Sen. Hoeven on public hearings for health care bill: ‘I don’t anticipate that.’

Hoeven refuses to call for public hearings on bill to strip coverage from tens of thousands of North Dakotans

 

(BISMARCK, ND) – Another day, and Senator John Hoeven still refuses to call for public hearings on a bill The Fargo Forum reports would strip health coverage away from 30,100 North Dakotans. The legislation being drafted behind closed doors by Senate Republicans is anticipated to come up for a vote as soon as next week, without any public hearings or consideration of bipartisan amendments.       

According to The Forum: “The Senate bill is being drafted in secret, without public hearings or the opportunity to offer amendments. Senators reportedly will have 10 hours to review the bill before voting on it.”

Appearing recently on KVLY-TV, Sen. Hoeven was asked bluntly: “Will there be hearings on this bill?” His response: “I don’t anticipate that.”  

In response, Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider released the following statement:

“Here in North Dakota, we believe in an open process where laws are passed in full view of the public. Refusing to hold public hearings on a bill that threatens to rip health coverage away from tens of thousands of North Dakotans, while increasing out-of-pocket costs for hundreds of thousands more, simply isn’t the North Dakota way. We deserve better from our elected leaders. Sen. Hoeven, will you stand up for North Dakotans and demand they get to see what’s in the bill? Will you vote against this bill if it threatens to rip health coverage away from North Dakotan families as the House version would do?”

Trump is right.

President Trump calls Kevin Cramer’s ‘health care’ bill “Mean”

(BISMARCK, ND) – This week, in a meeting with Republican Senators, President Trump changed his tone regarding the ‘health care’ bill Congressman Cramer helped author, calling it “mean.”

In response, Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider issued the following statement:

“We happen to agree with the president. The so-called ‘health care’ bill Kevin Cramer helped author would be devastating for tens of thousands of North Dakotans. It would increase premiums next year by approximately $800 for the average 40-year-old North Dakotan. It would strip away protections for patients with pre-existing conditions. It would slash hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and end Medicaid expansion. These aren’t just our opinions – it’s what every nonpartisan analysis of the legislation shows. Given these devastating effects, it’s no surprise that every major organization representing doctors, medical professionals and patients opposes Cramer’s bill. When it comes to protecting our health care, Kevin Cramer simply refuses to do what’s right for North Dakotans.”

Democratic-NPL leaders in North Dakota have previously used language similar to the president’s to describe the Republican ‘health care’ bill. In a statement issued last month following the CBO’s report that the Republican bill would force 23 million Americans to lose coverage while providing tax cuts for high-income earners, Senator Heidi Heitkamp called the legislation “downright mean.”

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Background:

GOP ‘health care’ bill would increase premiums by around $800 next year for North Dakotans: In its recent report, the CBO found that health insurance premiums would increase by an average of 20 percent in 2018, after which premiums would become highly volatile from state-to-state as markets become destabilized. In North Dakota in 2018, that would mean average increases in premiums of $794 – $871 for individuals who are roughly 40 years old, according to pricing data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Higher premiums would also disproportionately fall on working families and those with more severe health problems. In Morton, Burleigh, Oliver, Cass, Traill counties, insurance premiums for an average 40 year-old North Dakotan are estimated to increase by $794 in 2018. In the other 48 North Dakota counties, insurance premiums are estimated to increase by $871 in 2018.

GOP ‘health care’ bill would strip away protections for patients with pre-existing conditions: President Donald Trump made a similar claim to Pittenger’s, saying on April 30 that “pre-existing conditions are in the bill.” Politifact rated that Mostly False. Also Per Politifact: “If the AHCA passes, it would allow for people with pre-existing conditions to be charged more per year for their insurance coverage – possibly to the tune of thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars more per year, some studies have found.”

GOP ‘health care’ bill would slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid and effectively end Medicaid expansion: Many if not most of the 31 states that expanded Medicaid to low-income adults likely would end those coverage expansions if Congress ultimately approves the House Republican healthcare reform bill passed Thursday, state policy experts say. Healthcare leaders and experts in Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia predicted their states would terminate their expansions if Congress passed the American Health Care Act with its Medicaid provisions intact. They and national policy experts said they see very few states having the financial capacity or political will to maintain the expansions if the bill’s large cut in federal funding is enacted. 

