Podcast appearances and mentions of paul demko

This is a conversation we've wanted to have for a while, and it seemed like there was no better time than now, as many people on the broad center-left are asking tough questions about Donald Trump's strength in rural America—according to one post-election analysis, he won 62 percent of rural voters. To unpack what's happening in these parts of the country, we talked to Luke Mayville of Reclaim Idaho, a grassroots organization that, among other things, helped win a ballot referendum that expanded Medicaid in the state. Why, when an initiative like that can succeed, or voters in red states reject school vouchers or approve hikes to the minimum wage, does the party that opposes these measures tend to clean up in such places? What can be gleaned from talking to voters from all over a state like Idaho about how they view the two major political parties, understand the role of government, and explain the problems facing them in their lives? We take up these questions and more! Sources:Luke Mayville, "Do Something Big," Commonweal, Sept 22, 2020— "The Battle Against School Vouchers," Commonweal, Dec 11, 2023— John Adams and the Fear of American Oligarchy (Princeton University Press, 2016)Paul Demko, "The Ballot Revolt to Bring Medicaid Expansion to Trump Country," Politico, Oct 19, 2018Daniel Nichanian, "How Organizers Are Defending Direct Democracy," Bolts, Aug 16, 2023Dana Goldstein and Troy Closson, "Voters Poised to Reject Private School Vouchers in Three States," New York Times, Nov 7, 2024Keith Orejel, "The Political Economy of the Urban-Rural Divide," Law & Political Economy Project, Nov 11, 2024...and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon to access all of our bonus episodes! 

Earlier this month, a Minnesota law took effect that allows adults to purchase edibles or beverages with up to 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per serving. But some key state lawmakers were confused when they realized they had made those THC products legal. Paul Demko reports.

Paul Demko, Cannabis editor for Politco joins me to talk about his recent piece that's a deep-dive into Detroit's late-opening cannabis industry, the well-intentioned equity components that are facing legal hangups, and if black owned and city businesses can catch up. Have a read: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/06/17/detroit-black-marijuana-businesses-00040007 You can help us rebuild after the studio fire: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dailydetroit Our you can become a monthly member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit  

The nation's marijuana industry boomed during the pandemic. Weed sales hit $27 billion in 2021, nearly doubling figures from just two years earlier — and revenues are projected to double again over the next six years. But the still-green industry is mired in a financial funk: Stock prices have plummeted. Capital raises have crashed. And marijuana prices have slumped. Paul Demko reports.

Paul Demko, Cannabis editor of POLITICO talks about the nation's hottest marijuana market going, Oklahoma. Also, Libs of TikTok isn't so different from Mugwumps of the Lyceum. That's today's bung starter. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To start off the new year, we took a look outside of Humboldt County to see what we could learn. Oklahoma implemented a medical marijuana program in 2018 pursuant to a voter initiative. To help us understand the very different way Oklahoma chose to roll out it's cannabis market, we spoke with journalist Paul Demko of Politico.

Oklahoma used to be known for its harsh drug laws. But in 2018, the Republican stronghold legalized medical marijuana. Now, business is booming. POLITICO's Paul Demko explains how one of the reddest states became the nation’s hottest weed market. Paul Demko is cannabis editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: How One of the Reddest States Became the Nation’s Hottest Weed Market

Sarah Owermohle, who's led POLITICO's coverage of the teen vaping epidemic, and Paul Demko, who edits the Pro Cannabis team, joined Dan Diamond to review  the recent outbreak of vaping-linked illness, President Donald Trump's resulting plan to crack down e-cigarettes, how vaping and marijuana are playing in the 2020 campaign and whether young Americans remain at higher risk of nicotine addiction.

In the last decade, Americans' relationship with cannabis has transformed: today, dozens of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use and American farmers can grow hemp on an industrial scale. Meanwhile, shoppers can find cannabidiol (CBD), which is derived from cannabis but does not produce a “high” like marijuana, in everything from oils to vapes, chocolate bars, cosmetics—even dog treats. Some say CBD can relieve stress, pain, anxiety, and more, with no side effects. But the evidence for many of these claims is limited, and state and federal laws around the sale of CBD are still evolving. Drawing on a newly-released poll by POLITICO and the Harvard Chan School, this Forum examined public attitudes toward CBD products and recreational marijuana. Panelists examined how research studies of both recreational and medical marijuana offer insights into the current debate. They also discussed the current state of policy and research regarding recreational marijuana in particular, and consider various solutions that have emerged to understand and regulate these rapidly growing industries. This Forum event was presented jointly with POLITICO on December 3, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Washington is coming back to life after the summer, and POLITICO's Adam Cancryn and Sarah Owermohle join Dan Diamond to give their predictions on suprise billing legislation, new curbs on vaping, drug pricing reforms, the Trump administration's health plan and other hot-button issues and people to watch. (Starts at the 14:30 mark) But first, Paul Demko — longtime health reporter and new editor of POLITICO's cannabis team — joins Dan to explain why POLITICO is launching the new team and how he sees the opportunity. (Starts at the 1:20 mark.) MENTIONED ON THE SHOW POLITICO is launching a free newsletter covering the cannabis industry. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is driving new tobacco legislation. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to introduce a health care plan before the elections. Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal is facing a primary challenge amid progressive pressure on his health care positions. Activist Ady Barkan has launched a new video series of interviews with presidential candidates.

