Weekly Clips from July 7, 2011 through July 21, 2011
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), U.S. Rep. John Carney (D-DE) and Gov. Jack Markell (D-DE)
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE)
Sen. Carper Highlights Inspector General Report Detailing Millions in Medicare Improper Payments
July 7: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The Inspector General raises some troubling questions and shows all too clearly that while the federal government has made some progress in preventing waste and fraud, much more remains to be done,” said Sen. Carper. “Everything that I do, I know I can do better. When we see that more than half of Medicare’s payments for power wheelchairs in a given time failed to meet the appropriate standards required for reimbursement, we know that something is very wrong and that the federal government can and must do better. Bipartisan legislation that I introduced with Senator Coburn last month would address concerns raised by this Inspector General report by improving existing screening measures to better prevent fraud and abuse for power wheelchair payments, as well as other areas in Medicare and Medicaid. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Obama Administration to make sure we are taking the steps necessary to address this specific report’s findings and address other areas of Medicare and Medicaid that remain vulnerable to waste, fraud and abuse.” More…
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Sen. Carper Tours Bright Spot Ventures
July 8: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Bright Spot Ventures will make a positive difference in the lives of foster children transitioning to adulthood,” said Sen. Carper. “West End Neighborhood House has a tradition of helping those in need and I am proud to see this new program in action – giving these young students with bright futures the tools they need to reach their next step.” More…
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Sen. Carper Commends the Selection of Nick DiPasquale to be Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program for EPA
July 8: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Nick has served the people of Delaware with distinction in many roles, including as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control when I was Governor. Knowing his commitment to tackling difficult issues, bringing everyone to the table, and seeking common sense solutions, I was pleased to learn that EPA Administrator Jackson has asked Nick to be the new Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. She has made a wise choice.”
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Sen. Carper Congratulates Amtrak on Achieving Ridership Milestone
July 12: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The fact that more travelers than ever are choosing Amtrak is a testament to the strides that Amtrak continues to make in improving service quality in Delaware and around the country. Amtrak’s trajectory towards its all-time ridership record proves that more and more Americans recognize that rail service provides an affordable and convenient way to get to work, visit friends and family, or go on vacation. Moreover, rail service helps our nation reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improves our air quality and eases traffic congestion.
“Amtrak’s ridership has been growing for decades, setting ridership records eight times in the last ten years – and it is only getting stronger. As Amtrak continues to improve its service quality, I am confident that even more people will rely on Amtrak as a high quality transportation option. Our nation needs to strengthen the partnerships between Amtrak and federal and state governments, as well as with the private sector, to help Amtrak continue on its record-breaking path.”
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Sen. Carper Commends Treasury Implementation of Electronic Invoicing To Cut Taxpayer Costs, Improve Efficiency
July 13: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The U.S. Treasury’s announcement today is another positive step as we work toward improved government efficiency and transparency, and overall better governance,” said Sen. Carper. “As we work to rein in our massive federal debt and deficit, we have to look in every nook and cranny of the federal government to find ways to save taxpayer money while still delivering the services that Americans need and expect from the government. The Internet Payment Platform is a common-sense solution that utilizes technology to process, track and save money in the federal budget, benefiting the American taxpayer’s wallet and the federal government’s bottom line. I am encouraged that agencies are making the smart administrative and financial management decisions that put us on a path toward a culture of thrift within the federal government. While there is no silver bullet to solve all of our nation’s fiscal woes, this action is just one of many silver darts that we can use to better manage scarce taxpayer dollars.” More…
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Sen. Carper Extols Gang of Six Deficit Reduction Proposal
July 19: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I am greatly encouraged by today’s release of the Gang of Six’s comprehensive deficit reduction proposal, which builds upon many of the ideas put forth by President Obama’s bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which was co-chaired by former Republican Senator Alan Simpson and President Clinton’s former Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.
