Category: Safety Net for the Middle Class

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Is your Hospital a non profit? Don’t bet on it. Providence is a huge Hospital system, located primarily on the West coast and it has a nasty habit of taking Billions in taxpayer monies , in order to be tax exempt. However, as a modern Corporation, it doesn’t play by the rules and charges charity patients, even though those patients are entitled to free care. Patients are harassed at bedside. Hospital employees do the dirty work or lose pay. If pressure doesn’t succeed and a Medicaid patient walks out without paying, then, debt collectors pursue patients relentlessly, destroying patients credit. Meanwhile, the Providence system’s, CEO , made $10 million last year and their endowment is traded on the exchange. That’s the Big Businesses model today, lawless with no enforcement of Rules and regulations. Where are our State and Federal congressional representatives to protect us? Are they soliciting Providence corporate and money to stay in power? They say, Senator Warnock, of Georgia, , can’t be trusted, because he’s a Pastor, better that , then a full time politician on the dole! How is your local hospital treating you? Is it a non profit? There’s a form to fill out if you think you’ve been charged by your hospital erroneously.

September 24, 2022

http://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/24/business/nonprofit-hospitals-poor-patients.html In February, Bob Ferguson, the state’s attorney general, accused Providence of violating state law, in part by using debt collectors to pursue more than 55,000 patient accounts. The suit alleged that Providence wrongly claimed those patients owed a total of more than $73 million. Providence, which is fighting the lawsuit, has said it will … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Is your Hospital a non profit? Don’t bet on it. Providence is a huge Hospital system, located primarily on the West coast and it has a nasty habit of taking Billions in taxpayer monies , in order to be tax exempt. However, as a modern Corporation, it doesn’t play by the rules and charges charity patients, even though those patients are entitled to free care. Patients are harassed at bedside. Hospital employees do the dirty work or lose pay. If pressure doesn’t succeed and a Medicaid patient walks out without paying, then, debt collectors pursue patients relentlessly, destroying patients credit. Meanwhile, the Providence system’s, CEO , made $10 million last year and their endowment is traded on the exchange. That’s the Big Businesses model today, lawless with no enforcement of Rules and regulations. Where are our State and Federal congressional representatives to protect us? Are they soliciting Providence corporate and money to stay in power? They say, Senator Warnock, of Georgia, , can’t be trusted, because he’s a Pastor, better that , then a full time politician on the dole! How is your local hospital treating you? Is it a non profit? There’s a form to fill out if you think you’ve been charged by your hospital erroneously.

TheVoiceOfJoyce America is experiencing rapid Climate disasters along its entire 1000 mile coastline. The floods are sweeping away whole houses, inundating rivers and preventing the livelihood and survival of the Indigenous Population. This is an emergency. There’s 3 weeks before the first freeze and the Inland Indigenous people must be able to fish and store food for the long winter ahead. Non tropical cyclones are a big concern North to Nome Alaska. The Alaskan State needs help now and expeditiously. Meanwhile, in the California, Mosquito fire, the flames are going out and the mud slides begin. The fossil fuel equation is shifting. Loss of life and property is exceeding the ease of burning fossil fuels. The Inflation Reduction Act provides Billions for renewables, use it!

September 20, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/19/alaska-flooding-typhoon-merbok-california-storm The cascading crises up and down the western coast of the US come after scientists have warned for years that global heating will make Alaska more vulnerable to large non-tropical cyclones, even as it drives drier, hotter conditions that fuel damaging wildfires across the west. Mary Peltola, the state’s sole congressional representative, said she … More TheVoiceOfJoyce America is experiencing rapid Climate disasters along its entire 1000 mile coastline. The floods are sweeping away whole houses, inundating rivers and preventing the livelihood and survival of the Indigenous Population. This is an emergency. There’s 3 weeks before the first freeze and the Inland Indigenous people must be able to fish and store food for the long winter ahead. Non tropical cyclones are a big concern North to Nome Alaska. The Alaskan State needs help now and expeditiously. Meanwhile, in the California, Mosquito fire, the flames are going out and the mud slides begin. The fossil fuel equation is shifting. Loss of life and property is exceeding the ease of burning fossil fuels. The Inflation Reduction Act provides Billions for renewables, use it!

