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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
President’s Message:
As I prepared to write this month’s message I read Congressman’s Sam Johnson’s response to my Operation
Shout. His response is clear and concise on the Healthcare
issues that we are battling. Many of his positions are consistent with our organization’s message on these issues. I
hope you will read his letter below and continue the fight
these critical months of August & September while Congress is back home!
Inside this issue:
New Members
2
This Month’s Luncheon
3
“Save the Date”
4
Postcards from the Ledge
5
Special Announcement
6
Sponsors
8
Thank you for contacting me regarding the need for healthcare reform in America. I appreciate having the benefits of your views.
If you like your healthcare plan, you should be able to keep it. Surely we can
make health insurance more affordable, more accessible, and more available without the government taking over the health care industry and Big Brother bullying
people and employers. In essence, the Democrats are telling the American people
that they must have government-run health insurance – or else. That’s not right.
That’s not America.
On July 14, 2009, rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Democrats’ Health
Care Reform bill, H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.” Unfortunately, this bill was rushed through the legislative process, and I am concerned
that Members of Congress and the American public do not know enough about all
the provisions contained in the 1,018 page bill. As the longest serving Republican
on the Health Subcommittee on Ways and Means, I voted against the bill in committee and I will vote against it again later this month on the floor of the House because I believe we can and should do better for our constituents, our families, and
generations to come.
For one, I cannot support a $1.5 trillion bill that forces people currently insured by
employer-based coverage into a government-run health plan. According to an independent study, more than 119 million Americans would lose their current healthcare coverage if a government-run plan is created. People should have the freedom to choose a health insurance plan that best fits their needs. This “public option” proposed by the Democrats would restrict consumer choice and end the patient-doctor relationship.
(Continued on page 2)
Editorial Policy of DAHU News—
The statements and opinions
appearing in the articles of this
publication are those of the
authors and are not necessarily
those of DAHU. The editorial staff
aims to present material that is
useful and thought provoking,
but the staff has no authority to
speak for the officers or the Board
of Trustees of DAHU. Readers are
invited to comment on opinions
of the contributing authors. The
DAHU News reserves the right to
edit all submitted material. Articles and pictures will be used as
space permits. You are requested
to forward your comments and
articles to DAHU President, Tamela Southan, CBC
I also oppose the Democrats’ efforts to subsidize healthcare for illegal immigrants in the governmentcontrolled plan. Illegal immigrants should not be allowed to receive healthcare, courtesy of the United States
taxpayer. I also am gravely concerned that the government-controlled health plan proposed by the Democrats
would cover abortions. Taxpayer funded abortion is not healthcare reform.
In addition, I firmly believe that Members of Congress should not ask the American people to make sacrifices
they are not willing to make themselves. For this reason I co-sponsored a bill that says Members of Congress
who vote for H.R. 3200 should be the first in line to enroll in the government-run health care plan.
One of my biggest concerns with the Democrats’ plan is that it will increase taxes, yet still leave over 17 million people uninsured. To pay for this $1.5 trillion bill, Democrats will impose a special 2.5% tax on individuals
earning just $9,350 (and families earning $18,700) if they do not have “acceptable health coverage.” Meanwhile, employers would be required to provide federally acceptable insurance for their employees or else pay
a tax penalty equal to 8% of their payroll. The bill also hits small business owners with surtaxes that in 2011
could result in a top tax rate of about 48%. With the unemployment rates skyrocketing toward 10%, I know
that I don’t have to explain to you how irresponsible it is to raise taxes in these tough economic times.
That’s why I support the House Republican proposal that will reduce costs, expand access and increase the
quality of care in a way America can afford. While I have grave concerns about a government takeover of our
nation’s healthcare, a bipartisan solution to healthcare reform is achievable and must be a top goal of this
Congress.
Increasing the number of Americans who have health insurance is a laudable goal we all want to achieve.
Paying $1.5 trillion to get only part of the way there – with a government-controlled plan that eliminates choice
and threatens to destroy the patient-doctor relationship – is not the answer.
Sincerely,
Sam Johnson
WELCOME NEW DAHU MEMBERS!!
Eric Bolt, Robert S. Clark, Brian Jones, Jim Romaine,
Erica Tate, & Betty Vascil
Want to Join or Recruit a New Member, Online Application Available at
http://www.dahu.org/DAHU_Membership_Application_-_7-081.doc
The DAHU Board members are at your service and would like to share the value of being involved.
Please contact any of us at anytime!! http://www.dahu.org/DAHU_New_Board_09.XLS
and choose a member to be your mentor and/or how you can be active in DAHU.
PAGE 3
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2009
Wednesday, September 16th, 2010
Prestonwood Country Club, Plano, TX $20 Member / $45 Non Member/Guest
Please RSVP no later than September 15th at Noon.
What are your options if the Federal Government passes Healthcare Reform you don’t want?
Come hear about our State Rights and how Texas may respond.
11:15 - 11:30 Registration
11:30 – 12:00 Announcements & Golf Tournament Update
12:00 – 1:00 Not in Texas! Have you ever wondered how you can get a copy of the pictures taken at our monthly
Luncheon / Events???
