Vitter Releases Healthcare Plan for Louisiana, How to Reform Medicaid

For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
May 22, 2015                                                                                             
 

Vitter Releases Healthcare Plan for Louisiana, How to Reform Medicaid
New Chapter of Vitter’s plan entitled “Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid”
 

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to improve health care in Louisiana as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 6 of the Vitter plan is entitled “Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid.”

You can read Vitter’s plan to improve health care and reform Medicaid
 

“93,000 Louisianians have lost coverage that they liked and wanted to keep. Struggling middle class families have seen premiums and other costs skyrocket, and 866,000 of our citizens are still uninsured,” Vitter said. “We need solid Louisiana solutions, not mandates from the federal government.”

In Chapter 6 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he’ll work hard to ensure that our new public-private hospital partnerships work for all Louisianians and how he’ll fight to reform the broken Medicaid program, using market-based, patient-centered models. Vitter’s plan explains how he will promote preventative and primary care, which will produce better outcomes and save taxpayer dollars. It also explains how he will support Louisiana’s medical schools and teaching hospitals.

The new chapter also highlights the “Vitter Record,” including a number of bills Vitter has passed in the Senate and how he has led on health care initiatives like breast cancer screenings and paid maternity leave.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first six chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.
 

In addition to “Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid,” Vitter has already released the following five chapters of the plan.

·       Keeping in Touch

·       Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform

·       Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children

·       Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs

·       Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 Town Hall Meetings and 205 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks.

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Buddy Caldwell's in Another Shady Campaign Fundraising Situation

Photo source: Flickr

This guy has so much stink on him, he's a consistent fly attraction.  In what is yet another shady campaign fundraising situation, Caldwell is being questioned regarding a ruling and subsequent campaign contributions related to the chiropractic industry in this state.  The Hayride has the details on the issue at hand and readily asks the questions on whether Caldwell is performing a "pay for play" scheme by using the functions of his office.

It's beyond a doubt that Caldwell is utterly one of the most corrupt political figures we have in the State of Louisiana.  And what is even more disturbing, he does all of this while parading around as an Elvis-impersonating Mary Landrieu fan and calling himself a Republican.

It's time for Buddy to go.

Read more: THE BUDDY SYSTEM: This Sure Looks Like A Pay-For-Play Scam By Caldwell, Does It Not?

Jay Dardenne's Broken Reagan's "11th Commandment"

When running for Lt. Governor, Jay Dardenne quoted Reagan when saying he wouldn't speak ill of a fellow Republican.

One can only guess that this won't apply to this year's campaign for Governor.  Dardenne posted the below tweet regarding a vote missed by Sen. David Vitter in DC.

Only problem is, Sen. Vitter had, what most people would feel, a legitimate excuse for missing that vote.  His twin daughters were graduating high school.

With all the issues that Louisiana is facing, one would think that Dardenne would have something more constructive to debate.  Let's start working on what can be fixed in this state rather than resort to this.

New Poll Reveals Vitter with 10 Point Lead in Louisiana Governor's Race

The latest MarblePort Polling done in regards to the Louisiana Governor's race shows Vitter widening his lead over his nearest competitor, John Bel Edwards, by 10%.  Vitter has shown consistent support amongst Republicans in the race and leads overall by 37.6% to Bel Edwards' 27.1%.  The other two Republican candidates, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Public Service Commissioner, Scott Angelle, both polling at 14.9% and 5.8% respectively.  The undecided vote is at 14.6%.

The report also references the "Honore' Factor", meaning a potential entrance of retired General Russel Honore'.  With Honore' factored into the polling data, Vitter still maintains a substantial lead, with Honore' polling at 7.4%.

The report was done in conjunction with Scott McKay of The Hayride and his piece on the poll can be seen here.

Bobby Jindal Utilizing the Same Tactics He Once Criticized Obama For Utilizing

Photo source: Slate

Yesterday, Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order in regards to religious freedom just shortly after a bill by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Bossier City) was shot down in the legislature that was written for just that reason. 

