Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Israel approves 10-month settlement freeze
 MSNBC.com |
Israel approves 10-month settlement freeze
Palestinians reject move, saying it excludes east Jerusalem
The Associated Press
updated 5:58 p.m. ET, Wed., Nov . 25, 2009
JERUSALEM - Israel will halt construction in its West Bank settlements for 10 months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday, in an effort to restart peace talks, but Palestinians rejected the freeze as insufficient because it did not include east Jerusalem.
Shortly before Netanyahu's televised statement, his Security Cabinet approved the freeze. Officials in his office said the vote in the gathering of senior ministers and top security officials was 11-1 in favor.
Netanyahu said the "far-reaching and painful step" was designed to "encourage resumption of peace talks with our Palestinian neighbors."
In Washington, the administration of President Barack Obama welcomed the Israeli decision.
George Mitchell, the special U.S. envoy for Mideast peace, said the moratorium fell short of a full settlement freeze. But he praised the move as a positive and significant step that could prod Israel and the Palestinians toward a resumption of peace talks.
Palestinians already rejected the move before the announcement because the freeze does not include construction in Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as their capital.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has demanded a total halt to settlement construction before peace talks can resume.
The freeze applies only to new construction, meaning housing already underway will continue. Also, Netanyahu said, only new homes are included.
"We will not halt existing construction and we will continue to build synagogues, schools, kindergartens and public buildings essential for normal life" in the settlements, he said.
The U.S. stance appeared to be the key to the issue. Palestinians charge that the Obama administration has been vacillating over the settlement construction issue, first demanding a total halt, then appearing to side with Israel in agreeing to limited building.
Until Wednesday, Netanyahu resisted declaring a freeze beyond his pledge not to build new settlements. Netanyahu has said that peace talks must resume without preconditions, and issues like settlements should be discussed in negotiations.
Heavy international pressure
Israel has been under heavy international pressure to halt its construction in settlements built on captured lands claimed by the Palestinians. Some 300,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, in addition to about 180,000 people living in Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem.
Netanyahu earlier floated the idea of suspending construction in existing settlements. Wednesday's offer was the first time he has given a firm timeline for how long he is willing to stop the building.
Palestinian presidential adviser Nabil Abu Rdeneh said the proposed freeze would be unacceptable if it didn't include east Jerusalem.
"Any Israeli offer that doesn't include Jerusalem will be rejected immediately," he said in a phone interview from Argentina, where he was traveling with President Mahmoud Abbas. "No Palestinian, no Arab can cross this line."
Netanyahu, a traditional ally of the settler movement, has argued that some construction should be permitted to allow for "natural growth" in their communities. His latest offer applies only to "new construction permits" — meaning that some 3,000 homes already approved for construction would not be affected.
More critically, it did not make any mention of east Jerusalem. The competing claims to the eastern part of the city — home to sensitive Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites — is the most intractable issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem its eternal capital, and Netanyahu has repeatedly said he will not agree to share control of the city.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34151442/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Collective Shame Is Our Lot
Winter 2009
REFORM JUDAISM
Collective Shame Is Our Lot
Dear Reader:
Notably, many of these lawbreakers are haredim—ultra-Orthodox Jews. Some haredim are scrupulous in observing traditional Jewish law, but are less than scrupulous in obeying the laws of their country. That said, there is no place for self-righteousness here. Bernie Madoff is not an Orthodox Jew, and I remember the president of a Reform congregation who disappeared with his family in the middle of the night after bilking fellow synagogue members of considerable sums.
Judaism teaches, of course, that guilt is always individual: Criminals alone are responsible for their actions. Nonetheless, many of us, including myself, respond to news reports of Jewish malfeasance with profound unease. It is not guilt that we feel, but a sense of collective shame.
But why should this be so? Why do Jews experience an outsized sense of collective shame when one of us commits a widely publicized crime?
