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| Carson Votes to Pass Historic Health-Care Reform Legislation |
November 7, 2009
“My support for this historic health-care reform legislation came down to the fact that it will dramatically help hundreds of thousands of my constituents and will provide tremendous benefits to small businesses, which are being hit hard by exploding health-care costs.
“Our current health-care system is more focused on profits than on patients, and its putting the health and well-being of the people of
“With this legislation, tens-of-thousands of uninsured and underinsured
“Over the last several months, I have greatly appreciated the productive debate over this critical issue and the valuable input offered by Hoosiers of all backgrounds and opinions. After hearing from thousands of my constituents, I feel confident that this bill addresses the needs of 7th District residents—and its consistent with the values they hold dear. I look forward to seeing the issue taken up in the Senate and pledge to the people of Indianapolis that I will not rest until we see this bill sent to the President’s desk.”
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Among the many benefits the Affordable Health Care for Americans Act will bring to
§ Improve employer-based coverage for 344,000 residents.
§ Provide credits to help pay for coverage for up to 201,000 households.
§ Improve Medicare for 89,000 beneficiaries, including closing the prescription drug donut hole for 6,400 seniors.
§ Allow 18,600 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 15,500 small businesses.
§ Provide coverage for 81,000 uninsured residents.
§ Protect up to 2,400 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
§ Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $274 million.
Affordable and Improved Health Care Coverage for the Middle Class
Better health care coverage for the insured. Approximately 53% of the district’s population, 344,000 residents, receive health care coverage from their employer. Under the legislation, individuals and families with employer-based coverage can keep the health insurance coverage they have now, and it will get better. As a result of the insurance reforms in the bill, there will be no co-pays or deductibles for preventive care; no more rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation; and guaranteed oral, vision, and hearing benefits for children.
Affordable health care for the uninsured. Those who do not receive health care coverage through their employer will be able to purchase coverage at group rates through a health insurance exchange. Individuals and families with an income of up to four times the federal poverty level — an income of up to $88,000 for a family of four — will receive affordability credits to help cover the cost of coverage. There are 201,000 households in the district that could qualify for these affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage.
Coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. There are 14,400 individuals in the district who have pre-existing medical conditions that could prevent them from buying insurance. Under the bill’s insurance reforms, they will now be able to purchase affordable coverage.
Health care and financial security. There were 2,400 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance. The bill caps annual out-of-pocket costs at $5,000 for singles and $10,000 for families and eliminates lifetime limits on insurance coverage, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.
Security for Seniors
Improving Medicare. There are 89,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district. The health care reform legislation improves Medicare by providing free preventive and wellness care, improving primary and coordinated care, improving nursing home quality, and strengthening the Medicare Trust Fund.
Closing the Part D donut hole. Each year, 6,400 seniors in the district hit the donut hole and are forced to pay their full drug costs, despite having Part D drug coverage. The legislation will provide these seniors with immediate relief, covering the first $500 of donut-hole costs in 2010, cutting brand-name drug costs in the donut hole by 50%, and completely eliminating the donut hole by 2019.
Helping Small Businesses
Helping small businesses obtain health insurance. Under the legislation, businesses with up to 100 employees will be able to join the health insurance exchange, benefitting from group rates and a greater choice of insurers. There are 18,600 small businesses in the district that will be able to join the health insurance exchange.
Tax credits for small businesses. Small businesses with 25 employees or less and average wages of less than $40,000 will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. There are up to 15,500 small businesses in the district that could qualify for credits.
Covering the Uninsured
Coverage of the uninsured. There are 116,000 uninsured individuals in the district, 20% of the district residents under age 65. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 96% of all Americans will have insurance coverage when the bill takes effect. If this benchmark is reached in the district, 81,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.
Relieving the burden of uncompensated care. In 2008, health care providers in the district provided $274 million worth of uncompensated care. This care was provided to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills. Under the legislation, these costs of uncompensated care will be virtually eliminated.
Deficit Responsibility
No deficit spending. The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for: half through eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and excessive profits for private insurers in Medicare and Medicaid and half through a surcharge on the income of the top 0.3% wealthiest individuals. This surcharge will affect only 380 households in the district. The surcharge will not affect 99.87% of taxpayers in the district.
Reducing the deficit. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion over the next decade and will continue to create a budget surplus over the next 20 years.
