Kerry chose to hit campaign trail instead because he felt that voting “was not going to make a difference.”  (Sam Hananel, “Kerry, Lieberman Skip Final Medicare Vote To Return To Campaign Trail,” The Associated Press, 11/25/03)

Kerry Twice Voted To Kill Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug Bill.  Kerry voted against the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report and the motion to waive the Budget Act on budgetary points of order against the conference report.  (H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)  

Kerry Also Voted Against Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug Proposal In The Senate Finance Committee.  (S.1, Vote #5: Passed 16-5: R 9-2; D 6-3; I 1-0, 6/12/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

Under New Medicare Law, Millions Of Beneficiaries Are Now Using Drug Discount Cards To Save Up To 18 Percent On Name Brand Drugs And 30-60 Percent On Generics.  “Seniors and people with disabilities can begin using their Medicare-approved drug discount cards to garner savings on prescription medicines. … As of the end of May, approximately 2.87 million Medicare beneficiaries have already enrolled in drug cards to do just that. … Analysis by CMS shows that Medicare beneficiaries can expect discounts of up to 18 percent off the average retail prices for name brand drugs and discounts of between 30 and 60 percent on generic drugs. Mail order and Internet discounts through the cards offer savings of up to 24 percent from comparable services.” (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)  

ü      Low-Income Seniors Can Receive $1,200 Credit Over The Next 18 Months That Will Offer Savings Of 30 To 70 Percent On Their Prescription Expenses.  “On top of the discounts, low-income beneficiaries can qualify for a $600 credit this year to help pay for their prescription medicines and another $600 in 2005. Any money from the credit not spent this year will carry over into 2005. For millions of low-income beneficiaries, these savings translate to 30 to 70 percent or more reductions in their drug costs.”  (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)  

Kerry’s Proposals Will Not Significantly Lower Cost Of Prescription Drugs

Kerry Says He Will “Fight” For Medicare Price Negotiation And Drug Reimportation.  “JOHN KERRY: CHOOSING SENIORS OVER PHARMACEUTICAL PROFITS. John Kerry will fight to allow Medicare to negotiate better prescription prices for seniors and will fight to pass reimportation so seniors can get safe quality affordable prescriptions. Kerry will strengthen drug coverage for those who have it – not make it worse.”  (John Kerry For President, “Bush’s Broken Promises: Social Security And Medicare,” Press Release, 3/7/04)

But In 2000, Kerry Co-Sponsored Democrat Legislation That Prohibited Medicare From Negotiating Drug Prices.  The bill, which was introduced by Senator Daschle and co-sponsored by Senator Kerry, included this provision: “NONINTERFERENCE.--In administering the prescription drug benefit program established under this part, the Secretary may not-- (1) require a particular formulary or institute a price structure for benefits; (2) interfere in any way with negotiations between private entities and drug manufacturers, or wholesalers; or (3) otherwise interfere with the competitive nature of providing a prescription drug benefit through private entities.”  (S.2541, Introduced 3/10/00; S.2541, Thomas Bill Summary, Introduced 5/10/00; Julie Rovner, “GOP, Dems Spar Over Negotiating Language In Drug Law,” National Journal’s CongressDaily, 2/10/04)

ü      According To Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Government Negotiation Would Not Reduce Costs; Under New Medicare Law, Private Plans Will Negotiate “Substantial Savings.”  “CBO has examined the effect of striking the ‘noninterference’ provision (section 1860D-11(i) of the Social Security Act) as added by P. L. 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. That section bars the Secretary of Health and Human Services from interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and sponsors of prescription drug plans, or from requiring a particular formulary or price structure for covered Part D drugs. We estimate that striking that provision would have a negligible effect on federal spending because CBO estimates that substantial savings will be obtained by the private plans and that the Secretary would not be able to negotiate prices that further reduce federal spending to a significant degree. Because they will be at substantial financial risk, private plans will have strong incentives to negotiate price discounts, both to control their own costs in providing the drug benefit and to attract enrollees with low premiums and cost-sharing requirements.”  (Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, Congressional Budget Office, Letter To Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, 1/23/04)

ü      Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office Concluded That Importation Would Produce Only A Small Reduction In Prescription Drug Spending.  “On the basis of its evaluation of proposals to date, CBO has concluded that permitting the importation of foreign-distributed prescription drugs would produce at most a modest reduction in prescription drug spending in the United States. H.R. 2427, for example, which would have permitted importation from a broad set of industrialized countries, was estimated to reduce total drug spending by $40 billion over 10 years, or by about 1 percent. Permitting importation only from Canada would produce a negligible reduction in drug spending.”  (Colin Baker, Anna Cook, and Margaret Nowak, “Would Prescription Drug Importation Reduce U.S. Drug Spending?” Issue Brief, Congressional Budget Office, 4/29/04)

»»»»

Rhetoric

NARRATOR:  “The president will be rushed to his photo op. But he won’t stop to hear from the families who are paying an average of $2,700 more for health care.”

