Barack Obama tells insurers new enterprises have growing pains
President Barack Obama says he knows that progress in reducing the uninsured rate hasn’t been without challenges. Obama says in a letter to the nation’s health insurers that most new enterprises have growing pains and opportunities for improvement, and the health insurance marketplace shaped by his health care law, “while strong, is no exception.” The White House has released Obama’s letter after he dropped by a meeting that senior administration officials had Monday with health insurers. The White House says the meeting focused on best practices that will encourage new customers to enroll and returning customers to shop around. The upcoming 2017 sign-up season looks tough, with sharp premium increases in many communities and a dwindling choice of insurers. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Hillary Clinton’s pneumonia fuels debate about candidate health data
Anybody – no matter their age or how healthy they are – can develop pneumonia. And it’s possible the campaign trail’s grueling schedule, with its germy hand-shaking and selfie-taking, increased Hillary Clinton‘s risk. Clinton’s illness appears mild, but it is fueling the question of what else voters need to know about whether she and Donald Trump are fit enough to be president. Yet the reality: There’s not much of a crystal ball to predict things like a common infection. Clinton so far has revealed more medical information than Trump but both promise to release additional details. Until then, some doctors say watching a candidate in action can reveal one key qualification – cognitive function. “In an ideal world, both candidates would be more transparent so there wouldn’t be questions about these problems that any of us could face,” said Dr. Mark Gladwin of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Normal healthy people get these pneumonias.” But, “the most important factor we want to know is cognitive performance, and we can assess that” by, for example, how nimble candidates are during debates, he added. Releasing at least some health information is an election-year ritual but there’s no rule about how much the public needs to know – candidates have rights to medical privacy, too. Then there’s the question of whether health information really affects how people vote. Clinton, 68, and Trump, 70, each had their own doctor write a letter last year attesting they’re in excellent health. Clinton’s internist wrote nearly two pages and included standard lab test results showing good heart health and a fairly detailed discussion of some previous problems – a concussion after a fall in 2012, and some blood clots that have her taking a blood thinner as a precaution. Trump’s letter was four paragraphs with few details beyond good blood pressure. His doctor, a gastroenterologist, said Trump “has had no significant medical problems” and would “be the healthiest individual ever elected.” Still, it’s a far cry from 2008 when Republican Sen. John McCain, then 71, allowed reporters to briefly review more than a thousand pages of medical records to show he was cancer-free and fit to serve as president. Releasing more information up-front opened Clinton to more questions about her medical history than Trump. Still, “women live longer than men,” Gladwin noted. “In general women tend to be healthier.” Clinton’s campaign hasn’t revealed many details of her pneumonia, which was diagnosed Friday. She didn’t immediately cancel campaign events; her illness came to light Sunday after she abruptly left a 9/11 memorial event and was seen stumbling while getting into a van. She emerged later to wave to supporters and was at home Monday, all signs that it’s not a severe case. While Clinton is taking antibiotics, both viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia – it just takes the bad luck of the wrong bug lodging in someone’s lung. Certain kinds are deadly for the frail. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 2 million people a year get mild “walking pneumonia” that easily clears up, often without treatment. Clinton had attributed an earlier coughing fit to allergies; it’s not clear if that really was an early pneumonia symptom. “Candidates are constantly out in enclosed spaces, face to face with myriads of people,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. “It’s an ideal opportunity for the transmission of a respiratory virus.” While getting an infection isn’t predictable, the public doesn’t need every little detail about a candidate’s health history, said Dr. G. Kevin Donovan, a physician and bioethicist at Georgetown University Medical Center. Certainly, “we cannot trust their egos to discern when something would overly impair them,” he