“This is a thoughtful, balanced plan that begins to rein in our massive federal debt and deficit without abandoning those who need help the most, and it merits very serious consideration. It is the culmination of months of painstaking bipartisan negotiations, and I commend my colleagues for their dedication and perseverance in putting together this package of spending reductions and revenue increases.
“Just as heartening as the plan itself is the fact that almost half of my Senate colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, joined me in participating in the Gang of Six’s presentation of their plan. I have long said that one of the best things those of us in government can do to help create jobs and encourage short and long-term economic growth is to pass a serious and effective deficit reduction plan. It appears that this proposal would help us do just that by demonstrating that we can still govern in this country and provide the predictability that both large and small businesses need.” More…
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Sen. Carper Commends Administration Decision to Shut Down Additional Duplicative Data Centers
July 20: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The American people are weary of a Federal government that wastes scarce taxpayer dollars on assets it doesn’t need. There’s probably no better example than the $80 billion we spend each year on information technology. The Federal government has consistently thrown good money after bad and built an IT infrastructure that is bloated, inefficient, and actually makes it more difficult for the government to serve its citizens.
“Before President Obama and Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra started their efforts to get better control of IT spending, the federal government didn’t even know how many data centers it had. Since then, we’ve found out that there are over 2,000 data centers bleeding energy and money throughout the federal government. I’m happy to hear that, between now and the end of 2012, 373 of these data centers will be shuttered. That leaves us with a little more than 400 still to go if we are to reach the President’s goal of closing 800 by 2015. But these first few rounds may be the ‘low-hanging fruit’ or perhaps the fruit already on the ground. That’s why it’s so important that we keep up this momentum and push forward on this initiative. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues here in Congress to reach the goals laid out in our ongoing effort to get better results for less money for the American people.” More…
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Sen. Carper Applauds Administration’s Unveiling of Federal Strategy to Promote U.S.-based Electronics Recycling
July 20: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “As the largest purchaser of consumer goods in our country, the Federal government has an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that it procures electronics in the safest, smartest way possible,” said Sen. Carper. “The Obama Administration’s announcement today of a ‘National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship’ leverages the purchasing power of the Federal government to support responsible purchasing, management and recycling of electronics within the Federal government.
“Through this initiative, the Federal government will work to promote the development of more efficient and sustainable electronic products; direct Federal agencies to buy, use, reuse and recycle their electronics responsibly; support recycling options and systems for American consumers; and, strengthen America’s role in the international electronics stewardship arena. As Co-Chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, I warmly welcome the Administration’s move to bolster electronics recycling and believe it will help not only our environment but also our economy along the way.” More…
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Sens. Carper, Snowe Introduce Bill to Encourage Offshore Wind Energy Production
July 21: Tom Carper–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “This legislation is essential to encourage the continued growth of this fledgling industry,” said Sen. Carper. “Guaranteeing these tax incentives for the first 3,000 MW will spur the industry to get these projects up and running, and encourage further development even in these challenging economic times. This support will allow companies like NRG Bluewater Wind to continue to invest in clean, stable wind energy off our nation’s shores in places like Delaware. Harnessing our nation’s offshore wind will give us reliable, clean energy; create good-paying American jobs in manufacturing and construction; and reduce harmful pollution that damages our lungs and impacts our climate.” More…
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Business providing bright spot as teens transition out of foster care
News Journal: July 7: And it got a boost Friday from Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who visited to lend support. The youths explained how it all works and he promised to have a book drive.
Carper praised the partnerships that created Bright Spot Venture, adding the program “helps these young people get where they need to go — and that’s the road to success.” More…
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Prepare for inevitable cyber threats
News Journal: July 10: Take a look at the essay on the opposite page by Delaware’s Tom Carper and two of his Senate colleagues, Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins. Their subject may seem remote in this time of joblessness and budget deficits.
But cybersecurity and the growing threats to it will play a crucial role in our future well-being.
The senators outline a bill they have proposed to boost cybersecurity measures and to coordinate defensive measures among government and industrial institutions. They wisely call for a cybersecurity “best practices” system that would essentially goad commercial interests into building better security systems and protecting their own and the clients’ information.