It is our feeling of failure, I suspect. Judaism is not a confessional faith. We Jews are a people, linked in a bond of shared responsibility with every other Jew. Individually and communally, we undertake to pass on to other Jews the ethical principles of our heritage. Then comes a distressing newspaper headline, and we feel that somehow we’ve failed to do so. When a member of my family goes astray, I feel pained—and responsible; so too when a member of my larger Jewish family turns to crime.
Our shame and discomfort are also rooted in an ancient fear. For much of our history, a high-profile crime committed by a Jew would have unleashed a vicious storm of anti-Semitism. While that is not likely to happen in North America today, the fear endures, at least on a visceral level.
And, finally, our shame bespeaks anger and indignation. Judaism rests on a demanding code of ethical conduct. Without individual righteousness and social justice, there is no Judaism. Jews who have turned their back on these fundamental values are guilty of betraying their faith and their people.
Is there an antidote to collective shame? There is not—nor should there be. As committed Jews, we take pride in the accomplishments of Jews everywhere. Therefore, when prominent Jews or Jewish leaders dishonor the tradition they profess to uphold, collective shame is our lot.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie
President, Union for Reform Judaism
http://reformjudaismmag.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=1552
A Time to Give
November 19, 2009
Editor of the Reformer:
Soon, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, traditionally a day to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general.
The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. And, the Monday after Thanksgiving is Cyber Monday, which unofficially marks the beginning of the Christmas online shopping season.
A few years ago, however, there was a national movement to have the day after Thanksgiving proclaimed "Giving Day," a day to encourage assistance to those in need.
While spending money is good for our economy, donating money or time is good for our society.
The last six weeks of the year provide an occasion to remind us of all that we have to be grateful for, as well as serving to remind us to continue to be aware of the needs of others who may be struggling and in need of assistance.
Helping others may be done in many ways -- donations of funds, food or individual help; giving of our time to individuals or groups who struggle to meet necessary daily needs; and volunteering service to nonprofit and community organizations to assist their efforts -- are among the ways in which we can give to others.
As Thanksgiving approaches, take some time to think about what is important to you and how you can give. You should give to a cause that means something to you -- an issue that your passion connects to, a community need that tugs at your heartstrings, and an organization you know that does good work.
Around our Thanksgiving table, we can talk with friends and family about the things we care about, the causes we support and what we want for the future. By starting small -- gathering with relatives to volunteer or combining charitable gifts with friends at work -- each of us can make a difference.
We have much to be grateful for and, with the downturn in the economy, we also know that giving is more important than ever this year. Help is needed more when times are harder. The best reason to give in a down economy is because that’s when it does the most good.
The same slump that makes it harder for some to keep their charitable giving makes it harder for others to put food on the table and keep hope in their lives. Hard times strain families at every seam. Charitable giving helps keep them from coming apart.
http://www.reformer.com/letters/ci_13820576
Monday, November 16, 2009
Baltimore County Council Votes Against Teen Tanning Ban - Baltimore News, Weather, Breaking News | WMAR-TV
Baltimore County Votes No On Teen-Tan-Ban
 | Reported by: Christian Schaffer Email: christian.schaffer@wmar.com Last Update: 11/16/09 11:33 pm |
Should teen-agers be allowed to use tanning beds? It's an issue that's been cropping up around the state and the country over the past several months.
Monday night the Baltimore County Council was set to vote on a bill that would have made tanning salons 'off limits' to kids under 18.
The councilman who proposed the bill said it's a safety issue -- pointing to research showing tanning can cause skin cancer.
‘I think as elected officials we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to ensure these children, ensure the public that we represent, are protected,’ said Councilman Vincent Gardina. ‘It's been medically proven that exposure to UV radiation causes melanoma.’
The bill did have the support of the Baltimore County health officer, along with the American Cancer Society and other prominent health organizations. But in the end the council voted five to two, to reject the ban.
‘I know the problems that it causes, but I just can't usurp a parent's right to make a decision on this,’ said Councilman Samuel Moxley.
‘To pass this bill makes us nothing more than a symbol. We do not have the man-power or the means to enforce it,’ added Councilman T. Bryan McIntire.
