2010/07/30
Good morning,
After we launched HealthCare – the new one-stop-shop that helps you take control of your health care coverage – President Obama wanted to be sure you know about this great resource. Check out this video he made demonstrating the website and learn how you can benefit from the tools and resources on HealthCare.
The Affordable Care Act makes it possible for millions of families and small business to get affordable, quality care. And HealthCare makes it easy to find out what options are available to you based on your location and circumstances.
The website is a great resource, and it’s only going to get better.
Throughout the site, there are little yellow boxes where you can give feedback and help the website be as informative, clear and complete as possible. And I know for a fact that the HealthCare team at the Department of Health and Human Services meets every week to go over this feedback and has already made some improvements based on it.
More information for businesses and families is coming soon, including pricing data for insurance plans, additional ways to compare quality of health care services and providers, and new consumer protections that are ending the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Be sure to check back often as new materials are added.
As the President said, “no matter what your age or situation, there’s something for everyone at HealthCare.gov.” You can help us spread the work about this great new resource by forwarding this email and video to your friends and family.
[Last edited Aug 07, 2013]
After we launched HealthCare – the new one-stop-shop that helps you take control of your health care coverage – President Obama wanted to be sure you know about this great resource. Check out this video he made demonstrating the website and learn how you can benefit from the tools and resources on HealthCare.
The Affordable Care Act makes it possible for millions of families and small business to get affordable, quality care. And HealthCare makes it easy to find out what options are available to you based on your location and circumstances.
The website is a great resource, and it’s only going to get better.
Throughout the site, there are little yellow boxes where you can give feedback and help the website be as informative, clear and complete as possible. And I know for a fact that the HealthCare team at the Department of Health and Human Services meets every week to go over this feedback and has already made some improvements based on it.
More information for businesses and families is coming soon, including pricing data for insurance plans, additional ways to compare quality of health care services and providers, and new consumer protections that are ending the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Be sure to check back often as new materials are added.
As the President said, “no matter what your age or situation, there’s something for everyone at HealthCare.gov.” You can help us spread the work about this great new resource by forwarding this email and video to your friends and family.
[Last edited Aug 07, 2013]
2010/08/04
Good morning,
Later today, I will host a ceremony and reception at the White House to honor the recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal, but I wanted you to be the first to know who will receive this prestigious award:
The Citizens Medal is the second highest civilian honor in our nation. For over 40 years, some of America's most respected heroes and public figures like Muhammad Ali, Colin Powell and Bob Dole, and everyday heroes like Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman who left her entire life savings to establish a scholarship for students in need, have received this award.
This year, we decided to try something a little bit different. We asked you, the American public, to tell us about the heroes in your community -- the folks who may not always get the recognition they deserve, but whose selfless work is making a real difference.
We received over 6,000 outstanding nominations from around the country. It was a tough choice, but we were able to narrow it down to 13 recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/citizensmedal
This year's Citizens Medal recipients should serve as an inspiration to all Americans: A widow who lost her husband on 9/11 and turned her grief into a message of hope for Afghani women whose husbands were lost to the Taliban; a school bus driver who delivers hot meals and coffee to New York City’s homeless and forgotten 365 nights a year; a North Chicago nurse and childcare professional who opened a live-in resource center that has given help and hope to hundreds of pregnant teenagers. They are all powerful reminders of the impact individuals can have on their community and on the world.
Congratulations to this year's Citizens Medal recipients, and thank you to the millions of Americans who strive to make their communities better every day.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Later today, I will host a ceremony and reception at the White House to honor the recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal, but I wanted you to be the first to know who will receive this prestigious award:
The Citizens Medal is the second highest civilian honor in our nation. For over 40 years, some of America's most respected heroes and public figures like Muhammad Ali, Colin Powell and Bob Dole, and everyday heroes like Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman who left her entire life savings to establish a scholarship for students in need, have received this award.
This year, we decided to try something a little bit different. We asked you, the American public, to tell us about the heroes in your community -- the folks who may not always get the recognition they deserve, but whose selfless work is making a real difference.
We received over 6,000 outstanding nominations from around the country. It was a tough choice, but we were able to narrow it down to 13 recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/citizensmedal
This year's Citizens Medal recipients should serve as an inspiration to all Americans: A widow who lost her husband on 9/11 and turned her grief into a message of hope for Afghani women whose husbands were lost to the Taliban; a school bus driver who delivers hot meals and coffee to New York City’s homeless and forgotten 365 nights a year; a North Chicago nurse and childcare professional who opened a live-in resource center that has given help and hope to hundreds of pregnant teenagers. They are all powerful reminders of the impact individuals can have on their community and on the world.