With Congress on recess, POLITICO reporters break down a series of recent stories. First, POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle and Paul Demko discuss the FDA's landmark hearing on CBD and separate efforts to legalize marijuana. (Starts at the 0:50 mark.) Then, POLITICO's Rachana Pradhan and Adam Cancryn join Dan to review the policy fights over abortion access, drug pricing and LGBTQ protections, and how they're playing ahead of 2020 election campaigns. (Starts at the 16:25 mark.)

HHS Secretary Alex Azar and other officials this week unveiled new payment pilots that they say will transform primary care. Are they right? POLITICO's Rachel Roubein and Paul Demko join Dan Diamond to discuss the payment pilots (starts at the 1:30 mark), the latest Obamacare changes (starts at the 9:35 mark) and new developments in the "Medicare-for-All" debate (starts at the 17:10 mark). Then Asaf Bitton, the new leader of Ariadne Labs — the Atul Gawande-founded think tank — joins PULSE CHECK to discuss his vision for Ariadne and his experience as an adviser on this week's primary care reforms (starts at the 25:10 mark). MENTIONED ON THE SHOW HHS on Monday unveiled new payment pilots intended to reward primary care providers for high-value care. In a speech, Azar called it a "historic turning point in American health care." CMS last week finalized new rules for the Obamacare marketplace in 2020, which the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said will hit many consumers' pocketbooks. A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that "Medicare for All" has fallen behind other priorities like lower drug costs. POLITICO's Rachana Pradhan and Dan Goldberg looked at blue states' fight to create "public option" health plans. Meanwhile, Bitton was named the new leader of Ariadne Labs, succeeding Gawande, and laid out his strategy.

With Congress on recess, POLITICO's reporters (and a bonus guest) take stock of three big stories in a grab-bag episode. First, Rachana Pradhan leads a conversation on Utah's controversial changes to voter-approved Medicaid expansion (starts at the 1:20 mark). Next, Paul Demko offers an update on lawsuits over President Donald Trump's cancellation of ACA payments to insurers (starts at the 12:40 mark). Finally, Rodney Whitlock — a former top aide to Sen. Chuck Grassley — joins POLITICO's reporters to help preview next week's drug pricing hearings in the Senate (starts at the 24:00 mark). MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Utah's GOP leaders shrunk the state's voter-approved Medicaid expansion. Rachana will sit down with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert on Friday morning at a POLITICO livestreamed event. Multiple judges have now ruled that the United States owes billions of dollars to insurers after Trump cancelled certain ACA payments in 2017. Seven leading pharma executives will face the Senate Finance Committee in a much-anticipated hearing next week.

You may have heard about Texas' lawsuit over Obamacare, and a judge's recent decision that the ACA is unconstitutional. But have you heard about Maryland's counter-attack? Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is locked in a legal battle with the Trump administration, and he joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to explain his fight to get the ACA declared as the law of the land. (Starts at the 1:20 mark.) Then after the break, POLITICO executive editor for health care Joanne Kenen and reporter Paul Demko sit down with Dan to discuss the ongoing ACA legal battles, interpret the latest Obamacare enrollment numbers and explain why so many Americans are at risk after Friday's court ruling against the ACA. (Starts at the 14:20 mark.) REFERENCED ON THE SHOW Frosh in September sued the Trump administration over the ACA. Paul and Alice Miranda Ollstein's review of ACA enrollment numbers. Joanne and Alice's article on how many Americans benefit from the ACA, whether they know it or not.

From Medicaid expansion to ACA repeal, health care was on the ballot on Tuesday night. POLITICO's Rachel Roubein, Paul Demko and Adam Cancryn join Dan Diamond to discuss the key winners — and notable losers — and explain what to watch in Congress and the states in the coming months. READING MATERIAL Adam and Alice Miranda Ollstein looked at how Tuesday's results served as redemption for the Affordable Care Act. POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Elana Schor examined the Senate GOP's strengthened hand.