The Board of Health in Howard County passed a similar ban last week, and it's already in effect. Representatives from the tanning industry say they're looking into the possibility of legal action in response to that ban.
Monday night the Baltimore County Council was set to vote on a bill that would have made tanning salons 'off limits' to kids under 18.
The councilman who proposed the bill said it's a safety issue -- pointing to research showing tanning can cause skin cancer.
‘I think as elected officials we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to ensure these children, ensure the public that we represent, are protected,’ said Councilman Vincent Gardina. ‘It's been medically proven that exposure to UV radiation causes melanoma.’
The bill did have the support of the Baltimore County health officer, along with the American Cancer Society and other prominent health organizations. But in the end the council voted five to two, to reject the ban.
‘I know the problems that it causes, but I just can't usurp a parent's right to make a decision on this,’ said Councilman Samuel Moxley.
‘To pass this bill makes us nothing more than a symbol. We do not have the man-power or the means to enforce it,’ added Councilman T. Bryan McIntire.
The Board of Health in Howard County passed a similar ban last week, and it's already in effect. Representatives from the tanning industry say they're looking into the possibility of legal action in response to that ban.
Teens under the age of 18 would be banned from using commercial tanning beds....with salon owners facing stiff fines.
The recent rise in legislation stems from a recent World Health Organization study that shows that teens under 18 suffer higher rates of skin cancer as they get older.
'Anything in moderation is good for you its when you abuse it that's when you're going to have problems.' Salon Owner Robin Eason says.
Eason and her husband Marty have owned tanning salons for more the 25 years.
They say the Baltimore County proposal would take away parental choice.
Eason says teens have been tanning safely for years, but that's only happened because their salon and others have always included the parents.
She says they did this even before the state laws required it.
'A parent has to come in sign under state regulation the parent must come in and sign that gives them an opportunity to walk through the facility and check it out.' She says.
The Eason's are afraid that eventually that there will be so many restrictions placed on tanning that it would force even adults to stop coming because it would be too much of a hassle.
"In the Howard County law they did go a step further and are basically telling us how to run our business.' Marty Eason says.
'Even an adult now has to they're the since they're the only ones allowed to tan in Howard County they have to sign a form every time they come in to tan and I think that's onerous.'
The Eason’s say that teens tanning is only about five percent or so of their business so money isn't the big issue here....it's about a parents right to choose what is best for their children.
But supporters of the law say the skin cancer risk to teens health is just too great and parents are making a bad choice by allowing this.
Other counties in the state are considering similar bans.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
U.S. charities may not have a happy holiday
| MSNBC.com |
U.S. charities may not have a happy holiday
Only 38 percent of Americans say they are likely to give charitable gift
The Associated Press
updated 2:54 p.m. ET, Sun., Nov . 15, 2009
SEATTLE - American charities have weathered a significant drop in giving this year, and while they're hoping for a holiday miracle, a recent survey shows they will probably see a decrease in year-end generosity.
In light of the economic downturn, only 38 percent of Americans say they are more likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present this year, compared to 49 percent last year, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive to be released Monday.
Some of the biggest U.S. charities say they are budgeting for a disappointing Christmas.
The survey commissioned by Federal Way, Wash.-based World Vision indicates they are prudent to not raise their expectations for now. The survey did find, however, that 74 percent of Americans plan to increase their charitable giving once the economy improves.
The nation's most successful fundraising organizations expected to see their income decline by an average of 9 percent in 2009, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Harris Interactive contacted 1,001 U.S. adults in a random telephone survey, and claims a 95 percent "confidence level."
Giving fewer dollars
About the same number of Americans are giving to charity these days, but they are giving fewer dollars, said Justin Greeves, senior vice president of Harris Interactive, which regularly polls Americans about their charitable giving.
Times are doubly tough this year for many nonprofits because the need for their services is increasing at the same time donations are decreasing, but Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, said her organization is doing its best to cut expenses not services.
