Big News on the Robin Hood Tax front: Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison (pictured above) introduced a bill in Congress this week that would impose a tax on Wall Street speculation. The Inclusive Prosperity Act would raise up to $350 billion in annual revenues that would be used to breathe new life into Main Street communities across America, as well as international health, sustainable prosperity and environmental programs.
LABOR
After 7 days, the Chicago Teachers Strike is over and students are returning to the classroom.
Registered nurses at Menorah Medical Center have approved a labor contract to be represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee and National Nurses United.
HEALTH CARE
Gov. Mark Dayton asserted to Legislative leaders Tuesday that he will seek federal approval to move forward on a Minnesota-made health insurance exchange, but said he will defer important policy decisions until after the November election. The exchanges are a key component of President Obama’s health care law that will create a competitive marketplace for individuals and small businesses to shop around for more affordable health insurance.
Despite the sluggish economy and uncertainly surrounding health reform, healthcare construction projects are booming in Kentucky and other states, as large health systems and regional hospitals continue to make multi-million-dollar capital investments.
In their drive to cut costs and produce better patient outcomes, American health care policy makers and administrators are embracing a variety of work reorganization schemes borrowed from other industries. Some boast of their “Toyota lean” approach to health care delivery. Others have looked to Disney World for new ideas. The newest business model being touted is the chain restaurant The Cheesecake Factory.
In Michigan, local retirees try to visit Congressman Dan Benishek’s office on Sept. 12, 2012, in Gaylord, to tell him to protect Medicare instead of millionaires. The office is staffed but locked, and the retirees are forced to stay in the hallway. Watch it below:
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