Over 50 organizations representing doctors, medical professionals and patients oppose the GOP health care bill: Over 50 organizations oppose the proposed healthcare plan that will make Americans will pay more for less. The list includes nurses, doctors, hospitals, teachers, churches, and more. You can see a few here: AARP: AARP opposes this legislation, as introduced, that would weaken Medicare, leaving the door open to a voucher program that shifts costs and risks to seniors. American Medical Association: The American Health Care Act (AHCA), released by Congress this week, is intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But as introduced, it does not align with the health reform objectives that the AMA set forth in January to protect patients. While the ACA is imperfect, the current version of the AHCA is not legislation we can support. […]

Cramer, Hoeven continue blocking ‘health care’ bills from public scrutiny

Senior GOP official on why they won’t make their bill public: “We aren’t stupid.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2017

(BISMARCK, ND) – Rep. Kevin Cramer was instrumental in authoring the House Republican ‘health care’ bill behind closed doors, refusing to let the public see it, preventing consideration of amendments from across the aisle, and ultimately passing the bill without an official score from the Congressional Budget Office. None of this should come as a surprise considering the bill would dismantle protections for pre-existing conditions, leave 23 million more Americans uninsured, and drive up premiums for North Dakotans by injecting instability into the marketplace. 

Now, as the Senate works on its version of the bill, Sen. John Hoeven is following Cramer’s example. Like Cramer, Senate Republicans are drafting their ‘health care’ bill behind closed doors, and announced they “have no plans to publicly release it.” Asked why they won’t make their version of the bill public, a senior Senate aid told reporters: “We aren’t stupid.”

In the latest twist in Republican efforts to shield their so-called ‘health care’ bills from public scrutiny, it was today reported that U.S. Capitol reporters “have been told they are not allow to film interviews with senators in hallways, contrary to years of precedent.”

Responding to Cramer and Hoeven’s attempts to overhaul the nation’s health care behind closed doors, Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider released the following statement:

“Kevin Cramer set a dangerous example when he led the effort to dismantle protections for pre-existing conditions, once again allow insurance companies to gouge working families, and slash funding for Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars. Now, Senator Hoeven is following suit. We should all be asking: If Cramer and Hoeven’s health care proposals are as good as they claim, why must they resort to such drastic measures to prevent public scrutiny? And, if these proposals are as harmful as every single independent analysis shows, how can we trust Cramer and Hoeven to do what’s right for North Dakotans?”

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Background:

Republican ‘Health Care’ Bill Would Leave 23 Million More Uninsured, C.B.O. Says: “A bill to dismantle the Affordable Care Act that narrowly passed the House this month would leave 14 million more people uninsured next year than under President Barack Obama’s health law — and 23 million more in 2026, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday. Some of the nation’s sickest would pay much more for health care.”

Under Kevin Cramer’s ‘health care’ bill, insurance premiums in North Dakota will increase $794 – $871 in North Dakota next year: In its recent report, the CBO found that health insurance premiums would increase by an average of 20 percent in 2018, after which premiums would become highly volatile from state-to-state as markets become destabilized. In North Dakota in 2018, that would mean average increases in premiums of $794 – $871 for individuals who are roughly 40 years old, according to pricing data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

Wayne Stenehjem joins political effort to support travel ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2017

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – After multiple federal courts have blocked President Trump’s travel ban from implementation, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has joined Republican officials from 15 other states to support the ban at the Supreme Court.

In response to Stenehjem’s actions, Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider released the following statement:

“While our safety and security are paramount, the problem with this ban is that it’s disingenuous and actually hurts our country in the war against ISIS, as national security experts have stated over and over.

“We are America and we have always welcomed those who seek a better future. Communities across North Dakota have been built and supported by refugees and immigrants from Canada, Norway, Somalia, Iraq, and many places in between. Immigrants from all over the world help support our economies – working at our businesses and starting their own, filling critical jobs, and growing their families here in our state. They are part of our community.