We are not prepared for this new vulnerability. Of course, such a threat cannot be eradicated, but the Carper-Lieberman-Collins bill will move us closer to a smarter response. More…
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Gang of Six plan looks to health for savings
POLITICO: July 19: “I think this will become the centerpiece of the debate,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.).
Lawmakers admit it’s going to be difficult, though, and the specifics have yet to be sorted out. The $202 billion in health care cuts — $116 billion more than the gang’s original proposal — haven’t been specified. The committees of jurisdiction will have to figure out what gets cut — a move favored by hospital and physician groups. If the committees fail to find savings in those entitlement programs, a special congressional committee would be tasked to do so.
“Look, none of this is going to be easy,” Udall said. “None of this is going to bring a smile to anyone’s face. But [the Gang of Six] thought this through. They’ve distributed the pain equally — which the best plan always does that.”
Carper said the savings can come from waste and fraud. “The GAO tells us that we spent last year $50 billion in improper payments in Medicare,” he said.
“The plan has moved significantly, and it’s where we need to be,” Coburn said. “It’s a start. This doesn’t solve our problems, but this creates the way forward to where we can solve our problems.” More…
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Gov. Jack Markell (D-DE)
Governor’s Weekly Message: 4th of July: Strong Nation, Strong State
July 8: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: “With the first half of our Delaware legislative session coming to a close last Thursday, we are reminded that here in Delaware, our commitment to building a better future is as strong as it was back in 1776,” said the Governor. “Attracting jobs and putting people to work, protecting our quality of life and our public safety, developing a world-class education system and maintaining a focus on long-term fiscal responsibility. As the dust settles after a frenetic but productive final week at Legislative Hall, we take stock and recognize the tremendous progress that has been made this year. We worked with Delawareans from up and down our great state to make progress and to make sure that our goals become reality.” More…
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Governor Signs Senate Bill 136
Creating Special License Plate for Veterans with Disabilities
July 8: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: High school student Ellie Wallace saw her effort to help her grandfather and other disabled veterans become law today when Governor Markell signed Senate Bill 136 into law. The new law gives disabled veterans like Ellie’s grandfather the opportunity to get a special license plate that indicates both their veteran and disabled status, instead of the veterans needing to go through two separate processes for two separate identifications at the Division of Motor Vehicles.
“This is about recognizing veterans who have sacrificed for us and making it easier for our disabled vets to get the parking accommodations they need for their vehicles,” said Governor Markell. “By signing this bill, we streamline two DMV processes into one, saving state resources and saving veterans with disabilities from unnecessary inconveniences.” More…
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State Receives Generous Donation of Historical Documents from Family of Governor C. Douglass Buck
July 13: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: “We are appreciative of the Buck family’s generosity in donating these historical documents to the State of Delaware,” said Governor Jack Markell. “They represent something special. Because of the Buck family’s kindness, we are able to share the rich heritage of our state and the beauty of Buena Vista, which continues to serve as a special gathering place for many.” More…
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Governor Signs Responsible Gun Safety Measures into Law
July 13: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: “In February of this year, when we stood with law enforcement to introduce our common-sense gun safety measures, many doubted that we could get so many of them done. But Delawareans spoke out in support, and – thanks to the leadership of many in the General Assembly – we have taken a great stride forward in the aim of reducing gun violence,” said the Governor. “The bills I am signing today will help make our communities safer.” More…
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Governor Vetoes Repeal of Motorcycle Helmet Law
July 14: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: “Repealing a law that, for more than thirty years, has helped promote the use of helmets that have saved numerous lives is not something that I believe is in the best interest of our state,” said the Governor. “Our law encourages riders to use the helmets they are required to carry. The law may be imperfect, but it sends a signal – wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is something we value as a community. This requirement saves lives. Riders are more likely to wear helmets if they have to carry one on their motorcycle, and passengers picked up by motorcycle at least have the option to wear a helmet since, under current law, one must be provided.” More…
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Governor’s Weekly Message
Moving Delaware Forward with Public Safety Legislation
Keeping Delaware Safe
July 15: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: Our state has taken steps to pass new laws to protect public safety, particularly against violent crime,” said Governor Markell. “ With the advice and guidance of law enforcement from across the state helping to support some great state legislators, Delaware will have in place new efforts including: DUI laws to combat drunk driving, particularly focused on those guilty of multiple offenses. To those careless or callous enough to become a multiple offender, this new law will put you in jail. When you make the decision to drive drunk, you put lives at risk.”