TheVoiceOfJoyce Trump’s judicial placements, 3 members of the Supreme Court and 250 in theFederal Courts, will impact our Democracy. These placements connect back to Leonard Leo, The Billionaire funding him and his selection of attorneys from Jones Day. The ultra conservative leanings of this group was years in the making. They’re anti a women’s right to choose, against gun regulations, against civil and voting rights. They are chipping away at the freedoms of our Democracy. In response, in Texas, Mothers Against Greg Abbott have their own MAGA group. Which MAGA group do you want to win the midterm elections? Trump’s MAGA or MOM’s? We have a vote, a voice and choice. Don’t forget to Vote!

September 20, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/18/trump-special-master-mar-a-lago-judiciary-courts

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce In a first step to giving fast food workers a voice in wage and benefit negations, California Governor Gavin Newson has signed a new Law into effect. The Law effective , 1/23, would give fast food workers a seat at the Corporate table in all municipalities where they work. 500,000 workers will be represented by this Law and Fast Food chains are trying to overturn their rights thru a Referendum. Don’t buy the Fast Food Chains arguments. They’re not being harmed. They’re right to abuse and underpay staffing is their issue. Finally, one sector of Corporations will be legally accountable for their actions. Wages won’t be withheld, the abuse has to stop and people may earn a living wage and have a say in their work place environment. As an employee of a Corporation, wouldn’t you want a living wage and better working conditions? Wouldn’t you want a seat and a voice at the Corporate table? Support the Fast Food workers, vote for them not Corporate Power and let Californians craft more Laws favoring Labor. Labor isn’t responsible for inflation. Corporate Power and Greed are inflationary. #Support Labor.

September 18, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/18/california-labor-law-fast-food-industry-referendum There are about 500,000 workers in the fast-food industry in California who will be represented under the law. It also provides a pathway for local municipalities to create their own similar councils overseeing the industry and to report to the statewide council. The law only applies to fast-food corporations with at least 100 retail … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce In a first step to giving fast food workers a voice in wage and benefit negations, California Governor Gavin Newson has signed a new Law into effect. The Law effective , 1/23, would give fast food workers a seat at the Corporate table in all municipalities where they work. 500,000 workers will be represented by this Law and Fast Food chains are trying to overturn their rights thru a Referendum. Don’t buy the Fast Food Chains arguments. They’re not being harmed. They’re right to abuse and underpay staffing is their issue. Finally, one sector of Corporations will be legally accountable for their actions. Wages won’t be withheld, the abuse has to stop and people may earn a living wage and have a say in their work place environment. As an employee of a Corporation, wouldn’t you want a living wage and better working conditions? Wouldn’t you want a seat and a voice at the Corporate table? Support the Fast Food workers, vote for them not Corporate Power and let Californians craft more Laws favoring Labor. Labor isn’t responsible for inflation. Corporate Power and Greed are inflationary. #Support Labor.

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce, Republicans headed by Tom Cruz are challenging the Student Loan forgiveness program, that provides relief for Pell Grants of $20,000 & $10,000 for all students earning less than $125,000 a yr. This is a popular program and well deserved relief for the kids heavily burdened. Why is the GOP trying to sue this administration and on who’s behalf? The lenders? Institutions of higher learning are beginning to acknowledge that their tuition is too high for most applicants and their offering higher grant relief. Fighting relief for kids, only solidifies the notion, this Republican Party is pro business & pro profit only and the People be damned!

September 16, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/sep/16/biden-student-loan-debt-forgiveness-republicans-legal-action more Meanwhile, supporters of debt forgiveness are also working on challenging the political threat to the plan as Republicans have also sought to make the program a key talking point during the upcoming midterm elections. The plan, which includes the forgiveness of federal student loans of up to $20,000 for Pell grant recipients and … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce, Republicans headed by Tom Cruz are challenging the Student Loan forgiveness program, that provides relief for Pell Grants of $20,000 & $10,000 for all students earning less than $125,000 a yr. This is a popular program and well deserved relief for the kids heavily burdened. Why is the GOP trying to sue this administration and on who’s behalf? The lenders? Institutions of higher learning are beginning to acknowledge that their tuition is too high for most applicants and their offering higher grant relief. Fighting relief for kids, only solidifies the notion, this Republican Party is pro business & pro profit only and the People be damned!