Need a guide to Election Day — and all of the health care storylines? POLITICO's health team has you covered this week, with a roundtable episode that explains what we're watching around the nation. First, Victoria Colliver joins from California to discuss the record spending on the state's measure to cap dialysis clinic profits. (Starts at the 1:15 mark.) Then Adam Cancryn and Paul Demko sit down with POLITICO's Dan Diamond to review key races and share insights from reporting trips to states like Ohio, Idaho and Kansas (Starts at the 7:30 mark.) MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Victoria's story on the record $111 million in spending over California's ballot measure to rein in dialysis clinics' profits. (The story is behind POLITICO's Pro firewall.) Michael Hiltzik of the Los Angeles Times looks at the spending fight over the dialysis ballot measure. Paul's story on Idaho's ballot measure for Medicaid expansion. Alice Miranda Ollstein's story on the Medicaid expansion debate in Georgia and other states led by GOP governors. Avalere Health's projection that 2.7 million people could gain Medicaid coverage after this year's election. Paul shadowed GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on the campaign trail. Adam's story about the controversial opioid ballot measure in Ohio.

In a bonus episode, POLITICO's Adam Cancryn and Paul Demko join Dan Diamond to preview this week's high-stakes hearings. Tuesday: The Senate Judiciary Committee begins grilling Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's latest nominee to the Supreme Court. Wednesday: Texas v. Azar gets underway, with the Affordable Care Act's protections at stake.

The Trump administration is sending mixed signals to health insurers, pushing controversial changes to the ACA markets while giving big pay bumps in Medicare Advantage. Meanwhile, companies like UnitedHealth, Walmart and even Amazon are circling deals that could shake up the industry. To make sense of this moment, this week’s PULSE CHECK features John Gorman, the head of the Gorman Health Group — one of Washington’s most thoughtful experts on the health care industry and government health programs. John sits down with POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to discuss why he left government to open his own consulting firm (starts at the 1:25 mark), the growth of Medicare Advantage (5:30), the state of private insurers and the rise of UnitedHealth (8:30), the CVS-Aetna deal (15:45), Walmart-Humana’s possible deal and Amazon’s looming presence (20:00), the Trump administration’s impact on insurers (22:20), and a quiet change to Medicare Advantage that could let health plans tackle social determinants of health (28:15). We'd appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Referenced on the podcast: Zach Tracer’s Bloomberg story on UnitedHealth’s physician acquisitions: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-09/30-000-strong-and-counting-unitedhealth-gathers-a-doctor-army POLITICO’s Darius Tahir and Paul Demko reported on the CVS-Aetna deal: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/04/aetna-cvs-merger-drugs-205514 Dan’s look at Walmart’s potential purchase of Humana: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-pulse/2018/03/30/walmart-might-buy-humana-what-it-means-154555 Incoming AHIP leader Matt Eyles’s PULSE CHECK interview on the insurance industry and the Trump administration: https://simplecast.com/s/4e376b02

In six weeks, Matt Eyles will become the CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, taking over for Marilyn Tavenner — one of the most prominent seats in health policy. But before that, Eyles sat down with POLITICO to preview his agenda, critique the Trump administration’s changes to the insurance markets and rebuff concerns that AHIP has lost influence in Washington. On the podcast, Eyles discussed what it’s like to be a lobbyist in the Trump era and how he arrived at AHIP (starts at the 1:30 mark); how his leadership will differ from Tavenner’s (6:05); his thoughts on UnitedHealthcare and other top insurers choosing to leave AHIP, and whether his organization has lost juice on Capitol Hill (9:00); his views on Medicaid and why AHIP is touting the public program's benefits (16:40); the Trump administration’s changes to Obamacare and the insurance markets (19:40); the employer insurance market (26:30); and insurers seeking mergers with players like CVS Health (27:30). After the break, POLITICO insurance reporter Paul Demko joins Dan Diamond to analyze Eyles’ comments, discuss the future of AHIP and review the Trump administration’s insurance market changes. (Starts at the 30:00 mark). We'd appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Referenced on the podcast: The 2016 episode of PULSE CHECK with Marilyn Tavenner: https://simplecast.com/s/7e1c82f7 Paul’s story on Obamacare insurers having their best year yet — despite Trump: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/17/obamacare-insurers-2017-profit-analysis-422559