Well, you are in luck! They are now available at www.dianevickersphotography.smugmug.com
4 x 6 Pictures can be purchased online for $1 per picture. DAHU will donate all the proceeds collected to Jonathan's
Place, a non-profit organization that provides temporary shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children and also
offers Foster & Adoptive Family Programs.
PAGE 4
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2009
September 2009
2009 Calendar of Events
• September 12, 2009 Heart Walk
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• October 1, 2009 DAHU Charity Golf Event
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• September 16, 2009 Monthly Luncheon
• October 21, 2009 Monthly Luncheon
The Latest from Washington - WellPoint’s SVP of
Public Affairs
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• December 16, 2009 Monthly Luncheon
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2 Hours of CE- Ethics
Become one of our monthly Luncheon Sponsors
and you will receive a display area for your marketing materials and a few minutes at the podium
to discuss your business before the speaker along
with a recognition on the monthly newsletter.
November 2009
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Mike Ryan
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972-599-6211
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Luncheon Sponsor Cost: $250
[email protected]
Ad Space Available for monthly publication / website communication
contact DAHU Newsletter Chair, Jackie Kim for additional information at:
[email protected]
Post Cards From the Ledge
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
PAGE 5
T
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Tamela Southan
It’s a wrap! The 81st Texas Legislative session ended with what may
have been the shortest special session ever. Governor Perry exercised
his authority to close State Agency business. What a great team,
combining TAHU’s legislative efforts with member support, cause and
effect for a great session. THANK YOU!
TAHU Initiatives that passed:
SB 70 (Nelson) Small Group Specialty Certification (Implementation rules expected
Fall ’09)
SB 80 (Nelson) 100% Employer Contribution Option – Effective for plans issued on
Jan. 1st, 2010. Focused on insuring 100% of eligible's – the working uninsured.
SB 1771 (Duncan) Expansion of State Continuation 2-19 from 6 to 9 months
The phone calls, e-mails and letters paid off in the biggest way. Many unnecessary
bills were defeated and others just did not make the cut. Your voice does count!
On the National scene, it’s a heated debate with the August recess around the
corner. Our energy, funding and talents are required to support healthy reform
while retaining our freedoms.
The big debate to overhaul the American Healthcare System is in the forefront of
National & International news. Stay plugged into NAHU e-News, Code Blue Alerts,
Operation Shouts and most of all, We’re Texan’s right? Just pick up the phone for a
2 minute conversation with your legislator or committee members. Be a resource to
help win the debate http://capwiz.com/nahu/home/
You have the knowledge – share it! Want to inform your local community?
Consider hosting a Town Hall meeting in your neighborhood or local association.
Contact TAHU Legislative Council at [email protected] / Tamela Southan @ 214532-9442. We are here to help you. Help our industry survive the national reform
battle.
Make Your call today!
Yours to count on,
Tamela Southan on behalf of the TAHU Legislative Council
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
PAGE 6
Special Announcement…
CONGRATULATIONS to the following Award Winners:
Henry Dawson Award - Tamela Southan
Hendershot Award - Humana
Nova Award - Howard Diel
Stellar Award - Toni Washington
Most Valuable Player - Stuart Dunkle
Leadership Award - Larry French
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
PAGE 7
Well Fellow Golfers,
It is crunch time, the DAHU Golf Tournament is now upon us. We still have a few sponsorship opportunities
available, and spots are going fast. So if you have an interest in helping out a great cause like Jonathan’s
Place, please come out and have some fun with us on Thursday, October 1st at Sherrill Park Golf Course in
Richardson from 11:30am to 10:00pm. If you participated last year, you may remember our Long Drive
champ Nyle Pruitt. He will be back out this year hitting 400 yard drives for your enjoyment.
If you are interested in playing or interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact me at [email protected] or my cell 214 934 4550. We will be happy to have you participate.
Thanks!
Michael Symons
DAHU Golf Chair
214 934-4550
CHIP Enrollment Volunteers - 2009
Enrollment Dates: September 12, 2009
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Mesquite ISD
Poteet High School
AC New Middle School
Vanston Middle School
West Mesquite High School
Training Required by CHIP Coalition of Dallas - will be provided at 6:00 pm on September 3.
To volunteer please contact Tamela or Carolyn to assist in our community efforts, insuring a few more Texans.
It takes two - training / enrollment with 10 – 12 volunteers; let me know if you are multilingual.
Tamela Southan @ 214-532-9442 / [email protected]
Carolyn Goodwin @ 972.503.4248 / [email protected]
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA or Public Law 111-3) reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIPRA finances CHIP through FY 2013. It will
preserve coverage for the millions of children who rely on CHIP today and provides the resources for States to
reach millions of additional uninsured children. This legislation will help ensure the health and well-being of
our nation's children.
Health Care Reform – Ensuring Choice in the Marketplace!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
A u g u s t 2 0 0 9 Va l u e d S p o n s o r s & S p e a k e r
THANK YOU!
We A p p re c i a t e y o u r S u p p o r t ! !
Luncheon Sponsor: August 2009
2009 Annual Sponsors:
2009 Annual Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Please contact Mike Ryan for more details!!!
2009 Annual Education Sponsors:
PAGE 8