added. “It comes down to not so much do we trust the candidates but can we still trust the medical professional?” So what should voters look for in these disclosures? Any condition that could limit a candidate’s life expectancy or lead to disability, such as heart health, Gladwin said. “I think voters want transparency about their current physical function with the idea that they potentially have to remain healthy for four to eight years,” he said. One comparison might be whether the candidates release the same information as President Barack Obama after his last physical: -Vital statistics, including blood pressure, resting heart rate and height and weight. Clinton has released almost all of this, except for height and weight. Trump has released his blood pressure, and said he lost “at least 15 pounds” but didn’t list his actual weight. -Lab results, including cholesterol, glucose levels and, for men, a prostate screening called a PSA. Clinton has released all her cholesterol levels; Trump has released his PSA. -Physical exam results. Clinton has released that she had a full cardiac evaluation including EKG that found no problems, and a normal colonoscopy, mammogram and gynecologic exam. Trump’s doctor said only that he has suffered no cancer and undergone no surgery since a childhood appendectomy. “I don’t see in this sniping back and forth about medical issues anything that sends up red flags,” Donovan concluded. “It serves more as a distraction than as a real issue.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama’s Jeff Sessions snags No. 2 spot on 2016’s POLITICO 50 List
POLITICO Magazine Monday revealed its 2016 Politico 50 list, comprised of “thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics in 2016.” As the magazine puts it, “in the midst of an often-bizarre and sometimes downright depressing election, this list represents something altogether surprising: a collection of people who, no matter their widely divergent views, offer powerful examples of how and why ideas continue to make a difference in politics and policy.” Snagging the No. 2 spot for 2016, this year’s list recognizes Alabama’s own U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, along with former Sessions staffer Stephen Miller, as “Trump’s policy whisperers.” Sessions, a a 69-year-old Republican senator from Hybart, is best known for his ultra-conservative policies on immigration and was the first U.S. Senator to endorse Donald Trump. Long before he donned a “Make America Great Again” hat at a February rally in Alabama, Sessions advocated for some of the same outsider views that Trump’s candidacy has turned into the new normal in the GOP. Throughout this election cycle, Sessions and Trump have become kindred political spirits, drawn together by a shared belief that some of their Republican Party leaders are selling out their own voters on immigration, as well as on trade.
Ronda Walker: Celebrating the Alabama-built USS Montgomery
In the fall of 2011, Secretary of the United States Navy Ray Mabus visited Montgomery and participated in a ceremony on the banks of the Alabama River to announce that one of the new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) built by global shipbuilder Austal, would be named after the City of Montgomery. Five years later, on Sept. 10, the United States Ship Montgomery was commissioned in a grand ceremony in Mobile. It was a sunny Saturday morning as my husband, Jason, and two of our children, Eli and Margaret, approached the Alabama State Docks in Mobile. As the USS Montgomery came into view, pride and awe filled our hearts. The Montgomery is a strong and aggressive state-of-the-art naval combatant, and with all of her strength and might she protects our borders. She is a bold new addition to the Navy’s combat mission and she was built in Alabama. Adjusting to advances in technology and combat strategy, the Navy determined to improve force coverage in the immediate littoral waters, the waters closest to the shore, thus the development of the Littoral Combat Ship. The LCS is known for her speed, maneuverability and flexibility. She can swap out various systems to take on different missions, including finding and destroying mines, hunting submarines in shallow water, and fighting small boats. She also boasts a large flight deck and hangar. The U.S.S. Montgomery can reach a max speed of 40-plus knots, weighs 2,959 tons, and is 420 feet long. On board she will have 11 officers and 42 enlisted personnel. She will leave Mobile Bay this week headed to San Diego, passing through the Panama Canal en route. On board she will have the ship’s bell from the previous USS Montgomery (C9). That bell will eventually find its way back to the City of Montgomery and be displayed