Representative Barickman - Weekly update 04-29-2011

Jason expands on the HMO issues a little more in this week's email:

 By some accounts, this was a short week in Springfield.  We were only in Session on Tuesday through Thursday.  That said, I gladly sat through a 5-hour hearing that started on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.  I still made it home for supper with Kristin, although it was more like a midnight snack by the time I got home...

I sit on the Higher Education Committee, and Wednesday's hearing focused on the elimination of the Health Alliance HMO under the state health insurance plan for state employees.  To anyone that isn't directly affected by this decision, it seems easy enough to ignore it.  They shouldn't.  This is an excellent example of why our state is in the financial condition it is in today.  In a nutshell, the Quinn Administration is attempting to move thousands of state employees to an insurance plan: (1) that the employees don't want, (2) that doesn't have an HMO network in place and has no plans to put it in place, and (3) that costs the employees more money.  The kicker is that this switch will cost the state millions of dollars more than the existing plan.  Why would we want to be spending more money, rather than explore opportunities to cut costs?  At the hearing, I was more than willing to advocate on behalf of the taxpayers of Illinois, as well as the thousands of constituents in my district that are directly impacted by this decision.  You can hear some of my remarks on my Facebook page.  Stay tuned for Gov. Quinn's response.

I try to reply to your personal emails at least weekly.  Please let me know what's on your mind.

Jason

I'm still not sure how this change is costing the state millions of dollars more than the existing plan. Anyone have the details?

More from Jason Barickman! Finally a politician that will answer questions!

So after Jason sent out his weekly email on 4/17/2011, I asked him the following:

I don't know much about the "Health Alliance contract." Can you tell me more about it?

Also, I strongly agree that, "if more employees made quarterly payments - rather than having their money automatically deducted from their payroll check before they "see" it - then we'd have more people arguing for lower taxes in Springfield and Washington".  Seems unlikely that we would move in that direction. Any alternatives?

He responded to the first question, but didn't mention anything about alternative methods of collection income taxes.  Here is his response:

The Quinn Administration terminated an HMO contract that effectively requires 100,000 state employees to change from an HMO plan to an Open Access Plan.  While devastating to thousands of state employees, it's also going to cost the taxpayers upwards of $40 million.  I can't believe the Guv is making this decision, impacting these people's lives in such a dramatic way, and costing us all more money.  I'm obviously opposed to it...

Thanks for the note!

 It's great to have a representative that actually responds to questions.  With my sincere hope of better understanding the issues, I replied once again:

Why is switching from an HMO to an Open Access Plan devastating and dramatic? How did you calculate the $40 million cost?

I will let you know Jason's response when I get it.

Representative Barickman - Weekly update 04-17-2011

Below is Jason Barickman's weekly email update that he sends out.  I don't know too much about the Health Alliance contract.  If anyone has more information, feel free to share.

He makes a really good point about the way taxes are collected and I strongly agree that "if more employees made quarterly payments - rather than having their money automatically deducted from their payroll check before they "see" it - then we'd have more people arguing for lower taxes in Springfield and Washington".  I do that with my county taxes, and it makes a pretty big difference. 

Scott,

Everywhere I went this week, people talked to me about the State's decision to terminate the Health Alliance contract.  I continue to believe that this was a bad decision on the State's part, especially because it will cost our State more money, and I'll continue to be a voice for those concerned about this.  As I touched on this issue last week, I'd simply encourage you to reply with any specific questions you have on this.

Tomorrow is April 18, and my taxes are due.  Being self-employed (outside my State Rep job), I pay quarterly tax installments to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.  Generally, I don't like spending money.  (Ask Kristin or anyone who knows me.)  And while I don't mind paying my fair share, writing out these checks causes me a certain amount of discomfort.  I strongly believe that if more employees made quarterly payments - rather than having their money automatically deducted from their payroll check before they "see" it - then we'd have more people arguing for lower taxes in Springfield and Washington.  You wouldn't believe how many bills the Legislature has voted voted on since January.  Rest assured, on each and every vote, I try to think of the taxpayer and my pledge to restrain government spending.  I've voted accordingly every time.

All's well at home.  Kristin spent much of the day cleaning.  She's says she's nesting.  If you're a single guy, you'll have to look up why nesting is one of the most best kept secrets for expecting husbands.  Here's a link if you want to know more: (http://facebook.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4283b0d0b256ff99c9fb2b540&id=4d41cc6b45&e=49012b6848.

Jason

Communities and Local Politics

Great talk by Dave Meslin on ted.com about local politics. 


http://www.ted.com/talks/dave_meslin_the_antidote_to_apathy.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2011-04-12

Representative Barickman - Weekly update 04-09-2011

First weekly email from Jason Barickman:

Scott,

This week's events reminded me of the importance of a State Representative being a voice for your constituents.

On Wednesday night, I was informed that Health Alliance would be eliminated as a state employee health plan.  Approximately 100,000 people will be impacted by this decision, including 32,500 in or around my district in East Central Illinois.  The decision to cut Health Alliance was initially suggested as a cost-savings effort; however, it is much more complicated.  I'm not convinced that any purported cost savings are real - in fact, this move may cost the State more money - and I'm very concerned about whether individuals will receive the same level of service, access and care as they're moved from one plan to another.  What's most frustrating is the process by which some have made this decision, and the failure to acknowledge the dramatic impact this outcome could have on people's lives.  I'll obviously be spending next week on this issue, and hope we can change the result.

Speaking of constituent issues, I'm doing my best to follow up on the many requests made of me, regardless of when, where or how you contact me.  A constituent was introduced to Kristin and me at Original House of Pancakes in Champaign several weeks ago, and he talked to me about a problem with the Mental Health Code.  With the help of the constituent (a psychologist) and the Public Defender's office, I sponsored House Bill 2362, which will allow court appointed psychologists to obtain the records necessary to determine if an individual is fit to stand trial.  The bill passed the House unanimously last week.

I appreciate all the well wishes with Kristin.  She's doing great.  In fact, even though she skipped a fundraiser last night, I came home to home-cooked pork chops, potatoes and carrots.  Yum!

Jason

Email from Jason Barickman

Here's an email I got from Jason Barickman and my response.

Love hearing from you.  Keep me on your list.  You seem to be doing a great job.  I love hearing about your bills that get passed unanimously. 

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of government and my hope is that we can govern things on as local a level as possible.  But, that's just my two sense.

Would love to hear your thoughts and plans for Illinois.

Scott C.

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 4:27 PM, Jason Barickman <jason@jasonbarickman.com> wrote:

Scott,

As you might suspect, being a State Representative introduces me to a number of interesting people.  Honestly, it's one of the best parts of my job, as I generally enjoy meeting new people and learning more about them.

Often people ask me to keep them up to date on legislative and political issues.  For many, having a direct and open communication line with their State Representative is an important - and often overlooked - component of my job.  Rather than sending glossy newsletters, I opt to send more of a personal e-mail.  I think it's important that you hear from me, and more importantly, that I hear from you.  My e-mails to you will be a mix of politics, legislative issues, and personal anecdotes.  I presume your responses will be similar.

I understand that you may not want to be on my e-mail list.  That's OK, and there's an easy way to unsubscribe at the bottom of all of my e-mails (including this one).  Until then, please look for updates from me from time to time, and please don't ever hesitate to contact me.  I'm proud to serve you, and I hope you're glad to have me in this role.  By the way, feel free to forward this to your friends, and ask them to join us by sending me an email at jason@jasonbarickman.com.

Jason