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Mad As Hell Doctors - The Rubber Gloves Meet The Road
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The Mad As Hell Doctors will be in Madison, Thursday, September 17, 2009.
There are two opportunities in which to see them.
Town Hall at the First Unitarian Society in Madison
When: Thursday, September 17
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian Society
900 University Bay Dr.
Madison, WI 53705-2249
Single Payer Rally at the State Capitol
When: Thursday, September 17
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: State Capitol Building
2 East Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Click HERE for full information.
The Mad As Hell Docs have a great theme song, too. Click HERE.
PORTLAND, OR (8/9/09) - Furious with the health care 'options' coming out of Washington, D.C., seven "Mad as Hell" Oregon physicians are taking an unprecedented road trip across America to lobby Congress for a single-payer health care system. A big part of their plan is to take the entire country with them.
Called a "Care-A-Van," these road-tripping Oregon physicians will leave in a used motor home from Portland, Oregon on September 8th, inviting doctors and ordinary citizens from other states to join them on their twenty-city tour across the country. Their journey will culminate in a D.C.-based protest event on September 30th, scheduled to take place on the steps of Congress. Demonstrating with the doctors will be thousands of fellow 'Mad as Hell' single-payer advocates, all adorned with the movement's new symbol - the white ribbon. Their demand: Single-Payer Now!
Several national, single-payer advocacy organizations including Physicians for a National Health Program, Health Care Now, Single Payer Action, and even groups like Progressive Democrats of America and Jobs with Justice are supporting the Oregon physicians by setting up "Mad as Hell Town Halls" across the country in anticipation of their arrival.
Mad As Hell Doctors In Madison
New Congressional Candidate Tracker
Today we're excited to announce a new way to keep track of everyone running for Congress. And you can help!
The RaceTracker project on the OpenCongress Wiki tracks every election for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and state governor.
For every state and district (including yours!), you can find info about candidates and their status, campaign contributions they've received, district maps, past election results, and more.
Best of all, RaceTracker is free, open-source, non-partisan, and collaborative. Add what you know to the wiki, citing a news source, and help build public knowledge about Congress. Check it out ::
Project:RaceTracker
... to dive right in and see an example, here's the page for Sen.
Roland Burris (D-IL), whose seat is up for election in 2010 and for
which eight candidates are already in the mix ::
IL-Senate_Class_III_Seat
... for more information on how you can use RaceTracker and how to get involved, please see today's announcement on our blog ::
Blog
Finally, if you haven't taken a look at our Wiki in a while, it's worth checking out the new info that the public and our editors are continually adding to pages for Senators and Representatives: official contact information for their offices (both in D.C. and in their districts), Congressional scorecards from issue-based groups, video announcements & floor speeches, narrative summaries of hot votes, and more ::
Open Congress Wiki Home
... hope you enjoy RaceTracker, and let us know what you think!
Thanks,
-the OC Team
Opencongress.Org
Utility Rate Increase Alert
Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL), just like the Janesville Water Utility, announced they will “likely’ file an emergency rate increase because of lost sales volume.
JG Excerpt: (Jan.22, 2009}Just before Christmas, the Janesville Water Utility also requested a rate increase for the same reason - low sales volume expected from the closing of the GM plant.
The chief executive of WPL's parent, Alliant Energy, projected WPL's sales will drop 6.4 percent this year, or $30 million. Because of that, Alliant CEO Bill Harvey says they "will likely file an emergency rate case" to the Public Service Commission.
JG Water Rate Increase: (Dec.20,2008)The Janesville water rate increase and WPL's increase are two sides of the same coin and both must acquire PSC approval before becoming law. Both requests defy the principle of supply and demand. When demand goes down - supply goes up - prices should drop. Instead, they want to increase prices to make up for lost revenue.
To account for the reduced revenue, the city has approved a wastewater rate increase and is anticipating a water rate increase for next year. Rate increases also are planned for 2010.
The PSC, the Janesville City Council and the Janesville City manager all want your input on this matter. Send all comments regarding rate increases by water, heating gas and electric utilities to the PSC.
Janesville residents, in addition to sending complaints to the PSC, can send their comments regarding the proposed water and sewer rate increases to the Janesville city manager and all council members here.
Note: WPL is a subsidary of Alliant Energy. For all practical matters - they are one and the same.
“Say Anything” night debuts downtown
Got something to say?
Say it at Codos!
Every Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m., until there’s nothing left to say.
Codos: Between the Main Street Saloon and Perfectly Plus.
“The word ‘poetry’ scares people,” said Russ. “Let’s just have a spoken-word night.”
Last week a small group gathered at Codos Coffee, 119 N. Main St., and entertained each other for the evening reading poetry, song lyrics and original material.
This group was diverse – and that’s why it worked.
Enthusiastic patrons begged Codos owner Russ Allen to keep it up, and he agreed to a spoken-word night every Wednesday until folks run out of things to say.
SO: bring your novel, short-story, speech, drama and essay excerpts -- poetry too – and anything else we forgot to mention. Make it original, steal it from someone else (but remember to attribute it!), wing it, prepare it, keep it hate-free and (relatively … relatively) clean, come if you’re young, come if you’re not, read in English or some other language, students, elders, all genders welcome!
