Here is a CNN Money piece on the Debt Ceiling.

Here is one from the San Francisco Chronicle

The real situation is the tax cuts made under the Bush administration, and extended by the Obama administration, have cost trillions in unrealized tax revenue. Over 100 of the fortune 500 companies pay a lower tax rate than you do, with 16 companies like CITI Bank and AIG actually making money in tax credits.
These tax cuts were put in place before 9-11-2001, when economists projected that by 2011 there would be a $5 Trillion surplus instead of a $14 Trillion deficit.

The Bush tax cuts are a failure at stimulating the economy and are one of the causes for our growing national debt. We have seen a $19 Trillion swing from surplus to defect, the income gap has grown and unemployment is at a record high.  American’s have said time and again that we want a strong safety net for our most vulnerable citizens.  That programs like Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security need to be fully funded.  Now that these programs are in jeopardy congress needs to make the right move that benefits the most people. Instead Congress is talking about preserving tax breaks for the ultra rich on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.

Please call your Senators and tell them to vote “NO” on the extreme Republican budget proposal that makes devastating cuts to Medicaid while preserving debt driving tax breaks.

And share your email with us for updates.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s attack on working people was called “Fix the Six”. Their legislation sought to lower big business’ fair share of taxes, attack the minimum wage, and cheat workers that have been injured or discriminated against in the work place. As usual the goals were to line the pockets of big business at the expense of working people.

Here is a short list of the bills that thousands of working people in Missouri told their elected officials NOT to pass.

Right to Work – Introduced in Senate, but never moved.

Workers Compensation Reform – House and Senate both passed versions but couldn’t agree.

Minimum Wage COLA repeal – Passed House, failed in Senate.

Paycheck Deception – House and Senate both passed versions but couldn’t agree.

Elimination of Prevailing Wage –Various versions in both chambers, but never passed.

Employer Workplace Discrimination – Passed house and senate, but Vetoed by governor.

Thousands of people just like you took the time to call their Legislator and toll them to stand up for working families and vote against these measures. These bills will be back again next year and we will need your help to defeat them even more by participating in lobby days in Jefferson City and making calls to your elected officials.  Please enter your email address in the upper right hand corner to receive emails about events.

Missouri has three different plans with monthly premiums ranging from $178 to $780. The main qualifications are being uninsured for at least the past six months and a problem getting insurance because of a pre-existing condition.  It is funded without a tax increase, instead through premiums and federal grants of $81 million for Missouri.

To see if you qualify call 800-821-223 or visit: www.mhip.org

Back in 2006 the Republicans passed a similar law that was overturned by the Supreme Court. The court found it un-constitutional to require photo IDs to vote. The cost of obtaining documents such as a birth certificate or passport is just too much money for some and an unnecessary burden. Currently, if you are registered to vote, all you need is a voter registration card or a piece of mail, like a utility bill or pay check, with your name and address to vote on election day.

If you or a person in your family doesn’t have a valid government issued photo ID, the documents needed to get a Missouri ID, or the money to afford these documents let us know. The constitution protected these family members in the past, but if the Republicans get their way, that family member may lose their ability to vote. We will also be educating voters to stop this change to the constitution and need help calling the phones and knocking on doors of other voters. Email the SEIU MO/KS council at administator@seiumo.org or call us at 314-367-0013 to get involved.

One Year of the Affordable Care Act!

Thousands of seniors, children, young adults and people with pre-existing conditions in our families are finally receiving quality affordable Health Care. The bill is only a year old and more barriers between working people and health care are yet to be brought down.  But Insurance companies are working to repeal or prevent any of the next phases of the act. Enough is enough! This week is the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act! We must show how the Act is affecting your life and the people you care about.

TESTIFY and tell us YOUR STORY!

Have you added your adult child under 26 to your health insurance?

Are you a retiree who is now getting free preventive care under Medicare?

Did you receive $250 because you fell in the Medicare “donut hole?”

Do you now have health coverage through the pre-existing condition high risk pool?

Your voice is important. We need to know the stories of those of us benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Send your story to Jason@seiumo.org

FLOOD THE PAPERS with Letters to the Editor SUPPORTING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT!

Help us flood newspapers throughout Missouri and Kansas with Letters to the Editor talking about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. We have a sample letter and will review your own letter. Most importantly, please let us know if you’ve submitted a Letter to the Editor, so we can keep track of our work together and our success.

Report letters submitted, or get feedback on a letter you want to send from Jason@seiumo.org