"I say this to our staff all the time: 'Our mission is not in a recession'," said Brown. The Dallas-based nonprofit ended its fiscal year on June 30 with donations down about 11.8 percent, and a staff cut of 371 people or about 10 percent of its work force.
The charity did grow in two ways this past year: both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased. "More people with less money is better than less people with less money," Brown said.
Northwest Harvest, operator of Washington state's largest food bank, also reported volunteerism was up this fall while cash donations were down.
Executive Director Shelley Rotondo said the statewide hunger relief organization distributed more food, in keeping with a record increase in need, during fiscal 2009 than in any time in the agency's 40-year history.
But that generosity is not continuing at the same pace this fiscal year.
Donations not meeting expectations
Donations did not meet expectations during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which ended in September, and Rotondo was not optimistic about the second quarter, thanks to state unemployment figures holding steady near 10 percent.
Donations to charities with more of an international mission did not see the same boost in generosity that groups like food banks saw in 2009.
World Vision saw individual cash donations drop by $33 million this past year, but government grants, corporate donations and staff cuts made up for most of the shortfall.
Devin Hermanson, senior director of the nonprofit's gift catalog, has high hopes for the holiday season, despite the fact that the agency's own survey points in the opposite direction. This year's survey found 57 percent of American adults planned to spend less on holiday presents, but that's better than last year's 71 percent.
"Now that things are getting ever-so-slightly better, people are thinking I am going to give my kids a little more this year than I have been giving," Greeves said.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33950084/ns/us_news-giving/
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Health board bans minors from using tanning beds
Health board bans minors from using tanning beds
Howard is first jurisdiction in nation to institute ban
By Sarah Breitenbach
sbreitenbach@patuxent.com
Posted 11/10/09
The Howard County Board of Health unanimously voted to ban minors from using indoor tanning beds Tuesday, the first such ban in the nation, according to local health officials.
The new regulation, introduced in September by County Executive Kenneth Ulman and Dr. Peter Beilenson, the county health officer, prohibits children younger than 18 from using the devices, which some studies suggest cause melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
The measure will take effect Thursday.
The board’s decision followed a two-hour public hearing attended by about 60 people. During the hearing, proponents of the regulation argued that Maryland law, which requires parental permission for minors to tan, is not strong enough to protect minors against a known health hazard, while opponents argued that the board was overstepping its authority.
Ban proponent Jane Shapiro, an Ellicott City resident and melanoma survivor, said she lost her father and grandmother to the cancer.
She said she visited tanning salons in her late 20s for less than a year.
“I had a hard enough time dealing with melanoma in middle age, I can not imagine what it would be like dealing with melanoma as a teenager or young adult.”
The ban also had the support of Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006, who attributes her melanoma to two years of regular use of indoor tanning beds.
“If you need to tan to feel good, you should probably ask yourself how scars all over your body would look, because that’s the boat I am in now,” Lietz, 24 said earlier this fall.
Representatives from anti-cancer organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (the county executive’s brother Doug, whose cancer prompted establishment of the fund, is a skin cancer survivor), supported the measure.
Several cited a World Health Organization study that classifies tanning beds as a known carcinogen.
However, opponents discounted the study because it included people with Type One skin, which burns easily and does not tan.
Joe Levy, vice president for International Smart Tan said indoor tanning allows teens to build up a base tan in a controlled environment before outdoor sun exposure.
When asked by health board members if his organization keeps statistics on incidents of indoor tanning burns, he said did not have a specific number, but it would be a small percentage.
“If we burned people, they would not come back,” he said. “It isn’t in our best interest to burn people.”
Bruce Bereano, a lobbyist representing the Indoor Tanning Association, said that in order to create such a regulation under Maryland code, the board needed to prove tanning for minors is a nuisance or causes a disease.
“This record is woefully inaccurate and deficient to support that minors using a tanning salon is a public nuisance or causes disease,” he said.
Bereano promised to challenge the decision. “We’ll see them in court,” he said after the vote.