Open Community Radio Now!
Are you sick of hearing the same talk radio blowhards and cookie-cutter music on the radio in Janesville?
By passing one bill, we can open the radio dial to thousands of stations with fresh new voices and alternative music, ending decades of radio domination by Big Media and their mouthpieces.
The Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (H.R. 1147) was just introduced in the House. The Act nearly passed in the last Congress with the support of more than 100 members.
With just a little urging from you, Rep. Ryan could be the deciding vote in this Congress and help usher in a new era of better radio:
Tell Congress to Open Up the Radio Dial
This Act would open up the airwaves to more Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations, creating a megaphone for new bands, fostering more local and independent news and giving people across the country a chance to break into radio. This is how we inject new blood into a radio system that could be better serving all of us.
Please get Rep. Ryan on board by clicking here and signing the letter.
The Local Community Radio Act would open urban areas to local radio, too. A few companies have dominated the radio dial for too long, muting the voices of so many others. Make sure that Rep. Ryan makes better radio a reality now.
Onward,
Candace Clement
Campaign Coordinator
Free Press
Reform Media, Transform Democracy
Support The Employee Free Choice Act
Today, we took an important step toward fixing our economy and leveling the playing field for working Americans – the Employee Free Choice Act was introduced in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.
Now the hard work begins. Corporate special interests are twisting arms, spending millions on misleading ads, and spreading lies and propaganda to block the bill. We must ensure Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act.
Ask your members of Congress to support the Employee Free Choice!
It's been two years since corporate lobbyists blocked this bill. They were backed by the same greedy CEOs who ran this economy into the ground – and they will stop at nothing to keep workers from getting a fair shake.
But with the most pro-worker Congress in years, and President Obama committed to the cause, this is our best chance yet to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. The stakes couldn't be higher – giving more workers a fair chance to negotiate for better pay, benefits, and job security will help restore the struggling middle class and make the economy work for everyone.
There's not a moment to lose—let your members of Congress know that we need their support!
UFCW members have joined with organizations across the country in rallying legions of activists around this crucial piece of legislation. Together, we collected over 1.5 million signatures supporting the Employee Free Choice Act—including signatures from 250,000 UFCW members!
Now that the bill has been introduced, it's time for your representative to hear directly from you.
We also need you to spread the word – every voice makes a difference. Tell friends and family to write their members of Congress too.
Together, we can make it happen!
Sincerely,
UFCW Employee Free Choice
Join Healthcare For All Rally
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Paulette Garin, 2008 Democratic Congressional Candidate in Wisconsin’s 1st District and State Coordinator for PDA – Progressive Democrats of America will be featured as the Single Payer Speaker at a rally and action event which will be held Saturday, July 25, on the steps of the Capitol in Madison. Garin will be speaking on behalf of the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Health Care – The National Single Payer Alliance which is one of the sponsors for the event. PDA is one of four lead organizations in the Alliance.
Congresswoman, Tammy Baldwin, who co-sponsored HR 676 – Single Payer legislation, will be the guest of honor.
Other sponsors and speakers for the rally include: ABC for Health, AIDS Network, AFSCME Wisconsin, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Community Action Coalition for South Central WI, Inc., The Coalition for Wisconsin Health, Disability Rights WI, The Dane County Grassroots Network, Healthcare for America Now!, The League of Women Voters Dane County, Madison-area Urban Ministry, NAMI Dane County, Organizing for America, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, SEIU Wisconsin, Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice.
Marchers will gather at the Library Mall at 2:30 p.m. for a walk up State Street, with the rally starting at 3:00 p.m.
Garin said, “I am humbled and honored to speak on behalf of all the Single Payer supporters. Single Payer really is the gold standard of what we should ask for in regards to healthcare reform. It is 100% guaranteed coverage for all Americans regardless of job transfer or pre-existing condition. Single Payer fulfills President Obama’s 3 principles of cost effectiveness, access, and choice unlike any other proposal.”
The event is being hosted by the Dane County Grassroots Network.
ALSO HAPPENING IN Racine - Community Conversation on Health Care Reform: Expo and Forum
Sunday, July 26
1-4 p.m.
Racine Masonic Center
1012 Main Street
Racine, WI
Sponsored by Community for Change
Rock County Rx Round-Up
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Saturday August 29th
TIME: 9am-1pm.
LOCATIONS:
Janesville Water Utility
123 Delavan Drive, Janesville, WI 53547
Beloit Department of Public Works
2351 Springbrook Court, Beloit, WI 53511
BRING IN:
old pills, vet/pet drugs, medical patches, creams
CAN'T ACCEPT:
sharps/needles, chemo/radioactive drugs, other non-Rx waste
Open to all households in Rock County (businesses excluded).
Service is free of charge, no pre-registration needed, keep pills in original containers, drive-thru drop off, strictly confidential.
For more info. contact the Rock County Health Dept. at 757-5441
Bulletin submitted by L.R.
Attend a Health Care Reform Event in Your Area!!!