Congratulations to this year's Citizens Medal recipients, and thank you to the millions of Americans who strive to make their communities better every day.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
2010/08/16
Good morning,
I'm writing today to give you an update on the progress we’ve made in responding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and to invite you to join in a special live chat with Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about the safety of seafood from the region.
I'm pleased to report that no oil has leaked into the Gulf of Mexico since July 15, and because of the progress we’ve made capping the well, we don't anticipate that any additional oil will spill into the Gulf. We also have new information about the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s response to the spill: Recently, government scientists released a report stating that the vast majority of the oil that spilled into the Gulf has evaporated, skimmed, burned off, been recovered from the wellhead or dispersed.
Over the weekend, President Obama and the First Lady travelled to Panama City, Florida and met with small business owners to discuss the impact the oil spill has had on their businesses. While we’re beginning to turn the corner, it's clear that we still have a lot of work to do for the individuals, families and businesses in the region that have been impacted by this spill.
We will hold BP accountable for the damage this spill has caused to the environment and the economy. We will not rest until the delicate ecosystems along the Gulf Coast and the people who call this region home have been made whole.
The men and women of the Gulf who make their livelihood harvesting fish, shrimp and oysters have been among those hardest hit by this spill. And I know many of you may have questions about the safety of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Federal Government is paying close attention to the safety of seafood in the Gulf. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NOAA, working closely with the states, are closely monitoring and testing the Gulf waters so they can be reopened as soon as they become safe.
Seafood from these open areas is safe for you and your family to eat. In fact, if you’re looking for a simple way to support the people of the Gulf who have been battered by this spill, enjoying some local seafood is one of the best things you can do.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the safety of seafood from the Gulf, I invite you to join Dr. Lubchenco for this live chat today at 2 PM EDT.
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/gulf-seafood-chat
For more information on the ongoing response to the BP Oil Spill, visit RestoreTheGulf.gov.
Sincerely,
Carol Browner
Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change
I'm writing today to give you an update on the progress we’ve made in responding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and to invite you to join in a special live chat with Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about the safety of seafood from the region.
I'm pleased to report that no oil has leaked into the Gulf of Mexico since July 15, and because of the progress we’ve made capping the well, we don't anticipate that any additional oil will spill into the Gulf. We also have new information about the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s response to the spill: Recently, government scientists released a report stating that the vast majority of the oil that spilled into the Gulf has evaporated, skimmed, burned off, been recovered from the wellhead or dispersed.
Over the weekend, President Obama and the First Lady travelled to Panama City, Florida and met with small business owners to discuss the impact the oil spill has had on their businesses. While we’re beginning to turn the corner, it's clear that we still have a lot of work to do for the individuals, families and businesses in the region that have been impacted by this spill.
We will hold BP accountable for the damage this spill has caused to the environment and the economy. We will not rest until the delicate ecosystems along the Gulf Coast and the people who call this region home have been made whole.
The men and women of the Gulf who make their livelihood harvesting fish, shrimp and oysters have been among those hardest hit by this spill. And I know many of you may have questions about the safety of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Federal Government is paying close attention to the safety of seafood in the Gulf. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NOAA, working closely with the states, are closely monitoring and testing the Gulf waters so they can be reopened as soon as they become safe.
Seafood from these open areas is safe for you and your family to eat. In fact, if you’re looking for a simple way to support the people of the Gulf who have been battered by this spill, enjoying some local seafood is one of the best things you can do.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the safety of seafood from the Gulf, I invite you to join Dr. Lubchenco for this live chat today at 2 PM EDT.
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/gulf-seafood-chat
For more information on the ongoing response to the BP Oil Spill, visit RestoreTheGulf.gov.
Sincerely,
Carol Browner
Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change
2010/08/28
Good morning,
This Tuesday, after more than seven years of war, President Obama will end the United States' combat mission in Iraq.
While the war in Iraq has at times been a divisive issue for Americans, one common belief has always remained: Our nation has a sacred obligation to our troops and the families who serve with them.
In his Weekly Address, the President discusses the end of the combat mission in Iraq and what his Administration is doing to support our veterans once they get home:
Since we took office, more than 90,000 troops have returned from Iraq, leaving a force of up to 50,000 U.S. troops who will support Iraqi Security Forces. By the end of next year, all American troops will be out of Iraq.
These men and women have put their lives on the line. They have spent months or years away from their families and homes. Many have suffered devastating injuries. And some who left for Iraq will never return home.
Including veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are nearly one million more veterans in our country than there were a decade ago. I can tell you that President Obama is 100% committed to supporting our troops and their families not only when they are fighting abroad, but also when they come back home.