Salon owners and other advocates of indoor tanning also testified, arguing that banning minors from tanning salons would hurt business and that UV light exposure helps the body produce healthful Vitamin D.
Officials said there are 17 tanning salons in Howard County and more than 100 locations that offer tanning beds.
The ban also includes regulations on sanitation and hygiene practices, and requires tanning salons to register with the health officer each year.
There is no fine for failing to comply with age restrictions, but salon owners can be taken to court for allowing minors to tan, Beilenson said.
The only minors allowed to tan in Howard County will be those with a prescription indicating a medical condition.
The Baltimore County Council took public comment Tuesday on legislation that would create a similar ban. The seven-member council is scheduled to vote on the measure next week.
The new regulation, introduced in September by County Executive Kenneth Ulman and Dr. Peter Beilenson, the county health officer, prohibits children younger than 18 from using the devices, which some studies suggest cause melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
The measure will take effect Thursday.
The board’s decision followed a two-hour public hearing attended by about 60 people. During the hearing, proponents of the regulation argued that Maryland law, which requires parental permission for minors to tan, is not strong enough to protect minors against a known health hazard, while opponents argued that the board was overstepping its authority.
Ban proponent Jane Shapiro, an Ellicott City resident and melanoma survivor, said she lost her father and grandmother to the cancer.
She said she visited tanning salons in her late 20s for less than a year.
“I had a hard enough time dealing with melanoma in middle age, I can not imagine what it would be like dealing with melanoma as a teenager or young adult.”
The ban also had the support of Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006, who attributes her melanoma to two years of regular use of indoor tanning beds.
“If you need to tan to feel good, you should probably ask yourself how scars all over your body would look, because that’s the boat I am in now,” Lietz, 24 said earlier this fall.
Representatives from anti-cancer organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (the county executive’s brother Doug, whose cancer prompted establishment of the fund, is a skin cancer survivor), supported the measure.
Several cited a World Health Organization study that classifies tanning beds as a known carcinogen.
However, opponents discounted the study because it included people with Type One skin, which burns easily and does not tan.
Joe Levy, vice president for International Smart Tan said indoor tanning allows teens to build up a base tan in a controlled environment before outdoor sun exposure.
When asked by health board members if his organization keeps statistics on incidents of indoor tanning burns, he said did not have a specific number, but it would be a small percentage.
“If we burned people, they would not come back,” he said. “It isn’t in our best interest to burn people.”
Bruce Bereano, a lobbyist representing the Indoor Tanning Association, said that in order to create such a regulation under Maryland code, the board needed to prove tanning for minors is a nuisance or causes a disease.
“This record is woefully inaccurate and deficient to support that minors using a tanning salon is a public nuisance or causes disease,” he said.
Bereano promised to challenge the decision. “We’ll see them in court,” he said after the vote.
Salon owners and other advocates of indoor tanning also testified, arguing that banning minors from tanning salons would hurt business and that UV light exposure helps the body produce healthful Vitamin D.
Officials said there are 17 tanning salons in Howard County and more than 100 locations that offer tanning beds.
The ban also includes regulations on sanitation and hygiene practices, and requires tanning salons to register with the health officer each year.
There is no fine for failing to comply with age restrictions, but salon owners can be taken to court for allowing minors to tan, Beilenson said.
The only minors allowed to tan in Howard County will be those with a prescription indicating a medical condition.
The Baltimore County Council took public comment Tuesday on legislation that would create a similar ban. The seven-member council is scheduled to vote on the measure next week.
http://www.explorehoward.com/news/66932/health-board-bans-minors-using-tanning-beds/
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
(Aquarion Water Company) Rate Increase Appealed
Nov 10, 2009 - Worcester Telegram & Gazette
OXFORD — The Department of Public Utilities has agreed to reopen rate hearings for Aquarion Water Co.’s customers in Oxford and Millbury.
