#michael morrill

[keystoneprogress]

Group Leading ‘Defund Obamacare’ Tour Was Urged by Funders to Downplay Tobacco Risks to Children

Secret Tobacco Documents Show Heritage Has No Credibility on Health Care

  (PITTSBURGH)—ProgressOhio and former Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy presented documents this week showing the Heritages Foundation collaborated with Big Tobacco to mislead the public about the health dangers of second-hand smoke. Philip Morris drafted a letter asking Heritage to share pro-tobacco propaganda with children.

  ProgressOhio and Keystone Progress are affiliates of the ProgressNow network.

  Internal memos show that Philip Morris requested Heritage contact the EPA to criticize an upcoming study, showing that second-hand smoke was dangerous. [1] When the report was released in 1992, Heritage wrote an op-ed blasting the EPA’s finding that second-hand smoke causes cancer, using scare quotes around the words “study”, “carcinogens”, “secondary [smoke]” and “science”.[2]

  Philip Morris circulated the article internally, and cited insider details proving they were in contact with Heritage about the piece.[3] Days later, Philip Morris drafted a letter addressed to Heritage praising them for their “article on corruption at the EPA” and hoped that,  “Heritage Foundation isn’t restricting its audience to adults like myself but also reaching out to children.”[4]

  Heritage had a close financial relationship with Big Tobacco:

·       Philip Morris had the ad agency behind the Marlboro man work with Heritage to create a 20 page survey aimed at increasing Heritage’s donors. The survey included questioned designed to figure out which Heritage members had positive opinions about Philip Morris.[5]

·       Heritage invited the Tobacco Institute to be a member of their President’s Club in exchange for money.[6]

·       Heritage was paid a $15,000 a year stipend from RJ Reynolds from 1994 to 1997.[7]

·        

Heritage is currently on a multi-state tour advocating for the defunding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Former Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy, who voted for the ACA, stated, “These documents show Heritage Foundation has no credibility when it comes to health care. You can’t take anything they say at face value.”

  ProgressOhio Executive Director Brian Rothenberg agreed, saying, “Heritage has proven they can’t be trusted when it comes to our health. The Affordable Care Act extends insurance to 3 million young people and eliminates discrimination for pre-existing conditions. For Heritage to tour the country opposing access to health care after what they’ve done to mislead the public is unconscionable.”

  Heritage’s questionable work on tobacco and public health continued on for decades. In 2007, Heritagerepeatedly published work opposing SCHIP expansion, specifically citing concern with raising cigarette taxes.[8] In 2011, Heritage mocked a proposal used successfully in other countries to show graphic pictures of the damage smoking causes on cigarette packaging, saying that “every kindergartner” already knows cigarettes are bad and that “Given teens’ current obsession with all things zombie, the gruesome images will likely prove highly popular as collector’s items."[9]

  [1] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/kzb92a00/pdf

[2] http://www.legacy.library.ucsf.edu/documentStore/m/l/p/mlp40c00/Smlp40c00.pdf

[3] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jhc65e00/pdf

[4] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jqj46e00/pdf

[5] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/xcy00c00/pdf

[6] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/lww06b00/pdf

[7] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/kzb92a00/pdf

[8] https://www.google.com/search?q=site:heritage.org+schip+tobacco

[9] http://blog.heritage.org/2011/02/22/tales-of-the-red-tape-we-see-dead-people/

  Heritage Worked with Big Tobacco for Decades to Mislead People on Health Care

  Heritage received over 6 figures in support from Big Tobacco

1.    RJ Reynolds gave them $15,000 a year for much of the 90s. [1]

2.    They courted the Tobacco Institute and put them in their President’s Club.

3.    In 2000, Philip Morris had the ad agency that created the Marlboro Man come up with a plan to help Heritage raise money. They designed a 20 page survey they gave to almost 27,000 households.