That’s why the President has made one of the largest investments in veterans’ care and support in our nation’s history. Here are just a few things this Administration is doing to support our vets:
Improving veterans’ health care by modernizing and expanding hospitals, cleaning up and simplifying the claims process, and directing significant resources into treating Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Giving nearly 300,000 veterans and their family members access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Devoting more resources to job placement and training, directing the federal government to hire more veterans and encouraging the private sector to follow suit.
As our brave men and women return from Iraq, it’s important that all of our veterans know that we are a truly grateful nation. To all of our troops – Thank you for your service; you are true American heroes. To all of our military families – Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Vice President Joe Biden
P.S. Right now, Americans across
This Tuesday, after more than seven years of war, President Obama will end the United States' combat mission in Iraq.
While the war in Iraq has at times been a divisive issue for Americans, one common belief has always remained: Our nation has a sacred obligation to our troops and the families who serve with them.
In his Weekly Address, the President discusses the end of the combat mission in Iraq and what his Administration is doing to support our veterans once they get home:
Since we took office, more than 90,000 troops have returned from Iraq, leaving a force of up to 50,000 U.S. troops who will support Iraqi Security Forces. By the end of next year, all American troops will be out of Iraq.
These men and women have put their lives on the line. They have spent months or years away from their families and homes. Many have suffered devastating injuries. And some who left for Iraq will never return home.
Including veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are nearly one million more veterans in our country than there were a decade ago. I can tell you that President Obama is 100% committed to supporting our troops and their families not only when they are fighting abroad, but also when they come back home.
That’s why the President has made one of the largest investments in veterans’ care and support in our nation’s history. Here are just a few things this Administration is doing to support our vets:
Improving veterans’ health care by modernizing and expanding hospitals, cleaning up and simplifying the claims process, and directing significant resources into treating Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Giving nearly 300,000 veterans and their family members access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Devoting more resources to job placement and training, directing the federal government to hire more veterans and encouraging the private sector to follow suit.
As our brave men and women return from Iraq, it’s important that all of our veterans know that we are a truly grateful nation. To all of our troops – Thank you for your service; you are true American heroes. To all of our military families – Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Vice President Joe Biden
P.S. Right now, Americans across
2010/08/31
Good evening,
Tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. EDT, I will address the nation from the Oval Office about the end of the war in Iraq.
We are at a truly historic moment in our nation’s history. After more than seven years, our combat mission in Iraq will end tomorrow.
As both a candidate and President, I promised to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Now, we are taking an important step forward in delivering on that promise. Since I took office, we’ve brought nearly 100,000 U.S. troops home from Iraq, millions of pieces of equipment have been removed, and hundreds of bases have been closed or transferred to Iraqi Security Forces.
Our combat mission in Iraq is ending, but our commitment to an Iraq that is sovereign, stable and self-reliant continues. As our mission in Iraq changes, 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq to advise and assist the Iraqi Security Forces as they assume full responsibility for the security of their country on September 1. We will forge a strong partnership with an Iraq that still faces enduring challenges.
For nearly a decade, we have been a nation at war. The war in Iraq has at times divided us. But one thing I think all Americans can agree on is that our brave men and women in uniform are truly America’s finest. They have put their lives on the line and endured long separations from their family and loved ones.
All Americans owe our troops, veterans and military families a debt of gratitude for their outstanding service to our nation. Over the past few days, thousands of Americans have taken part in our Saluting Service in Iraq effort on WhiteHouse.gov, sending their messages of thanks and support to our troops.
Take a minute right now to see what your fellow Americans have to say and add a message of your own:
Supporting our troops and military families is the responsibility of all Americans. My Administration is doing everything in its power to ensure that our troops, veterans and their families have the support they need as they serve, and the care and opportunities they need to realize their dreams when they return home.
I hope you will join me in welcoming our troops home and showing your gratitude for their heroic service.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. EDT, I will address the nation from the Oval Office about the end of the war in Iraq.
We are at a truly historic moment in our nation’s history. After more than seven years, our combat mission in Iraq will end tomorrow.
As both a candidate and President, I promised to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Now, we are taking an important step forward in delivering on that promise. Since I took office, we’ve brought nearly 100,000 U.S. troops home from Iraq, millions of pieces of equipment have been removed, and hundreds of bases have been closed or transferred to Iraqi Security Forces.
Our combat mission in Iraq is ending, but our commitment to an Iraq that is sovereign, stable and self-reliant continues. As our mission in Iraq changes, 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq to advise and assist the Iraqi Security Forces as they assume full responsibility for the security of their country on September 1. We will forge a strong partnership with an Iraq that still faces enduring challenges.
For nearly a decade, we have been a nation at war. The war in Iraq has at times divided us. But one thing I think all Americans can agree on is that our brave men and women in uniform are truly America’s finest. They have put their lives on the line and endured long separations from their family and loved ones.