Joseph M. Zeneski, town manager for Oxford, said his town filed a complaint with the DPU in August after learning that the department had granted Aquarion a 33 percent rate increase, effective April 1, for Oxford and Millbury water customers.
“The DPU’s decision was made based on flawed information,” Mr. Zeneski said.
Harry C. Hibbard Jr., vice president of Massachusetts operations for Aquarion, said approximately 700 residential water meters in Oxford and Millbury had been incorrectly formatted to read cubic feet of water, while Aquarion bills in gallons, resulting in lost revenue for the water company.
In information provided by Aquarion to the DPU, the company said the “discrepancy amounts to a revenue shortfall of $5,265” and that “no further action by the DPU is required.”
Mr. Hibbard said that in 2007, the test year used in the rate case, “we understated income of $5,265 out of $12 million. It was an unfortunate error we brought to everyone’s attention. The only loser was Aquarion.”
Mr. Zeneski said that the 700 affected customers could face a huge increase in their water bills as a result of the 33 percent DPU-approved rate increase and a 36 percent increase from corrected bills in gallons.
Mr. Hibbard said the average residential customer who uses 64,000 gallons of water per year would pay $325 for water under the old rate. The new rate would increase that annual charge to $422.
A customer whose meter was mistakenly reading cubic feet would have only paid $280 for 64,000 gallons, and will pay $422 in the corrected bill, a 50 percent increase.
Mr. Hibbard said the rates are far from simple because they are “inclining block rates with different tiers, based on usage, to encourage water conservation.”
Mr. Hibbard said the rate approved by the DPU will apply to customers in Oxford, Millbury, Hingham, Hull and North Cohasset. A surcharge to the last three towns mentioned payments for a treatment plant there.
Millbury Town Manager Robert J. Spain said he had not reviewed the DPU decision to reopen the case, so could not comment on the matter.
Francis B. King, one of five Millbury selectmen, is general foreman for Aquarion in Millbury and Oxford. Mr. Spain said Mr. King recuses himself on matters involving Aquarion rates.
In a 12-page decision issued Oct. 28, DPU commissioners Tim Woolf and Jolette A. Westbrook ordered that the department reopen the rate case.
Rate increase appealed
OXFORD — The Department of Public Utilities has agreed to reopen rate hearings for Aquarion Water Co.’s customers in Oxford and Millbury.
Joseph M. Zeneski, town manager for Oxford, said his town filed a complaint with the DPU in August after learning that the department had granted Aquarion a 33 percent rate increase, effective April 1, for Oxford and Millbury water customers.
“The DPU’s decision was made based on flawed information,” Mr. Zeneski said.
Harry C. Hibbard Jr., vice president of Massachusetts operations for Aquarion, said approximately 700 residential water meters in Oxford and Millbury had been incorrectly formatted to read cubic feet of water, while Aquarion bills in gallons, resulting in lost revenue for the water company.
In information provided by Aquarion to the DPU, the company said the “discrepancy amounts to a revenue shortfall of $5,265” and that “no further action by the DPU is required.”
Mr. Hibbard said that in 2007, the test year used in the rate case, “we understated income of $5,265 out of $12 million. It was an unfortunate error we brought to everyone’s attention. The only loser was Aquarion.”
Mr. Zeneski said that the 700 affected customers could face a huge increase in their water bills as a result of the 33 percent DPU-approved rate increase and a 36 percent increase from corrected bills in gallons.
Mr. Hibbard said the average residential customer who uses 64,000 gallons of water per year would pay $325 for water under the old rate. The new rate would increase that annual charge to $422.
A customer whose meter was mistakenly reading cubic feet would have only paid $280 for 64,000 gallons, and will pay $422 in the corrected bill, a 50 percent increase.
Mr. Hibbard said the rates are far from simple because they are “inclining block rates with different tiers, based on usage, to encourage water conservation.”
Mr. Hibbard said the rate approved by the DPU will apply to customers in Oxford, Millbury, Hingham, Hull and North Cohasset. A surcharge to the last three towns mentioned payments for a treatment plant there.
