I like this guy-he thinks-he studies-he acts

[luckyleftyme2]

I have to say that I will definitely vote for rep. Mike Michaud for re-election. I feel like he tries to represent me and others from this state. What I like about him is he's not a lock step buffoon to the party! He doesn't appear to be a know it all like those from the heritage foundation or a certain entertainer whose wrong more than he's right(I Was being kind Ray)!
Here's a man that knows at any given time over 50% of Mainers are without health insurance or a policy that pays little!
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. One of the most important parts of my job is to hear the many perspectives from the people I represent. That's why I come back to Maine almost every single weekend - so I can stay in touch with what's on the minds of the people of Maine's Second Congressional District.

After hundreds of meetings, hours of careful consideration, and lots of soul searching, I have decided to lend my support to this historic opportunity. Although I continue to have serious concerns with pieces of the health care reform package, I have decided that being at the table will more effectively advance the interests of the people of Maine than by standing on the sidelines. I have taken the time to read and carefully study all 1,990 pages of the bill and the accompanying amendments, and I supported the bill before the House because this process must move forward.

This bill is not perfect. Since August, I have raised several concerns over this legislation. Most specifically, I remain concerned about parts of the bill that cut Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts would unfairly impact Maine due to our unique situation as having one of the most efficient health care systems in the country, while receiving some of the lowest reimbursement rates for services provided. These concerns were raised by many in Maine, and I have made sure that they have been heard by the highest levels of government in our nation. I will also redouble my efforts with Senator Snowe to ensure that rural access to health care is protected and strengthened in the State of Maine as both the House and Senate move forward toward a final bill.

My vote today does not guarantee where I will ultimately come down on the future conference report. While I understand the legitimate concerns that have been expressed over the direction of reform, this work is too important to fail, and I could not in good conscience let the perfect be the enemy of the possible.

H.R. 3962 is deficit neutral and will not add to our national debt. While the initial cost will be $894 billion over the next ten years, the Act is completely offset and will actually reduce the deficit by $104 billion. Studies show that at least 5% of Medicare spending currently goes to waste, fraud and inefficiency, the Medicare savings contained in the bill come from eliminating this unnecessary spending. Additionally, the bill achieves savings by ensuring that a 50% reduction in price on any brand-name drugs will go to Medicare Part D beneficiaries falling into the donut hole where drugs are not reimbursed and requiring that drug companies provide rebates for individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

The legislation will raise additional revenue through a surcharge on the portion of annual income that exceeds $1 million for couples and $500,000 for individuals. This surtax does not affect 99.92% of taxpayers in the 2nd Congressional district; only 250 households would be affected. Nationally, only 1.2% of small business owners would pay the surcharge, and these business owners have an average annual income of nearly $3 million.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass their own version of legislation so that we can come together and present the American public with final legislation. We must get the best possible bill passed so that the Mainers I represent not only have more affordable coverage but coverage that meets their needs. This vote for health care reform is a vote for expanding health care coverage to the thousands of small businesses and people in Maine who do not have it and, to those who do, making it more affordable and better. This vote says yes to ending the practice of denying coverage due to preexisting conditions and other abusive insurance industry abuses.

Being able to get quality health care should never be a question for any American. The bill we passed today is a good step forward. It will help make sure that no American goes broke because they get sick or is ever denied coverage. This is an historic day, but more work lies ahead. I look forward to continuing to work toward meaningful reform that is good for Maine.

Current information, as well as the full text of the legislation, is available by going to http://www.michaud.house.gov and clicking on "Health Care Reform." I remain hopeful that this process will produce strong legislation that will lower costs, expand coverage and improve quality for all Americans.

Thank you again for sharing your views with me.
IT'S TIME THE RIGHT TOOK THEIR HEAD OUT AND SMELLED THE ROSES-
ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LOCK STEPPED US INTO THIS MESS WE ARE IN!