I am just only interested in the individual mandate and employer assessment part of the legislation passed on April 4,2006 by the Massachusetts Legislature (House #4850). And I'm also disregarding Romney's recent decision to veto the employer assessment part.\n\nFor instance = I'm looking to better understand how the concerns about the impact on or response from particular constituencies or groups shape the policy design, and to what effect - both intended and unintended..?\n\nAnd what we know about public opinion or attentivesness to this issue.
203168
Bottom line.  He wants votes.  Just think about it.  His is the first state to actually bring in universal healthcare.\n\nAll of America is going to vote for this guy just on that fact alone.
656103
We had something similar passed here last decade.  We called it the LINE ITEM VETO.  It allowed the president to cross out lines of legislation passed before signing it into law.  The purpose was to stop idiot lawmakers from adding totally unrelated items to a bill (ie.  the federal government shall be responsible for determining jurisdictional boundries . > and $50 million shall be approved for pothole repair in Pittsburg)\nThe line item veto allowed the last bit to be stricken from the passed legislation and was intended to undo what has become the main gridlocking habit of the day.  pas a piece of legislation that conbines two or more unassociated things so as to make it unpalatable or to piggyback onething that outerwise would not get passed.\nWe no longer have people up in arms and perhaps this is what your bill is really about,\nIf not, your constitution should have basis to challenge this law, should it pass.
316521
I dunno why don't you ask Mitt Romney. Mass have always been racist and will stay that way.  How bout you tell the whites to stay in school, stop shooting up schools, stop doing meth, stop getting addicted to pain kills, stop doing X, stop doing Oxycontin and stop having babies. So next time you want to place having babies and dropping out of school on blacks you first need to take a look at your own race and see that they are doing the same.
343385
Who cares......should we be squabling about such stupid issues when our country is turning to crap right before our eyes and its less than a week from the mid terms?\n\nWhat about the real issues, doesnt anyone care about those anymore? I guess not...so keep talking about the has-been massachusetts senator.\n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aq0C.67XVjo.7b1As2KgAmbsy6IX?qid=20061101082507AAR5uWz
6683
Good luck with that.  How do you differentiate between "this legislation is good for the US" and "This legislation is good for my buddy, Billy Bob" in an enforceable, consistent way, that doesn't just transfer all power to whoever decides what was intended as a favor and what wasn't?\n\nOf course, a step in the right direction would certainly be to make the federal tax code transparent and fair.  That helps eliminate (or at least illuminate) all the loopholes and exemptions and rebates for special interest groups.
567256
I think that this is great. I am a full time student. I also work full time, and have seen the era of no child left behind leaving alot of our young minds behind. As far as the minimum wage, this is a great thing. The minimum wage has not risen since 1997. I wonder who was the president then? Also the current administration has risen the national debt more then any president in US history.
626928
If Granholm wanted to improve the economy, why doesn't she do away with the Single Business Tax (SBT)? MICHIGAN IS THE ONLY STATE WITH A SBT! It is killing our business climate. Yet, Granholm is filibustering every effort to repeal the notorious tax, and she has threatened to veto any bills trying to repeal the SBT.\n \nThat would be a quick and easy answer. Yet, she doesn't support it. Why?!?