All Americans owe our troops, veterans and military families a debt of gratitude for their outstanding service to our nation. Over the past few days, thousands of Americans have taken part in our Saluting Service in Iraq effort on WhiteHouse.gov, sending their messages of thanks and support to our troops.
Take a minute right now to see what your fellow Americans have to say and add a message of your own:
Supporting our troops and military families is the responsibility of all Americans. My Administration is doing everything in its power to ensure that our troops, veterans and their families have the support they need as they serve, and the care and opportunities they need to realize their dreams when they return home.
I hope you will join me in welcoming our troops home and showing your gratitude for their heroic service.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
2010/09/01
Good afternoon,
Tonight President Obama will address the nation from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. EDT regarding the end of the war in Iraq. I know many Americans have questions about our change in mission in Iraq, so immediately following the President's address, I will be hosting a live chat to answer your questions.
You can submit your questions and vote for your favorites now, and be sure to tune to WhiteHouse.gov/live at 8 p.m. EDT to watch the President's address.
I'm looking forward to answering your questions later this evening.
Sincerely,
Ben Rhodes
2010/09/08
Good morning,
Millions of our friends and neighbors around the country are looking for work, wondering how they will pay this month’s rent or put food on the table for their families. At a speech in Wisconsin on Monday, the President made clear that turning our economy around is his top priority:
I am going to keep fighting every single day, every single hour, every single minute, to turn this economy around and put people back to work and renew the American Dream, not just for your family, not just for all our families, but for future generations.
At 2:10 p.m. EDT today, President Obama will announce a set of targeted proposals to help our economy continue on a path to recovery during a speech in Cleveland, Ohio. I know many of you have questions about what this Administration is doing to support working families and small businesses who are struggling to get by. So immediately following the President’s remarks, I’ll be hosting a live chat to answer your questions about what we’re doing to help Americans find jobs and to rebuild our economy for the long term.
I’m looking forward to talking with you later today.
Sincerely,
Austan Goolsbee
Millions of our friends and neighbors around the country are looking for work, wondering how they will pay this month’s rent or put food on the table for their families. At a speech in Wisconsin on Monday, the President made clear that turning our economy around is his top priority:
I am going to keep fighting every single day, every single hour, every single minute, to turn this economy around and put people back to work and renew the American Dream, not just for your family, not just for all our families, but for future generations.
At 2:10 p.m. EDT today, President Obama will announce a set of targeted proposals to help our economy continue on a path to recovery during a speech in Cleveland, Ohio. I know many of you have questions about what this Administration is doing to support working families and small businesses who are struggling to get by. So immediately following the President’s remarks, I’ll be hosting a live chat to answer your questions about what we’re doing to help Americans find jobs and to rebuild our economy for the long term.
I’m looking forward to talking with you later today.
Sincerely,
Austan Goolsbee
2010/09/10
Good morning,
Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, I was shocked and horrified by the attacks on our country. But I was also inspired by the heroism and selflessness of so many of my fellow Americans in the wake of this tragedy.
From the brave men and women of Flight 93 who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others, to the first responders who rushed without hesitation to help those in need, to the young men and women who chose to join our Armed Forces following the attacks - these tragic events united Americans in a remarkable spirit of solidarity and compassion.
It’s that spirit of selflessness and service that inspired the first September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance last year. On this day all Americans can honor the brave men and women who lost and risked their lives by serving others in their community.
Tomorrow, I will be volunteering with Mission Serve, an initiative bringing together civilian and military communities through service and volunteerism. Working alongside active duty members of the military, wounded warriors, veterans, military spouses and students, I’ll help renovate a community center at a retirement community for veterans in McLean, Virginia.
You can join me in participating in the National Day of Service by finding a service opportunity in your area on Serve.gov:
Whether you help clean up a local park, participate in a food drive, or help out in a local soup kitchen or school, volunteering strengthens our communities and our country. The National Day of Service presents an opportunity to take time to make a difference in your area and make a commitment to serve your community throughout the year.
On the anniversary of this tragic day in our history, I hope you will join me in honoring all those who put the needs of others before their own by serving in your community.
To all Americans mourning the loss of their loved ones on September 11th, the President and I extend our sincerest condolences. Your courage and sacrifice is an inspiration to all Americans.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama
Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, I was shocked and horrified by the attacks on our country. But I was also inspired by the heroism and selflessness of so many of my fellow Americans in the wake of this tragedy.
From the brave men and women of Flight 93 who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others, to the first responders who rushed without hesitation to help those in need, to the young men and women who chose to join our Armed Forces following the attacks - these tragic events united Americans in a remarkable spirit of solidarity and compassion.
It’s that spirit of selflessness and service that inspired the first September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance last year. On this day all Americans can honor the brave men and women who lost and risked their lives by serving others in their community.
