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Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
June 17, 2010
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
May 20, 2010
In case you missed it, the following article ran in today's Detroit News:
Posted by
Mark Schauer
on
May 18, 2010
In case you missed it, I wanted to share my thoughts on why I'm supporting health care reform:
Make no mistake, our health care system is broken. If we do nothing, health insurance companies will continue to raise premiums on Michigan families and businesses by double digits each year for the foreseeable future. This is simply unacceptable, and unsustainable. Passing health care reform will cut costs for Michigan families and businesses, close the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, cut the deficit by $130 billion, ban health insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions or the loss of a job, and allow the American people to sign up for the same kind of quality, affordable, private health care plans that are available to members of Congress. I am confident that a modified version of the Senate bill which removes special deals for states like Louisiana and Nebraska will meet these objectives. The health insurance industry has made it perfectly clear that their number one priority is to defend their multi-billion dollar profits at the expense of working Michigan families. In the past few weeks, four different special interest groups have spent nearly $300,000 on attack ads in my district to scare voters and kill health care reform. The bottom line is that I don’t work for the powerful health insurance industry – I work for the people of Michigan, and passing health care reform will ultimately help get our economy back on track. WATCH MY RECENT INTERVIEWS AND FLOOR SPEECHES
WHAT HEALTH CARE REFORM MEANS FOR MICHIGAN
You can learn more about what's in the new health insurance reform bill for families living in the 7th district by reading this fact sheet (PDF), prepared by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
FINAL LEGISLATION
HOW THE BILL CUTS THE DEFICIT
A cost estimate of the final bill is available here. (PDF) According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the federal deficit by $130 billion over the next ten years, and an additional $1.2 trillion during the following decade. SUMMARY DOCUMENTS
TELL ME YOUR HEALTH CARE STORY Please keep sending me your feedback by sending me an email, visiting me on Facebook, or calling us at 877-737-6407. If you've been denied insurance for a pre-existing condition, lost coverage when you lost a job, fallen into the Medicare Part D donut hole, seen your premiums increase, or if you like your insurance and want to keep it, I want to hear your health care story.
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
March 30, 2010
WLNS story on health care town hall in Delta Twp with Congressman Schauer:
FREE PRESS: U.S. Rep. Schauer answers health care questions at 2 town hall meetings "I wanted to thank Mark Schauer," said Kay Randolph-Back, also of Charlotte. "I began working on national health insurance in 1977. I watched that vote on the floor, and there are no words to express what it means to have it actually, finally happen after all these decades." AP: Schauer: Health care law won't cut Medicare benefits At both meetings Schauer said the law addresses tort reform, doesn't cut Medicare benefits and will help seniors cover more of their prescription drug costs. But the biggest reason he supported it, he said, was because it was the right thing to do. "I think everyone deserves the same kind of health care that I have," Schauer told the audience in Delta Township. "What we're doing now doesn't work."
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 26, 2010
CITIZEN PATRIOT: U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer: Congress must approve unemployment benefits extension U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer offered his own bill today to keep unemployment benefits that are set to run out next month. Schauer, D-Battle Creek, introduced a bill after the Senate this week failed to include an extension of jobless benefits its jobs bill. The House already approved a bill in December that would have extended unemployment checks for another six months. "My phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from Michigan families who are afraid that the last string on our social safety net is about to get cut because Congress can't get its act together to pass an extension of unemployment benefits," Schauer said in a statement. "I share their frustration, which is why I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make sure we get this done by the end of the week to prevent the loss of benefits for thousands of Michigan families. "The last thing we can afford right now is to cut these families loose and pull money for basic necessities like gas and groceries out of our economy." FREE PRESS: Schauer seeking more answers on Flight 253 A Michigan congressman pushed Thursday for more answers on what led to the alleged Christmas Day bombing attempt in the skies over Detroit. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, a Battle Creek Democrat, wants legislation that would reauthorize the federal intelligence-gathering agencies to include a provision that the director of national intelligence report to Congress on the failures that led to the alleged attack. The provision would give the Office of the Director of National Intelligence six months to prepare the report on the Dec. 25 incident... Although the administration has taken the blame for not connecting the dots, it has never explained how that happened. "It is clearly my intent that the dots be connected," Schauer said. A vote on the amendment was delayed though it is expected to pass, since neither the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, nor its ranking Republican, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland, objected.