The religious freedom bill that was shot down in committee would have prohibited the state from taking punitive action against a business owner or citizen in regards to their religious beliefs.

As admiral as the bill's intention and the issuance of the executive order is in regards to the protection of religious liberties, one would have to wonder if this smells of politics and Jindal's aspirations of a Presidential campaign.  Last year, Jindal issued a press release from his office chastising Barack Obama for his use of executive order regarding illegal immigration.

Jindal is obviously using his office as a platform to further his political career and using the citizens of Louisiana as a pawn in his ambitions.  As a Republican and a staunch conservative citizen of the State of Louisiana, I feel we deserve better in a Governor.

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Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

The following email press release was issued by Senator David Vitter's office today regarding an endorsement from one of the members of the Louisiana delegation in Washington DC. Congressman Steve Scalise is the Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives and a member of Congress from the New Orleans area.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 18, 2015

504-779-3771

Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

Former Rep. Bob Livingston also endorsing Vitter

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – David Vitter (R- La.) today announced key endorsements from Louisiana’s  First Congressional District. U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston are both endorsing Vitter for Governor. 

“Having served with David Vitter in the Louisiana legislature and in Congress, I’ve witnessed firsthand his commitment to the state of Louisiana and his ability to solve critical problems,” said Scalise. “Our state currently faces many important challenges. That's why I am excited to endorse David and see that he is the first candidate for governor to release a bold plan to solve many of the critical problems facing our state.”

“I've known David since he ran for my seat in Congress, and one thing is clear - he will not be outworked," former Rep. Bob Livingston said. "David Vitter stands up for what he believes and fights to get results. I haven't seen anything as substantive and forward thinking as the plan he's been rolling out to take on the challenges at the state level. David is a no nonsense kind of guy and we need his leadership as our next Governor.”

Vitter has also been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany, John Fleming, and Ralph Abraham and Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy.

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GIL: Louisiana Republicans Need a Real Republican for AG

Photo source: Facebook

Republican Friends,

As a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee I was disappointed to receive an email from Marty Maley asking for Republican support for the office of Attorney General.  

Marty Maley has spent most of his life supporting Democrats.  Until recently he was a registered Democrat.

That is just like our current AG, Buddy Caldwell, who has done the same thing.  Both registered as Republicans just to try and win or keep this office.

Just look at Marty Maley's personal donations to Democrats and they are not even all in Louisiana:

-        DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF LA

06/25/2007 300.00 07/23/2007 1000.00 02/11/2008 1000.00 03/08/2010 1000.000 6/16/2011 900.00

(That's close to $4000 Maley gave to the Louisiana Democratic Party alone.)

-        DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ARKANSAS

-        10/26/2006 500.00

-        CHARLIE MELANCON CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

11/26/2004 2000.00 03/31/2005 500.00 07/18/2005 250.00 08/18/2005 500.00 04/12/2006 500.00 06/30/2006 350.00 06/30/2006 650.00 11/30/2006 500.00 02/26/2007 1000.00 03/30/2009 1000.00 04/14/2010 200.00 06/02/2010 500.00

-        DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

06/20/2006 200.00  02/12/2008 200.00

-        CAZAYOUX FOR CONGRESS

04/18/2008 250.00 10/20/2008 250.00

-        KAREN CARTER FOR CONGRESS

10/30/2006 250.00

-        CARMOUCHE FOR CONGRESS INC

06/30/2008 1000.00 10/20/2008 250.00 11/21/2008 1000.00

-        RICHMOND FOR CONGRESS

02/25/2011 250.00 10/27/2014 500.00

Voter registration records indicate Martin "Marty" Maley only switched from being a Democrat on May 23, 2013.  Let me tell you – that was not the day he turned 18... or even 30 years old.  Marty only became a Republican just before he started running for Attorney General.

We do not need another Democrat in sheep's clothing in a statewide office.