“Stenehjem wants to play politics with an issue that’s about community, family, and safety. That’s disappointing and wrong – and he should know better.”

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Kevin Cramer’s ‘health care’ bill threatens addiction treatment for 1.84 million Americans

Cramer says his priority is addressing the addiction crisis; his actions tell a different story

(BISMARCK, ND) – Last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released its official analysis of the Republican ‘health care’ bill. According to the CBO, 23 million Americans would lose their health insurance and 1.84 million Americans seeking treatment for drug addiction and mental health disorders would be at risk of losing coverage or facing substantially higher costs. 

In North Dakota, where the number of overdose deaths increased 125 percent from 2013-14, Cramer helped pass a bill that would dismantle many of the protections necessary to address this crisis.

“Cramer likes to talk about how he prioritizes fighting the opioid abuse crisis that’s become so prevalent and painful for many families in North Dakota, particularly in our rural communities,” said Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider. “But when it comes time to turn words into action, we see Cramer’s true colors. This legislation, which every independent analysis shows will be awful for North Dakota, threatens to leave nearly 2 million Americans seeking addiction treatment out in the cold.”

The Republican health care bill, which Cramer has championed, would cut $880 billion from Medicaid and effectively end Medicaid expansion. According to the U.S. Joint Economic Committee, Medicaid covers 17.4 percent of opioid addiction treatment in North Dakota. The Republican legislation also allows states to rescind many of the existing protections related to health insurance benefits, including those dealing with addiction treatment and mental health care. The CBO estimates that one-third of Americans live in states that would rescind some protections and one-sixth of Americans live in states that would rescind many protections.

This means that 1.84 million Americans who are currently receiving treatment for substance-use disorders would be at risk of losing their coverage and/or being forced to pay much higher costs for their care.

“At a time when North Dakota is confronting an addiction crisis, Kevin Cramer is putting partisan politics ahead of the citizens he represents,” added Haider. “Cramer’s backwards priorities threaten our families.”   

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Background:

The Republican ‘health care’ bill threatens addiction treatment for1.84 million Americans: Approximately 1.84 million people in the US are receiving treatment for substance-use disorders or mental illnesses through the Medicaid expansion or the ACA’s individual insurance marketplace, according to research conducted by Richard Frank, a professor of health economics at Harvard Medical School, and Sherry Glied, a dean at New York University. All of those people would be at risk of losing the approximately $5.5 billion paid out for treatment through those two avenues of insurance.

On Kevin Cramer’s Paris climate agreement flip-flop

Cramer opposed Paris agreement, then supported it, then opposed it again after Trump didn’t listen to him

 

(BISMARCK, ND) – In response to Rep. Kevin Cramer flip-flopping his position on the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time, North Dakota Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider issued the following statement:

“Congressman Kevin Cramer goes wherever the prevailing political winds blow.

“In the case of the Paris Climate Deal, Cramer opposed the agreement, then reversed himself and supported it – even publishing a Wall Street Journal article in support – then flip flopped a second time saying he again opposes the deal. We can’t imagine his flip-flopping has anything to do with President Trump refusing to heed his advice to remain in the Paris Deal.  

“Kevin Cramer’s first and only job is to do what’s best for North Dakota and the country. Instead, he’s focused on saving face and covering his political flank when the president refuses to listen to his advice. He can’t have it both ways.”  

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Cramer’s double standard: Remains silent & fails to stand up for North Dakotans’ security

Does Cramer stand by previous statements criticizing others for “mishandling” classified intel?

(BISMARCK, ND) – Alarming reports that the White House jeopardized America’s national security by disclosing highly classified information to Russian diplomats have shocked the intelligence community and national security experts on both sides of the aisle. Yet, Congressman Kevin Cramer remains silent. Will he hold the president and the country’s security to the same standard he set for others?

Last year, Cramer said an elected official who mishandles classified intelligence, and who could potentially serve as president, “Isn’t qualified to have a security clearance.” 