TheVoiceOfJoyce The 24 Republican States intend to shamelessly protect Corporations from disclosing their Carbon Footprint? Why are 24 States, run by Corporations for the Corporate Welfare, superseding the needs of “We the People “? How can their citizens vote for Corporate Welfare over theirs? Why should Corporations be unaccountable? That’s supporting of “NeoLiberalism” ( no corporate accountability, no regulations & small government) This ideology doesn’t protect” we the People “, it protects Corporations. Why do we have unequal Justice? Income inequality? Illiteracy? Voter suppression? To maintain Corporate Power and largesse. When we run out of water, will you be fighting the neighbors or the Corporations. Will you Vote Corporate Power out of Government, along with the 24 Republican State Governments?

September 15, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/15/republicans-climate-rules-legal-challenge-allow-emissions

TheVoiceOfJoyce Railroad employees, carrying 40% of all US freight, plan to strike for wages and benefits, higher employment rates and against precision scheduling, that increased RR profits, by cutting headcount drastically. As in most US Industry, less people are employed doing more work for less pay. While Corporations rake in hefty profits, employee wages have stagnated across all industries, since the crash of 2008. Henry Ford made cars affordable by paying his workers high wages , enabling them to purchase his cars. When I worked at Ford, I bought 2 cars every 6 months for my family. It was good for my credit, good for my family & good for Ford. Ford is still in business. Profit and shareholder profits are destroying our economic stability. When will the US see a return to higher wages for everyone? Would you strike in support of RR employees, teachers, nurses? What’s your dissatisfaction quotient? There is no great resignation. There is discrimination against workers entitled to better pay!

September 14, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/14/us-railroad-strike-union-pacific-bnsf Labor cuts, lack of paid days off, precision scheduling systems to reduce headcounts, disciplinary attendance policies that issue points against workers for any time taken off and unfair and punishing on-call schedules have made it more difficult to continue working in the railroad industry, said Grooters, and workers claim these issues aren’t being addressed … More TheVoiceOfJoyce Railroad employees, carrying 40% of all US freight, plan to strike for wages and benefits, higher employment rates and against precision scheduling, that increased RR profits, by cutting headcount drastically. As in most US Industry, less people are employed doing more work for less pay. While Corporations rake in hefty profits, employee wages have stagnated across all industries, since the crash of 2008. Henry Ford made cars affordable by paying his workers high wages , enabling them to purchase his cars. When I worked at Ford, I bought 2 cars every 6 months for my family. It was good for my credit, good for my family & good for Ford. Ford is still in business. Profit and shareholder profits are destroying our economic stability. When will the US see a return to higher wages for everyone? Would you strike in support of RR employees, teachers, nurses? What’s your dissatisfaction quotient? There is no great resignation. There is discrimination against workers entitled to better pay!

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce The Republican Party has been crafting State Laws by relying on Industry & Lobbying groups, like ALEC, to craft bills that make it illegal to protest a pipeline or other fossil fuel projects, punishable by 10 yrs in prison? Aren’t these Laws, in 24 States, curtailing our right to protest and freedom of speech? Why would you vote for Laws crafted by industry to curtail your rights under the Constitution? Why aren’t amicus briefs being filed against these industries & Lobbying groups? How many Americans have lost their lives to pollutants? Fires? Flooding? Heat? Do you want non elected officials to craft the Laws of your State? If not, vote out every Republican and preserve your Constitutional rights. Industry control of GOP STATE GOVERNANCE doesn’t end with denying us clean air and water, they also support gun manufacturing over the rights of citizens, they’re against funding education and have harmed women by denying them the right to reproductive healthcare. Do you think Corporations should have more rights than “We the People”?

September 14, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/14/rightwing-lobbyists-at-heart-of-anti-protest-bills-in-republican-states Republican-led legislatures have passed anti-protest laws drafted by an extreme right corporate lobbying group in a third of all American states since 2018, as part of a backlash against Indigenous communities and environmentalists opposing fossil fuel projects, new research has found. The American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec) helped draft legislation criminalizing grassroots protests against … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce The Republican Party has been crafting State Laws by relying on Industry & Lobbying groups, like ALEC, to craft bills that make it illegal to protest a pipeline or other fossil fuel projects, punishable by 10 yrs in prison? Aren’t these Laws, in 24 States, curtailing our right to protest and freedom of speech? Why would you vote for Laws crafted by industry to curtail your rights under the Constitution? Why aren’t amicus briefs being filed against these industries & Lobbying groups? How many Americans have lost their lives to pollutants? Fires? Flooding? Heat? Do you want non elected officials to craft the Laws of your State? If not, vote out every Republican and preserve your Constitutional rights. Industry control of GOP STATE GOVERNANCE doesn’t end with denying us clean air and water, they also support gun manufacturing over the rights of citizens, they’re against funding education and have harmed women by denying them the right to reproductive healthcare. Do you think Corporations should have more rights than “We the People”?