338118
There are many parts to this bill:  Here is a recap so far, and nothing but nothing is final.  No I certainly do not think employers should be penalized by the way.  We are only required to get a green card from them, not make sure that they are real or fake documents.  We are not the INS.\nThe Senate continues consideration of amendments to the comprehensive immigration reform bill.  Here is a summary of amendments considered since the last update of May 17.  \n\nMore amendments from May 17\n\nSenator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) offered an amendment (for Senator Ted Stevens (R) of Alaska) that would delay until June 1, 2009 the deadline by which persons traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico would be required to carry a passport or other similar secure document.  That amendment was accepted by voice vote.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP4018:/\n\n\nSenator Rick Santorum (R-PA) offered an amendment that would include Poland in the Visa Waiver program (in which travelers from certain countries (mainly in Europe) do not have to apply for a visa to travel for short periods to the U.S.  That amendment was accepted by voice vote.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP4000:/\n\n\nSenator John Cornyn (R-TX) offered an amendment that would delete the ability of immigrants coming to the U.S. in a temporary worker program to petition for a green card on their own after four years.  This amendment narrowly passed by a vote of 50 to 48.  (However, this amendment was mostly overturned by a subsequent amendment, see below.)\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP3965:/\n\nVote: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00128\n\n\n \n\nAmendments from May 18\n\nSenator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) offered an amendment that mostly rolled back the Cornyn amendment passed on May 17.  The amendment restores the ability of immigrants coming to the U.S. in the temporary worker program to petition for a green card after four years, but the Department of Labor would have to certify that there is no available U.S. worker to perform the job.\n\nThat amendment passed 56 to 43.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP4065:/\n\nVote: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00129\n\n\nSenator John Ensign (R-NV) offered an amendment that would bar undocumented immigrants who become legalized from receiving Social Security benefits for which they have paid through payroll taxes during the time they were undocumented.  There was a motion to table that amendment, which was agreed to by a vote of 50 to 49.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP03985:/\n\nVote on Motion to Table: \n\nhttp://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00130\n\n\nSenator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) offered an amendment that would exempt the unmarried and married sons and daughters of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on family-based immigration.  This amendment was accepted by voice vote.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP4029:/\n\n\nAn amendment by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) would tighten somewhat the requirements for documenting eligibility for the legalization program.  This amendment was approved by voice vote.\n\nAmendment: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP3964:/\n\n\nSenator James Inhofe (R-OK) offered an amendment that would make English the “national language” of the U.S.  The amendment states that, unless specifically required by law, no person has a “right” to have government services or materials provided in a language other than English.  \n\n\nAdditionally, the Inhofe amendment strikes the option that an undocumented immigrant who is applying for legalization, or a participant in the temporary wor
608075
They did those jerks!\nI thought it was already passed...how do they expect anyone to make a decent life for themselves in this country???!!!
238218
It hasn't gotten to the Supreme Court yet.  Read the Fouth Amendment and case law surrounding it if you want an understanding of it.  I had to use it several years ago and convinced equal employment officials that my employer couldn't divulge the fact that I was scheduled for a standard drug test to anyone else in my workplace.  So, sometimes it can be interpreted fairly liberally although it isn't worded specifically to support such a claim.  It depends on who you have to convince.  I doubt my case would have stood up in court even though it would have stood up in the eyes of the media.  Research the topic for yourself before you believe what anyone (government or media) has to say about the issue.
654934
But if the people don't even know about an issue, how can they have an informed opinion about the bill?  The actions of congress are online, and you can keep up with them, and email your opinion to your representative at any time of day.\n\nWho would propose laws in your scheme, without representatives?  All 298,444,215 of us?  That could lead to a lot of votes.\n\nDo I think our countries laws should be decided as snap-decisions by inattentive members of the public - like American idol? NO
119922
The heart of your thinking I think would be best applied through strengthening the workers in this country (and thus the broad tax base) A strong family that is secure in it's health and it's retirement will turn their thoughts away from a day to day struggle that pursists today, and toward their surroundings. This would greatly help us to address other issues such as the environment and poverty right here at home. There should be a worker's rights amendment. The right to cheap health coverage. The right to job saftey. The right to a living wage. I think the fastest way to get this sort of broad based reform done is through organisation. Not like a classical union. More like an association that would draw together to leverage certain trhings from our government. Like a group that is millions strong would be able to negotiate better health coverage than even a large corporation could. Starting there and with similar issues that could be achieved through a voter soliderity almost like that of a union, but a little bit more effective, and with a different mission. It wouldn't be done through the work place, but at home so there couldn't be any kind of adverse reactions from corporates and the like. As long as you work and pay taxes, you would be eligable for membership. And with success, taking bigger bites at the apple. AAnd who knows, maybe something like that would end up putting a fire into our 2 party system of government. Or perhaps replace it altogether.