Cramer also introduced a bill in 2015 with the goal of protecting the country’s secrets, saying, “It is in the interest of national security to ensure our nation’s secrets and communications between our top leaders receive the highest level of protection.

In fact, the legislation introduced by Cramer would disqualify public officials who mishandle classified intelligence from holding public office and subject them to punishment including up to three years in prison.

Responding to the obvious contradiction between Cramer’s previous statements and his unquestioning support for the White House, North Dakota Democratic-NPL executive director Robert Haider said:

“‘Kevin Cramer’ and ‘double standard’ go hand-in-hand. By remaining silent about the frightening reports that the president disclosed highly confidential information to the Russians – even after Russia interfered in our country’s elections – Cramer is making a national security issue political, when it should be nonpartisan. But North Dakotans should be used to it by now. He also refuses to hold those in office to the same standard for mishandling classified intelligence that he set for others. That isn’t leadership. North Dakotans need a member of Congress who fights to make sure they are safe. Once again, Cramer is standing up for himself, but not North Dakota.”

In addition to repeatedly dismissing bipartisan concerns over Russian interference in the U.S. election, Cramer has also remained silent on calls from members of both parties for an independent prosecutor to investigate Russia’s attempts to influence U.S. security interests. Last week, following the abrupt firing of FBI Director James Comey – just as the Russia investigation led by Comey was ramping up – Cramer called concerns over Comey’s firing “crazy” and “laughable in a pathetic way.”

ICYMI: Kevin Cramer Supports Eliminating Essential Air Service (EAS) Program

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Kevin Cramer is now trying to eradicate another vital service for North Dakotans: the Essential Air Service program. He recently told a local radio host that he is in favor of “eliminating the entire program” as the president’s budget calls for, after previously supporting EAS.

“Kevin Cramer’s decision to support eliminating the Essential Air Service program doesn’t make sense for North Dakota,” said Robert Haider, Executive Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party.“The EAS program provides needed support to local airports, helping rural economies grow and supporting jobs in rural areas. After pursuing the Republicans’ failed health care platform that would have left millions of Americans uninsured and forced older Americans to pay more for their care, Kevin Cramer continues to show that he isn’t standing up for North Dakota’s best interest by advocating to eliminate a program that North Dakotans depend on.”

The Essential Air Service program provides vital funding to North Dakota airports:

– The EAS has provided nearly $11 million to North Dakota airports to ensure the continuation of services.
– The program has a history of proven results:

– Jamestown Regional Airport had a 39% increase in boarding passengers in 2016 after receiving EAS funding [West Fargo Pioneer, 1/16/17]

– Devils Lake Regional Airport had a 32% increase in boarding passengers in 2016 after receiving EAS funding [West Fargo Pioneer, 1/16/17]

House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock introduces resolution honoring UND hockey for 8th national championship

“North Dakota, here’s to you.”

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – House Democratic-NPL Leader Corey Mock (Grand Forks) today introduced a resolution honoring the University of North Dakota hockey team for its eighth NCAA Division I National Championship and its outstanding overall 2016 season. (The full resolution can be found here.) 

“We all know North Dakota has a long and proud tradition of athletic excellence, and one of the hallmarks of this excellence is the University of North Dakota hockey team,” said Mock. “This resolution honors UND hockey’s continued accomplishments and their remarkable 2016 championship season. We look forward to UND hockey leading the way to many more national championships in future seasons. North Dakota, here’s to you.”

House Concurrent Resolution 3035 formally recognizes UND hockey’s 5-1 National Championship win over Quinnipiac University on April 9, 2016. It also recognizes their impressive season, which was completed with 34 wins, 6 losses and 4 ties, as well as the leadership of Coach Brad Berry who “molded a team of outstanding individual athletes into a cohesive, unselfish team with balanced and explosive offense, unyielding defense, and stalwart goaltending.”

