DEAR READER: If you read this and can't agree with even some of it then you should question whether you have any ideas about health care at all that go beyond DNCC talking points. These things just make sense! Let's make the goal quality and pay for performance not just a 'cover everyone' government plan. -- Eric J. Myers
To Fix Health Care, Follow the States
By Tim Pawlenty
Monday, August 3, 2009
If you tie money to results, you'll get better results. Unfortunately, government often dumps money into programs without regard to accountability and outcomes. This past week, Democrats in Congress have been busy tinkering with a Washington takeover of the health-care system, but perhaps they should look instead to the states for models of market-driven, patient-centered and quality-focused reform. Rather than taking power away from states, federal health-care reform should use the lessons we've learned tackling this crisis in our back yards.
In Minnesota, our state employee health-care plan has demonstrated incredible results by linking outcomes to value. State employees in Minnesota can choose any clinic available to them in the health-care network they've selected. However, individuals who use more costly and less-efficient clinics are required to pay more out-of-pocket.
Not surprisingly, informed health-care consumers vote wisely with their feet and their wallets. Employees overwhelmingly selected providers who deliver higher quality and lower costs as a result of getting things right the first time. The payoff is straightforward: For two of the past five years, we've had zero percent premium increases in the state employee insurance plan.
Minnesota has also implemented an innovative program called QCARE, for Quality Care and Rewarding Excellence. QCARE identifies quality measures, sets aggressive outcome targets for providers, makes comparable measures transparent to the public and changes the payment system to reward quality rather than quantity. We must stop paying based on the number of procedures and start paying based on results.
Instead of returning power to patients and rewarding positive outcomes, many Democrats in Washington want a government-run plan that would require states to comply with dozens of new mandates and regulations. One study by the Lewin Group recently concluded that an estimated 114 million Americans could be displaced from their current coverage under such a plan, and another study by House Republicans said the plan could result in the loss of up to 5 million jobs over the next 10 years.
In typical fashion, the self-proclaimed experts piecing together this Democratic health-care legislation are focusing on only one leg -- access -- of a three-legged stool that also includes cost and quality. Expanding access to health care is a worthwhile goal. But equal or greater focus should be placed on containing costs for the vast majority of Americans who already have insurance. Those costs will not be contained by a massive expansion of federal programs.
Massachusetts's experience should caution Congress against focusing primarily on access. While the Massachusetts plan has reduced the number of uninsured people, costs have been dramatically higher than expected. The result? Increased taxes and fees. The Boston Globe has reported on a current short-term funding gap and the need to obtain a new federal bailout.
Imagine the scope of tax increases, or additional deficit spending, if that approach is utilized for the entire country.
Congress has an opportunity to take a genuinely bipartisan approach to health-care reform, which is unquestionably needed. Instead of tweaking the Democrats' plan to put Washington bureaucrats in charge of health care, I recommend a do-over. There are many common-sense elements that could form the basis for bipartisan health-care reform, including: medical malpractice reform, prohibiting coverage denials based on preexisting conditions, guaranteeing portability, electronic prescriptions and medical records, streamlining billing codes and practices, price and quality transparency, pay-for-performance measures, one-stop primary-care "medical homes," chronic disease management initiatives, tax equity for health insurance purchases, increased incentives for health savings accounts, creating the ability to purchase insurance or form risk pools across state lines, and much more.
As my friend Newt Gingrich said last month when he was at a health-care reform event in Minneapolis, Congress is considering a 1975 socialized medicine model, brought up 34 years later by people who have been in Congress since the early 1970s. The world has moved on. It's time for Democrats in Congress to catch up. Washington can and should do better. But they'll need to listen to and learn from our experience in the states to make it happen.
The writer, a Republican, is governor of Minnesota.
View all comments that have been posted about this article.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tinklenberg pulls out of 3-way race against Bachmann
DFLer Elwyn Tinklenberg abruptly withdraws from 6th District congressional race so party can focus on beating Rep. Michele Bachmann
Tinklenberg pulls out of 3-way race against Bachmann
By Bill Salisbury
bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 08/04/2009 11:59:01 PM CDT
Just eight days after announcing he would make a second run for the 6th District congressional seat, Democrat El Tinklenberg on Tuesday abruptly pulled the plug on his campaign, saying a prolonged fight for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor nomination would make it difficult to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010.
Tinklenberg, a former Blaine mayor and state transportation commissioner, last year narrowly lost to Bachmann, 46 percent to 43 percent.
But he would have faced two strong contenders for the DFL nomination next year, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, of St. Cloud, and Dr. Maureen Reed, of Stillwater.
Tinklenberg said in a statement that he didn't want to devote the next 13 months to spending time and money "trying to defeat each other, rather than defeating Michele Bachmann. That is not a campaign I want to wage, nor is it the kind of campaign that strengthens our chance of electing a Democrat next fall," he said.