This analysis is based upon the following sources: the U.S. Census (data on insurance rates and small businesses); the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (data on Medicare and Part D enrollment) the Department of Health and Human Services (data on health care-related bankruptcies, uncompensated care, and pre-existing conditions); and the House Committee on Ways and Means (data on the surtax).
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| Carson Votes to Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Homebuyes' Tax Credit, Tax Relief for Businesses |
November 6, 2009 The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act will provide families in all states with 14 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. Beyond this preliminary increase, an additional six weeks is provided to the 27 states with the highest unemployment rates, where it is most difficult for workers to find employment. Workers in these high unemployment states who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for a total of 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation.
The Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus, and every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new demand, according to Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi.
“Today’s passage of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act will bring critical relief to thousands of out of work Hoosiers and will be a great step towards long-term financial growth,” said Congressman Carson. “Families across our city who receive these benefits will not only be able to make ends meet for themselves and their families. They will be putting money right back into our local economy – buying groceries, filling their cars with gas, and making their mortgage payments on time.”
The bill also includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010 and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more. It also helps military families struggling to make mortgage payments by making those payments tax-exempt.
“Our recent housing crisis has made it more difficult than ever for responsible, qualified individuals to fulfill the dream of homeownership. By extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit, these potential homeowners will have a renewed opportunity to secure a mortgage and purchase their own home. These efforts are crucial to growing our economy and putting it back on sound footing.”
Lastly, to breathe life back into American businesses suffering from huge losses, this bill provides significant tax breaks to small businesses, allowing them to carry back losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 against income earned in any of the five prior years.
“Small business is the engine of our economy. Yet, in our ongoing recession, many have been forced to close their doors because of an unbearable tax burden. The tax breaks created with this legislation will immediately begin alleviating this incredible imposition, better enabling these businesses to once again begin driving our economy out of recession.
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| Carson Statement on Shooting at Fort Hood |
November 5, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman André Carson issued the following statement about the tragic shootings at Fort Hood after the House observed a moment of silence in recognition of the victims and their families.
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the horrific events that took place at
“It’s always a terrible tragedy to say good-bye to our fallen servicemen and women, who selflessly serve this country every day. But today’s senseless act of violence makes the loss of these soldiers at
“We must do everything we can to protect our soldiers at all times—both on the battlefield and within our military bases at home. Today’s shooting is a horrible indicator that much more work remains to keep our honorable military men and women safe.
“My heart—and the hearts of people across the 7th District of Indiana—go out to the victims, their families and the entire
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| Carson Stands United with Veterans |
November 4, 2009 “Next week, on Veterans Day, Americans across the country will thank our veterans and honor the selfless service of those who answered our nation’s call to duty in times of peace and war. This week, Congress has stood united to express the sincere gratitude of a nation and to reaffirm our commitment to care for our service members, veterans, and their families.” “In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that we provide widespread opportunities for our veterans to utilize the skills and leadership they learned in the military to enter fruitful new careers. With the job training and entrepreneurship assistance provided by these bills, veterans of all skill levels and backgrounds will have a chance to build a sound financial future for themselves and their families.” On Monday, the House also passed the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, which ensures that military spouses are able to maintain their residency status for purposes of taxation and voting when they are forced to move because of orders received by their service member spouse. Congressman Carson had the opportunity to present this legislation on the House floor, stating: “The sacrifices that military children and spouses have to make in order to stay as one united family are difficult. This is especially true at a time when our country is fighting to protect freedom at home and abroad . . . We need to recognize that military families serve too. It is only fitting to provide military spouses with the ability to retain certain state residency benefits which are already afforded to our men and women in uniform.” For more information on this legislation and other efforts to improve benefits for veterans, visit http://veterans.house.gov/. ### | |
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| Carson Votes to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month |
October 30, 2009 “Since the founding of the “Indianapolis, like so many other cities, has a vibrant Hispanic community. Our city is stronger thanks to the contributions of our Hispanic-American brothers and sisters, who have played an active role in improving our schools and neighborhoods, keeping our economy going and helping us all recognize the importance of embracing our rich cultural diversity.” ### | |
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| Floor Statement on Executive Compensation - July 31, 2009 |
REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ FLOOR REMARKS ON H.R. 3269, CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTION COMPENSATION FAIRNESS ACT OF 2009 FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2009
Mr. CARSON of My constituents sent me to Congress to move beyond the status quo of a broken financial regulatory structure. They sent me to enact commonsense reforms like those included in the legislation we're discussing today, Mr. Speaker. They know that average families have cut back, work longer hours, and have saved their money during this crisis. Meanwhile, Wall Street execs have acted irresponsibly and enjoy the lavish compensation packages that have allowed their companies to fail. So I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill that will bring about a new era of responsibility on Wall Street. I encourage my colleagues to do the same. | |
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| Floor Statement on the Urgency of Health Care Reform - July 30, 2009 |
REMARKS BY THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009 Mr. CARSON of | |
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| Floor Statement on the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act - July 16, 2009 |
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REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON FLOOR REMARKS ON H.R. 3147, THE YOUNG ADULTS FINANCIAL LITERACY ACT THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009
Madam Speaker, I come to the floor to discuss the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act, which I introduced last week to help community organizations provide better financial education to young adults.