in City Hall for visitors to enjoy. About 3,000 people gathered for the commissioning ceremony last Saturday. Many Montgomerians made the trip as well as many from our sister city of Mobile, including Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Crew members of the USS Montgomery had family in attendance, and there were dignitaries from across the state including Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Congressman Bradley Byrne, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, and Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean. But for the most part the crowd consisted of proud Alabamians excited to experience this awesome piece of history. Naval tradition calls for each ship to have a sponsor, a female civilian who will provide good luck and advocacy for the ship. In the case of the USS Montgomery, the grand honor of sponsor was bestowed on a Montgomery native daughter, Mary Montgomery Blackshear Sessions. Mrs. Sessions grew up in Montgomery and attended Huntington College, where she met her husband, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. Mary Sessions brought a remarkable amount of Southern charm, grace and strength to the commissioning ceremony as she served in her capacity as sponsor. Mrs. Sessions is now considered a permanent member of the ship’s crew. For most in attendance, like myself, witnessing the birth of a new naval ship was a first-time experience. It was a profound moment for my entire family that will forever be etched in our memory. After the impressive pomp and circumstance of the ceremonial speeches and bell ringing, the Commander of the USS Montgomery, Daniel Straub, called out for his sailors to, “man our ship and bring her to life.” At that moment as the brass band played, the uniformed crew of the Montgomery ran from the back of the audience, down the aisles and up the plank of the massive ship, literally bringing her to life. Because as powerful and grand as the ship itself is, the lifeblood of the Navy is the men and women who serve. I was overcome with tears of patriotic pride as the sailors boarded their ship and prepared to serve and defend our great nation. Words cannot express my thankfulness for the service of all of our military members. I cannot think of a more fitting event to attend with my family one day before the 15th anniversary of 9-11-01. The moment was not lost on anyone in attendance as we remembered the painful images of the 9-11 attacks and now sat staring at the newest vessel in the world’s most powerful Navy. We are a stronger, more prepared people as a result of our collective experiences and the powerful display of military might realized in the USS Montgomery made us all proud to be Americans. We must stand firm in our commitment to provide for a common defense. Thank you USS Montgomery, I wish you fair winds and following seas. ••• Ronda M. Walker is a wife, mother of four, and a member of the Montgomery County Commission.
Hearing set for Tuesday to challenge Robert Bentley’s BP spending
A hearing has been set for Tuesday on motions by state officials seeking to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Gov. Robert Bentley’s spending of funds from the BP oil spill settlement. Red Bay Democrat, state Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow along with State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed suit in July, alleging Bentley is illegally spending BP settlement funds without authority from the state Legislature. They seek a declaratory judgment and injunction. Circuit Judge Greg Griffin will hear both sides at a 9 a.m. hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court Tuesday. “Gov. Bentley is acting as a one-man Legislature,” Zeigler said Saturday. “He is both appropriating and spending money that belongs to the state. This needs to stop now.” Lawyers for Bentley and other officials moved to dismiss the suit, saying a state legislator and the state auditor lack legal standing to challenge the spending. Attorneys for Morrow and Zeigler responded that the two officials: “Have brought this Declaratory Judgement Action in both their individual and official capacities, as an Alabama State Representative and as the individual responsible for carrying out the duties and obligation as Alabama’s State Auditor, respectively.” They are asking Judge Griffin to declare that “Defendants’ expenditures of state funds on the Lodge and Conference Center at Gulf State Park are unconstitutional and illegal.” Bentley spent $1.8 million in BP funds to repair the governor’s beach house at Gulf Shores. He is now spending an estimated $35 million in BP funds building a four-star hotel and conference center where the former Gulf State Lodge was located in Gulf Shores.
