Action Alert: Help House Progressives Get 218 on Robust Public Option

(This is pretty much a direct quote of a post at DailyKos today, but as it applies to Carney, I wanted to get the word out. -JG)

Today (Friday, 10/23), the House Democratic Caucus will meet and determine what version of the public option goes into the House bill. Pelosi announced earlier today that there's probably the 218 for a good public option, but report are that they are only 12-15 votes away from the strongest version of the bill, the Medicare Plus 5 version that ties public option rates to Medicare reimbursement rates.

Having the strongest possible House bill going in to conference with the Senate is critical, and it's within reach. Chris Carney is one of the "leaning" Dems who are considering supporting the Medicare Plus 5 version according to Hill activists. Please call his office before 2:00 today and say that you support the "Medicare Plus 5" version of the public option.

Christopher Carney (PA-10): 202-225-3731, 570-585-9988, 570-327-1902

(I just called his D.C. office myself, and the woman who answered the phone knew exactly what I was talking about and thanked me for the call. It took about 1 minute, total, so please take a minute to call.)

Fake Grass Roots and Energy Policy

Click on the title to read more revelations about the fake grass roots letters sent to Congressman Carney. I was most struck by this passage:

Bonner billed Hawthorn for $43,500 but has not been paid; the coal group told Hawthorn not to pay the bill, according to a letter from Hawthorn. A document from the coal group indicates it paid Hawthorn about $7 million last year for grass-roots lobbying services and about $3 million through the first six months of this year.

Hawthorn is described as the "primary grass-roots lobbying contractor" for this coal industry group. Perhaps these industry people need a bit of help understanding what grass roots means. If you have to pay $7 million per year for it, I'm pretty sure it's not grass roots.

Good video explaining Public Option

This is a nice short video from master explainer, Robert Reich (Clinton Labor Secretary and Economist).

Issues and Eggs TOMORROW

Issues & Eggs (SATURDAY)
Saturday, Oct 3, 9-11am
White Deer Twp Fire Company
366 Cemetery St, New Columbia

In place of our regular meetup this month, CSCC will be sponsoring a special event TOMORROW--a breakfast forum titled "Issues & Eggs: A Frank Conversation About Healthcare in America" at the White Deer Township Fire Company in New Columbia. For $5, get an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by the fire company, and talk to neighbors of all different political views about why you (and they) support or oppose various aspects of the healthcare reform proposals. We have advertised this event widely, not just among CSCC and Democrats, but to outside organizations as well.

The format of this event will begin with casual discussion over breakfast, then some brief remarks by CSCC (e.g., Steve & Jove) leading into an open, moderated, interactive discussion where participants will be invited to share their perspectives and ask back-and-forth questions of each other. This is not meant to be an overly "formal" program--everyone is welcome, even if you can only stay for part of the time.

Directions: The White Deer Fire Company is located at 366 Cemetery Street in New Columbia. Traveling north on Rt. 15, take the New Columbia Exit, turn left at the end of the ramp, then make an immediate right. Turn left on Cemetery St, and the fire hall is ahead on the left. All proceeds ($$) directly benefit the White Deer Fire Company. But we have financially guaranteed them a minimum number of attendees, so you will be indirectly supporting CSCC by attending. So please come, bring a friend, and spread the word!

For more information, you can download our full press release here.