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Sign up to host or attend a Health Care Organizing event through My.BarackObama.com by clicking HERE.
Paulette Garin will be guest speaker at two events this weekend.
Saturday, June 6, Racine Community for Change at 10 a.m.
Downtown Racine at the Kurt Sports Complex (Former YWCA)
Saturday, June 6, Walworth County Democratic Party Office at 4 p.m.
15 S. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI
Also, Wednesday, June 10, The Home of Florence Hammelev at 6:30 p.m.
3018 86th Street, Unit 203, Kenosha, WI
In Support of Single Payer Health Care by Paulette Garin
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Single Payer Health Care is a plan that would provide every American quality, comprehensive health care regardless of pre-existing condition. It is called single payer because all expenses would be paid through one publicly administered pool. Single Payer combines the best ideas of the left and the right - publicly funded, but privately driven by the consumer (patient) and their doctor.
As Congress addresses the health care crisis in this country, please take the time to contact them and tell them you support House Resolution (HR) 676 - legislation that will create a universal, single payer system to guarantee health care for all Americans.
HR 676 will provide:
Automatic coverage for life for everyone, even if you lose your job or move. Your health care is no longer tied to your employment.
Comprehensive medical services including prescription drugs, dental, vision, mental health, and long term care. No co-pays, no deductibles.
Assures your choice of doctor and hospital.
Eliminates the administrative waste of private insurance companies who spend 30 cents of every health care dollar for CEO salaries, profits, and paper work, mostly to deny you needed care.
Puts you and your doctor - not insurance companies - in control of your health care.
HR 676 and health care reform is the only real economic stimulus we have. The number one factor affecting an American company's ability to meet their bottom line and remain competitive in the global economy is the outrageous health insurance premiums they pay for their employees.
HR 676 would be funded through a 6.6% payroll tax. Currently, it costs an individual $8,000 annually to buy private health insurance with a $2,000 deductible - no dental, vision, or prescription coverage. Under HR 676, only individuals making well over $100,000 a year would even get close to paying $8,000 and it would be for far better coverage.
As more and more companies drop their employer provided plans and more retiree's benefit packages fail, the 6.6% payroll tax becomes an attractive bargain.
President Barack Obama said if he were building the health care system from scratch, a single payer system would be the best approach. Senator Russ Feingold said he'd support a single payer system over our current system, which he called a "mess."
HOWEVER, both President Obama and Senator Feingold recognize that our nation has a long tradition of health care through private insurance companies and that trying to eliminate their influence is an almost insurmountable task.
This is why it is imperative for each of us to contact our President, Senators, Congresspersons and all other elected officials stating our support for a single payer system. They need our help to overcome the powerful well funded lobbyists working against Single Payer.
Health Care Reform is the Civil Rights Movement of our time; it will require all of us who believe in a National Single Payer system to stand up and ask those who are opposed to kindly step aside.
Show Your Support for Single Payer Health Care
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Call our Wisconsin congressional delegation and our President. Ask them to support Single Payer Health Care.
President Barack Obama 202-456-1111
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) 202-224-565
Sen. Russell D. Feingold (D- WI) 202-224-5323
Rep. Paul Ryan (R - 01) 202-225-3031
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D - 02) 202-225-2906
Rep. Ron Kind (D - 03) 202-225-5506
Rep. Gwen Moore (D - 04) 202-225-4572
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R - 05) 202-225-5101
Rep. Thomas E. Petri (R - 06) 202-225-2476
Rep. David R. Obey (D - 07) 202-225-3365
Rep. Steve Kagen (D - 08) 202-225-5665
Time is of the essence. The President and Congress have claimed they want health care reform legislation written and voted on BEFORE the summer recess at the end of July. We must move now!
Paulette Garin
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Paulette Garin, 2008 Democratic Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District. Garin campaigned on a platform strongly in favor of HR 676 - The United States National Health Care Act. Two members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation, Tammy Baldwin and Gwen Moore, are co-sponsors of HR 676. Paulette currently serves as the Wisconsin Coordinator for the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Health Care which supports HR 676 nationwide.
Paulette also serves as State Coordinator for Progresssive Democrats of America (PDA).
Visit Paulette's Blog for more information about the growing momentum in this country supporting Universal Single Payer Health Care.
Become one of Paulette's Facebook friends HERE.
Discussion Course at Milton Public Library
Starting April 20th we will meet every Monday from 6:30-8:00pm
(5 week discussion course with bonus celebration on the sixth week)
VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY
NatuRescue is hosting a new discussion course this spring that will help you discover ways to simplify your life. This course addresses the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment. The course book of readings is compiled by the Northwest Earth Institute.
Meet great people, enjoy adult discussions and potentially simplify your life by joining us for this self-reflecting discussion topic. You will be glad you did!
There will be a small material fee for the course. If you would like to join but cannot afford the cost of materials, there will be a limited number of gifted books provided by NatuRescue. Seating is limited.
Please contact Lynn 758-5748 or Jim (608) 575-5653
e-mail: naturescue@gmail.com
for more info. and/or to reserve your spot!
NatuRescue of Milton
(NWEI volunteers)
(see more info on NWEI here.
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