Tomorrow, I will be volunteering with Mission Serve, an initiative bringing together civilian and military communities through service and volunteerism. Working alongside active duty members of the military, wounded warriors, veterans, military spouses and students, I’ll help renovate a community center at a retirement community for veterans in McLean, Virginia.
You can join me in participating in the National Day of Service by finding a service opportunity in your area on Serve.gov:
Whether you help clean up a local park, participate in a food drive, or help out in a local soup kitchen or school, volunteering strengthens our communities and our country. The National Day of Service presents an opportunity to take time to make a difference in your area and make a commitment to serve your community throughout the year.
On the anniversary of this tragic day in our history, I hope you will join me in honoring all those who put the needs of others before their own by serving in your community.
To all Americans mourning the loss of their loved ones on September 11th, the President and I extend our sincerest condolences. Your courage and sacrifice is an inspiration to all Americans.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama
2010/09/22
Good morning,
Six months ago, Gail O'Brien didn’t know whether or not she would be able to treat her cancer. Betsy Burton wasn't sure if she could afford to keep paying the skyrocketing premiums for her employees' health insurance. Paul Horne was struggling to make ends meet after his prescription drug coverage hit the "donut hole."
The thing about these stories is that they could happen to anybody. Millions of Americans -- maybe even you or someone you know -- have been struggling for years with our broken health care system. These stories are what inspired me to fight for the Affordable Care Act and made me so proud to sign this landmark legislation into law six months ago.
Every day, I hear from Americans like Gail, Betsy and Paul, and a few of these folks have stepped forward to bravely share their stories with the entire country. Take a minute to hear what they have to say:
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care.
Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Six months ago, Gail O'Brien didn’t know whether or not she would be able to treat her cancer. Betsy Burton wasn't sure if she could afford to keep paying the skyrocketing premiums for her employees' health insurance. Paul Horne was struggling to make ends meet after his prescription drug coverage hit the "donut hole."
The thing about these stories is that they could happen to anybody. Millions of Americans -- maybe even you or someone you know -- have been struggling for years with our broken health care system. These stories are what inspired me to fight for the Affordable Care Act and made me so proud to sign this landmark legislation into law six months ago.
Every day, I hear from Americans like Gail, Betsy and Paul, and a few of these folks have stepped forward to bravely share their stories with the entire country. Take a minute to hear what they have to say:
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care.
Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
2010/09/30
Good afternoon,
Ten years ago, Congress passed broad income tax cuts. But in a cynical accounting trick designed to mask their long-term impact, they scheduled these cuts to expire next January. Now we are approaching that cliff, and millions of Americans are facing thousands of dollars in higher taxes on January 1.
That's why President Obama is fighting to extend the tax breaks for middle class Americans.
Under the President's plan, the tax cuts would be permanently extended on incomes up to $250,000, which includes 98 percent of American taxpayers. This is fair, just and crucial for our economy.
Middle class Americans saw their incomes shrink during the last decade, and have borne the brunt of the recession. They need the relief, and America needs a strong, thriving middle class. Because middle class families are most likely to spend this money quickly, these tax cuts give our economy a much needed shot in the arm.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Not to the Republican leaders in Congress.
They're holding these tax cuts for the middle class hostage, demanding that we also lift the cap and extend the breaks to millionaires and billionaires.
Austan Goolsbee, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, explains what’s going on in this video:
The Congressional Republican tax cut plan would add an additional $700 billion to the deficit over the next ten years and give America’s wealthiest people an average tax break of $100,000. To top it all off -- the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has found that giving a huge tax break to the wealthiest Americans is one of the least effective ways to stimulate our economy.
Adding hundreds of billions of dollars to the deficit while doing very little to grow our economy, put people back to work or strengthen America’s middle class is exactly the kind of economic policy that got us into this mess in the first place.
We simply cannot afford to go back to their failed policies. It’s time for Congressional Republicans to stop playing politics with tax cuts for the middle class.
Sincerely,
David Axelrod
Ten years ago, Congress passed broad income tax cuts. But in a cynical accounting trick designed to mask their long-term impact, they scheduled these cuts to expire next January. Now we are approaching that cliff, and millions of Americans are facing thousands of dollars in higher taxes on January 1.
That's why President Obama is fighting to extend the tax breaks for middle class Americans.
Under the President's plan, the tax cuts would be permanently extended on incomes up to $250,000, which includes 98 percent of American taxpayers. This is fair, just and crucial for our economy.
Middle class Americans saw their incomes shrink during the last decade, and have borne the brunt of the recession. They need the relief, and America needs a strong, thriving middle class. Because middle class families are most likely to spend this money quickly, these tax cuts give our economy a much needed shot in the arm.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Not to the Republican leaders in Congress.
