Proposed long-term insurance program raises questions

WASHINGTON POST, 10/27/2009 by Lori Montgomery - Opponents warn plan could require vast infusions of cash: As congressional leaders haggle over the shape of a proposed government-run "public option" in health-care reform legislation, a quiet revolt is brewing against a different public insurance program -- a plan to create government insurance for long-term care. ∴ The proposal is known as the CLASS Act, short for Community Living Services and Support. The idea has been around for years, and the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) pushed to have the measure included in the health-care overhaul package that passed the Senate health committee in July. A similar measure was also adopted by voice vote in one of the three House committees handling health care. Read more at Washington Post...

(Hat tip: John Detweiler)
John wrote, "Wow! This on top of a public option.... We haven't seen debt yet." Read More......

AFL-CIO leader issues warning to legislators

AFL-CIO’s Incoming President Warns Lawmakers Will Pay Price for Abandoning Public Option
CNSNEWS.com, 8/31/2009 by Sam Hananel - Washington (AP): The man expected to become the AFL-CIO's next president said Monday that lawmakers would pay a political price if they abandon a government-run option in any health care overhaul. ∴ "We need to be a labor movement that stands by our friends, punishes its enemies and challenges those who, well, can't seem to decide which side they're on," said Richard Trumka, currently the AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer. Read more at CNSNews... Read More......