Big Tobacco used Heritage to mislead the public about health care

1.    Philip Morris contacted Heritage asking them to write the EPA about an upcoming report showing that second hand smoke is a carcinogen, responsible for killing 3,000 non-smokers a year.[2]

2.    When the report was released in 1992, Heritage wrote an op-ed blasting the EPA, which ran in the Washington Times and other papers. Heritage mocks the EPA’s finding that  second-hand smoke causes cancer, using scare quotes around the word “study”, “carcinogens”, “secondary [smoke]” and “science”.[3]

3.    Philip Morris’ internal memos show that they were in contact with Heritage about the piece and knew exactly how many papers the op-ed was shopped to (over 300).[4]

4.    Days later, Philip Morris drafted letters addressed to Heritage praising them for their “article on corruption at the EPA” and hoped that “Heritage Foundation isn’t restricting its audience to adults like myself but also reaching out to children.”[5]

All this happened at the exact same time that Heritage was working to sink the last major attempt to overhaul health care under Bill Clinton. Heritage’s name comes up over 2,500 times in Big Tobacco records.[6]

1.    In 2011, Heritage mocked a plan to pictures of smoking’s effects on cigarette packaging, claiming “every kindergartner” already knows they’re bad and that “Given teens’ current obsession with all things zombie, the gruesome images will likely prove highly popular as collector’s items.”[7]

  [1] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/kzb92a00/pdf?search=%22heritage%20foundation%22

[2]

[3] http://www.legacy.library.ucsf.edu/documentStore/m/l/p/mlp40c00/Smlp40c00.pdf

[4] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jhc65e00/pdf

[5] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jqj46e00/pdf?search=%22heritage%20foundation%22

[6] http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/action/search/basic?fd=0&q=%22heritage+foundation%22+-hispanic+-african&df=er&c=at&c=ba&c=bw&c=tc&c=ca&c=ct&c=da&c=ga&c=lm&c=ll&c=mg&c=mm&c=pm&c=py&c=rj&c=re&c=ti&c=ub&c=us

[7] http://blog.heritage.org/2011/02/22/tales-of-the-red-tape-we-see-dead-people/

[keystoneprogress]

Not so sweet: Hershey’s exploits student workers to avoid paying living wages in Pennsylvania

Godwin is a Nigerian student who heard about a great opportunity to learn about American culture and hone his English skills in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  He was excited when he learned he was accepted to part of a special U.S. State Department approved visa program designed to promote cultural exchange and international understanding.  He was so thrilled that he would be meeting American people as a guestworker with the Hershey Company that he was willing to pay $4,000 to be part of the program.

Once he arrived in Hershey, his excitement quickly faded as he found himself forced to work long hours packing chocolates instead of working in a public position.  Godwin, and hundreds of other international students, found that they not only had to work long hours, but Hershey forced them to live in company housing, after paying $3,000-6,000 for the “opportunity” to work for Hershey.  Hershey also charged them other expenses, leaving most of the students with $40 to $140 per week after 40 hours of work with serious health and safety problems at the worksite.  (You can see a video of their story here.)

When they complained about their working conditions, the students were threatened with deportation.

But Hershey’s exploitation doesn’t end with the students.  Jobs like these used to be living wage jobs with a union contract, earning about $18 an hour. 

The students understand that they are being exploited, and they understand that they are being used to hurt working families in the United States.  Today, they are courageously risking deportation to stand up for themselves and American workers by organizing a sit down strike inside the plant.  They were joined in the sit down strike by community, religious and labor leaders, three of him were arrested.

They have two simple demands:

1)     Hershey Company must return the $3000-$6000 that the student-workers paid to participate in a bogus cultural exchange program;

2)     Hershey must make these jobs living wage jobs for Pennsylvania workers.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up to an employer who legally controls every aspect of your life.  We need you to help the students in their efforts to expose this fraudulent program and get justice for themselves and American workers.

Please send a message to Hershey’s CEO in support of the students by clicking here.  Join the brave international students in their fight against this injustice.