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce One man’s crusade for employment and Justice, ends with the passage of California Bill: SB 231, sealing all prison records upon request & non violent felonies, automatically, after 4 years of Parole. Citizens can petition to seal their records, so they can regain their rights to work, get a degree, certificates and vote. The USA, punitively incarcerates 70 million Americans, mostly Black and goes so far as to deny many their right to vote. In Florida, Politicians granted ex felons the right to vote, then took away all classifications, except 3. 1.4 million Floridians were deceived, they thought they were now able to vote. At 5% of the World’s population, 20% of the World’s population is incarcerated. Prison is Big Business. When Alabama received Federal Covid money to be spent on schools, teachers & infrastructure , they chose to build 2 for Profit prisons instead? Does keeping people poor, under educated, unemployed, unable to Vote, make sense to you? Is this humane treatment?

September 14, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/14/criminal-records-california-sealing-expunge-jay-jordan In a country that is home to more than 20% of the world’s prison population but just 5% of the global population, the impact is profound: “It’s not just mass incarceration. We have a system of mass criminalization,” Roberts said. In addition to housing, employment and occupational licenses, records block people from adoption, volunteering, … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce One man’s crusade for employment and Justice, ends with the passage of California Bill: SB 231, sealing all prison records upon request & non violent felonies, automatically, after 4 years of Parole. Citizens can petition to seal their records, so they can regain their rights to work, get a degree, certificates and vote. The USA, punitively incarcerates 70 million Americans, mostly Black and goes so far as to deny many their right to vote. In Florida, Politicians granted ex felons the right to vote, then took away all classifications, except 3. 1.4 million Floridians were deceived, they thought they were now able to vote. At 5% of the World’s population, 20% of the World’s population is incarcerated. Prison is Big Business. When Alabama received Federal Covid money to be spent on schools, teachers & infrastructure , they chose to build 2 for Profit prisons instead? Does keeping people poor, under educated, unemployed, unable to Vote, make sense to you? Is this humane treatment?

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Forest fires in California, Oregon, Washington and Canada are triggering dangerous pollution levels. Residents are being told to remain indoors to avoid inhaling pollutants. The Tour de Lake Tahoe, an annual 72 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe has been canceled for Sunday. The smoke has travelled to Vancouver , Canada and deemed unsafe to breathe. Folks working on a Canadian pipeline had to remain indoors. Fires now carry dangerous levels of smoke and pollutants to vast areas beyond their origination. Smoke plumes can be seen by satellites circling the Globe. Is it time to plan for our future with less heat, fires, pollutants? Are you concerned for the safety & health of your families? Is there a cost associated with your ability to survive & thrive? Health costs? Property loss?

September 13, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/12/california-wildfires-oregon-washington The fire has sent smoke over a large portion of the northern Sierra region. California health officials urged people in affected areas to stay indoors where possible. Lake Tahoe, more than 50 miles away from the fire, is facing some of the worst effects, with smoke producing unhealthy to hazardous air quality in the … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Forest fires in California, Oregon, Washington and Canada are triggering dangerous pollution levels. Residents are being told to remain indoors to avoid inhaling pollutants. The Tour de Lake Tahoe, an annual 72 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe has been canceled for Sunday. The smoke has travelled to Vancouver , Canada and deemed unsafe to breathe. Folks working on a Canadian pipeline had to remain indoors. Fires now carry dangerous levels of smoke and pollutants to vast areas beyond their origination. Smoke plumes can be seen by satellites circling the Globe. Is it time to plan for our future with less heat, fires, pollutants? Are you concerned for the safety & health of your families? Is there a cost associated with your ability to survive & thrive? Health costs? Property loss?