Bradley Byrne: Local groups leading the fight against poverty
Nineteen-point-two percent. That number represents the percentage of people in Alabama who live in poverty and represents over 900,000 people. I recently set out to learn more about poverty in our area by visiting local organizations committed to helping the poor. I spoke not only with the people helping those in need, but also with many of those trapped in poverty themselves. I started off in Washington County at the Haven of Hope in Fruitdale. They provide a shelter and a wide variety of services for women, many of them struggling with drug addiction. It was powerful to meet a young woman who had been through the Haven of Hope program and now works as a program manager for the organization. She serves as a true success story, demonstrating how successful these organizations can be. I also paid a visit to the Washington County Baptist Association in Chatom to learn more about their poverty-fighting programs. They operate a thrift store, help low-income families pay their bills, and run a food bank providing assistance to over 4,000 people a year. From Chatom, I headed down to Mobile to visit Victory Health Partners. Health care is a major issue for those trapped in poverty, and Victory Health Partners does a great job of providing services and medical care to our area’s poor. They also put a real emphasis on overall wellness and healthy living in an effort to prevent future health issues. Next, I visited the Mobile Rescue Mission, a faith-based organization that provides a range of services to the poor in Mobile County. They serve everyone from the single mother of four who recently lost her job, to the veteran struggling to cope after returning from war. Their staff and volunteers are making a real difference. Finally, I convened a roundtable of many different organizations and groups who work with our area’s poor. From education to health care to family services, our conversation focused on a variety of ways to help people overcome poverty. These are just a few examples of visits I have made to poverty-fighting organizations in our area. I look forward to continuing to visit these organizations to hear directly from those on the front lines. One thing has quickly become clear: some of the best work with the poor is being done by private, nonprofit organizations. These organizations have a real concern for the people they help. They treat those in need as human beings with real worth and openly prove to people they are loved. That is something the federal government simply cannot do, but we can learn from these organizations. We can learn what actually works and make sure our government programs are supporting their efforts. And learn we must, because we simply cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the issue of poverty and expect things to change. We cannot keep doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. Ultimately, there is a better way to fight poverty. It starts with listening to these nonprofit organizations and empowering them. We must also encourage work and help people obtain the skills they need to find a good-paying job. Then, we should tailor benefits to meet individual people’s needs. It is time we make this better way a reality for the struggling single mom, for the man battling addiction, for the veteran who can’t find work, and for every single American trapped in poverty. This isn’t a Republican versus Democrat issue. This is something we can all agree on, and I stand committed to making these reforms a reality. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Alabama nuclear plant up for sale at fraction of cost
After spending more than 40 years and $5 billion on an unfinished nuclear power plant in northeastern Alabama, the nation’s largest federal utility is preparing to sell the property at a fraction of its cost. The Tennessee Valley Authority has set a minimum bid of $36.4 million for its Bellefonte Nuclear Plant and the 1,600 surrounding acres of waterfront property on the Tennessee River. The buyer gets two unfinished nuclear reactors, transmission lines, office and warehouse buildings, eight miles of roads, a 1,000-space parking lot and more. Initial bids are due Monday, and at least one company has publicly expressed interest in the site with plans to use it for alternative energy production. But TVA says it isn’t particular about what the purchaser does — using the site for power production, industrial manufacturing, recreation or even residences would all be fine with the agency, said spokesman Scott Fiedler. “It’s all about jobs and investment, and that’s our primary goal for selling this property,” said Fielder. TVA hopes to close the deal in October. The sale is bittersweet for site manager Jim Chardos, who went to work at Bellefonte in 1994 expecting it to be finished as a nuclear power plant. All these years later, he commutes 90 minutes each way to work to oversee a plant that has never been stocked with radioactive fuel or used either of its reactors to generate a single watt of electricity. Work began at Bellefonte in the mid-’70s on the backside of the nuclear energy boom in the United States, Chardos said. The utility initially planned to construct four reactors at the site, but demand for power in the region never met those early expectations and work halted in 1988. A series of starts and stops preceded TVA’s decision earlier this year to sell Bellefonte. “If you’re going to make 1,200 megawatts you need to sell it to somebody, and if there’s no need for it you’re not going to finish,” he said. “And that’s really what’s happened.” Sales of U.S. nuclear plants aren’t all that unusual; the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry group, says at least 30 units have been sold in part or whole since 1999. The potential sale of Bellefonte is creating hope in a region where residents gave up long ago on the promise of thousands of good-paying, permanent jobs that were once expected at the plant. “It was a great thing but then they just pulled the plug and left out, you know,” said Hollywood Mayor Frank “Buster” Duke, who worked at Bellefonte about a decade before moving on. Today, he said, the 1,000 or so residents of his town need a place to work whether TVA or some other entity owns the property. “It would help the area as far as land values go. Population would improve, businesses would come in,” he said. The Nevada-based Phoenix Energy has said it will offer $38 million for Bellefonte in hopes of using it for a new, non-nuclear technology to generate power. The company says its system uses electromagnetic induction energy fields to heat water indirectly and produce steam that would turn turbines and generate electricity at Bellefonte. Chardos said he would still like to see the site used to generate electricity by nuclear power, but he can’t be too picky. “It’s all about the jobs,” he said. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