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 25, 2010
You can watch a live stream of the bipartisan health care summit below starting at 10am today:
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 23, 2010
HILLSDALE DAILY NEWS: STAYING IN TOUCH - Congressman hears concerns from farmers U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D Battle Creek, met with area farmers and agriculturists Sat urday, Feb. 20 to discuss their issues and concerns as the 2012 Farm Bill approaches. “This is a good opportunity for me to get more policy ideas,” Schauer said. “The idea behind this is not to have farms survive, but grow and be more profitable.” With around 50 farmers at the town-hall meeting, many took issue with a complex risk management program called Average Crop Revenue Election.
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 16, 2010
WWMT: Money for food safety coming to West Michigan Monday saw another boost for a food inspection program in Calhoun County. In October of 2009, Congressman Mark Schauer was in Battle Creek to announce a million dollar grant to expand the International Food Protection Training Institute. On Monday, he was back in town to announce another boost. Battle Creek has long tried to establish itself as the food safety capital of the world, and that goal came one step closer to becoming reality on Monday. “I'm relieved,” said Rep. Schauer. “This was a long time coming.” For the City of Battle Creek, there couldn't be better news. “It's great for our community overall,” said Stephen Benoit of the International Food Protection Institute. On Monday, Rep. Schauer announced to local business and community leaders that the cereal city could become the epicenter for food safety across America. That's thanks in part from the President. President Barack Obama is asking Congress to set aside eight million dollars for food safety programs in the 2011 fiscal budget. “It means that the President of the United States has recognized that Battle Creek, Michigan is the center for food safety,” said Rep. Schauer. Most of the money will be coming to the International Food Protection Training Institute. “You know it means that we can bring food and safety inspectors to Battle Creek to receive face to face training,” said Benoit. The Institute estimates that the funds would bring an additional two to three thousand people to the city annually. WXMI: Battle Creek Food Protection Program to Get Federal Funding Battle Creek is on the brink of becoming a leader in innovative food science. Now, federal funding could move that plan forward. Battle Creek is home to the world headquarters for The Kellogg Company. Now, the International Food Protection Training Institute, initiated by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, could get enough funding to make the IFPTI, a leader in food protection. Congressman Mark Schauer announced today that the federal budget for 2011 will earmark $8 million to expand the Institute and hire up to 25 instructors. That means the center could train 2000 to 3000 food inspectors next year alone. The investment is being called a win-win for Michigan, as it will not only mean safer food but the addition of high-paying jobs and trainees who will spend time and money in hotels, restaurants, and businesses. "As we transform our economy, we need to attract knowledge-based companies and knowledge-based workers," Rep. Schauer told FOX 17 News. "Having this expertise in West Michigan means we will attract more and more food companies -- food science companies -- to West Michigan." WKHM: CONGRESSMAN MARK SCHAUER ANNOUNCED THE NOMINATION OF THREE LOCAL STUDENTS TO ATTEND SERVICE ACADEMIES. IN A STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN SCHAUER'S OFFICE IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT HEATHER DORBECK, A NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, WILL RECEIVE A NOMINATION TO ATTEND THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY. KYLE LAFERRIERE OF WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE A NOMINATION TO ATTEND WEST POINT AND ZACHARY HAUETER OF JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE A NOMINATION TO ATTEND THE NAVAL ACADEMY. IN THE STATEMENT CONGRESSMAN SCHAUER SAID, “ NOMINATING STUDENTS TO THE SERVICE ACADEMIES IS AN HONOR AND A RESPONSIBILITY I TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY. AFTER A THOROUGH VETTING PROCESS, I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT I HAVE NOMINATED SOME FO THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST FROM OUR COMMUNITIES TO ATTEND THESE INSTITUTIONS.” MLIVE: Federal money for food safety could mean economic boon to Battle Creek, Michigan On Monday, Rep. Mark Schauer announced to local business and community leaders that Battle Creek, Michigan, could become the epicenter for food safety across America. That's thanks in part from the President Barack Obama asking Congress to set aside $8 million for food safety programs in the 2011 fiscal budget. This could lead to a major expansion of the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) in Battle Creek , allowing it to hire 20 to 25 employees and train an additional 2,000-3,000 food inspectors next year, providing a significant economic boost to downtown Battle Creek. “By investing in programs like IFPTI, we can solidify Battle Creek’s reputation as a national leader in food science and provide a significant boost to the local economy. Bringing thousands of visitors to downtown Battle Creek for multiple days of training will mean greater demand for hotel rooms and more customers for local businesses. This marks a step in the right direction to get our economy back on track,” Schauer said. ENQUIRER: Food safety institute makes Obama's budget President Barack Obama amended his fiscal 2011 budget Friday to include a proposed $8 million for the Battle Creek-based International Food Protection Training Institute. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township, spoke Monday about the provision, which could lead to a major expansion of the food safety institute in downtown Battle Creek. The institute is a key component in the Cereal City's plan to become a national leader in food safety and to revitalize its downtown business district. An additional 20 to 25 highly skilled employees -- making an average salary of $75,000 plus benefits -- could be hired, said Stephen Benoit, an institute board member and president and chief operating officer of the National Center for Food Protection... "To keep our food safe, we need to ramp this up to a much greater level," Schauer said. Benoit thanked Schauer for securing the $8 million inclusion to the president's budget. "We wouldn't be in there if it wasn't for the efforts of Congressman Schauer," he said. The funding is a big step up from the $1 million initial investment Schauer secured as a freshman congressman to help create the institute. "We did start out with me in a closet," Benoit said jokingly. "And we've grown up to maybe half a dozen (staff), and we'll get there to 25 in the near future." Already, 300 food inspectors from across the United States have traveled to Battle Creek for multiple-day training sessions in 2009, and another 1,000 students are expected to attend the institute in 2010, Benoit said. With the proposed $8 million investment, the institute anticipates serving 2,000 to 3,000 students in 2011 and providing Web-based training to an additional 5,000 food inspectors, he said. CIT PAT: U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer nominates Jackson County students to attend service academies Three Jackson County high school students recently received a congressional nomination to attend U.S. service academies. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, announced his selections after a lengthy vetting process, including being interviewed by a Service Academy Panel of military veterans and community leaders. According to a statement, Northwest High School student Heather Dorbeck will receive a nomination to attend the Air Force Academy, Kyle Laferriere of Western High School will receive a nomination to attend West Point, and Zachary Haueter of Jackson High School will receive a nomination to attend the Naval Academy. The three students were among nine Schauer selected to receive the necessary nomination to attend one of the four U.S. service academies. MICHIGAN BUSINESS REVIEW: International Food Protection Training Institute moving forward quickly, could receive additional federal funding (Includes photo of Schauer and Benoit) For the past few years, Battle Creek leaders have been working to turn Cereal City into a national food-protection hub, and a possible new federal funding source for food protection could help advance that goal even further. One of the biggest successes for the International Food Protection Training Institute since it launched in July was the fiscal year 2010 $1 million federal appropriation that U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, helped secure for the institute. And earlier today, Schauer announced President Obama released an amendment to the 2011 budget request that would set aside $8 million for food protection training programs like the IFPTI. That investment could allow the IFPTI to hire 20 to 25 employees and progress its training goals. FOOD SAFETY NEWS: Michigan Food Safety Center to Receive $8M The President's 2011 federal budget was amended to include an $8 million request to fund the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) announced yesterday. The request is significantly greater than the $1 million approved in the 2010 federal budget, and will allow IFPTI to greatly expand its current training initiatives... "We are very appreciative of Congressman Schauer's tireless efforts in support of the Institute's mission to improve food safety," added Benoit... Rep. Schauer has been working on food safety institute funding for years. "I'm relieved," Schauer told a local Michigan news outlet. "This was a long time coming." "It means that the President of the United States has recognized that Battle Creek, Michigan is the center for food safety," added Schauer. DAILY TELEGRAM: LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS - Schauer to meet with area farmers U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, will meet with area farmers on Saturday, Feb. 20, to discuss agricultural issues. The meeting in Jackson County is at the Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society, Heritage Park Activity Center, 121 Teft St., Hanover. Registration is from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and the meeting is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Christine White, state executive director of the Michigan Farm Service Agency, also will attend. Schauer serves on the House Agriculture Committee. For more information, call Schauer’s office at 877-737-6407.
