Health Care Bill; Small Business Financing; Halloween Safety - October 30, 2009
October 30, 2009
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier. For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.
In this week's Carson Courier:
Launch of Affordable Health Care for America Act
Improving Financing Opportunities for Small Businesses
Halloween Safety Tips
PUSHING FOR A ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION
This week, Congressional Democrats launched the Affordable Health Care for America Act, bringing us another step closer to finally passing a bill that will reform our health care system for all Americans. This bill brings together ideas from all sides—including those of House Republicans—to form a comprehensive bill aimed at providing greater access to health care across the nation, controlling skyrocketing costs and making our communities healthier.
While I am disappointed the bill does not currently include a more robust form of the public option—one that would set reimbursement rates, as is currently done with Medicare—the new package does mark progress nonetheless. As this bill moves through Congress, I will continue to push for the inclusion of a stronger public option, which would go further to bring down costs and inject competition into a broken system controlled largely by only a few major insurers.
Congress is closer than ever before to addressing the health care crisis pervading Indianapolis and communities across the country. Still, there is much debate and work ahead for us to ensure we're delivering the best possible plan for America. I look forward to doing my part to impact that debate on behalf of the people of the 7th District.
For more information on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, please visit my updated health-care forum web page by clicking here.
IMPROVING FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Small businesses in Indiana and across America are an engine of job creation and economic growth, creating 60 to 80 percent of new jobs every year. But, the economic crisis has hit small businesses hard, cutting off access to credit and leaving firms struggling with declining revenues. That's why I joined my House colleagues this week to vote for the passage of the Small Business Financing and Investment Act.
This critical legislation will comprehensively reform small business lending programs by increasing loan sizes and establishing incentives for local banks to lend to small businesses, making it easier for entrepreneurs to secure credit. By updating the Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs, building on the success of the Recovery Act, and delivering startup capital to new ventures, this bill will promote entrepreneurship and allow new Hoosier businesses to create jobs and attain long-term viability.
STAYING SAFE ON HALLOWEEN
As families across our city prepare for Halloween, it is important for everyone to remember a few important tricks to keep our children safe while trick-or-treating.
- Children should always be accompanies by an adult.
- Watch for traffic. Add reflective tape to costumes to ensure that passing cars can see children.
- Make sure children can see well through masks, and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
- Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case it gets dark before returning home.
- Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
Thank you for reading the Carson Courier. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. I value your views and your input which help me to better represent the people of Indiana's 7th District in Congress.