Health reform - still a long shot
OK, so the Dems will have more control over legislation when Franken joins the Senate. With PA Sen. Arlen Specter changing sides, they have passed the magic 60-vote threshold, making it theoretically possible for health reform legislation to pass without any votes from the other side of the aisle.
'Theoretically' being the operative word.
Before anyone starts chilling the champagne and covering the lockers with plastic, think about what hasn't changed; health care reform - as currently conceived - is unaffordable.
None of the recent developments - or any of the current proposals (except the Wyden/Bennett Healthy Americans Act) do anything to resolve the cost issue.
And as Bob Laszewski points out today, without cost reform, there will be no health reform.
Comments
Joe, it is truly a magic moment in our countries history. For once a single party has complete and total control of the USA top to bottom. Not since the King of England dominated the control of the American Colonies have we been so controlled by one view of the world.
I hope that your readers in years to come will be able to look back on our industry and see improvements from all the varied directions we are going to be taken during the next year and 1/2 till mid term elections roll around.
For the sake of the country I pray they make wise decisions for us all.
Posted by: Dorrence | May 1, 2009 6:11 PM
Dorrence - check your history. Until 2006 the GOP had control over Congress and the Presidency, and arguably the Supreme Court. And that's just one example. There are many many others, going back to the original Congress.
Posted by: Paduda | May 2, 2009 9:28 AM