In addition, new approaches to funding police efforts will put more State Troopers on patrol and support local law enforcement and three responsible gun safety measures will tackle the link between gun violence and intoxication and help keep guns out of the hands of those deemed by the courts to be unfit to purchase a gun. Delaware law enforcement will have new tools to deal with firearms seized during felonies and other crimes.
“Although each of these new laws and policies may seem like common sense now, it took some fighting to get them done,” said the Governor. “But law enforcement made clear – they were fights worth having. When outside efforts to derail some of these bills began in earnest, our first responders decided to speak up and speak out, to make clear that public safety was more important than politics. They talked about the threats and violence they’ve seen firsthand and the need for more tools to help tackle them. This summer, because so many legislators heard what our police had to say, those proposals become law; those tools become available and our state becomes more safe — as we work together to keep Delaware, moving forward.” More…
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Governor Markell Named Vice Chair Of National Governors Association
July 17: Jack Markell–Gov.: Pressroom: “This leadership role not only gives our state greater access to some of the nation’s most innovative solutions, but it will also help shine a nationwide spotlight on the work we’re doing in Delaware,” said Markell. “It gives us the ability to talk more directly with employers around the country looking for places to create new jobs. It gives us a chance to tell Delaware’s story to businesses around the country who might be looking to expand or become customers of some of our state’s great businesses. I hope to bring to the NGA the same approach we bring to job creation, working to identify our common goals and working relentlessly to meet them together.” More…
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Governor can’t always get what he wants
News Journal: July 8: Gov. Jack Markell was inadvertently reminded Friday by a high school student that he can’t always get what he wants.
Ellie Wallace, a senior at the Charter School of Wilmington, authored Senate Bill 136 to create a dual specialty license plate for disabled veterans who also need a handicap parking pass. Wallace researched and wrote the legislation because she found it inefficient that grandmother had to go through two separate application processes to get a handicap placard and a disabled veterans license plate for her blind grandfather, an Army veteran.
Senate Minority Whip Liane Sorenson, R-Hockessin, sponsored the bill, which gained unanimous support from the House and Senate on the last week of the session.
At a bill signing ceremony Friday, Wallace recalled the process of tracking the bill from introduction to its passage in the Senate on June 28. That was the day the Senate spent several hours debating legislation to abolish the parole board, a top priority for the Democratic governor.
Just before Markell put his signature on the bill Wallace authored, the 17-year-old Hockessin girl noted how interesting it was to watch the Parole Board bill go down in defeat in the Senate.
“Well, since I’m not signing that bill, I’m delighted to be signing this bill,” Markell said.
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Will new gun laws backfire?
News Journal: July 7: Gun owners agree that four pieces of legislation signed into law Wednesday make sense but they are concerned about how at least one of them will be interpreted by police.
Among the laws signed by Gov. Jack Markell is legislation making it illegal to possess a firearm in public while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A person would be charged with a crime if found with a gun while having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
“You do not want to be out here on the skeet field with a beer in your pocket and shooting,” said 76-year-old Richard Kane, a state and national skeet champion.
Markell’s office worked with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Delaware sportsmen to ensure the definitions of “possess” and “readily operable” were narrowly focused so the bill applies only to those whose intoxication presents an immediate threat.