As a candidate, Donald Trump promised religious conservatives that their voices would be heard - and as president, he's repeatedly delivered through executive orders and agency moves that have been hailed by Christian conservatives. Rachel Laser, the new head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins the podcast to review how Christian conservatives came to support Trump (starts at the 31:30 mark), how the Trump administration and specifically HHS have pushed policies for religious liberty (36:30), the appropriate role of religion in the public space (44:20), and the role of religious conservatives among HHS leadership (51:25). But first: POLITICO's Jennifer Haberkorn and Adam Cancryn join Dan to review Congress' latest changes to Obamacare (starts at the 1:45 mark), how new HHS Secretary Alex Azar is leading the agency (10:45), Mayo Clinic CEO John Noseworthy's retirement and hospitals' role in Washington (22:45), and which state is arguably most "important" in the current policy debate (27:25). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories referenced on the podcast: Jen's story on Congress removing the ACA's cost checks: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/19/obamacare-cost-checks-spending-deal-352346 Jen and Paul Demko's story on the IRS issuing millions of dollars in ACA employer mandate fines: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/20/trump-irs-obamacare-fines-tax-penalties-353614 Adam's story on Azar's priorities at HHS: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/24/alex-azar-secretary-health-confirmed-trump-nominee-365471 DD's story on HHS dismantling LGBT-friendly protections: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/19/trump-lgbt-rights-discrimination-353774 Jen's story on HHS working with a conservative group on an anti-Planned Parenthood policy: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/12/trump-hhs-planned-parenthood-policy-338084

Alex Azar was confirmed as the 24th Secretary of the Health and Human Services on Wednesday, about four months after Tom Price's abrupt departure. In a news roundup, POLITICO's Adam Cancryn, Paul Demko and Dan Diamond discuss Azar's confirmation, what his priorities are and what's next for the agency (starts at 2:20). Then after the break, listen to Dan's interview with Rod Hochman, CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health, one of the nation's largest hospital systems, where they discuss care delivery, health care venture capital and the hospital business model (starts at 21:45). The conversation was recorded at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference earlier this month. We'd appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories referenced on the podcast: Adam's story on Alex Azar's confirmation: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/24/alex-azar-secretary-health-confirmed-trump-nominee-365471 Dan's story on the religious activists on the rise at HHS: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/22/trump-religious-activists-hhs-351735 Paul's Pro story on the latest ACA enrollment figures: https://www.politicopro.com/health-care/article/2018/01/stagnant-enrollment-in-state-exchanges-masks-shake-up-in-marketplace-behavior-292657

Too often, there's too much media focus on Obamacare. But with a surprise Senate upset throwing a wrench into Republican repeal plans, and with HealthCare.gov sign-ups poised to end on Friday, this was a week to go a little deeper on the ACA. First, POLITICO’s Paul Demko discusses his reporting on the ACA enrollment period and insurers’ profitability (starts at the 2:25 mark), as well as the health care ramifications of the shifts in the Senate (16:00), with Alabama's Doug Jones and Minnesota's Tina Smith poised to join the Democratic caucus. Then after the break, Sarah Gollust — a University of Minnesota professor who studies health care and the media and has closely tracked advertising around the Affordable Care Act — joins PULSE CHECK to discuss her latest findings (starts at the 24:20 mark). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories referenced on the podcast: Paul's story on insurers finally turning a profit on the ACA: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/07/obamacare-profits-health-care-285258 Paul's story on ACA enrollment lagging behind last year: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/12/obamacare-sign-ups-enrollment-numbers-218764 Dan's story on Mayo Clinic's rural consolidation, a regional controversy that drew in Tina Smith: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/16/mayo-clinic-rural-health-care-244955

It’s been a busy week in health care, and PULSE CHECK is here to help make sense of it all. First, POLITICO’s Paul Demko and Sarah Karlin-Smith join Dan Diamond to discuss Republicans’ tax reform plans, Alex Azar’s nomination as HHS secretary, the state of ACA enrollment and Dan’s reporting on the Mayo Clinic. (Starts at the 2:00 mark.) Then, Dartmouth professor Brendan Nyhan sits down with Dan to discuss his research into myths and lies about the ACA, vaccines and other health care issues, and how to change a person’s mind. (Starts at the 27:15 mark.) Finally, Dan reflects on Uwe Reinhardt, the giant of health policy who passed away this week. (Starts at the 45:35 mark.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories and work referenced on the podcast: Sarah and Adam Cancryn's story on Alex Azar, the nominee to lead HHS: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/13/alex-azar-hhs-secretary-trump-244837 Paul's story on the early ACA enrollment numbers: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/15/obamacare-enrollment-surges-trump-244930 Dan's story on Mayo Clinic's growth and rural patients' anger: www.politico.com/story/2017/11/16/mayo-clinic-rural-health-care-244955 Brendan Nyhan's work on death panel myths: http://www.brendan-nyhan.com/blog/2013/01/new-study-on-difficulty-of-correcting-death-panel-myth.html The New York Times' obituary of Uwe Reinhardt: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/15/obituaries/uwe-reinhardt-a-listened-to-voice-on-health-care-policy-dies-at-80.html?_r=0