Clark declared her candidacy last Wednesday, while Reed, the Independence Party candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006, jumped into the race in May.
"This has never been about me," Tinklenberg said. "It's about restoring responsible, productive representation to the 6th District. It is my hope that by removing myself from the race, I am advancing our chances of achieving that goal."
His campaign manager, Dana Houle, said a DFL intraparty battle for the nomination appeared inevitable, and it would have
Advertisement
drained the resources needed to win in November 2010.
"To beat Michele Bachmann is going to take a lot of money, time and focus," he said.
Tinklenberg didn't see the situation changing in the next three to six months, "so it was better to do it now," Houle said.
Tinklenberg had raised $55,000 this year for what is likely to be a multimillion-dollar race. Reed, by contrast, had raised $232,000 by the end of June.
"Maureen Reed has done well, and I suspect that Tarryl will be able to easily raise money," said Bill McCarthy, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation and a DFL activist from Blaine. "So El was in a difficult spot."
Moreover, McCarthy, who backed Tinklenberg in 2008, said he had told the candidate that unlike last year, he would not get early labor support this time. He said most unions wouldn't endorse a candidate before the DFL convention next spring.
But Monday night, just hours before Tinklenberg's announcement, a large and politically active union, AFSCME Council 5, endorsed Clark. The union represents 43,000 public and nonprofit workers, including 5,000 members in the 6th District.
Other 2008 Tinklenberg supporters said he made the right decision.
"Tinklenberg had a great opportunity in 2008, and it didn't work out," said veteran DFL strategist Todd Rapp, of Woodbury. "A lot of DFL delegates and primary voters will be looking for a different, fresher candidate this time. The cards were stacked against him."
Clark concurred with Tinklenberg that a divisive DFL primary in September would make it difficult to wage a strong challenge to Bachmann in November.
"I agree with him that it's time to get unified and start making sure we are accomplishing the task in front of us," she said, noting that she has agreed to abide by the endorsement of the DFL convention next spring.
Reed has not agreed to abide by the endorsement. She issued a statement praising Tinklenberg but could not be reached for further comment.
Tinklenberg pulls out of 3-way race against Bachmann
By Bill Salisbury
bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 08/04/2009 11:59:01 PM CDT
Just eight days after announcing he would make a second run for the 6th District congressional seat, Democrat El Tinklenberg on Tuesday abruptly pulled the plug on his campaign, saying a prolonged fight for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor nomination would make it difficult to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010.
Tinklenberg, a former Blaine mayor and state transportation commissioner, last year narrowly lost to Bachmann, 46 percent to 43 percent.
But he would have faced two strong contenders for the DFL nomination next year, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, of St. Cloud, and Dr. Maureen Reed, of Stillwater.
Tinklenberg said in a statement that he didn't want to devote the next 13 months to spending time and money "trying to defeat each other, rather than defeating Michele Bachmann. That is not a campaign I want to wage, nor is it the kind of campaign that strengthens our chance of electing a Democrat next fall," he said.
Clark declared her candidacy last Wednesday, while Reed, the Independence Party candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006, jumped into the race in May.
"This has never been about me," Tinklenberg said. "It's about restoring responsible, productive representation to the 6th District. It is my hope that by removing myself from the race, I am advancing our chances of achieving that goal."
His campaign manager, Dana Houle, said a DFL intraparty battle for the nomination appeared inevitable, and it would have
Advertisement
drained the resources needed to win in November 2010.
"To beat Michele Bachmann is going to take a lot of money, time and focus," he said.
Tinklenberg didn't see the situation changing in the next three to six months, "so it was better to do it now," Houle said.
Tinklenberg had raised $55,000 this year for what is likely to be a multimillion-dollar race. Reed, by contrast, had raised $232,000 by the end of June.
"Maureen Reed has done well, and I suspect that Tarryl will be able to easily raise money," said Bill McCarthy, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation and a DFL activist from Blaine. "So El was in a difficult spot."
Moreover, McCarthy, who backed Tinklenberg in 2008, said he had told the candidate that unlike last year, he would not get early labor support this time. He said most unions wouldn't endorse a candidate before the DFL convention next spring.
But Monday night, just hours before Tinklenberg's announcement, a large and politically active union, AFSCME Council 5, endorsed Clark. The union represents 43,000 public and nonprofit workers, including 5,000 members in the 6th District.
Other 2008 Tinklenberg supporters said he made the right decision.
"Tinklenberg had a great opportunity in 2008, and it didn't work out," said veteran DFL strategist Todd Rapp, of Woodbury. "A lot of DFL delegates and primary voters will be looking for a different, fresher candidate this time. The cards were stacked against him."