They're holding these tax cuts for the middle class hostage, demanding that we also lift the cap and extend the breaks to millionaires and billionaires.
Austan Goolsbee, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, explains what’s going on in this video:
The Congressional Republican tax cut plan would add an additional $700 billion to the deficit over the next ten years and give America’s wealthiest people an average tax break of $100,000. To top it all off -- the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has found that giving a huge tax break to the wealthiest Americans is one of the least effective ways to stimulate our economy.
Adding hundreds of billions of dollars to the deficit while doing very little to grow our economy, put people back to work or strengthen America’s middle class is exactly the kind of economic policy that got us into this mess in the first place.
We simply cannot afford to go back to their failed policies. It’s time for Congressional Republicans to stop playing politics with tax cuts for the middle class.
Sincerely,
David Axelrod
2010/10/19
Good morning,
If you watch TV, open a newspaper or read news online, you probably hear a lot of back and forth every day about the economy and its impact on the job market.
It can be tough to filter out the noise and get a clear understanding of what’s really going on. I thought it would be helpful to take a look at where our economy has been over the past three years and what President Obama and his Administration have done to help dig us out of the pretty massive hole we were in when he first came into office.
So, we’ve put together this short video.
Here’s the bottom line: when President Obama came into office in January of 2009, we were in the middle of the worst economic crisis this country has seen since the Great Depression. Through the Recovery Act, tax credits for working families and small businesses, and investments in the industries of the future, we are getting back on the right track. We went from losing nearly 800,000 jobs in a single month as the President came into office to our ninth straight month of private sector job growth last month.
We still have a lot of work to do. Times are still tough for millions of Americans who are out of work, and we’re not going to rest until those folks can find a job.
If you have questions about what’s happening with our economy or about what this Administration is doing to turn it around, I’m happy to answer them.
In fact, today at 1:30 p.m. EDT I’m hosting a live chat to take your questions. Find out how to tune in and submit your questions:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/tuesday-talk
I'm looking forward to talking to you later today.
Sincerely,
Austan Goolsbee
If you watch TV, open a newspaper or read news online, you probably hear a lot of back and forth every day about the economy and its impact on the job market.
It can be tough to filter out the noise and get a clear understanding of what’s really going on. I thought it would be helpful to take a look at where our economy has been over the past three years and what President Obama and his Administration have done to help dig us out of the pretty massive hole we were in when he first came into office.
So, we’ve put together this short video.
Here’s the bottom line: when President Obama came into office in January of 2009, we were in the middle of the worst economic crisis this country has seen since the Great Depression. Through the Recovery Act, tax credits for working families and small businesses, and investments in the industries of the future, we are getting back on the right track. We went from losing nearly 800,000 jobs in a single month as the President came into office to our ninth straight month of private sector job growth last month.
We still have a lot of work to do. Times are still tough for millions of Americans who are out of work, and we’re not going to rest until those folks can find a job.
If you have questions about what’s happening with our economy or about what this Administration is doing to turn it around, I’m happy to answer them.
In fact, today at 1:30 p.m. EDT I’m hosting a live chat to take your questions. Find out how to tune in and submit your questions:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/tuesday-talk
I'm looking forward to talking to you later today.
Sincerely,
Austan Goolsbee
2010/10/21
Dear Friend,
Even when our economy is strong, it is difficult for women to juggle the demands of a career and a family. And during the tough economic times of the past few years, that juggling has become increasingly challenging for many working mothers. That’s why President Obama has recognized that we can never lose sight of working women and mothers as we fight day after day to climb out of this economic hole.
Women make up nearly 50 percent of the American workforce, and in almost two thirds of American families women are the primary or co-breadwinner. But even in 2010, women only earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men, and women are still underrepresented in the highest levels of management.
Since taking office, President Obama’s number one priority has been growing our economy and creating good jobs for all Americans. Many of the policies his Administration has put into place to turn our economy around have been particularly important for women.
Here are just a few of the important steps the Obama Administration has taken to help support women throughout their education and careers:
Train and educate women for quality jobs. The President has focused on opportunities for training and educating all Americans for the jobs of the future. For example, women, who make up the vast majority of nurses and about half of all medical school enrollees, will benefit from the $320 million in healthcare workforce development grants in the Affordable Care Act.
Promote economic expansion and job growth for women. Under the Recovery Act, nearly 12,000 SBA loans have been made to women-owned small businesses, helping to get much needed capital into the hands of women entrepreneurs.
Support working women at home and in their jobs. Through the Recovery Act’s Make Work Pay tax credit, 74 million American women had an average of $600 more in their pocketbooks in 2009. In addition, the President proposed nearly doubling the Child and Dependant Care Tax Credit for middle class Americans. The President is committed to equal pay for women; in fact the first bill he signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Support women in retirement and between jobs. From July 2008 to August 2010, 6.9 million women and their families were helped by the extension of unemployment insurance. Social Security plays a vital role for retired women who make up 58 percent of all beneficiaries, and President Obama is committed to strengthening and protecting it.
