Easing Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Will California's climate law help or hurt the economy? BofA will forgive $3 billion in mortgage debt. Then, AirTalk's Town Hall on the individual mandate for health care.
Pentagon relaxes Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced today that the Pentagon will alter how it handles military discharges under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Under the revised policy, information shared with clergy, lawyers, psychotherapists and doctors would be kept confidential. Only more experienced officers will be able to initiate complaints, and must do so under oath. Military command must continue to enforce the law that bans gays from serving openly unless Congress repeals it. While the Pentagon continues its review, is this an appropriate step? Should Congress move to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?
Guest:
Jen DiMascio, Staff Writer for Politico covering the Pentagon
Green jobs or a gutted economy? Debating the impact of AB 32
The Global Warming Solutions Act was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006. It established a timetable to bring California into compliance with the Kyoto environmental protocols. A new study ordered by the California Air Resources Board predicts the law will make California more competitive. But manufacturing and business leaders say the study is flawed and, while it may bring some green jobs, the burden on existing businesses and the projected increases in energy rates will slam the state’s fragile economy. Who’s right?
Guests:
Michael Gibbs, Deputy Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency
Dorothy Rothrock, vice president of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and co-chair of the AB 32 Implementation Group
Bank of America to forgive $3 billion in mortgage loans
Under government pressure to reduce foreclosures, Bank of America announced yesterday that it would offer to forgive as much as $3 billion in principal owed by severely delinquent borrowers- those owing more on their homes than they're worth. The bank's plan is the most ambitious of efforts to help homeowners avoid foreclosures, which previously involved reducing interest rates or extending payment terms to 40 years. It also comes as the Obama administration considers changes to its existing loan-modification program. Larry discusses the details of the plan and who is likely to be affected.
Guests:
Robert Satnick, immediate past chairman of the California Mortgage Bankers Association
Chris Thornberg, Principal, Beacon Economics
AirTalk Town Hall: Health care reform – the mandate debate
After fourteen contentious months, the House finally passed a healthcare overhaul bill. The landmark legislation aims to extend insurance coverage to nearly 32 million uninsured and halt industry practices that discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions. President Obama signed it into law Tuesday – but the battle is far from over.
One of the most controversial aspects of the reform package is the requirement that all Americans be insured, or pay a fine. Proponents argue that a strong mandate, sweetened by subsidies, is the only way insurers can afford to accept all applicants – sick or well. Critics say the mandate is a bailout for private insurance companies, and contend it will do little to control spiraling healthcare costs. Meanwhile, the attorneys general of a dozen states argue it’s unconstitutional and have threatened legal action.
What are the pros and cons of the individual mandate? Should the government force everyone to buy insurance? How will that work? Who will pay? And is this the best strategy to achieve universal health coverage?
[UPDATE: Since this conversation was recorded, the Senate passed a package of fixes to the health reform bill. The reconciliation bill now goes back to the House for a second vote.]
Panelists:
Lucien Wulsin, attorney specializing in health law and health policy; he is the director of the Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP)
Glen Whitman, Associate Professor of Economics, California State University, Northridge, and adjunct scholar at the CATO Institute
Patrick Johnston, President and CEO, California Association of Health Plans
Jerry Flanagan, Health Care Policy Director, Consumer Watchdog