You can learn more by clicking here.

In Solidarity,

Michael Morrill Keystone Progress

[keystoneprogress]

Below is an article that is up already from today’s event in Scranton:

    Toomey called out by striking workers, unemployed

BY JAMES HAGGERTY (STAFF WRITER)

Published: August 12, 2011

Unemployed people, labor activists and striking telecommunications workers joined forces Friday at Courthouse Squareto direct their anger at U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.

"We are asking, will you go to town-hall meetings with unemployed workers instead of meeting with CEOs behind closed doors?" said Jessica Walls-Lavelle, communications director for the Service Employees International Union state office in Harrisburg.

Friday's demonstration drew about 100 people, including striking unionized workers from Verizon Communications Inc., which operates a service center nearby at 121 Adams Ave.

The gathering was organized by the American Dream Movement, a coalition of labor groups, political and community organizations. The group organized a similar protest on Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre against U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton.

"Our government is broken and we have to fix that," Roxanne Pauline, an organizer with the Northeast Pennsylvania Area Labor Federation, told the boisterous lunchtime crowd. "Do we want the jobs in China for 25 cents an hour?"

Mr. Toomey, a Lehigh Valley Republican, has an office in the Scranton Life Building across the street from the square.

"Sen. Toomey appreciates feedback from his constituents and knowing their concerns," his spokeswoman Rebecca Neal, said in an email. "He often travels across the state to meet with constituents and hear their thoughts on the best way to create jobs and get our economy moving."

Carrying signs that said, "Greed sucks," and "Congress: we want our jobs back," the protesters said Mr. Toomey sides with big business against the interests of the middle class.

"Wall Street is sitting on a huge surplus of money and they refuse to hire people," said James Luby, a part-time Scranton bookkeeper who has not worked full-time in a year. "I'm definitely disappointed that we can't have some sort of shared sacrifice. We're all Americans.

[keystoneprogress]

Rep. Matthew Baker Threatens Citizen Activists for Exposing His Ties to Corporate Lobbyists

(HARRISBURG)—Rep. Matthew Baker (R, Bradford, Tioga) has threatened legal action against Keystone Progress for exposing his ties to corporate lobbyists.  Baker told one of his constituents that he has discussed legal action with his “legal council [sic].”

Last week Keystone Progress released a report detailing the relationship between many PA legislators and a shadowy corporate lobbying organization known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).  In that report (available online here), Keystone Progress revealed how some legislators were using ALEC’s model Bills verbatim, not even bothering to disguise the fact that they were copying what the lobbyists wrote for them.

Baker was one of the legislators whose copying was highlighted in the report. 

“This is a dangerous attempt to stifle the truth,” said Keystone Progress Executive Director Michael Morrill.  “We expected that legislators would not like our report, but we never expected that they would use their power to try to silence the voices of citizens.”

The following is the entire email from Baker:

Thank you for your email [Name deleted for confidentiality]. I am fully aware of the left wing liberal agenda to both demean ALEC and those who consider model legislation or proposals by this reputable and more conservative thinking national organization.  Notwithstanding this groups liberal bias against ALEC I will say I have never attended any of their national conferences but do value their expertise in researching what other states have done in terms of legislative proposals.  By the way, I am well aware of the misrepresentations of the liberal Progressive group that has taken shots at me and others and hence have referred their self serving  ploy and tactics to raise money to our legal council to ascertain if this is a potential ethics or libel issue and if so if it is actionable from a legal standpoint. [Entire email as sent to Keystone Progress member]

[keystoneprogress]

Small businesses have benefited from the Affordable Care Act since it was signed in March 2010. With the help of tax credits in the Affordable Care Act, small businesses like Matt's bagel shop can now offer health insurance to their employees. In Iowa, 57,000 small businesses are now eligible for job-creating tax credits. Watch the "Bagel" ad and sign up with Know Your Care to learn more.