North Carolina has been ground zero for some of 2017’s fiercest policy and political battles, including a legal fight between the Democratic governor and GOP legislature over Medicaid expansion. Enter Mandy Cohen, the state’s new HHS secretary, who says she’s a pragmatist and is focused on building bipartisan consensus for public health issues like the opioid epidemic. Cohen, who was a top CMS official in the Obama administration, joined POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to discuss what a state-level HHS secretary does (starts at the 1:45 mark), how she balances a state's pull-push relationship with the federal government (9:00), how her boss’s fight for Medicaid expansion has and hasn’t affected her job (12:40), where she sees opportunity for bipartisan public health successes (19:00), where North Carolina stands ahead of ACA open enrollment (26:30), and how she built her career to become a state HHS secretary before she turned 40 years old (30:45). Then after the break, POLITICO’s Paul Demko joins Dan to discuss Obamacare’s looming open enrollment and what he learned from his reporting trip to Iowa, where only one insurer is left in the state’s ACA individual insurance market. (Starts at the 35:20 mark.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. Stories referenced on the podcast: The Associated Press on N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to expand Medicaid: https://apnews.com/a3e84ad54369413cbb262f958adc8545 Paul’s story on how Iowa became “an Obamacare horror story”: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/10/23/iowa-obamacare-aca-markets-215736

We have the latest on the attempt to repeal Obamacare with Paul Demko, a healthcare reporter for Politico. Then, we talk to John Tamney, director of the Center for Economic Freedom at FreedomWorks, about Amazon's attempts to build a second headquarters site. Image credit: pixinoo / Shutterstock.com

Bill Press is out so Igor Volsky (CAP Action) is filling in. He welcomes Paul Demko, Adam Smith and Xochitl Hinojosa to discuss more comments from Donald Trump about bad people on 'both sides,' the differences between the different health care bills being debated in Congress, Steven Mnuchin's luxurious air travel and Trump's deals with Democratic leadership - the entire Friday edition of the Bill Press Show!

Kathleen Sebelius, the former HHS secretary who oversaw the rollout of Obamacare, is worried that HHS’s current leaders are steering the ACA the wrong direction. "They have done a lot to sabotage the health care law," Sebelius told POLITICO’s Dan Diamond. The former HHS secretary shares her thoughts on the current administration’s strategy, what she thinks HHS should be prioritizing and what’s been overlooked because of the intense focus on the ACA. (Starts at 22:00) But first, POLITICO’s Rachana Pradhan and Paul Demko join PULSE CHECK to discuss the emerging bipartisan efforts in the Senate to stabilize the ACA, the disconnect between President Trump’s comments and the Trump administration’s actions on health care and what’s on tap when Congress returns in September (starts at 1:35 mark) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. Stories referenced on the podcast: Rachana’s story on how the Trump administration is spending millions to prop up Obamacare: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/13/trump-millions-save-obamacare-241549 Paul’s story on how the ACA survived the threat of “bare counties”: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/20/obamacare-insurers-county-health-plans-241803

Speaker Paul Ryan is vowing that the House on Thursday will pass the American Health Care Act, Republicans’ plan to repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act. In a bonus episode, POLITICO's Rachana Pradhan and Paul Demko joined Dan Diamond to discuss the state of play around Republicans’ health bill, its chances of passage and their recent reporting on Medicaid issues and the insurance industry. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. And keep your ears peeled: A full episode of PULSE CHECK will be posted at the regular time this week.

