New HHS Report Shows Obamacare Hurting Utahns
Starkest Evidence that Obamacare was Mistake, Must be Repealed
Salt Lake City, UT– Americans for Prosperity – Utah reacted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report released late yesterday comparing premium costs for individual market plans purchased by consumers in 2013 to Obamacare exchange plans purchased in 2017. The report covers the 39 states using the Healthcare.gov platform. The report found that in Utah, the average monthly premium increased from $259 in 2013 to $319 in 2017, an increase of 101 percent.
AFP- Utah State Director Evelyn Everton issued the following statement:
“When Barack Obama and congressional Democrats forced the so-called Affordable Care Act on us, they assured us that our health insurance premiums would go down under their plan. That turned out to be a big lie. HHS lays out the clearest evidence yet that Obamacare is the costly disaster that we at AFP have always warned it was, and it is hurting Utahns. Obamacare cannot be saved, but needs to be torn out root and branch.”
“Representatives Rob Bishon, Chris Stewart, Jason Chaffetz, and Mia Love should be applauded for standing firm on their promise to repeal this broken law. We urge the Senate to finish repealing Obamacare and deliver a policy that empowers Utahns to take control of their health care.”
BACKGROUND
In a letter issued earlier this week, Americans for Prosperity and Freedom Partners urged Senate lawmakers to repeal Obamacare and pass additional reforms that will reduce prices and create more affordable options for patients across the country. The two organizations offered to work with Senators who are working on health care legislation to build on the House’s recent efforts by repealing as much of Obamacare as possible. The groups also encouraged lawmakers to consider four key elements that would “drive down costs, create more affordable options, and expand access to quality care for everyone – especially those most in need.” Click here to read the full letter.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 35 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org
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Family dog sentenced to death under archaic Utah law
Humane Society of Utah defends Santaquin family dog from death
A Santaquin, Utah family dog named Dexter has been sentenced to death under an archaic city ordinance. Dexter, a male 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, escaped the Bray family’s fenced backyard and allegedly bit a teenage girl. According to the police report, “the bite did not break any skin.” The Humane Society of Utah believes a death penalty is an overreaction based on the city ordinance’s broad definition of a vicious dog.
Under the Santaquin City ordinance, a vicious dog is defined as, “A dog that has bitten, clawed, attacked, chased, harassed, pursued, or worried a person without provocation.”
“This overly-broad definition is not in tune with other common ordinances,” said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director. “We believe that this is an overreaction and the city cannot euthanize every dog or cat when it scratches somebody.”
The matter is now in the Fourth District Court in an appeal from the Santaquin Justice Court. The parties have agreed to dismiss the criminal action if the city council amends its ordinance at its meeting June 7, 2017.
Craig S. Cook, president and general counsel for the Humane Society of Utah has agreed to represent the Bray family in any city council and judicial proceedings, pro bono.
“It is hoped that the city council will amend its nineteenth century ordinance to provide its citizens with full due process of law, to provide an acceptable definition of a ‘vicious’ animal and to further allow alternatives to the present mandatory death sentence,” said Cook.
The Humane Society of Utah believes that euthanasia or permanent confinement of the dog are extreme remedies and should be utilized only when the dog has attacked a person or companion animal without justification and has caused serious physical injury or death, or when a qualified behaviorist who has personally evaluated the dog determines that the dog poses a substantial risk of such behavior and that no other remedy will make the dog suitable to live safely with people.
Furthermore, the Humane Society of Utah advocates that, in lieu of mandatory euthanasia in cases involving no serious injury, the courts in all jurisdictions should give the owner of a domestic pet the following alternatives.
Evaluation by a certified applied animal behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and completion of any training or other treatment as deemed appropriate by that expert.
Spaying or neutering.
Secure, humane confinement in a manner that prevents escape and unsupervised contact with the public, permits the dog adequate exercise and provides protection from the elements.
Direct supervision by an adult 18 years of age or older whenever the dog is on public property.
Restraint on a leash whenever the dog is in public.
Muzzling in public in a manner that prevents the dog from biting people and other animals but does not injure the dog or interfere with his vision or respiration.
Microchipping.
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admissions shelter in the state and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No-Kill Utah (NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
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Family dog sentenced to death under archaic Utah law
Humane Society of Utah defends Santaquin family dog from death
A Santaquin, Utah family dog named Dexter has been sentenced to death under an archaic city ordinance. Dexter, a male 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, escaped the Bray family’s fenced backyard and allegedly bit a teenage girl. According to the police report, “the bite did not break any skin.” The Humane Society of Utah believes a death penalty is an overreaction based on the city ordinance’s broad definition of a vicious dog.
Under the Santaquin City ordinance, a vicious dog is defined as, “A dog that has bitten, clawed, attacked, chased, harassed, pursued, or worried a person without provocation.”
“This overly-broad definition is not in tune with other common ordinances,” said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director. “We believe that this is an overreaction and the city cannot euthanize every dog or cat when it scratches somebody.”