We are already trying to fix one problem in replacing Buddy Caldwell. 

Lifelong Democrat Buddy Caldwell only switched Republican to save his public, taxpayer-funded, job.

Remember this is the same Buddy Caldwell who twice announced how great Mary Landrieu was in offering his support.  First pretending he was Elvis (http://thehayride.com/2014/11/its-about-time-for-the-buddy-caldwell-elvis-video-with-mary-landrieu-no/) and then AGAIN in the runoff.  

That's right, Caldwell supported Landrieu AGAIN in the runoff speaking before the Legislative Black Caucus at their fundraising event:  https://youtu.be/-kpNMN7JlC8 – watch the video starting at about 9 minutes to see Caldwell praising Landrieu for having done a good job.  He also praises Democrat Cedric Richmond.  He adds that he got in a little heat for singing his love to Mary Landrieu but said he didn't care.  Caldwell also endorsed Landrieu in 2008.

Buddy Caldwell apparently was also in Denver, Colorado celebrating Barack Obama's nomination for President at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, even putting a Louisiana spin on an event held at a Louisiana themed cafe.  (see paragraph 2 http://mdpconvention.blogspot.com/2008/08/it-was-super-tuesday.html as he glad-handed fellow Democrats)  

None of this should be surprising as the Louisiana Democrat Party's spokesman said this of Buddy Caldwell:  "In his heart, Buddy Caldwell is a Democrat," said Kevin Franck, "and whichever way the political winds blow he'll always be a Democrat."  (Lafayette Independent newspaper, Feb. 2011).

Just like Marty Maley, Buddy Caldwell is not a true Republican.

That is why so many of us are supporting lifelong Republican Jeff Landry for Attorney General.  

He is a proven conservative who has consistently been pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-freedom and a fiscal conservative.  Jeff not only served Louisiana in Congress (having been rated the 4th most conservative in the whole country), he also served as a Sheriff's Deputy, as a police officer, and decorated veteran.  

Jeff also has been a volunteer for his own local Republican Parish Executive Committee, served on the Louisiana Republican platform committee many years ago, and last year he served the LA GOP as our statewide voter integrity leader.

If someone is going to say they are a Republican – let's make sure they really are a Republican.  Let's ensure the public knows.

I have endorsed Jeff.  I encourage you to endorse Jeff too.  You can do it online here:  http://www.landryforlouisiana.com/endorse  or you can fax him a written endorsement here:  337-313-4537.

Let's get behind Jeff.  Please join in endorsing him today.

Christian Gil
Member, Republican State Central Committee

David Ditch Lunch at Gonsoulin Farms in New Iberia

On Friday, May 15th, David Ditch held a lunch time gathering for all supporters of his campaign for Iberia Parish President.  The lunch was held at Gonsoulin Farms in Iberia Parish and was another stop on his "Tour to Unite Iberia".  The event was sponsored by Sweet Southern Lady Cakes LLC, Danny Hebert, Gonsoulin Farms, and Iberia Aggregates.  Ditch stressed the importance of unity in the Parish and moving the Parish forward for the sake of the children of Iberia Parish.  A video of his speech is below, as well as photos of the gathering.

Gonsoulin introduced Ditch as a friend and leader and stressed his support for his candidacy.  The video of his speech is here.

John Kennedy: Time to Stop Out of State Consultant Fees

Photo source: Louisiana Dept. of Treasury

In a recent piece written by Treasury Sec. John Kennedy, Louisiana can quit whining about the financial state of affairs by cutting back on out of state consultant fees.  In what is just a few instances of these fees, Kennedy provides the following:

• Contract #734975: "Monitoring the Louisiana Black Bear Population: Continued Health Of The Population, Monitoring Adult Female Survival & Continue Hair-Snare Work In The Texas & Upper Atchafalaya Population;" University of Tennessee; $189,750.
• Contract #716789: "Effects Of Predation On White-Tailed Deer Recruitment On The Tensas National Wildlife Refuge In North-Eastern LA;" University of Georgia; $315,010.
• Contract #718119: "Describe The Reproductive Biology Feeding Ecology Of Yellowfin Tuna In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico And Assess Genetic Stock Structure Of Yellowfin Tuna And Connectivity Between The Gulf And Other Regional Stocks In The Atlantic Basin;" The University of Southern Mississippi; $546,845.
• Contract #717427: "Research On The Effects Of The Macondo Oil Spill On Coastal Ecosystems;" University of Tennessee; $551,797.
• Contract #734837: "To Complete Planning, Webinars, And Face To Face Training To Improve Supported Employment Services Provided To VR Consumers With The Most Significant Disabilities;" University of Arkansas, $42,500.
• Contract #728593: "Complete Broad Survey To Document Current Distribution Of The Big Brown Bats;" Texas Tech University, $74,129.
• Contract #714507: "Research On The Effects Of The Macondo Oil Spill;" Rutgers University, $413,357.
• Contract #730926: "Provide Assistance In Developing And Executing A Strategic Marketing And Communication Program For Louisiana Department of Economic Development;" $3.4 million.

The rest of the piece can be read here.

Source: Our universities are paying the price for our extravagance

Bill Banning Gender Based Abortions Pass Louisiana House

Photo source: Louisiana House

An abortion banning bill introduced in the regular session by Lenar Whitney (R-Houma) has passed the full House.  The bill, known as the Prenatal Non-discrimination Act, would ban abortions based on gender in the State of Louisiana.  Only two members of the House, both Democrats, voted against legislation that would ban the selective abortion procedure that has been done in overseas countries to females in the womb.  For a party that trumps "women's rights", both of these members should be ashamed for not supporting this legislation.  They are Helena Moreno of New Orleans and Marcus Hunter of Monroe.  Their House web pages are here and here. 

The full vote roll call can be found here.

Time for Iberia Parish Citizens to Voice Their Opinions

It's good to see that we have council members here in Iberia Parish such as Ricky Gonsoulin working to give the people of the Parish a voice in their own government. 

Louisiana Republican Delegation Support H.R.36 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Photo source: Wall Street Journal

In what amounted to a party vote, H.R.36 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was approved by the House of Representatives today and was supported by all of the Louisiana Republican delegation.  A roll call of the vote can be found here.

Acadiana Patriots Monthly Meeting Tonight at 6 PM

Photo source: Acadiana Patriots

The monthly meeting of the Acadiana Patriots will be held this evening at 6 PM at the Robichaux Recreation Center across the street from the Cox building.

More information on this meeting can be found at this website.

Vitter Stands Alone in Fight Against ObamaCare in Committee

Photo source: National Review

In no clearer example of the collusion between the parties in DC, we have this.  Republicans, working along with Democrats on the Small Business Committee, voted to stop an effort by Sen. David Vitter to subpoena Congress’s application to the District of Columbia’s health exchange.

It is apparent that the games being played in DC are to the benefit of the political class, much to the grand words that are spouted to the citizens of this country.

Read more: How Five Republicans Let Congress Keep Its Fraudulent Obamacare Subsidies

Boustany Comes Out in Support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - H.R.36

Congress is currently considering legislation that would place limitations on abortions, a bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  The purpose of the legislation is as follows:

Prohibits the abortion from being performed if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater, except: (1) where necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, excluding psychological or emotional conditions; or (2) where the pregnancy is the result of rape, or the result of incest against a minor, if the rape has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency, or if the incest has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency or to a government agency legally authorized to act on reports of child abuse or neglect. Permits a physician to terminate a pregnancy under such an exception only in the manner that provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive, unless that manner would pose a greater risk than other available methods would pose of the death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman.

Congressman Charles Boustany (LA-03) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of the bill.

