The agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid has no plans for complying with Supreme Court directives that would change the President's health care law. Here is the exchange of questions I had with Health and Human Services budget chief Norris Cochran during the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee less than a month before the expected ruling from the Supreme Court.
Burgess Announces Winners of Congressional Competition: “An Artistic Discovery” Flower Mound High School Student’s Work to be Displayed in U.S. Capitol
LEWISVILLE, TEXAS – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) announced the winner of the tenth annual 26th Congressional District art competition, “An Artistic Discovery.” Katherine Choi, a junior art student of Alisha Douglass at Flower Mound High School, won Grand Prize in the 2012 competition with her oil painting entitled “Through the Buildings.”
The art competition was open to public, private and home-schooled high school students residing in or attending schools in the district.
“This contest is designed to highlight the artistic achievements of our local high school students and to share the results of those talents with our area and the rest of the country,” Congressman Burgess said. “Katherine’s work makes the 26th District proud. She is a very talented young woman with a tremendous gift.”
Congressman Burgess honored all the finalists at a reception recently at the Center for the Visual Arts in Denton hosted by the art competition’s co-sponsor, The Greater Denton Arts Council. The juried competition was judged by professional artist and instructor Jo Williams.
For the first time, this year’s entries were submitted digitally by art teachers on behalf of their students. This provided an opportunity for a new public category: the “Texas Choice” winner selected by popular vote in the virtual gallery on Congressman Burgess’ website. Over 3800 individuals cast votes for their favorite artwork; Katherine Choi was the winner of this category also.
As the Grand Prize winner, Katherine Choi will have her artwork displayed for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol and has the opportunity to attend the national ceremony in Washington, DC in June.
The first, second, third winners were announced as well: First place was awarded to Nadia Rosales; she is a junior at Ryan High School in Denton. Nadia is the student of Todd Ford and her artwork will be displayed in Congressman Burgess’ Washington, DC office for the upcoming year.
Brooks Morrow, a senior art student of Kathy Toews at Marcus High School, placed second with his art. Madison McDaniel is a senior at Keller High School and student of Liz Bonham, whose artwork won third place. Both students have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in Congressman Burgess’ district office for the next year.
Burgess Statement on the President’s Address on Afghanistan
“The way forward is inherently difficult. It is important, however that the decisions made and put into motion by this agreement work for the benefit of both Afghanistan and America.”
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) tonight made the following statement regarding the President’s address on continued American involvement in Afghanistan:
“I welcome President Obama’s travel to Afghanistan to see matters first-hand on the ground. The President recognizes his involvement is an extremely important part of finding a way forward.
“Reflecting on my return from Afghanistan just last week, I expect the President saw circumstances that remain similar. There’s no question that diligence and sacrifice of all our soldiers has made a significant difference in the outlook in Afghanistan.
“Signing of this strategic agreement marks long days ahead, fraught with peril and difficulty for America, the Karzai government, and the people of Afghanistan. In my meeting there with Afghans who are allied for reforms in the current government, they articulated many of the American public’s concerns regarding American involvement and the future of Afghanistan. The way forward is inherently difficult. It is important, however that the decisions made and put into motion by this agreement work for the benefit of both Afghanistan and America.”
Burgess Expects Professionalism of Next EPA Regional Administrator
“The public expects an effective and professional approach to addressing their concerns about their water supply and air quality – not the politically-motivated approach that I hope is gone with the resignation of EPA political appointee Al Armendariz.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) expressed expectations for the next EPA Regional Administrator to engage professionally in solving North Texas’ environmental challenges, following the resignation of EPA political appointee, Al Armendariz.
Dr. Burgess said a practiced pattern of hostility was illustrated by the Armendariz enforcement philosophy: Make an example of a select few domestic oil and gas producers to “crucify them.” Dr. Burgess, representing North Texas on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, has sought to see that EPA and state officials work to effectively address groundwater and air quality concerns.
“The public expects an effective and professional approach to addressing their concerns about their water supply and air quality – not the politically-motivatedapproach that I hope is gone with the resignation of EPA political appointee Al Armendariz,” said Burgess, who had called for Armendariz to be fired after the comments that summarized an approach of scare tactics rather than effective enforcement to solve North Texans’ environmental concerns.
Dr. Burgess encourages the next EPA Regional Administrator to support the congressman’s ongoing efforts on behalf of North Texas residents:
· Encouraging full review and objective studies by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) and Dept of State Health Services.
· Support for environmental and industry groups to provide official public comments prior to proposed TCEQ regulations surrounding natural gas drilling permits.
· Active participation in U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee hearings in Texas and in Washington, D.C. regarding hydraulic fracturing.
· Working with local officials to address community concerns surrounding increased energy production in residential communities, including DISH and Flower Mound.