In presenting the resolution, Rep. Mock bantered with Assistant Republican Leader and NDSU alumnus Don Vigesaa (Cooperstown). “You know, the only way to get this through the delayed bills committee was to promise the three-out-of-five members who are Bison fans that I’d acknowledge the significance of NDSU’s five nationReps Corey Mock and Don Vigesaaal championships as well,” added Mock. “We can always find bipartisan cooperation when it comes to recognizing North Dakota accomplishments.”   

According to the resolution: “The 2015-16 team, which proudly claimed the eighth University of North Dakota hockey national championship, is an exemplar of the hockey program’s enduring fighting spirit and it’s opulent, unwavering, and extraordinary heritage.”     

Reps. Mock and Vigesaa also expressed their shared enthusiasm for the renewed rivalry between UND/NDSU football beginning Sept. 7, 2019 in Fargo.  

 

 

Senators Heckaman, Mathern to introduce amendment restoring $7 million in behavioral health funding

Amendment would also secure additional $7 million in matching federal funds for behavioral health

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 6

 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL Senators Joan Heckaman (New Rockford) and Tim Mathern (Fargo) will today offer an amendment on the Senate floor restoring $7 million in state funds for behavioral health services – and securing an additional $7 million in matching federal dollars – to House Bill 1040.

The bill, which comes from the Interim Human Services Committee, originally recommended $28 million in funding for unmet behavioral health needs in North Dakota. However, due to the tightening of budgets across the state, the final version of the bill passed by the House included only $200,000 for behavioral health, less than one percent of the original recommended funding.

“There are very few things we place higher in our lives than the well being of our spouses, children, grandchildren and loved ones,” said Heckaman. “Our whole beings are elated with the joy they bring us, which is why it is so painful when a loved one is suffering from addiction, abuse or other mental health needs that too often go unaddressed here in North Dakota. The unfortunate fact is that too many families across our state are suffering without the care they need.”

“This funding is absolutely necessary to address our state’s crisis in behavioral health care,” said Mathern. “The funding that is restored in this amendment would provide case management services, which essentially means providing families with the full range of care they need to keep children with behavioral health needs out of the hospitals and in their own homes.”

HB 1040 encompasses the recommendations of the Schulte Report and was drafted by the interim committee with numerous hours of stakeholder testimony that mental health services in North Dakota are insufficient given the level of need across the state. The bill is the only legislation during the 65th session that includes funding for children under 21 years old suffering from Serious Emotional Disturbances, about 3,917 children across the state. Currently, funding is only available to provide services to 645, leaving over 3,200 children and families without the care they need. Of that unmet need, roughly half would qualify for the case management services funded by this amendment.    

“Too often, when it comes to our state’s budget situation, we hear lawmakers say: ‘The sky isn’t falling; trust us, we’ll work it out,’” added Mathern. “Well, for parents whose children are suffering from addiction, depression, or who are at risk of suicide, the sky really is falling, especially when they’re not getting the care they need.” 

Dem-NPL legislators outline key areas of concern with Measure 5 implementation bill

Areas of concern represent significant departures from original intent and spirit

A document detailing the nine key areas of concern identified by Dem-NPL legislators can be viewed by clicking this link.

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators today released a detailed list of their concerns regarding SB 2344, the medical marijuana implementation bill. These concerns refer to specific provisions in SB 2344 that differ significantly from the original intent and spirit of Measure 5.

“North Dakotan voters knew what they were doing when they overwhelmingly approved Measure 5 at the ballot box,” said Senate Dem-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23). “While the wording of the measure was imperfect, the intent was clear. As elected leaders, we have an obligation to preserve that intent and spirit as we move forward with implementing medical marijuana across the state.”

“The reality is that there are people in our state who are suffering from serious medical conditions that adversely impact their daily lives,” said Rep. Pamela Anderson (D-41). “For thousands of North Dakotans, medical marijuana means long sought-after relief from pain and suffering, and it means a chance at a better quality of life. That’s why we have to get it right when it comes to implementing Measure 5. We cannot use the implementation process as an excuse to water down Measure 5 or compromise the measure’s original purpose.”

