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thisfinecrew2016-12-14 10:57 am
executrix) wrote in thisfinecrew2016-12-14 10:57 am
Entry tags:
Some Cautious Good News
From the New York Times (December 14, 2016):
http://nyti.ms2hEJgzz
Jackie Calmes, "Obama Administration Bars States from Withholding Federal Money From Planned Parenthood."
The administration issued a final rule Dec. 14 that requires states to disburse federal family planning funds to clinics, including Planned Parenthood affiliates, even if the facility performs abortions. Federal funds can't be used to provide abortions, but can (and are supposed to be) used to pay for birth control, treatment of STDs, fertility treatment, cancer screening, and prenatal care.
"Title X" funds are grants to states and nongovernmental organizations, which are disbursed to health care providers. The new final rule says that states cannot "defund" Planned Parenthood or other health care providers unless there is some reason that prevents the providers from offering the federally funded services. The Department of Health and Human Services said that the rule can only be repealed by a joint resolution from the House and SEnate, concurred by the president. So ask your legislator NOT to support repeal.
http://nyti.ms/2hMhyx0
Editorial board, "Donald Trump's Nominees Are in for a Rough Ride."
The editorial says the Trump transition team is way, way behind on preparing the nominees for the vetting process. "Nominees face a long process to ensure they'll be working for the American people, not for their own enrichment." They (although the president doesn't) have to submit extensive financial disclosures, have an FBI background check that goes back 15 years, and divest assets that could cause conflicts of interest. The Senate imposes additional requirements before confirming a nominee. Under 18 United States Code section 208, the statute making conflict of interest a crime, "Mr. Trump's team members, whether paid or not, cannot hold any job with an overlapping interest. They must leave their companies and corporate boards; sell stock; and disclose payments, lawsuits or other arrangements that present a potential conflict."
http://nyti.ms2hEJgzz
Jackie Calmes, "Obama Administration Bars States from Withholding Federal Money From Planned Parenthood."
The administration issued a final rule Dec. 14 that requires states to disburse federal family planning funds to clinics, including Planned Parenthood affiliates, even if the facility performs abortions. Federal funds can't be used to provide abortions, but can (and are supposed to be) used to pay for birth control, treatment of STDs, fertility treatment, cancer screening, and prenatal care.
"Title X" funds are grants to states and nongovernmental organizations, which are disbursed to health care providers. The new final rule says that states cannot "defund" Planned Parenthood or other health care providers unless there is some reason that prevents the providers from offering the federally funded services. The Department of Health and Human Services said that the rule can only be repealed by a joint resolution from the House and SEnate, concurred by the president. So ask your legislator NOT to support repeal.
http://nyti.ms/2hMhyx0
Editorial board, "Donald Trump's Nominees Are in for a Rough Ride."
The editorial says the Trump transition team is way, way behind on preparing the nominees for the vetting process. "Nominees face a long process to ensure they'll be working for the American people, not for their own enrichment." They (although the president doesn't) have to submit extensive financial disclosures, have an FBI background check that goes back 15 years, and divest assets that could cause conflicts of interest. The Senate imposes additional requirements before confirming a nominee. Under 18 United States Code section 208, the statute making conflict of interest a crime, "Mr. Trump's team members, whether paid or not, cannot hold any job with an overlapping interest. They must leave their companies and corporate boards; sell stock; and disclose payments, lawsuits or other arrangements that present a potential conflict."