Medicare, cybersecurity, favors for banks, mortgages, IRS bullying, a tax cut for the rich, and a couple of good ideas are highlighted from the law and bills that passed Congress in April. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Laws H.R. 2: Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR): Enacted in 1997, the SGR paid doctors for Medicare patients based on the growth in gross domestic product (GDP). If Medicare costs increased more than GDP, doctors payments were cut across the board. According to the American College of Physicians, this formula for payment has meant that the Medicare payment rate to doctors is essentially the same as it was in 2001 and cuts have been postponed so many times that doctors' payments would have been cut by 21% if this bill was not signed into law by April 1. This new law: Repeals the Sustainable Growth Rate formula for Medicare payments to doctors. Increases payments to doctors by 0.5% through 2019 while the payment rate transitions away from a pay-per-service model. The new system will be based on scores assessed by a "Merit-based Incentive Payment System" which will be created by the Secretary of Health and Human Services which will go into effect on January 1, 2019. A list of "quality measures" will be posted every November and doctors can choose which one's will be used in their performance assessments. Doctors will be rated and paid based on a performance score from 0 to 100, which will take improvement into account starting in the second year of the program. The GAO will report on the effectiveness of the system by October 1, 2021. An advisory committee will be created to propose alternative payment models, which will be lump sum payments to group practices and medical homes. Sets a goal for Medicare records to be electronic nation-wide by December 31, 2018. Extends a bunch of existing Medicare programs, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (which covers low income kids whose parents make too much for Medicaid) for two years. Doubles the length of Medicare administrator contracts from five to ten years. Expands nationally a prior authorization requirement for "repetitive scheduled non-emergent ambulance transport" Prohibits the printing of social security numbers on Medicare cards Pays for the new system by... Denying access to policies with no out of pocket costs to people who enter Medicare after January 1, 2020. For all future beneficiaries, they will have to pay at least $147 per year (the cost of the Medicare Part B deductible). Increasing the premiums for relatively high income individuals. People who have a gross income between $133,501 and $160,000 ($267,000 and $320,000 for a couple) will pay a 65% premium instead of 50%, and people above that will pay an 80% premium rate. This would increase with inflation beginning in 2020. Has a huge increase in the levy that the Treasury Department can impose on tax delinquent service providers, increasing it from 30% to 100%, effective on October 16, 2015. Will have auditors distribute information about improper payments to help reduce the number of them. Creates a paper-free option for Medicare notices, saving mail fees. The effect this bill will have on the budget will not be counted. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this bill will increase the budget deficit by $141 billion. Passed 392-37 in the House and 92-8 in the Senate Sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas 95 pages Bills H.R. 1731: National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 For reference, here's the text as of March 2015 of the Homeland Security Act, which is amended by this bill. This bill: Adds "private entities" to the list of groups that will be part of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which coordinates information sharing between the Federal government and other entities. Adds new groups to the list of who will be included in the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center who will coordinate with all sizes of businesses. Expands the type of information that the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center will share between the Federal government, local governments, and private sector. Authorizes the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to share information internationally. Requires the government and businesses to use existing technology to "rapidly advance" implementation of "automated mechanisms" for sharing between the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and Federal agencies. Participation by non-Federal entities will be voluntary. Agreements that exist before this bill is signed into law will be deemed compliant with this law. All participating entities need to take "reasonable efforts to remove information that can be used to identity specific persons". There's no listed punishments if they don't. The Under Secretary for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection will create policies for governing the use of information shared with the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center 180 days AFTER the bill becomes law. He/she will also be responsible for creating "sanctions" for government employees who disregard his/her privacy policies. Private entities that share information will have immunity from lawsuits, if they share information according to this law. If the Federal government breaks this law, it will have to pay the person actual damages or $1,000, whichever is higher, plus attorneys fees. There is a two year statute of limitations. This law will trump state laws that limit information sharing. The law would sunset 7 years after enactment. Passed 355-63 in the House Sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas 60 pages H.R. 1560: Protecting Cyber Networks Act Contains the text of H.R. 1731: National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act Within 90 days of enactment, the Director of National Intelligence must develop procedures for sharing classified "cyber threat indicators" with "non-Federal entities" Allows cybersecurity monitoring of government systems to be privatized Allows "non-Federal entities" to share information to with anyone other than the Defense Department. The entity sharing information must "take reasonable efforts" to remove personally identifiable information on people "not directly related" to the cybersecurity threat. The President will develop polices governing what happens to information received by the Federal Government, within 90 days of the bill becoming law. The Attorney General will create policies relating to privacy and civil liberties, within 90 days of the bill becoming law. A new branch, with 50 or less employees, will be created within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence called the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, which will "serve as the primary organization within the Federal Government for analyzing and integrating all intelligence possessed or acquired by the United States pertaining to cyber threats." Information shared with the government is exempt from public disclosure. Information given to the government "shall not be subject to a rule of any Federal department or agency or any judicial doctrine regarding ex parte communications with a decision-making official." The