Recent Poll Numbers in Louisiana's Governor's Race

Photo source: NOLA

Sen. David Vitter appears to be the clear favorite in the upcoming fall election to replace Gov. Bobby Jindal for Governor of the State of Louisiana.  A recent poll conducted Southern Media and Opinion Research (SMOR) shows Vitter with a commanding lead amongst all of the candidates within the race.

"He's doing extremely well," Pollster Bernie Pinsonat said. "He's got about 50% of all white voters, he's doing extremely well with the conservatives."

Pinsonat says the poll also shows there's very few white voters who are undecided, which is bad news for Vitter's opponents.

Pinsonat says Vitter would have to suffer a catastrophic melt down with his white support not to get into the runoff against Democrat John Bel Edwards.

"It doesn't mean that Vitter is going to win, but at this point in time, he looks as strong as any candidate we've ever polled for this early in the race," Pinsonat said.

The primary is October 24th.

Source: Poll: Vitter has big lead in race for Louisiana Governor

Paycheck Protection Act Has Been Shelved For Now in Louisiana Legislature

Photo source: LABI

Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette) has shelved the Paycheck Protection Act for the time being in the Louisiana Legislature.  This will allow the bill to be brought back at a later point in time.  Supporters of the bill continue to grow, with Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana gubernatorial candidate, tweeting out his full support.

The purpose of the bill is to prevent the state government from automatically withholding union dues from the paychecks of government employees. We still have a long way to go before this bill becomes law, but this was an important step as liberal union leaders killed similar legislation in this committee twice before.

There is still time to urge your elected representatives in the Louisiana legislature to support this bill and stop the state from acting in the capacity of a union bill collector.

Paycheck Protection Act To Be Voted on Today in LA House

Today, the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on HB 418 otherwise known as Paycheck Protection. This bill would put an end the State acting as a bill collector on behalf of the unions. Liberals have stated that this bill serve no purpose, as it cost no money for Louisiana to perform this service. However, they fail to realize that the time and effort it takes to perform these tasks are being funded by taxpayer money. 

Please call or email your State Representative and urge them to vote FOR Paycheck Protection.

Click here to find your legislator

Click here to email your legislator

RELEASE: New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

The following email press release was issued today from Senator David Vitter's office.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 12, 2015

504-779-3771

 New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

New Chapter of Vitter’s plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism”

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to root out government corruption and cronyism as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 5 of the Vitter plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism.”

 You can read Vitter’s plan to fight political corruption here.

“Criminal investigations, sweetheart deals, ethics violations…reading the newspaper some days, you'd think Huey Long was alive and well,” Vitter said. “I’ve always gone against the good ole boy system in Louisiana and I’ll have a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and cronyism.  Because if we don't fight, our children won't enjoy the kind of job opportunities and efficient government they deserve.”

In Chapter 5 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he will work to root out the good ole boy system of doing business. He’ll work to abolish or reform the LSU version of Tulane legislative scholarships which are lucrative scholarships given out by public higher education board members, often to the politically connected. He’ll also work to increase ethics auditing and enforcement and end abuses like double-dipping. 

Vitter also highlighted the “Vitter Record,” like how he authored and passed term limits for the Louisiana Legislature and authored the leading bill to place term limits on Congress. One of Vitter’s hallmark efforts is his fight to end the Washington Exemption from Obamacare so that all Members of Congress, congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange with no special taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first four chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.

In addition to “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism,” Vitter has already released the following four chapters of the plan. 

• Keeping in Touch
• Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
• Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children
• Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 Town Hall Meetings and 205 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks. 

TWO SENATORS ON DIFFERENT ENDS OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM COME TOGETHER

One of the most liberal Senators in DC, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, along with one of the most conservatives, David Vitter of Louisiana, have teamed up on legislation that would make transparency greater regarding enforcement of fines by the Federal Reserve on banks with fines of more than $1 million.  Both say this is a response to taxpayer payout of financial institutions, such that has occurred in the past.

Read more: Elizabeth Warren and David Vitter Introduce Fed Legislation