So if an intoxicated person is found in a vehicle with their weapon nearby, they would be violating the new law. But if the weapon was not loaded or locked in a case or the trunk, the person would not be in violation of the law because the gun is not readily operable. More…
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Markell: Federal cuts to Medicaid would shift costs to states
News Journal: July 15: During a live interview Friday on Bloomberg TV, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell raised concerns about the federal government making states shoulder more of the cost for Medicaid, the federal and state health insurance program for the poor, disabled and nursing home residents.
“Because if all it is is a cost shift, let’s remember, it’s the same taxpayers,” Markell said during an interview at the National Governors Association meeting in Salt Lake City.
In other words, making states pick up a larger portion of already rising Medicaid bills would either forces states to make cuts in their budgets elsewhere to accommodate the added costs or raise taxes.
“Whether they’re paying state taxes or they’re paying federal taxes, a cost shift is not helpful,” Markell added.
Without being specific, Markell said “the pain needs to be broadly shared” in getting the nation’s debt under control.
“We understand the necessity of getting something done, but we are concerned about the affects on real people on the state taxpayers,” said Markell, a Democrat. More…
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Focus on safety and sportsmanship
News Journal: July 17: With regard to Saturday’s story about the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association’s approval for Red Lion Christian Academy to recruit and grant athletic scholarships for football and boys basketball players, I wish the same, if not more, attention would be placed on sportsmanship and safety in high school athletics.
My daughter was severely injured in a 2011 state girls basketball game that was not conducted in a safe playing environment and required police intervention after the game. Police intervention was also required for a boys state basketball game. I contacted DIAA, which is supposedly reviewing the game and Gov. Jack Markell’s office twice without receiving any information four months later. Shame on them for making this a bigger priority. I am not looking for disciplinary actions towards young student athletes, but a review and corrective actions towards the officials and game managers who allowed games to get out of control.
Academics are more important than athletics, but within athletics sportsmanship and discipline are much more important than winning at any cost.
My daughter goes to a private school but received $0 for athletics, which, should be the case. Shame on DIAA, Gov. Markell and the state’s educational system.
Simeon Hahn
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An odd veto for an odd reform of an odd law
News Journal: July 17: Delaware does require riders to carry a helmet on the motorcycle while they ride. The helmet goes on the bike, not the head. To paraphrase Gov. Markell’s statements on the subject last week: Riders should carry the helmet just in case they get a sudden inspiration to wear it.
Neither the law, nor the governor’s argument make a lot of sense. The law makes Delaware more of a nagger state than a nanny one.
Unfortunately, Gov. Markell was pushed into defending the logic of the law, which is an impossible task.
However, we see where the governor is going, and we agree with him.
Now many people who like to ride motorcycles without helmets have become frustrated with Delaware’s nagging. So they garnered enough support in the General Assembly to pass an act that would end the nagging and let them store their helmets in their garages.
Gov. Markell did not see this as a blow for freedom. Instead, he vetoed the bill and said it was not in the best interest of the state.
A law that has helped saved lives for 30 years should be kept on the books, he said. Actually, a law that nagged about saving your own life should be kept on the books.
The problem here is not the governor’s veto. He knows helmets save lives. Unfortunately, he’s not going to win that argument.
Instead, why doesn’t the Legislature pass and the governor sign a law that would force insurance companies to charge helmet-less riders the full price — social and medical — of exercising the riders’ freedom? No pass-along costs for medical care, no pooling long-term rehabilitation costs. Just paying your own way.
That would be very un-nanny like. More…
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U.S. Rep. John Carney (D-DE)
Congressman Carney Statement on the ‘Gang of Six’ Proposal
July 20: John Carney-U.S. Rep.: Pressroom: “The ‘Gang of Six’ has put forward a serious proposal that deserves careful consideration from both sides of the aisle. Their framework represents a real opportunity for Congress to pass a comprehensive deficit reduction plan that doesn’t undermine our recovery and strengthens the U.S. economy in the long-term. This is just the kind of bipartisan, balanced approach that I’ve been advocating.”