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 08, 2010
WKZO: Battle Creek Representative In Congress Votes Against Debt Increase
Seventh District Congressman Mark Schauer of Battle Creek was one of just 37 democrats who voted with every Republican in the House yesterday against increasing the nation’s debt ceiling by 1.9 trillion dollars to a total of 14.3 trillion dollars. The measure still passed by a margin of 217-to-212 and goes to President Obama for his signature. Schauer did vote in favor of sending statutory “pay as you go” legislation to the President which requires Congress to offset the costs of tax cuts or increases in entitlement spending with savings elsewhere in the budget. Schauer says the only way to bring down the deficit is to get the economy turned in the right direction with more jobs. Moving up the debt ceiling by 1.9 trillion dollars equals more than six-thousand-one-hundred dollars for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. Southwest Michigan. DETROIT NEWS: House raises U.S. debt limit by $1.9T The House on Thursday voted to allow the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt. The measure, approved 217-212, would raise the cap on federal borrowing to $14.3 trillion. Democrats barely passed it through the Senate last week . The entire Michigan GOP House delegation voted against the measure, as did Democrats Gary Peters and Mark Schauer. ENQUIRER: HOW THEY VOTED National debt limit - Members approved Thursday, 217-212, final legislation to allow the United States to go $1.9 trillion into debt. The measure now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. Supporters said quick passage was needed to guarantee the U.S. didn't default on debt obligations, but opponents feared the national debt — now set to reach $14.3 trillion — could have its own negative impacts on the economy. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township No. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph No. | Pay-as-you-go - Members voted Thursday, 233-187, on budget rules requiring future spend-ing increases or tax cuts to be paid for with either cuts to programs or equiva-lent tax increases. Supporters said the measure will help rein in the national deficit, but oppo-nents said the new rules failed to address the nation's structural deficit and that lawmakers would easily find ways around the new rules. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township Yes. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph No. CIT PAT: How they voted: Legislative health care, debt limit The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to raise the federal government's debt ceiling by $1.9 trillion. If it passes, the government could borrow up to $14.3 trillion. The bill passed by a 217-212 vote amid criticism that the nation is going too far into debt. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer: No. DAILY REPORTER: Schauer votes against $14T debt ceiling U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, voted on Thursday against a national debt ceiling of $14.3 trillion, and for a statutory “pay-as-you-go” bill to go to the desk of President Barack Obama. Late last month, both U.S. Democratic Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow voted to approve the new debt ceiling in that chamber. In the House, the vote was 233-187 in favor of the debt hike.
Posted by
Zack Pohl
on
February 02, 2010
In case you missed it, here are several recent news clips from across the area:
WTVG: Michigan couple welcome Haitian girl: Congressman Mark Schauer helped Marie and Dick Grow of Manitou Beach get Keke's adoption finalized as fast as possible after the earthquake hit. "My staff and I worked with the state department, worked with the embassy in Haiti and did everything we could to expedite the process," says Schauer. WWMT: B.C. Amtrak station to get a facelift: Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) comments on 150 construction jobs coming to Battle Creek as part of high speed rail Recovery Act grant. WILX: Spartan Motors Picks Up $14m Deal: Congressman Mark Schauer comments on a new military contract that will offer a significant economic boost to Charlotte's local economy. |
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