A Note From the Chairman Emeritus
By Bill Frenzel

States have been called the laboratories of our democracy.  They’re places where policy experiments are carried out.  If the experiment is successful, the lessons are often applied nationwide. When California voters approved a ballot initiative known as Proposition 13.........................MORE
                                 
A More Perfect Constitution
A Q&A With Larry Sabato

Like almost all Americans I grew up believing in the Constitution -- every bit of it. But having chosen American politics as my primary passion in life, over decades of daily thinking about the issues that confronted the nation, I gradually began to see that parts of the system were no longer working very well..................MORE
                                 
 
So Far,
So Good

By Gail Wilensky


When the Medicare Modernization Act was signed into law in December 2003, there were many predictions of problems implementing the new drug benefit. Questions were raised as to whether enough private drug plans would want to participate in the prescription drug program, with elaborate government.......MORE 
 

A Financial Fix for Long Term Care
By David Hebert

As we head into yet another Presidential race, it seems that every candidate is focusing on the need for health care reform and we have seen many proposals put forth into the court of public opinion.  While the goals of fixing a troubled and ailing healthcare system are laudable, it is.................................MORE

Entitlement Reform:
Ignored in '08 Race
By David C. John

So far, fixing entitlement spending seems to be 2008’s stealth issue. Presidential candidates from both parties will, when asked directly, admit that spending on just three programs, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, is likely to move quickly from alarming to unsustainable. However, when asked.......MORE 
 

Leading the Way: Health Care Reform
By Kim Belshe

Earlier this month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger submitted legislative language to the Senate and Assembly to continue the conversation in earnest and get health care reform resolved. We continue to strive for health insurance for all California families. We need to find a solution this year.........................MORE

CA Health Care Plan:
A Bridge Too Far?

By Diana Ernst

When Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced a plan this past January to reform California’s health care system, many people said there was little chance the plan would ever be approved. The issues were too formidable, they claimed; the political hurdles, too high to overcome......................MORE

Health Care
Reality Check

By Michael Tanner


Health care reform is once again at the top of the nation’s political agenda. But in developing health policy, it is vital to keep in mind one pertinent fact: for all its problems, the United States offers the highest quality health care in the world.
Most of the world’s top doctors, hospitals, and research..
....MORE 
 

Barefoot Doctors
To Red Envelopes

By Mary Brazelton

As Beijing prepares to host the Olympic Games in August 2008, the entire People’s Republic of China is preparing for a celebration of its newfound economic and political preeminence. Schoolchildren across the country are taking part in performances devoted to the advent of the Games.............. MORE
                                 
 

Should SCHIP Be Expanded?

Yes, The Program is Working
By Olympia Snowe

As most everyone knows, the problem of the uninsured touches communities all across our country. Thankfully, we have made tremendous strides in dramatically lowering the number of uninsured children through SCHIP which, time and again, has proved to be both a successful program..........MORE
 
No, It will Result in Bigger Government
By Dave Camp

Lacking the overwhelming bipartisan accord that created the State Children’s Health Insurance Program nearly a decade ago, Democrats in Congress have instead opted for a massive liberalization of the program that dilutes its primary mission: covering children. This bill, as passed by the House......................MORE 
The Backpage:
Try Something

By Louis M. Zickar

When it came to policymaking, Franklin Roosevelt once offered this piece of advice: “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” Today across America, Governors are following this advice and moving ahead with................... MORE
                                 
 

Many state initiatives result from the federal government doing less of what it should not have been doing in the first place: meddling in how states run their health care "safety net," that is, Medicaid. So, my best advice to Congress would be to do more of doing less!.................MORE
 

 

   
 


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