CHYRON:  Fact: $2,760 Estimated Total Family Premium Increase. In Missouri, the total family premium for health insurance has increased by $2,760 to $9,490. [2000 MEPS Data from the Agency for Healthcare Quality Research projected forward using Kaiser Family Foundation National Premium Increase]

The Facts

Kerry Opposes Measures That Will Lower Cost Of Health Care

 Kerry Opposed Or Voted To Block Medical Liability Reform At Least Ten Times.  (H.R. 956, CQ Vote #137: Motion Rejected 39-61: R 10-44; D 29-17; I 0-0, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #140: Motion Agreed To 65-35: R 24-30; D 41-5, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #141: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 13-41; D 43-3, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #144: Passed 53-47: R 48-6; D 5-41, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 46-53: R 44-10; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #152: Motion Rejected 47-52: R 45-9; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #160: Motion Agreed To 54-44:: R 46-7; D 8-37, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #161: Passed 61-37: R 46-7; D 15-30, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 812, CQ Vote #197: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Kerry Voted Yea) 

ü      Kerry Missed Both 2004 Votes, As Well As 2003 Vote, On Medical Liability Reform Legislation.  (S. 2061, CQ Vote #15: Motion Rejected 48-45: R 47-3: D 1-41; I 0-1, 2/24/04, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 2207, CQ Vote #66: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 48-3; D 1-44; I 0-1, 4/7/04, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 11, CQ Vote #264: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Kerry Did Not Vote) 

 Kerry Voted 4 Times Against Health/Medical Savings Accounts.  (S.1028, CQ Vote #72: Adopted 52-46: R 5-46; D 47-0, 4/18/96, Kerry Voted Yea; S.1344, CQ Vote #210: Passed 53-47: R 52-2; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/15/99, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

President Bush Has A Plan To Help Americans Afford Health Care

Last Year, President Bush Acted To Bring Millions Of Americans Help With Out-Of-Pocket Medical Expenses.  “When the President signed the Medicare reform legislation into law, Americans gained access to health savings accounts. HSAs allow individuals to buy less expensive high-deductible plans and to save pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition to these savings, under a new Administration proposal, individuals participating in HSAs would be allowed to deduct their premiums for the high-deductible insurance plan from their taxable income. HSAs are available to everyone who has a high-deductible plan, which is defined as having an annual deductible of at least $1,000 for individual coverage and at least $2,000 for family coverage. Individuals, their employers, or both can contribute funds up to the amount of the deductible, subject to a cap of $2,600 for individuals and $5,150 for families. The money not spent would stay in the account and earn interest tax-free. People over age 55 can contribute additional money to the account without penalty. These accounts will help more American families get the health care they need at a price they can afford.”  (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)

ü      Health Savings Accounts Help People Of “All Income Levels And Lifestyles.”  “Finally, a tax-advantaged health-care program that cuts across all income levels and lifestyles -- the new Health Savings Accounts. They are a real boon for people who pay for their insurance coverage.”  (Eva Rosenberg, “Health Savings Accounts Provide A Break For All,” CBS MarketWatch, 1/15/04)

President Bush Has Urged Congress To Address Rising Health Costs Through Medical Liability Reform.  “President Bush is trying to resuscitate a measure to place nationwide caps on medical malpractice awards, a move he has made a centerpiece of his election-year focus on health care. Bush argues that a nationwide ceiling would drive down soaring health care costs and save taxpayers money. … In response, the president was issuing a new appeal for the legislation …” (Scott Lindlaw, “President Pushes Effort To Limit Malpractice Awards,” The Associated Press, 1/26/04)

President Bush Announced Plan To Lower Health Costs By Expanding Electronic Medical Records To Nearly All Americans Within The Next Ten Years.  The plan includes:

ü      “Adopting Health Information Standards. The President called for the completion and adoption of standards, collaboratively developed with the private sector, that will allow medical information to be stored and shared electronically while assuring privacy and security.”