Measure 5 – also known as the Compassionate Care Act – was approved in the November election by nearly 65 percent of the vote. Out of North Dakota’s 47 legislative districts, not a single district voted against Measure 5. The measure legalized medical marijuana throughout the state, opening the door to long-sought relief for patients with serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions like epilepsy, cancer and PTSD.

Unfortunately, implementing all of Measure 5’s provisions verbatim proved problematic for state regulators. Some of the measure’s provisions were ambiguous; others were unenforceable. For example, the measure did not include decriminalization language, which means patients could still be prosecuted for using marijuana for medical purposes. That’s why Republican and Democratic-NPL legislators worked together to pass SB 2154 to delay implementation of Measure 5 until no later than July 31, 2017.

Now, the state legislature must consider SB 2344, which lays out the specifics of how Measure 5’s provisions will be implemented. Like the delay bill, the implementation bill requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to pass. But there are several areas of serious concern that have been raised by Democratic-NPL legislators regarding the implementation requirements set forth in SB 2344. These areas of concern are outlined at this link.

“The need to delay implementation was evident to members of both parties,” said House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18). “That’s why 140 out of 141 lawmakers voted for it. However, as we’re moving forward with implementing Measure 5’s various provisions, our first priority must be to ensure that medical marijuana is safe for everyone, effective for those who need it, and accessible to all North Dakotans for whom it could mean a better quality of life.”  

“It simply was not possible to implement Measure 5 word-for-word, which is why we supported the delay bill,” said Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-21). “But many of us are especially concerned that delaying implementation will now be used to undo what the people voted for. That’s why we went through SB 2344 line-by-line and examined each provision that differs significantly from Measure 5. The people deserve to know each way in which this bill differs significantly from what they voted for, and my sense is that our caucus would certainly not support this bill in its current form.”

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First responders, Dem-NPL legislators highlight importance of collective bargaining rights for law enforcement, firefighters

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators were joined by firefighters from across the state at a press conference Monday to highlight the importance of HB 1401, legislation that would establish collective bargaining rights for North Dakota’s law enforcement officers and paid, full-time firefighters.

“I think people have a high degree of respect for police and firefighters, and genuinely appreciate their sacrifices,” said Rep. Mary Schneider (D-21), the primary sponsor of HB 1401. “I think many people would appreciate the opportunity to help our first responders improve their working conditions by allowing them to negotiate the terms of their employment.”

“When you look at the core values of a firefighter, you find that we have a lot of ownership in our communities,” said Bill Bush, president of Fargo Firefighters Local 642. “We’re committed, we’re dedicated, we protect and serve without prejudice, and we make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. This legislation is about firefighters and law enforcement officers, from Williston to Fargo, having the opportunity to negotiate based on their immediate needs and priorities.”

Currently, North Dakota is one of only a handful of states that does not allow public safety employees, including law enforcement officers and full-time firefighters, to negotiate a contract. HB 1401 would bring North Dakota in line with nearly all other U.S. states that afford these rights to public-sector first responders.

Approximately 20 firefighters from Bismarck, Mandan, Minot and Fargo joined Reps. Schneider and Ron Guggisberg (D-11) to speak about the importance of HB 1401. Several first responders were joined at the press conference by their children and families.

“For me, this bill is about elected officials matching their words with actions when it comes to standing up for first responders,” said Guggisberg, who is also a Fire Capitan in Fargo. “Elected officials often pay lip service to first responders, but when the cameras go away, they’re on their own. This bill would allow public safety employees to take the politics out of their work and have a say in the conditions of their employment.”

Grant Benjamin, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, provided a letter of support for HB 1401, which read in part:

“We are only asking for the opportunity to have a say in open conversations with our agencies to discuss working conditions. This bill is much needed. To pass this bill would allow law enforcement officers to represent our members in matters of employer and employee relations. Currently, we have officers and deputies who are willingly placed in a position of danger by the commissioners they work for. Deputies and sheriffs have requested additional funding for resources only to be denied. Our members are working close to 900 square miles per deputy. This places the deputies and communities they protect in danger. This bill would allow us to work with our commissioners to request and come to reasonable terms to add more resources to keep our communities safe.”