[keystoneprogress]

ALEC Model Bills Create Hardship for Average Americans

Submitted by Eric Carlson on August 4, 2011 - 8:33am   

On Wednesday morning, a group of Americans from across the political spectrum, and the country, held a press conference in New Orleans to highlight the devastating impact of the "model" legislation voted on by corporations through the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

The event, hosted by People for the American Way and moderated by Center for Media and Democracy Executive Director Lisa Graves, was held directly across the street from ALEC’s 38th annual meeting, where corporate lobbyists and state legislators gathered to attend Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindall’s PhRMA-sponsored keynote address.Lisa Graves moderated the discussion.

Graves began the conference by telling reporters that in looking at ALEC's model legislation she was “shocked and appalled to learn that corporations were actually voting as equals with politicians behind closed doors on legislation to change our rights.” She cited the outrage leveled at the multinational, global companies who, as members of ALEC, have wielded an enormous amount of influence in changing the law through ALEC bills.

Other panelists – a New Orleans English teacher, a local reverend, a Republican school board member, a Wisconsin mom, and a small business owner – echoed Graves’ sentiment with anecdotes describing their struggle to cope with the consequences of ALEC model legislation that had become law. 

Voter ID Bill Burdens Voters in Wisconsin

Nicole Schulte from Wisconsin spoke of her harrowing experience trying to secure a free voter ID for her recently disenfranchised 19-year-old son. Because of Wisconsin’s new voter restrictions, Schulte had to take him to a DMV for an approved form of photo identification.

When Schulte handed the DMV clerk her son’s bank statement as proof of residency, the clerk asserted that there was not enough bank activity on the account to legitimize the document. After a bit of haggling, Schulte was allowed to proceed, but not before discovering an unknown aspect of the Republican-passed bill in Wisconsin.

“The next clerk tried to charge my son $28 for his voter ID card. Then he noticed that my son checked a box allowing him to get the ID for free. Apparently the person getting the card has to request that he be given the card for free,” said Schulte. 

Lone Republican Protests School Privatization

A pair of local community leaders passionately detailed how New Orleans’ schools and hospitals have deteriorated due to the implementation of ALEC’s free-market, privatization agenda. According to Brett Bonin, a New Orleans Parish School Board Member for District 3 and local Republican leader, the Louisiana Department of Education has advocated siphoning off nearly $100 million in school vouchers and tax credits, despite teacher layoffs and funding cuts.

“The data does not support school privatization,” said Bonin. “I can tell you this crosses party lines, this crosses a lot of different ideologies. For us, it's about children. We’re basically selling out our children. Everybody needs to know about [ALEC], and understand that we need to get back to accountability, transparency, and democracy. We shouldn’t be relying on some behind the scenes group to decided where to spend money on our kids.”

It’s because of ALEC, Bonin added, that politicians at the lowest rung of the political ladder are feeling the harmful effects of model legislation.

Reverend Dr. Willie Gable Sr., a member of the African American Ministers Leadership Council, pointed to the injustice of Louisiana’s recently-passed bill targeting health-care reform, which he said was “put together by [ALEC] and pushed through this legislature.” Local Republican Brett Bonin railed against ALEC's Louisiana influence

“It is almost unimaginable that this bill would be passed in a state that ranks last in nearly all areas of health care,” said Gable Sr.

"We'd Like to Have Our Voices Heard Again"

The notion that ALEC’s model legislation ignores the economic realities and unique circumstances of different states resonated with the testimony of Todd Landfried, a partner at a regional policy consulting firm, and member of Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform. The enforcement of anti-immigrant laws, such as the controversial Senate Bill 1070 in Arizona, hurts farmers who lose labor, and profits.

After a round of questions, panelists were given the opportunity to offer closing statements. The resounding theme of these final speeches was that ALEC is a group people everywhere need to know about. As Todd Landfried said, "We'd like to have our voices heard again."