· Support municipal governments’ decisions on oil and natural gas permitting, siting, and production within their localities.
· Resolve concerns with national gas drilling by using science to guide energy development.
· Working with the Texas Railroad Commission on specific complaints on well-water clarity.
President’s Job Council Members Cite Worries on Health Care Law
“Whatever they may have told the President about the impact of his health care law, internal reports from these companies now reveal concerns for increased costs and uncertainty.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D., a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that while President Obama repeatedly promised lower health care costs and insurance premiums, the analysis of businesses executives from his own Council on Jobs and Competitiveness reflect deep worries about the costly job-crippling impacts and threats to employee-provided insurance from the President’s signature health care law.
“Whatever they may have told the President about the impact of his health care law, internal reports from these companies now reveal concerns for increased costs and uncertainty,” said Dr. Burgess. “Documents produced by members of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness reveal what many working Americans may have also have worried: that the President’s health care law increases costs – not decreases costs.”
Southwest Airlines’ analysis in June 2010 stated its broader concerns from increased costs: “For example, over the next ten years, the legislation will impose taxes and fees of $107 billion on insurance companies…as well as on pharmaceutical manufacturers. Without question, some or all of those taxes and fees will be passed on to Southwest Airlines. Also, certain coverage provisions…will increase Southwest’s costs.”
The documents provided by Jobs Council member companies to the Investigations Subcommittee show there will be strong incentives for companies to drop coverage – and just pay a federal penalty for not providing their employees with insurance:
Southwest Airlines: “$414 million to provide healthcare versus $111 million in penalties.”
Boeing: “It’s probable that many employers will decide to discontinue offering health plans in the post-health care reform environment.”
The Investigations Subcommittee found all members of the President’s Jobs Council stating they want to maintain a loyal workforce and that providing health care benefits is an important factor in maintaining that workforce. However, President Obama’s health care law raises costs for businesses and gives them incentives to drop their health care plans. If one company drops its health care coverage, competitors may be forced to drop coverage in order to compete.
The Jobs Council report by the House Commerce Investigations & Oversight Subcommittee is posted at http://t.co/ITNb8D9I
Burgess Calls for Firing EPA Regional Administrator
“The Al Armendariz philosophy is entrenched in the Obama EPA’s culture of hostility toward domestic energy production –Armendariz says, “You crucify them.”
Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee member, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. has called for EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to fire her political appointee, Al Armendariz, after Armendariz’s recorded comments surfaced, summarizing his enforcement philosophy toward domestic oil and gas producers. Dr. Burgess released the following statement:
EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz bluntly stated his philosophy on federal enforcement of oil and gas regulation that is rooted in the crudest and most unproductive approach: To make examples out of people just as the Roman conquerors did – and instructing his staff by example on how to carry out his philosophy of enforcement – which is – and I quote Armendariz – “you crucify them.”
His comment in a videotaped speech reflects his immature and threatening attitude toward those who drill for America’s oil and gas independence. In North Texas, those who Al Armendariz would crucify are employers, who support good-paying jobs for thousands of families. EPA’s assault on these companies shocks the conscience.
The Al Armendariz philosophy is entrenched in the Obama EPA’s culture of hostility toward domestic energy production. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is quick to claim she cares about science, but is even quicker to jump the gun by using public scare tactics that have no grounding in science: From falsely accusing the Parker County business Range Resources, to releasing unsound reports on natural gas drilling in Wyoming and Pennsylvania, this EPA will push its agenda no matter what the case.
In the words coming right from the mouth of Al Armendariz, is the core EPA philosophy of an unyielding and hostile approach that he repeatedly took with the people of North Texas over the past couple of years. Government service is no place for Al Armendariz – someone who lacks the emotional ability to deal competently and professionally on behalf of the American people.
EPA’s Administrator Lisa Jackson must fire him and replace him with a public servant who has the emotional temperament to work for solutions, instead of a blinding hatred based on his own political philosophy.
WFAA TV updates the inspiring story of two North Texas residents connected by one little boy: the boy's father who needed a kidney and the boy's teacher whose caring gift has taught a lifelong lesson. Now, in the months after the transplant, the father worries about the cost of medications to keep the new kidney functioning, and Congressman Michael Burgess pushes for a practical, compassionate way to help all kidney transplant patients.
Dr. Burgess is invited to question Government Oversight and Reform witnesses as a North Texas orthodontist explains her findings documenting the fraudulent use of Medicaid money in dentistry.
You can view the story from WFAA TV below.
Chance may favor the prepared, but North Texans can be more certain of their own safety during weather and natural disasters after attending the Emergency Preparedness Summit & Fair on Saturday, April 14 in Denton at Guyer High School. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) has coordinated the event for the fourth year for the public to talk with local, state and federal officials, at the outset of severe weather season.