We have a lot of work left to do, but without these policies, millions of American women would have struggled over the past few years. You can learn more about what we’re doing to help American women get ahead here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/women
Unfortunately, many Congressional Republicans have fought us every step of the way – opposing the economic policies that have helped millions of American women survive during the recession and begin to make progress.
Women are a crucial part of the American workforce and our economic recovery, and we must do everything in our power to support them.
Sincerely,
Valerie Jarrett
2010/10/23
Good morning,
As a mother, I can only imagine how devastating it would be to lose a child. So I was shocked and saddened when I heard that several young people had taken their own lives recently after being bullied for being gay -- or because people thought they were gay.
No one should ever feel so hopeless or tormented that they take their own life. Bullying of any kind, for any reason, is unacceptable. As adults, it's our responsibility to create a safe environment for our children. That includes setting an example of respect for one another -- no matter our differences.
That's why I’m writing to you today. In the wake of these terrible tragedies, thousands of Americans have come together to share messages of encouragement and hope with LGBT youth across our country who might be having a hard time in school or in their communities. And I wanted to share with you the video that Barack recorded to join his voice with all those who have told their own personal stories:
Middle school and high school can be tough for any kid. But it can be especially wrenching if you’re taunted or harassed by your peers, if you are made to feel worthless or alone because you don’t look or act like everybody else. And if you’re in that situation, it can be hard to imagine that things will ever change. But they will.
If you've been bullied, you need to know that this is not your fault. There are adults -- whether in your family, your school or your community -- who can help. Most importantly, you need to know how special and valuable your life is not just to your family and friends but to the entire country. You truly have a bright future ahead of you.
If you’re a parent worried about your child being bullied, or a young person who’s being bullied by their peers and aren't sure where to turn, you can learn more here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ItGetsBetter
Please take care of yourselves and of one another.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States
As a mother, I can only imagine how devastating it would be to lose a child. So I was shocked and saddened when I heard that several young people had taken their own lives recently after being bullied for being gay -- or because people thought they were gay.
No one should ever feel so hopeless or tormented that they take their own life. Bullying of any kind, for any reason, is unacceptable. As adults, it's our responsibility to create a safe environment for our children. That includes setting an example of respect for one another -- no matter our differences.
That's why I’m writing to you today. In the wake of these terrible tragedies, thousands of Americans have come together to share messages of encouragement and hope with LGBT youth across our country who might be having a hard time in school or in their communities. And I wanted to share with you the video that Barack recorded to join his voice with all those who have told their own personal stories:
Middle school and high school can be tough for any kid. But it can be especially wrenching if you’re taunted or harassed by your peers, if you are made to feel worthless or alone because you don’t look or act like everybody else. And if you’re in that situation, it can be hard to imagine that things will ever change. But they will.
If you've been bullied, you need to know that this is not your fault. There are adults -- whether in your family, your school or your community -- who can help. Most importantly, you need to know how special and valuable your life is not just to your family and friends but to the entire country. You truly have a bright future ahead of you.
If you’re a parent worried about your child being bullied, or a young person who’s being bullied by their peers and aren't sure where to turn, you can learn more here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ItGetsBetter
Please take care of yourselves and of one another.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States
2010/10/26
Good afternoon,
As a Senior Advisor to the President, I spend a lot of time talking to President Obama about the issues that affect all Americans.
But tomorrow I want to try something a little different. I’m hosting a live chat with Americans from around the country to answer questions about the economy, health care, energy, education or really whatever is on your mind.
Can you join me at 1 p.m. EDT?
I’ve been in the White House with President Obama from Day One, and I know how important it is to the President to understand the concerns of the American people. That’s why he travels around the country meeting with families and small businesses and reads ten of your letters every day. And it’s why we do regular online discussions like Tuesday Talks and Open for Questions.
Over the past few weeks, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Elizabeth Warren, who is leading the effort to get the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau off the ground, have taken some time to answer your questions. Now it’s my turn.
So, I hope you’ll join me tomorrow, and I’ll do my best to answer as many of your questions as I can.
I’m looking forward to talking to you.
Sincerely,
David Axelrod
Senior Advisor to the President
As a Senior Advisor to the President, I spend a lot of time talking to President Obama about the issues that affect all Americans.
But tomorrow I want to try something a little different. I’m hosting a live chat with Americans from around the country to answer questions about the economy, health care, energy, education or really whatever is on your mind.
Can you join me at 1 p.m. EDT?