government can keep and use information given to it to investigate, prosecute, prevent or mitigate a threat of "death or serious bodily harm or an offense arising out of such a threat" and to investigate, prosecute, prevent or mitigate a threat to a minor. The information can also be used to prevent, investigation, disrupt, or prosecute fraud, unauthorized access to computers and transmission of information taken from it, "serious violent felonies" including murder, manslaughter, assault, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, extortion, firearms use, firearms possession, or attempt to commit any of these crimes, espionage including photographing or sketching defense installations, and theft of trade secrets. Passed 307-116 in the House Sponsored by Rep. Devin Nunes of California 121 pages H.R. 650: Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2015 Changes the definition of "Mortgage originator" to exclude mobile home retailers who take mortgage loan applications, negotiate loans, or advise consumers on loan terms (including rates, fees, and other costs) This exempts mobile home dealers from licensing, registry, a law prohibiting payment based on the terms of the loan, regulations prohibiting steering customers towards loans they can't repay or with excessive fees, regulations prohibiting mischaracterizing a customer's credit history, regulations prohibiting the mischaracterization of the appraised value of the home, or steering a customer towards a loan that's more expensive than others that they qualify for. Increases the interest banks can charge people buying a home for under $75,000 without the loan being labeled as "high-cost", which subjects the loans to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulations. The regulations this would exempt the loans from: Ban balloon payments, which is an oversized payment due at the end of a mortgage Prohibit banks from charging prepayment penalties and fees Restrict late fees to four percent of the payment that is past due Bans fees for loan modification Require banks make sure the loan can be repaid before offering it Prohibit banks from recommending that a customer default on a loan Require that banks receive a confirmation that the customer has received homeownership counseling before they accept a high-cost mortgage. Would allow banks to charge $3,000 or 5% in fees for loans under $75,000, whichever is greater. Current law says banks can charge 5% for loans over $20,000, so the $3,000 fee option would hit the smaller loans the hardest. Passed the House 263-162. Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina was the only Republican no vote. The bill would be vetoed by President Obama. Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Fincher of Tennessee He took $15,150 from Clayton Homes for the 2014 election, his #4 donor and Clayton Home's #1 recipient of funds. Jeb Hensarling, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee was Clayton Homes #2 recipient in 2014, giving him $8,750. 4 pages H.R. 685: Mortgage Choice Act of 2015 By changing the definition of what charges count as "points and fees", this bill... Reverses a Dodd-Frank requirement that charges for title insurance be counted as points and fees if they're paid to an affiliate of the bank/creditor that issued the loan. Currently, points and fees can not be greater than 3% of the loan amount, which include fees charged by affiliated settlement providers. Every thing that gets exempted from counting as "points and fees" therefore becomes additional charges the lender is allowed to tack on to a mortgage. Exempts money held in escrow for insurance from being considered points and fees, which exempt insurance charges from the fee caps. The change in definition allows more fees to be charged to mortgages, while keeping those mortgages from being classified as "high-cost" and being subject to greater restrictions. This is a zombie bill from the 113th Congress; it passed by voice vote on June 9, 2014. Passed the House 286-140. Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina was the only Republican no vote. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan His top three contributing industries are - in this order - Insurance ($273,265), Real Estate ($218,175), and Commercial Banks ($193,000). 4 pages H.R. 299: Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act of 2015 Federal Home Loan Banks are privately owned cooperatives, funded by the global credit market, which provide money to local banks. There are twelve of them around the country and they are owned by the member banks. Most local banks are members of least one Federal Home Loan Bank. Allows privately insured credit unions to become members of Federal Home Loan Banks if they are FDIC eligible or are certified by the State. If the State doesn't get to it in under 6 months, the application is deemed approved. Zombie bill from the 113th Congress Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio His top three contributing industries over the course of his four year Congressional career have been Insurance ($898,858), Commercial Banks ($534,622), and Securities and Investment ($502,098). 6 pages H.R. 1259: Helping Expand Lending Practices in Rural Communities Act Orders the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to create an application process for people or companies to have their location designated as "rural" This would allow residents to become eligible for certain mortgages and exempt lenders from regulations intended for urban areas, according to Phil Hall of National Mortgage Professional Magazine Sunsets after 2 years. Zombie bill from the 113th Congress Passed the House 401-1. Nydia Valazquez of New York was the only no vote. Sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky He has taken $333,800 from the Securities & Investment industry during his 3 years in Congress. 4 pages H.R. 1195: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act Creates paid advisory boards for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau made up of bankers Places limits on funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Passed the House 235-183, with 4 Democrat Ayes and 5 Republican Nays President Obama would veto the bill Sponsored by Rep. Robert Pittenger of North Carolina His #4 and #5 contributing industries are Securities & Investment and Commercial Banks; he's taken a combined $189,450 during his 3 years in Congress 7 pages H.R. 1314: Ensuring Tax Exempt Organizations the Right to Appeal Act Became the vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority in the Senate Creates an appeal process for organizations that are denied tax-exempt status Would apply to decisions made on or after May 19, 2014. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania 4 pages H.R. 1026: Taxpayer Knowledge of IRS Investigations Act Gives the Treasury Secretary the option of telling organizations if they are investigating a claim of unauthorized information disclosure by a government, if the investigation substantiated their claim, and if any action, including prosecution, is planned. Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania 3 pages H.R. 709: Prevent Targeting at the IRS Act Allows the IRS to fire employees who steer and audit for a political purpose or for personal gain. Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. James Renacci of Ohio 2 pages H.R. 1104: Fair Treatment for All Gifts Act Makes gifts made to 501(c)4 "social welfare" groups, 501(c)5 labor and agricultural groups, and 501(c)6 business groups (including chambers of commerce, real-estate boards, and professional football leagues) tax exempt. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois 3 pages H.R. 1058: Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act Tells the IRS Commissioner to "ensure" that IRS employees are "familiar with and act in accord" with a list of "taxpayer rights" including The right to be informed The right to quality service The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax The right to challenge the position of the Internal Revenue Service and be heard The right to appeal a decision of the Internal Revenue Service in an independent forum The right to finality The right to privacy The right to confidentiality The right to retain representation The right to a fair and just tax system Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois 3 pages H.R. 1152: IRS Email Transparency Act Prohibits IRS employees from using personal email accounts for official business Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Kenny Marchant of Texas 2 pages H.R. 1105: Death Tax Repeal Act Repeals the estate tax for anyone who dies after the bill is signed Repeals the generation-skipping transfer tax, which is a tax on gifts and transfers of wealth to unrelated people who are more than 37.5 years younger than the donor, or to related people who are one generation younger. Would lower the top gift tax rate from 40 to 35 percent. The effects of this on the budget would not be counted. The CBO says this would increase the deficit by $269 billion over the next 10 years President Obama would veto the bill. Passed by 240-179 Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas 7 pages H.R. 622: State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Fairness Act Permanently extends the law that allows taxpayers who itemize their claims to deduct their state's sales taxes instead of getting a deduction for their state's income taxes. The effect of this bill on the budget would not be counted. CBO says this would increase the Federal deficit by $42 billion over the next ten years. President Obama would veto the bill. Passed the House 272-152. Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina was the only Republican no vote Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas 2 pages H.R. 1562: Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2015 Stops Federal agencies from contracting with companies that are tax delinquent A waiver can be issued and the contract granted if a report is submitted to Congress saying that the contract "significantly affects the interests of the United States" Passed the House 424-0 Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah 9 pages H.R. 471: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act Makes the Attorney General list specific laws and regulations that a drug company is accused of violating in their notices to the companies regarding the possible suspension of their drug's registration. Allows drug companies to submit a "corrective action plan" when their drug registration may be suspended Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania His top contributing industry for the last election was the pharmaceutical industry; they gave him $55,250. 6 pages S. 971: Medicare Independence at Home Medical Practice Demonstration Improvement Act Increases the length of Medicare contracts for at-home care from 3 years to 5 years Passed the Senate by a voice vote Sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon 2 pages H.R. 373: Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act Clarifies that search and rescue volunteers are not Federal volunteers and are not entitled to Federal compensation. Releases the government from liability for allowing search and rescue teams onto Federal land so that they won't have to get insurance. The government as to approve or deny a request for a search and rescue mission within 48 hours. Passed the House 413-0 Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada Rep. Heck introduced the bill in response to the murder of Keith Goldberg; the search for his body in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area was delayed because the search team needed a special use permit and a $1 million insurance policy. It took 10 months to get the insurance; his body was found 3 hours after their search began. The National Association for Search and Rescue and the National Park Service, however, don't think access is a problem. 6 pages S. 304: Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act Protects the identity of whistleblowers who provide information relating to motor vehicle defects or other dangerous safety problems. Allows the government to give up to 30% of the fine collected from a car company that breaks the law to the whistleblower whose information lead to the conviction. The whistleblower is not allowed to be represented by a lawyer. Passed the Senate by a voice vote Sponsored by Senator John Thune of South Dakota Senator Thune has taken over $380,000 from the automotive industry 11 pages S. 984: Steve Gleason Act of 2015 Starting in 2016, Medicare would cover speech generating devices. Allows people to own their speech generating devices (as opposed to renting them) if purchased between October 1, 2015 and October 1, 2018. Named after former NFL football player Steve Gleason, who played for the New Orleans Saints before being diagnosed with ALS Passed the Senate of a voice vote Sponsored by Senator David Vitter of Louisiana 3 pages Hearings Rules Committee: April 13 on HR 650 and HR 685, about housing bills. Rules Committee: April 21 on HR 1731 and HR 1560 on Cybersecurity House Committee on Financial Services: March 18 hearing on deregulation for banks titled "Preserving Consumer Choice and Financial Independence" Information Presented in This Episode Article: 'Doc fix' headed to president's desk after easily clearing Senate by Paul Demko, Modern Healthcare, April 14, 2015. Article: The mobile-home trap: How a Warren Buffett empire preys on the poor by Mike Baker and Daniel Wagner, The Seattle Times, April 2, 2015. Article: MBA's Mortgage Action Alliance: A Message from MAA Chairman Fowler Williams by Fowler Williams, National Mortgage Professional Magazine, June 11, 2015. Article: U.S. Bank Profits Near Record Levels by Robin Sidel and Saabira Chaudhuri, Wall Street Journal, August 11, 2014 Article: Bureaucracy hindered search for slain brother by Anjeanette Damon, USA Today, March 8, 2014. Webpage: About the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, Department of Homeland Security. Webpage: Team Gleason Press Release: Rep. Kelly Introduces Taxpayer Knowledge of IRS Investigations Act Additional Information Kickstarter: Explore Campaign Finance App by Soloman Kahn. Jen's Podcast Appearances Episode 66: Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria Episode 42: Podcast Junkies with Harry Duran Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Ask Your Doctor by Neal Fox (found on Music Alley by mevio) Thank you by Ben Willmott (found on Music Alley by mevio)