The matter is now in the Fourth District Court in an appeal from the Santaquin Justice Court. The parties have agreed to dismiss the criminal action if the city council amends its ordinance at its meeting June 7, 2017.
Craig S. Cook, president and general counsel for the Humane Society of Utah has agreed to represent the Bray family in any city council and judicial proceedings, pro bono.
“It is hoped that the city council will amend its nineteenth century ordinance to provide its citizens with full due process of law, to provide an acceptable definition of a ‘vicious’ animal and to further allow alternatives to the present mandatory death sentence,” said Cook.
The Humane Society of Utah believes that euthanasia or permanent confinement of the dog are extreme remedies and should be utilized only when the dog has attacked a person or companion animal without justification and has caused serious physical injury or death, or when a qualified behaviorist who has personally evaluated the dog determines that the dog poses a substantial risk of such behavior and that no other remedy will make the dog suitable to live safely with people.
Furthermore, the Humane Society of Utah advocates that, in lieu of mandatory euthanasia in cases involving no serious injury, the courts in all jurisdictions should give the owner of a domestic pet the following alternatives.
Evaluation by a certified applied animal behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and completion of any training or other treatment as deemed appropriate by that expert.
Spaying or neutering.
Secure, humane confinement in a manner that prevents escape and unsupervised contact with the public, permits the dog adequate exercise and provides protection from the elements.
Direct supervision by an adult 18 years of age or older whenever the dog is on public property.
Restraint on a leash whenever the dog is in public.
Muzzling in public in a manner that prevents the dog from biting people and other animals but does not injure the dog or interfere with his vision or respiration.
Microchipping.
###
About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admissions shelter in the state and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No-Kill Utah (NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
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Cascadian Next-Generation Water Treatment Products
Streamline Installation
-- Cartridge technology does not require power or drain line –
CLE ELUM, Wash. (May 2017) —Cascadian Water’s ICS (Integrated Cartridge Solutions) next-generation water treatment products provide a simple, flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional water treatment systems, streamlining water treatment for contractors, even in areas under salt bans.
“It’s time to embrace the next generation of water treatment,” says Gabe Ergler, President of Cascadian Water. “Through science and engineering we’ve created salt-free solutions with many advantages over traditional salt-based softeners.”
Unlike traditional water treatment systems, Cascadian Water products do not require power for operation or a drain line for wastewater. “Cartridge-based systems represent a shift away from traditional treatment techniques in favor of convenient, low-impact solutions. The side benefit of this evolution is simplified installation,” says Ergler.
The small footprint of ICS water treatment systems also means there is flexibility in locating the, according to Ergler. The products require one-twentieth the space of traditional water softener systems and can be installed on a wall requiring no floor space. Cartridge system fits within an area (L) 12” X (W) 12” X (H) 28”.
Using PolyHalt® technology, Cascadian’s ICS line of products can be installed in municipalities where salt softeners are restricted or banned, including California, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Kentucky, Montana, Michigan and Massachusetts.
“In creating PolyHalt® we started with a long-proven municipal treatment technology and modified it for use in cartridge-based solutions. PolyHalt® water softeners are based on polyphosphate treatment that sequesters and binds metals, including iron and scale-forming calcium and magnesium. Simply put, treatment with PolyHalt® modifies behavior of problem metals so they pass through the home without causing problems such as staining, hard scale buildup or soap scum. PolyHalt® produces all the benefits of a salt-based softener without the wastewater problem”.
According to Ergler, PolyHalt® brings decades-old municipal treatment technology to individual homes and businesses. PolyHalt® is proven safe and effective through independent third party certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 60 for corrosion and scale control and is legal to use in all municipalities that have banned or restricted traditional salt-based softeners. All Cascadian Water products are manufactured in the USA from certified components.
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Photos Available.
About Cascadian Water
Established in 1994 in Snohomish, WA, Cascadian Water is the largest provider of water treatment solutions in the Northwest. The company has developed and manufactures a proprietary line of Integrated Cartridge Solutions for residential and commercial water treatment, and serves as a wholesale distributor of complementary products. An advocate for resolving water issues with simple methods, Cascadian is dedicated to development, manufacturing and training of water treatment solutions serving the United States and Canada. Visit http://www.cascadianwater.com for more information.
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USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee Nomination Period Begins June 15
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Thursday, June 15, 2017.
“County committees allow farmers and ranchers to make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve their needs,” said Acting FSA Administrator Chris Beyerhelm. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.”
County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers in their communities to guide the delivery of farm programs at the local level. Committee members play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA. Committees consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month or as needed to make important decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide there are over 7,700 farmer and ranchers serving on FSA county committees.
Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, and reside in the local administrative area where the election is being held.
After the nomination period, candidates will encourage the eligible producers in their local administrative area to vote. FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6, 2017. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 4, 2017. Newly-elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2018.
To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2017 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2017. Locate your local office at https://offices.usda.gov and visit to get more information.
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