Clark concurred with Tinklenberg that a divisive DFL primary in September would make it difficult to wage a strong challenge to Bachmann in November.
"I agree with him that it's time to get unified and start making sure we are accomplishing the task in front of us," she said, noting that she has agreed to abide by the endorsement of the DFL convention next spring.
Reed has not agreed to abide by the endorsement. She issued a statement praising Tinklenberg but could not be reached for further comment.
Elk River Community Wide Open House
Sunday, August 16,; 1-4p.m.
See over (40) Open Houses in Elk River!
Go on a self-guided tour!
Time is running out on the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The credit expires November 30, 2009.
Don't wait, don't let low prices, low interest rates, and a great federal tax credit pass you by. Not to mention some homes in Elk River may be Neighborhood Stabilization Program eligible which could mean Down Payment Assistance to those who qualify.
More information at: http://www.northmetro.com/events/events-detail.php?intResourceID=5321
See over (40) Open Houses in Elk River!
Go on a self-guided tour!
Time is running out on the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The credit expires November 30, 2009.
Don't wait, don't let low prices, low interest rates, and a great federal tax credit pass you by. Not to mention some homes in Elk River may be Neighborhood Stabilization Program eligible which could mean Down Payment Assistance to those who qualify.
More information at: http://www.northmetro.com/events/events-detail.php?intResourceID=5321
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Coon Rapids Open Houses -- Sunday June 28, 1-4p
http://www.northmetro.com/events/events-detail.php?intResourceID=5268
Go on a self-guided tour of over (100) homes in Coon Rapids!
View the homes,
Explore the neighborhoods,
Assess community offerings (parks, local amenities, shopping)
Make a home for yourself (or someone you know) in Coon Rapids!
Go on a self-guided tour of over (100) homes in Coon Rapids!
View the homes,
Explore the neighborhoods,
Assess community offerings (parks, local amenities, shopping)
Make a home for yourself (or someone you know) in Coon Rapids!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Pawlenty Will Not Seek Third Term
Dear Friends:
Today I announced that I will not seek a third term as Governor.
Please click here to watch the video.
Serving this great state has been the great honor of my life. I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Minnesota.
My administration has made a major, positive difference for Minnesota. We developed and deployed the best support programs for members of the military, their families and veterans in the country. We led the nation in developing a cleaner, more secure and more America-based energy future. We led the nation in education reform and results, have been nation-leading in redesigning and improving health care and much more.
And importantly, we imposed some much-needed discipline on government in this state by keeping a lid on taxes and spending. We even succeeded in achieving the long-standing goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten states in taxes.
But, being Governor should not be a permanent position for someone.
With length of service in public office, a little less is always better than a little too much. It's a lesson I learned spending time in places like the Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul, where there is inevitably less joy and more trouble in too much pizza or too much beer. We don't have term limits in Minnesota, but we do have good judgment and common sense. We are a government of laws and ideas, not personalities.
Be assured, though, that I will make the most of the nineteen months left in the term Minnesotans have given me. I will continue to spend every day doing what's right for them. Minnesota will get my very best until I'm done. There is much important and difficult work remaining, and I will tackle it aggressively and finish strong.
The Scriptures say "there is a time for every purpose". For me, the purpose of the next nineteen months will be to do the very best I can for Minnesota.
Thank you for all your guidance and support over the years. I truly could not have done it without you.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
Governor
www.TimPawlenty.com | info@TimPawlenty.com | (651) 905-0555
We make our best efforts to ensure e-mails sent by us are welcome and sent only to appropriate addresses. If you are receiving this message in error, please click "unsubscribe" below to remove your address from our list.
Contributions or gifts to the Pawlenty for Governor Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Minnesota law prohibits the solicitation of or acceptance of contributions from lobbyists, political committees, political funds, dissolving principle campaign committees or from party units during a legislative session. If you are a lobbyist, political committee, political fund, dissolving principle campaign committee, or a party unit, providing this information was not intentional and you are requested to disregard it.
Prepared and paid for by Pawlenty for Governor - PO Box 21887 - Eagan, MN 55121.
Click here to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Today I announced that I will not seek a third term as Governor.
Please click here to watch the video.
Serving this great state has been the great honor of my life. I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Minnesota.
My administration has made a major, positive difference for Minnesota. We developed and deployed the best support programs for members of the military, their families and veterans in the country. We led the nation in developing a cleaner, more secure and more America-based energy future. We led the nation in education reform and results, have been nation-leading in redesigning and improving health care and much more.
And importantly, we imposed some much-needed discipline on government in this state by keeping a lid on taxes and spending. We even succeeded in achieving the long-standing goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten states in taxes.
But, being Governor should not be a permanent position for someone.
