Monthly Archives: September 2009

(Community Matters) Lots going on today including a meeting this am with life science/health care vc, Kevin Lalande to discuss a favorite nonprofit. Lunch with a few political colleagues and a dinner tonight at Tom & Lynn Meredith’s honoring DNC Chair/Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, followed by dessert at Alexa & Blaine Wesner’s who are hosting a Blue Texas party. oh yeah, and I better get on the telephone and raise some ADL money this afternoon, ie., sponsors for our Jan 28 event honoring Amy & Kirk Rudy and James Armstrong & Larry Connelly.

Terrific Entrepreneurs Foundation board meeting yesterday. We really do have an outstanding board including Bill Bock, Scott Abel, Jeff Browning, Scott Collier, Elizabeth Davis, David Hood, Paul Hurdlow, David Lee, Jan Lindelow, Phil Siegel and Ellen Wood. Earlier meetings with staff especially focused on our Fall Service Day (Oct 23), the Austin Invitational Poker Tournament (11/5) and Lemonade Day 2010 (May 2). Amanda Chiampi, Shobie Partos, Peter Frey and Leigh Christie totally rock and make good things happen.

(Community Matters) Their bbq chicken tacos. I’m still remembering; should have more often.

(Community Matters) What a treat to gather over dinner with my favorite OFA state director just after the President’s speech. Luke and I both agree it was terrific. Both believe we’ll get there.

(Community Matters) What stood out?

Last time he spoke to jt session of Congress our economy was on the verge of collapse. While not fully recovered, we’re back from the brink.

It’s about security and stability. Insurance companies finding excuses to drop insured when they become sick.

If we do nothing, we’ll be spending more on medicare and medicaid than on all other government programs combined.

There’s agreement in Congress on about 80% of what needs to be done.

If you already have health insurance – more stability, more security – nothing will require you to change the coverage or the doctor you already have. The existing insurance will work better – no preexisting coverage exclusion (there’s bipartisan agreement on that I see), insurance companies won’t be able to drop or water down coverage when you get sick, no arbitrary limits, limits on out-of-pocket costs and coverage of routine examinations and prevention.

New insurance exchange for those in need of coverage. Portability, transferability & affordability. Immediate availability of catastrophic insurance for Americans who can’t afford existing options.

95% of small businesses will be exempt from requirements if can’t afford to contribute.

Key provisions of proposal: consumer protections for those with insurance, an exchange to offer affordable coverage & requirements to participate or contribute to the solutions.

Lies: death panels, coverage for illegal immigrants, no federal dollars to fund abortions, no gov’t takeover of the entire health system.

“Consumers do better when there is choice and competition.”

In 34 states, 75% of the insurance business is controlled by 4 or less companies – 90+% by one company in Alabama.

“I have no interest in putting insurance companies out of business. . . . I just want to hold them accountable.”

“I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to the deficit now or in the future.” The bill would require more spending cuts if projected savings don’t materialize.

“I will protect Medicare”

It’s about the character of our country.

Republican response: cites replacing private insurance coverage with gov’t run plans. Why do they insist on lying? Any wonder why we’re likely to move forward without the GOP if they won’t negotiate honestly?

(Community Matters) New images from the Hubble’s upgrade and repair are due to be released today. These Early Release Observations (EROs) intend to demonstrate the telescope’s new technology. more here

updated:

Butterfly emerges from new Hubble images. Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team

Stephan’s Quintet. Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team

(Community Matters) What if we looked at this date upside down?

(Community Matters) I find it pretty unremarkable that Gov. Perry has insinuated himself into university governance. It’s no surprise he and select supporters wish to dismantle the tenure system at state universities. And, I’m appreciative that most of the UT regents exhibited independence in the chancellor selection process.

(Community Matters) Spent half the day Friday and all today reviewing the Entrepreneurs Foundation’s performance during the last five months and projections through the end of year. Good gosh, it’s been a busy, productive and beneficial summer; it’ll be an even busier fall. I’m lucky to work with an exceptional staff, an outstanding board and extraordinary supporters – especially Austin Ventures, Silicon Labs and Trilogy, not to mention Thinkwell, DLA Piper, MFI Foundation, Square One, Silicon Valley Bank, Jones Lang LaSalle, Wilson Sonsini, Andrews Kurth, Vinson & Elkins, Baker Botts, Comerica, JP Morgan Chase, vcfo and so many others (ugh, I’m going to get in trouble for forgetting to mention someone/group really important).

EF board meeting tomorrow afternoon. Sorry to those I had to cancel today. I get into this zone and just can’t pull out.

(Community Matters) Michael’s launched the listing of his & the Austin American Statesman’s Fortunate 500 on his blog. First listings are the All-Star and the Arts categories. I’m assuming remainder of list forthcoming shortly.

(Community Matters)
We have tried to reform healthcare for 70 years. NO ONE has been successful.

Medicare will go bankrupt soon if it isn’t fixed.

Lots of folks have ideas about what the President is doing wrong, how he’s mishandled the whole debate. Hmm, has he?

Sure reminds me of all the backseat quarterbacking during the primary, during the general election. And, how’d that turn out? A progressive Black man, a national newbie beat Hillary Clinton in the primary and won the general election by a margin unseen by Democrats in 20+ years.

The President hasn’t handled healthcare reform like everyone thinks he should have either. He articulated broad principles – universal access, competitiveness and a system that pays for itself, with a quantified investment. He let Congress, the industries and the public debate, brainstorm and propose how to reach these objectives. Now he’ll propose specifics with the benefit of all the debate, research and negotiating. (Reminds me of the story Valerie Jareett told of his economic debate – Buffett, Volcker, Bernanke and Sumners debating for 1.5 days, then the president integrating their best ideas).

Lots of friends and politicians bemoaning the political risks of the President’s approach and emerging proposals. This reminds me of something else – of President Johnson securing the passage of the Civil Rights Act and acknowledging that he’d lost the south for the Democrats. Thank God LBJ had the courage to act in the best interest of the American people over the election prospects of his party and politicians.

Posted from my blackberry.

(Community Matters)

about it here

(Community Matters)