I’ve been in the White House with President Obama from Day One, and I know how important it is to the President to understand the concerns of the American people. That’s why he travels around the country meeting with families and small businesses and reads ten of your letters every day. And it’s why we do regular online discussions like Tuesday Talks and Open for Questions.
Over the past few weeks, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Elizabeth Warren, who is leading the effort to get the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau off the ground, have taken some time to answer your questions. Now it’s my turn.
So, I hope you’ll join me tomorrow, and I’ll do my best to answer as many of your questions as I can.
I’m looking forward to talking to you.
Sincerely,
David Axelrod
Senior Advisor to the President
2010/11/09
Good afternoon,
Knocking the way government works makes for an easy political talking point. What’s hard is actually changing the way it works, and we want your help to do just that. Launched last year, the President’s SAVE Award is about fostering a culture of accountability among all Federal employees, as well as tapping their first-hand knowledge of how to streamline and modernize government, and you choose the winner.
The President invited all Federal employees from every agency and department to submit their ideas for saving taxpayer dollars, and to evaluate and discuss the ideas submitted by others for how to make government more efficient and effective. Our budget gurus then went through every single idea with a fine-tooth comb to see what we were already doing, what needed a closer look, and which qualified as our four finalists.
Now, you get to decide which idea will be the winner of this year’s SAVE Award -- and which finalist will get to meet the President. We want public input on this final stage of the process, so have your say:
I’ve been in public service a long time, but the ideas that made the final cut are all new to me. That’s because it’s the people on the ground who know the nitty-gritty of how the government really works, and how to make it work better.
Paul Behe, a Paralegal Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security out of Cleveland, Ohio, pointed out how advertising seized property online could not only tighten up advertising budgets, but also move these goods out of storage more quickly.
Marjorie Cook of Gobles, Michigan, is a food inspector. She pointed out that while important samples need to be shipped express to be analyzed quickly for public safety, the containers they’re sent in can be sent back much less expensively.
Trudy Givens of Portage, Wisconsin is with the Bureau of Prisons and noted that the Federal Register gets printed and mailed to nearly 10,000 recipients in the Federal workforce every workday, yet the Register is available online.
Thomas Koenning of Littleton, Colorado works on mine safety, and gave a prime example of how streamlining government can not only eliminate waste, but allow government to do its job better and ultimately keep people safer by simply having mine operators and contractors report quarterly coal production and worker hours online.
As I said, these ideas are all common sense, but the only people who could have known that these things needed to be fixed were the people on the front lines who deal with them every day. And beyond these four ideas, the thousands that were submitted all helped us – and other federal workers – think in new ways about how to serve you better.
Come to WhiteHouse.gov and cast your vote to take part.
Sincerely,
Vice President Biden
Knocking the way government works makes for an easy political talking point. What’s hard is actually changing the way it works, and we want your help to do just that. Launched last year, the President’s SAVE Award is about fostering a culture of accountability among all Federal employees, as well as tapping their first-hand knowledge of how to streamline and modernize government, and you choose the winner.
The President invited all Federal employees from every agency and department to submit their ideas for saving taxpayer dollars, and to evaluate and discuss the ideas submitted by others for how to make government more efficient and effective. Our budget gurus then went through every single idea with a fine-tooth comb to see what we were already doing, what needed a closer look, and which qualified as our four finalists.
Now, you get to decide which idea will be the winner of this year’s SAVE Award -- and which finalist will get to meet the President. We want public input on this final stage of the process, so have your say:
I’ve been in public service a long time, but the ideas that made the final cut are all new to me. That’s because it’s the people on the ground who know the nitty-gritty of how the government really works, and how to make it work better.
Paul Behe, a Paralegal Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security out of Cleveland, Ohio, pointed out how advertising seized property online could not only tighten up advertising budgets, but also move these goods out of storage more quickly.
Marjorie Cook of Gobles, Michigan, is a food inspector. She pointed out that while important samples need to be shipped express to be analyzed quickly for public safety, the containers they’re sent in can be sent back much less expensively.
Trudy Givens of Portage, Wisconsin is with the Bureau of Prisons and noted that the Federal Register gets printed and mailed to nearly 10,000 recipients in the Federal workforce every workday, yet the Register is available online.
Thomas Koenning of Littleton, Colorado works on mine safety, and gave a prime example of how streamlining government can not only eliminate waste, but allow government to do its job better and ultimately keep people safer by simply having mine operators and contractors report quarterly coal production and worker hours online.
As I said, these ideas are all common sense, but the only people who could have known that these things needed to be fixed were the people on the front lines who deal with them every day. And beyond these four ideas, the thousands that were submitted all helped us – and other federal workers – think in new ways about how to serve you better.
Come to WhiteHouse.gov and cast your vote to take part.
Sincerely,
Vice President Biden