428842
Right now? It's defined by all sorts of clauses and such, it SHOULD be defined by a constitution, but since that hasn't been ratified, I really can't tell you exactly how it works.\n\nHowever, I think what is practiced now, is identical to what is in the constitution, so you could read up on that (don't worry, it is an easy read). I can't remember, and I think it in practice is useful for voicing Europe-Wide views in different political alignment separate from "national" interests.
390140
Hypocricy runs rampant in both parties. You know what would be a better way to select our canidate by having actual facts as to how the voted on any and all issues when they were in government. This way you know if this person is voting the way you want them to on the issues that are important to you. What was their absent record. \nAfter all aren't we all their bosses to some extent we put them in office. \nYou know what irks me the most it's the wonderful raises they give themselves. If there is something that should be put in the ballot it's rather or not they should have a pay raise. After all where else can you go to work and decide gee I am giving myself a payraise.\nHowever it's all a bunch of propaganda with mudslinging.
589602
Yes, I wrote the President, the Vice-President, Congress and Senators.  I got several form letters, but I did get a hand written note from Senator Bozeman.\n\nhere is a copy of what I wrote.\n\nThe negative impact of illegal aliens in my life.  I wish I knew where to start.  This article \nhttp://www.snopes.com/photos/politics/mexicoflag.asp\nhas prompted me to write.  I am beyond disgusted.  \n \nI feel much of the blame for illegal aliens in Northwest Arkansas rests squarely on the shoulder's of Tyson Foods.  They have built and/or expanded plants  in Berryville and Green Forest knowing full well the population could not support the demanded work force.  I believe they systematically recruited illegal aliens and turned a blind eye to obviously sketchy or fraudulent paperwork.  I worked for Tyson Foods from 1988 to 1994.  I personally saw the treatment of longtime employees degrade when the illegal aliens arrived.  I personally was unable to get a job at Tyson's a few years ago, inspite of an excellent attendance and work record during a previous tenure.  \n \nAs a former reserve (volunteer) deputy sheriff and reserve (volunteer)police officer, I have witnessed the negative impact of illegal aliens on our justice system.  It is so difficult to convict many of the offenders because their identies are so fluid, unless you personally remember an individual - you have no way of knowing who they really are - and even then you can't be sure.  They drive with out driver's license and insurance.  They allow their underage children to drive.  \n \nArkansas schools were struggling when they only had to teach in one language!  Now with the influx of the children (many of whom are American citizens - by virture of the geographical location of their birth) of illegal aliens schools are stretched to the breaking point.  \n \nThe public service system is reaching a critical point.  According to one article I read the deficit per illegal household was in excess of $2000 and expected to reach $7000 if undocumented aliens were to gain legal status.  I believe the Social Secuirty system will cave under the weight of the illegal aliens turned documented workers.\n \nI don't know exactly what the answer is, but we have turned a blind eye far too long.  Something must be done.  I realize there are no easy answers, but I am not willing to become a MexAmerican.\n \nI don't believe that voting is a priviledge or a right.  I believe it is my patriotic duty to vote.  And I vote NO to allowing persons who entered this country illegally to stay.  I am not anti-immigration.  I simply believe that any immigrant (regardless of nationality) should have to follow the correct proceedures or face deportation.
478403
Hoyer was just elected over Pelosi as majority leader in the House, did you see?\n\nWe are waiting to see who the powers that be are.\n\nHowever, think hard what a pass-able solution might look like and write to your congressmen.  That would be my suggestion.  It is starting to sound like if they move forward it would be something new, not a 'version' of the Senate Bill (thank heavan).  That means voices need to be heard.
565163
The document released was "Volume One: Jobs" (so presumably more volumes will follow) and describes the plans DeVos has for improving the job market in Michigan.  It discusses proposals from tax cuts to increasing the marketing for Michigan to raising funding for things like education and law enforcement.\n\nMy read was that it's a lot of promises, but no details on how DeVos plans on coming up with the money to carry them through.  There were some plans for raising revenues, but they struck me as unrealistic: for example, how is a state governor going to get a country like China to stop currency manipulation?  \n\nThe plan got a less-than-positive review from the Grand Rapids Press today (link below).