Millbury Town Manager Robert J. Spain said he had not reviewed the DPU decision to reopen the case, so could not comment on the matter.
Francis B. King, one of five Millbury selectmen, is general foreman for Aquarion in Millbury and Oxford. Mr. Spain said Mr. King recuses himself on matters involving Aquarion rates.
In a 12-page decision issued Oct. 28, DPU commissioners Tim Woolf and Jolette A. Westbrook ordered that the department reopen the rate case.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
My family moved to Brattleboro Vermont five years ago from Massachusetts. This year we found a wonderful home in Newfane. Living here has been a real blessing. We have grown to truly appreciate all that Vermont offers… from its locally grown food to its incredible arts and music.
However, there is one thing that continually causes frustration — poor cell phone coverage.
For many us, cell phones are an integral part of our daily life. Mobility, convenience and safety are just three of the tremendous personal benefits that we derive from cell phones. According to CTIA, the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications, there are more than 270 million wireless subscribers in America. Eighty-seven per cent of the total US population uses a cell phone.
Cell phone service is not simply a convenience for Vermont companies, nor just a luxury for consumers. In today’s world, most people can’t imagine getting through the day without it. A rapidly growing population has disconnected its landlines altogether. The cell phone–based emergency 911 service is saving lives by automatically directing emergency workers to the scene of an accident, heart attack, or crime. In fact, the CTIA reports that more than 291,000 calls are made to 911 from cell phones every day in the United States.
Sadly, while driving from Newfane to Brattleboro on Route 30, calls are dropped, sound quality is poor, and sometimes there is simply no connection.
What are the reasons for poor cell phone coverage? One reason is that the original network was not designed to provide ubiquitous coverage. Historically, when the cell phone network was first deployed, the priority was to cover business districts and travel corridors. Tall, industrial-size towers were built along highways and antennas were installed on the roofs of office buildings in downtown areas. As more consumers bought cell phones, cell phone carriers began building cell sites along major arteries and tried to cover residential communities. But the signal could not reach everywhere and carriers needed to build inside the neighborhoods to fill in the gaps.
Another reason is that the growth in the number of users and the volume of usage is overloading the network. Originally, the cell phone network was designed to only handle voice communications through an analog system. At the end of 20th century, carriers began converting their networks to digital signals to increase capacity. However, with the increase in new data services, the network is struggling again. With consumers now using cell phones for e-mail, Web search, mapping, photo exchange, and video viewing the system is becoming overloaded.
Poor reception can be caused by inadequate coverage by the cell phone network or inadequate capacity of the network. The density of the antennas that are used to receive and transmit cell phone calls and the topography of the area affects coverage.
So, it comes down to towers. You have to site the transmitters and receivers. But cell phone companies have a hard time siting the towers. Carriers are applying for permits to expand coverage, but the process can be slow and cumbersome. They get stalled in the approval process because we have a process in which it is easy for anyone at any point for some reason to object.
Cell phone towers often provoke opposition from neighboring property owners. Perhaps the most common objection is that the tower will impair the aesthetics of the area, particularly when the proposed site is in a scenic or historic area. A related concern is that the tower will reduce property values in the area. These concerns may have been true years ago, but now the carriers design sites that are much smaller in size and disguised to fit in with the surroundings. Cell sites can be hidden in chimneys and church steeples, mounted on park lighting, or even disguised as trees.
Another common worry is that the radiofrequency emissions will harm the health of nearby residents, with a particular concern for children. Countless scientific studies have been conducted worldwide and these concerns have long been laid to rest. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that local governments may not deny a permit on the basis of health concerns so long as the equipment meets federal standards.
In June of 2007, the Vermont legislature passed Act 79 that established the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA). Included in the VTA’s mission is “the ubiquitous availability of mobile telecommunication services including voice and high-speed data throughout the state by the end of the year 2010.”
When service is bad, cell phone users tend to blame the carriers. However, they should also be contacting their local elected officials and the VTA to voice their needs and encourage solutions. Letters and phone calls can make a difference.