With length of service in public office, a little less is always better than a little too much. It's a lesson I learned spending time in places like the Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul, where there is inevitably less joy and more trouble in too much pizza or too much beer. We don't have term limits in Minnesota, but we do have good judgment and common sense. We are a government of laws and ideas, not personalities.
Be assured, though, that I will make the most of the nineteen months left in the term Minnesotans have given me. I will continue to spend every day doing what's right for them. Minnesota will get my very best until I'm done. There is much important and difficult work remaining, and I will tackle it aggressively and finish strong.
The Scriptures say "there is a time for every purpose". For me, the purpose of the next nineteen months will be to do the very best I can for Minnesota.
Thank you for all your guidance and support over the years. I truly could not have done it without you.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
Governor
www.TimPawlenty.com | info@TimPawlenty.com | (651) 905-0555
We make our best efforts to ensure e-mails sent by us are welcome and sent only to appropriate addresses. If you are receiving this message in error, please click "unsubscribe" below to remove your address from our list.
Contributions or gifts to the Pawlenty for Governor Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Minnesota law prohibits the solicitation of or acceptance of contributions from lobbyists, political committees, political funds, dissolving principle campaign committees or from party units during a legislative session. If you are a lobbyist, political committee, political fund, dissolving principle campaign committee, or a party unit, providing this information was not intentional and you are requested to disregard it.
Prepared and paid for by Pawlenty for Governor - PO Box 21887 - Eagan, MN 55121.
Click here to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Coon Rapids Open HouseS June 28, 2009 1-4p.m.
Agents Get Your Listings Registered!
NMRA, REALTORS® and the City of Coon Rapids are teaming up to help move housing inventory! The Community Opens initiative will help spur buying activity! We are encouraging all brokers and agents to hold their Coon Rapids real estate listings open all on the same day, allowing homebuyers to walk through a variety of homes!
•Listing Agents: Get your listings registered for showings and stop by NMRA to pick up your free custom Community Wide Open House sign.
•Buyers Agents: Promote Coon Rapids and take your buyers out to multiple homes.
Why Should You Participate?
•Agents will have access to lots of potential buyers, a.k.a. LEADS!!
•Your sellers will be excited about the extra marketing and possible increased traffic that this event will bring to their property.
•Agent will be assisting in promoting the community AND in moving the non-foreclosure and foreclosure inventory through the system - thus gaining positive publicity for their personal business, their company and Realtors in general.
Coon Rapids is OPEN!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
1:00-4:00pm
Please register your listings by filling out this form.
Click here to download a flyer for this event.
Inform your buyers of this event. Flyer for your buyers available here.
Thank you to Deesign Company for sponsoring the signs and sign riders!
NMRA, REALTORS® and the City of Coon Rapids are teaming up to help move housing inventory! The Community Opens initiative will help spur buying activity! We are encouraging all brokers and agents to hold their Coon Rapids real estate listings open all on the same day, allowing homebuyers to walk through a variety of homes!
•Listing Agents: Get your listings registered for showings and stop by NMRA to pick up your free custom Community Wide Open House sign.
•Buyers Agents: Promote Coon Rapids and take your buyers out to multiple homes.
Why Should You Participate?
•Agents will have access to lots of potential buyers, a.k.a. LEADS!!
•Your sellers will be excited about the extra marketing and possible increased traffic that this event will bring to their property.
•Agent will be assisting in promoting the community AND in moving the non-foreclosure and foreclosure inventory through the system - thus gaining positive publicity for their personal business, their company and Realtors in general.
Coon Rapids is OPEN!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
1:00-4:00pm
Please register your listings by filling out this form.
Click here to download a flyer for this event.
Inform your buyers of this event. Flyer for your buyers available here.
Thank you to Deesign Company for sponsoring the signs and sign riders!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Anti-Bullying Veto is Perfect Example of Wedge Issues
Pawlenty simply vetoed the bill because he didn’t want to give out new “special protected class” status. He is not pro-bullying. He simply doesn’t want to construct additional protected classes. There is an argument to be made that a special class protection undermines attempts to actually combat bullying. Schools already have anti-bullying policies.
If Safe Schools for All Coalition was truly interested in a meaningful and effective piece of anti-bullying legislation they would have left the politics (both sides) of “special protected classes” out of the equation.
Feel free to blame Pawlenty for pandering to the Right but make sure you ignore the construction of this type a legislation as a willful ‘wedge issue’ designed solely to attack and discredit.
If Safe Schools for All Coalition was truly interested in a meaningful and effective piece of anti-bullying legislation they would have left the politics (both sides) of “special protected classes” out of the equation.
Feel free to blame Pawlenty for pandering to the Right but make sure you ignore the construction of this type a legislation as a willful ‘wedge issue’ designed solely to attack and discredit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)