“I hope North Texas residents will share their interest in pre-planning with neighbors,” said Dr. Burgess. “It’s a productive way to spend a Saturday morning, to come and go for specific questions, or stay to listen to the experts’ presentations.”
Experts will share the current plans for disaster response, outdoor emergency warning systems, the next severe storm warning system, a demonstration by search and rescue dogs, and personalized advice on what items are needed on a moment’s notice to evacuate. In addition, there will be a fair with demonstrations and booths where weather and disaster specific organizations will present and distribute practical emergency information. The event opens at 8 a.m. with access to the fair, and presentations begin at 8:30 a.m. Chief Meteorologist for Fox 4, Dan Henry, delivers the keynote address.
Emergency Preparedness Summit & Fair
Saturday, April 14, 2012
8 a.m. – 12 noon
Guyer High School
7501 Teasley Lane
Denton, TX 76210
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26)
Fox 4 Chief Meteorologist Dan Henry
Weather and preparedness experts from local, state and federal organizations
Constituents wanting more information regarding the Emergency Preparedness Summit & Fair can visit http://burgess.house.gov/EmergencyPreparedness, or contact Robin Vaughan, District Administrator, at (972) 434-9700 or by e-mail: robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov.
Artwork from 25 North Texas high school art students were announced by U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Tuesday as finalists in "An Artistic Discovery,"the annual Congressional High School Art Competition. Finalists from each of the area high schools and the one winner of the popular vote “Texas Choice” will now be reviewed by an art juror designated by The Greater Denton Arts Council for selection as Grand Prize, First, Second and Third Place winners to be announced April 30th.
“I would like to thank every student and art teacher who submitted works to this year's Congressional Art Competition,” said Dr. Burgess. “The response was overwhelming and the talent of our students is incredible. Please take the time to browse the finalists and honorable mentions on our burgess.house.gov website.”
For the first time, this year’s entries were submitted digitally by art teachers on behalf of their students for a new public category: the “Texas Choice.” Flower Mound High School student Katherine Choi’s “Through the Buildings” cityscape was selected by popular vote in the virtual gallery on the congressman’s website. Miss Choi’s work was also selected as among “Best of School” representing Flower Mound High School.
The Best of School selections are made of one student from each school based on the art juror's appraisal of their work as the best piece among all art work submitted by that school. Listed by high school, the Best of School finalists are: Lone Star High School’s Justin Wilkerson for "Carousel in Motion", Timber Creek High School’sNia Ortega for "Watching the Race", Billy Ryan High School’sNadia Rosales for "Trouble Hunting", John Guyer High School’sBailey Cage for "Rainy Day", Lake Dallas High School’sNicole Canada for "Longing", Coram Deo Academy’sAnna Brock for "Life", Flower Mound High School’s Katherine Choi for "Through the Buildings", Keller High School’s Madison McDaniel for "The Marina", Liberty Christian School’sColby Dowdle for "Ryder & Kage", Everman High School’sMaria Vasquez for "Cut Me", Nolan Catholic High School’sFeliza Vidaurri for "June Bug in Flight", Marcus High School’sBrooks Morrow for "The Explorer", Byron Nelson High School’sTiffany Hester for "Jazz is a Sweet Sound", Polytechnic High School’sClaudia Acosta for "Fish in a Pond", and Westlake Academy’sCaitlin Burke for "The Change".
The Juror's Award is based on the juror's appraisal of artwork having a high level of artistic merit and execution ranking under that of the Best of School Award. These students are also finalists in the competition: Timber Creek High School’s Anna McKay for "Aspirations", Billy Ryan High School’sLindsey Hanley for "Lost in Motion", Flower Mound High School’sNicholas Woodwell for "Allee", Liberty Christian School’sMarissa Marrs for "New York Nostalgia", and Marcus High School’sKaitlyn Herber for"Leaf".
The Juror's Honorable Mention recognizes a high level of artistic merit although not selected for Best of School or Juror's Choice by the juror. These students are not finalists in the competition, but through Honorable Mention will receive recognition of their talent and hard work: Timber Creek High School’s Courtney McDonald for "Bromeliad Brilliance"and Brianna Rebosio for "Hudson", Flower Mound High School’sReid Fagerquist for "Suspension", and Liberty Christian School’sEmily Vick for "Stained" and Kristin Smith for "Irish Enigma".
Artwork selected as the Grand Prize winner will be displayed for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol. The Grand Prize winning artist will be invited along with one parent/guardian to attend the national reception in Washington, DC in June. The First Place winner may have their artwork displayed in the Washington, DC office, while Second and Third Place winners' artwork may be displayed publicly in Congressman Burgess’ Lewisville or Fort Worth district offices for the upcoming year.
Hundreds of thousands of talented high school students have served as artistic ambassadors of their communities in the 30 years since the U.S. House of Representatives created the competition.