[keystoneprogress]

Many PA bills being written by secretive group of corporate lobbyists

American Legislative Exchange Council writes bills and then gives them to PA legislators who pass them off as their own work

(HARRISBURG,PA)—A new report released today reveals a disturbing level of influence by corporate lobbyists in Pennsylvania.  A secretive organization known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has been writing legislation which PA legislators have been passing off as their own work.  The bills written by ALEC cover virtually every area of public policy, including healthcare, budgeting and tax policy.  The report was written by Keystone Progress, a progressive advocacy group based in Harrisburg.

“We are not talking about legislators following a corporate agenda, there is nothing new in that.” said Eileen Connelly, chair of Keystone Progress.  “This is legislation which is used verbatim by legislators who pretend that they wrote these bills.”

Among the bills copied from ALEC’s “Model Bills” website are:

HB 42, the “Freedom of choice in Healthcare Act,” introduced by Rep. Matthew Baker (R, Bradford, Tioga)

HB 250, the “Council on Efficient Government Act, “ introduced by Rep. Rep. Seth Grove (R, York)

HB 1349, the “Regulatory Review Act,” introduced by Rep. Tina Pickett (R, Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna)

The report identifies 23 legislators who are ALEC members, including much of the GOP leadership in the General Assembly.  Twenty-two of the 23 are GOP legislators.  Only one is a Democrat.

Until now it has been difficult to show the connection between ALEC and corporate takeover of democracy. Last week The Center for Media and Democracy uncovered 800 bills and resolutions that were voted on by ALEC members, showing how its unelected corporate members are given a direct voice on the creation of bills that affect the lives of American citizens every day. The agenda embedded in these bills is about tilting the system into favoring those with money and power. Through de-regulation of industry, voter suppression and setting up barriers to direct democracy ALEC legislation has greatly influenced the political landscape in many states, including Pennsylvania.

These bills align closely with the agenda of the Republican leadership in both chambers.  With over 800 bills, it is impossible to compare each to the bills introduced in the PA House and Senate this year without reviewing each ALEC bill and comparing it to similar legislation in PA. 

The report may be obtained electronically here or by contacting Michael Morrill (KP Executive Director) at   [email protected], or Jamie Mondics (KP Healthcare Communiaction Coordinator) at  [email protected])

-END-

-- Michael Morrill, Executive Director Keystone Progress 1500 N. 2nd St., Ste. 11 Harrisburg, PA 17102 www.keystoneprogress.org

[keystoneprogress]

HHS requires insurance companies to cover contraceptives

CRR Hails Historic Government Decision to Ensure Health Insurance Coverage of Contraception Without Co-Pay

08.01.11 - (PRESS RELEASE) Today’s decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to require health insurance companies to cover a full range of contraceptive methods without co-payments is a tremendous victory for women and represents a huge stride towards reducing unintended pregnancies in the U.S. and promoting healthier, planned childbirth, says the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The HHS announcement comes after medical and scientific experts from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a highly respected, scientific authority on questions of health and healthcare, reviewed medical evidence and recommended that contraception be included as a preventive service under the healthcare reform bill passed into law last year.

“Today, scientific fact triumphed over ideology,” said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “This decision recognizes that affordable access to contraception is critical to women’s health and lives. For too long, the U.S. has foundered in tackling the country’s extremely high unintended pregnancy rate—despite abundant research showing that women across the country consistently struggle to afford birth control.

“We are troubled and disappointed that the government is, atthe same time, offering an escape clause for certain religious employers. As we well know, religious adherents use birth control at the same rate as the general population. Individuals, not institutions, should make the personal decision about their use of health care and their own conscience.

“Nonetheless, today’s important decision means that millions of women will be better equipped to prevent unplanned pregnancy, and determine whether and when to become parents—which ultimately promote healthier pregnancy. We commend the Obama administration for taking this critical step to protect women’s health and reproductive freedom.”

Read Ms. Northup’s op-ed “Debunking the hysteria over birth control” on CBS News >