ü      “Doubling Funding to $100 Million for Demonstration Projects on Health Information Technology. To build upon the progress we have already made in the area of health care standardization, the President’s proposed FY 2005 budget includes $100 million for demonstration projects by hospitals and health care providers that will help us test the effectiveness of health information technology and establish best practices for more widespread adoption in the health care industry.”

ü      “Fostering The Adoption Of Health Information Technology. As one of the largest buyers of health care, the Federal Government can create incentives and opportunities for health care providers to use electronic records.”

ü      “Creating a New, Sub-Cabinet Level Position of National Health Information Technology Coordinator. The President will charge the National Coordinator with working with government, industry, and experts in the field to help fulfill his vision of a health care system that is patient-centered and that gives patients information they need to make clinical and economic decisions – in consultation with dedicated health care professionals.”  (“Innovation Economy Policy Book,” Executive Summary, The White House, 4/26/04)

The President Also Proposed Refundable Tax Credits That Will Make Health Insurance More Affordable To Millions Of Low-Income Americans.  “The Administration again proposes a tax credit that will facilitate individuals’ purchase of health insurance and health care. Individuals under age 65 who are not enrolled in public or employer-sponsored health plans would be eligible. The credit would pay for 90 percent of the cost of the premium, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family of four. The percentage of the credit would depend on an individual’s income level. The credit would be phased out at $30,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a family. Like the TAA tax credit, the Health Care Tax Credit is refundable and can be paid in advance directly to the health plan.”  (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)

Bush Administration Implemented Program To Save Consumers As Much As $3.5 Billion Each Year By Moving Low-Priced Generic Drugs To The Market Faster.  “President Bush today announced new regulations to hasten the pace at which generic drugs are brought to market, a measure the administration says will save $3.5 billion annually after it takes effect Aug. 18. … Specifically, the regulations will limit original drugmakers to one 30-month ‘stay’ blocking the entry of generic drugs by filing patent lawsuits. … The FDA also said it will make internal changes, speeding its review procedures to reduce the time it takes for generic drugs to be declared safe. With a $13 million increase in its budget for generic drugs requested by Bush, the FDA aims to reduce its generic drug application process to 17 months from 20 months.”  (Dana Milbank, “New Drug Rules Aim To Speed Generics,” The Washington Post, 6/13/03)

President Bush Also Has Plan To Curb Rising Health Care Costs By Enabling Small Businesses To Form Purchasing Pools To Negotiate Lower Health Insurance Costs For Their Workers.  (“President Bush’s FY 2005 Budget,” Fact Sheet, The White House, 2/2/04)

»»»»

Rhetoric

NARRATOR:  “He will say he cares about working families. But the 30,700 jobs lost in Missouri tell a different story.”

CHYRON:  Fact: Missouri jobs lost total 30,700 since Bush took office. Since Bush took office, Missouri has lost 30,700 jobs - 1.3% of all jobs. [Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2001 & April 2004]

NARRATOR:  “The President flies home tonight. But he leaves behind a state that is neither stronger, safer or better than it was four years ago.”

The Facts

Employment Has Improved In Missouri And Other States Since President’s 2003 Tax Cuts

Missouri’s Unemployment Rate Dropped From 5.4 Percent In November 2003 To 4.7 Percent In April 2004. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.MO.htm, Accessed 6/14/04)

Between November 2003 And April 2004, 32,900 Jobs Were Created In Missouri. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.MO.htm, Accessed 6/14/04)

Employment Situation Improves In States In April.  “Compared with March [2004], unemployment rates were lower in 29 states, higher in 14 states and the District of Columbia, and unchanged in 7 states. … Unemployment rates were lower than a year earlier in all but three states and the District of Columbia. … From March to April, total nonfarm employment increased in 45 states, decreased in 4 states and the District of Columbia, and remained unchanged in 1 state. … Over the year, employment increased in 44 states and the District of Columbia and decreased in 6 states.”  (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, “Regional And State Employment And Unemployment: April 2004,” Press Release, 5/21/04)  

“From February To March, Total Nonfarm Employment Increased In 37 States And The District Of Columbia, Decreased In 12 States, And Remained Unchanged In 1 State.” (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, “Regional And State Employment And Unemployment Summary,” Press Release, 4/23/04)

»»»»

[the_Watchman]

As a Bush supporter, I don't like the tone of this post. It's a comparison to see which side can spend your money faster for liberal causes.

[Rudder]

Get third parties, including the govt., out of health care and the problems will be resolved.