Bad cell phone service makes us less competitive. It's harder to do business here. We spend millions of dollars promoting tourism but our guests can’t use their cell phones in our state.
And, there are also security concerns. People want to be able to call for help.
I love Vermont but I don’t want to be without my cell phone anymore.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009 - part two
On Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 10:03 AM,
Dear Mr. Cohn:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009, S. 1776. This is an important issue for physicians in Vermont and across the country and I appreciate the opportunity to keep you informed of my priorities in this area.
I share your concerns regarding the physician reimbursement system through Medicare. You will be happy to know that I have long been a supporter of improving this system. In the last congress I worked with my colleagues to override President Bush's veto of H.R. 6331. As you may know, the primary purpose of H.R. 6331 was to avert the scheduled 10.6 percent cut in physician reimbursement rates nationally. Vermont stood to be hit even harder as reimbursement rates would have dropped by over 12 percent in our state. This is an issue that critically affects patients and care givers across the state.
As you are aware, the Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009 would prevent yet another cut in the physician reimbursements. When this legislation came forward I was happy to support it by voting for cloture to bring it to the senate floor. Unfortunately my efforts alone were not enough to move it forward. Rest assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as we move forward on health reform. Affordable and accessible care for patients and physicians is my primary goal.
Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Feel free to contact me again in the future about this or any other subject of interest to you, or for up-to-date information on what my office is working on please visit http://www.sanders.
Sincerely,senate.gov . While there, I invite you to sign up for my e-newsletter, the Bernie Buzz, at http://sanders.senate.gov/buzz/ . Please be aware that due to security screening procedures, postal mail to my office experiences delays that will lengthen the time it takes me to get back to you. The fastest way to contact my office is by calling 1-800-339-9834.
BERNARD SANDERS
United States Senator
Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009
On Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 12:15 PM,
Dear Mr. Cohn:
Thank you for contacting me about Medicare physician reimbursement rates. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
I understand the burden that cuts in physician reimbursement rates would have on Vermont practitioners and their patients - particularly at this time when operating costs are continuing to increase. Especially in our rural state, it is essential that doctors continue to be able to treat Medicare beneficiaries and TRICARE recipients to ensure they have access to quality care. An outdated Medicare reimbursement formula has forced Congress to repeatedly take action to ensure that doctors continue to be able to treat Medicare beneficiaries. That is why I have consistently supported updates to the sustainable growth rate and was proud to be a cosponsor of the Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009 which would permanently fix the broken payment system so doctors will no longer be plagued by the uncertainty of whether future payments will be reduced.
I believe it is important that Congress act to establish a long-term method of determining reimbursement rates that more adequately addresses the cost of providing quality health care than our current method. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to garner enough votes on the bill to proceed to its full consideration. I am disappointed that a procedural hurdle prevented the Senate from having the opportunity to debate this important legislation. I invite you read my remarks in support of this legislation on my website at http://leahy.senate.gov/
press/200910/102109e.html .Recently, the Senate Finance Committee voted to pass the America's Healthy Futures Act out of committee. The Senate Finance Committee will now begin the process of combining the America's Healthy Futures Act with the Affordable Health Choices Act, reported out by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, to form one bill. Once that process is complete, a single, combined health care reform bill will then be considered by the full Senate.
Throughout this process, my priority will continue to be to ensure that health care reform legislation maintains patient choice, gives all Americans access to quality care, and reduces overall health spending. I believe ensuring that physicians in Vermont, and around the country, are able to continue to serve Medicare patients is an important priority. I can assure you that in the coming weeks and months as the Senate continues to debate comprehensive health care reform, I will do all that I can to make certain that physicians are able to continue to provide the quality care that their patients need and deserve.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please keep in touch.
PATRICK LEAHY
United States SenatorSubscribe to the Senator Patrick Leahy's periodic newsletter at the following address:
http://leahy.senate.gov/NwsLtr/indexSub.cfm
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