As our recession drags on, it is clear that many of the problems we now face could have been avoided by better educating people about the financial system.
Today, across our country, thousands of young people are getting their first credit card, taking out loans for college and renting their first apartments.
Yet statistics show that many of these young adults never learned basic financial skills like budgeting, saving and maintaining manageable debt.
My bill will help young people receive the financial education they need—before they take these critical first steps.
It will provide grants for the development and implementation of effective education programs—empowering a young generation of consumers at this critical economic time.
So, I encourage my House colleagues cosponsor the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act.
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| Floor Statement Honoring the Life of Senior Airman Ashton Goodman - June 16, 2009 |
REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON FLOOR REMARKS HONORING THE LIFE OF SENIOR AIRMAN ASHTON GOODMAN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero who was laid to rest in my district earlier this month.
Senior Airman Asthon Goodman was killed by a roadside bomb in
Her ultimate sacrifice is a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
However, it is her life that should serve as the shining example of American achievement in
While tasked with protecting vital reconstruction teams, she also worked to win over the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.
She regularly mentored Afghan women, providing the tools they needed to stand up against oppression and violence.
Because of Ashton, many women are now combating the economic and social conditions that breed terrorism.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senior Airman Ashton Goodman.
Through her support of Afghan women and her sacrifice for the American people, she has represented the best our nation has to offer. | |
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| Floor Statement on the Recidivism Reduction Act - June 12, 2009 |
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REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON FLOOR REMARKS ON H.R. 2829, THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION ACT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009
Madam Speaker, yesterday I introduced the Recidivism Reduction Act, a bill that will quickly restore federal disability and health benefits to eligible individuals after they are released from incarceration.
As a former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen the public safety risks that exist when ex-offenders leave prison without the tools or resources they need—only to commit further crimes that return them to the criminal justice system.
Currently, these benefits are regularly suspended or terminated upon incarceration and take considerable time to be reinstated after an individual is released.
Without the health coverage they so desperately need, many newly released individuals cannot fully focus on securing gainful employment and developing a supportive home life.
My colleagues should rest assured that this legislation will not provide new benefits to recently released individuals.
Rather, it ensures that individuals receive the timely benefits they need to begin breaking the cycle of recidivism.
Join me in supporting H.R. 2829, the Recidivism Reduction Act. | |
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| Congressman Carson on the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act |
Congressman Carson on the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act – November 2, 2009 | |
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| Congressman Carson on the Minority Business Development Agency |
Congressman Carson on the Minority Business Development Agency - September 15, 2009 | |
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| Congressman Carson on the Urgency of Health Care Reform |
Congressman Carson on the Urgency of Health Care Reform – July 30, 2009 | |
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| Congressman Carson on the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act |
Congressman Carson on the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act – July 16, 2009 | |
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| Congressman Carson Honoring Senior Airman Ashton Goodman |
Congressman Carson Honoring Senior Airman Ashton Goodman – June 16, 2009 | |
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| H1N1 "Swine" Flu Outbreak |
Over the last few months, an outbreak of H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu) has spread to across the
At this point, information about the origin, nature and treatment of H1N1 is still being pursued. However, it ... | |
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Washington, D.C. 20515-1407
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District Office
300 E Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr.
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Indianapolis, IN 46205-4258
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