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Welcome to "Ask the White House" -- an online interactive forum where you can submit questions to Administration officials and friends of the White House. Visit the "Ask the White House" archives to read other discussions with White House officials.
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October 14, 2004
Harriet Miers
Good afternoon! I am Harriet Miers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for the President. I am pleased to be here to take your questions about
President
Bush's domestic policies. I know we have a lot of questions coming in. So why don't we get started.
Chris, from Germantown,TN writes: Harriet Miers The President has also led the way in modernizing Medicare by adding a prescription drug benefit, increasing payments to rural hospitals, and providing preventative medical screenings. For more details on the improvements the President has made to Medicare check out the White House website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040811-3.html). James, from Maine writes: Harriet Miers
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program gives states enormous flexibility to design their TANF programs in ways that promote work, responsibility, and self-sufficiency, and strengthen families. Except as expressly provided under the statute, the Federal government may not regulate the conduct of states. States may use TANF funding in any manner "reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of TANF." What most States choose to do is provide people going back to work with an array of support so they can transition back into the work force and towards self-sufficiency. Former recipients can receive childcare, housing, healthcare, food stamps, transportation, job skill training or other benefits after they go back to work and are earning a salary. As each person's case is different, they will each be eligible for a unique combination of benefits.
Thanks for writing.
Justin, from Oklahoma City, Ok writes: Harriet Miers
The President's plan is based on the simple principle that patients and doctors ought to be making health care decisions, not government bureaucrats. A very important piece of the President's program is health savings accounts (HSA), which allow people to purchase affordable major medical insurance coupled with a tax-free savings account. The insurance covers the big bills, while the tax free account empowers the patient to choose the routine medical services that best suit their needs. The President has proposed a refundable tax credit to help low-income Americans who don't get insurance through their employer. This tax credit could be used to purchase a traditional health insurance plan or an innovative, low-cost HSA plan. And because so many of America's uninsured are self-employed or work for small businesses, the President has proposed Association Health Plans to allow small businesses to negotiate in groups for better rates, just like the big businesses and unions can. The President has also proposed a tax credit for small businesses that contribute to their employees' HSA. The President has also proposed reforms that will give the uninsured more options when they shop for insurance, including allowing Association Health Plans, allowing religious and civic groups to offer insurance like AHPs, and allowing individuals to purchase insurance from any state, regardless of where they live. As for pharmaceuticals, we've implemented new regulations to speed the delivery to market of generic alternatives to brand name drugs. Generic drugs are just as safe as the brand name drugs, but are significantly cheaper. The rule is estimated to save Americans $35 billion over the next ten years. And finally in 2000, the President proposed a five-year plan to fund 1,200 new and expanded health center sites to serve an additional 6.1 million people by 2006. Today, he is well on the way to meeting that goal, with more than 600 new or expanded health centers delivering care to 3 million additional Americans, including many uninsured and low-income children and families in medically underserved communities. He's expanded this commitment to make sure that every poor county in the United States has a health center. Justin, there's no silver bullet solution, but by implementing the reforms described above, reducing the cost of frivolous lawsuits, and implementing new health information technology to improve the efficiency of medical care, we can make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. C, from Tyler, Texas writes: Harriet Miers
The Uniform Time Act passed by Congress in 1966 created daylight saving time to begin on the last Sunday of April and to end on the last Sunday of October. Any area that wanted to be exempt from Daylight Saving Time could do so by passing a local ordinance. The law was amended in 1986 to begin daylight saving time on the first Sunday in April. This was done mostly to conserve energy during the month of April. Adding the entire month of April is estimated to save nationwide about 300,000 barrels of oil each year! Studies done by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that daylight saving time trims the entire country's electricity usage by almost one percent each day with daylight saving time. We save energy in both the evening and the morning because we use less electricity for lighting and appliances. The same poll indicated that Americans liked Daylight Saving Time because "there is more light in the evenings/can do more in the evenings." But I understand your concern about the disruptive effect the time zone can have on peoples' lives, especially young children who like to eat on a regular schedule. There are some inconveniences associated with daylight saving time, certainly, but there are also a number of benefits for our country. Thanks for your interesting question! Charles, from St. Marys, KS writes: Was there in fact any legislation passed and signed into law that changed, revised or repealed AMT? If so where can I obtain current information--a website would be great. Thank you Harriet Miers
Joshua, from Albany, GA writes: Harriet Miers
John, from Sunnyvale, CA writes: Harriet Miers
- 111 million individuals and families received an average tax cut of $1,586 in 2004 because of the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. The President's tax relief is leaving more money in the hands of families up and down the income scale and it is spurring economic growth. You see, the President believes that people can spend their money better than the government, and that no one should pay more than one-third of their income in taxes. Since August 2003, the tax cuts have helped create over 1.9 million new jobs and that's means even more money in the hands of working Americans. Also, as you may have heard, the President is committed to reforming the tax code through a bi-partisan effort to make the tax code simpler, fairer, and pro-growth. Larry, from Houston, TX
writes: Harriet Miers
Courtney, from Birmingham writes: Harriet Miers
Roxana, from Whittier, California writes: Harriet Miers
For example, he has completed doubling the National Institutes of Health budget. He also has increased funding for adult stem cell research, and this research shows great promise. And he is the first president to provide Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. You should start from the premise that the President supports promising medical research. Like us all, he wants researchers to find cures for the many dreaded diseases that our society faces as quickly as we can. So, why then does he place restrictions on Federal funds flowing for embryonic stem cell research other than on the stem cell lines that existed at the time of his decision in August of 2001? Scientists tell us it is too early to tell what can be accomplished through embryonic stem cell research. And, taking one life to save another presents moral and ethical issues, and these important issues must be balanced with the potential scientific benefits that may be derived from stem cell research. The Presidents policy allows for significant Federal funding for stem cell research (over $500 million since 2001) where the destruction of life issue had already been made before his decision. Today there are 22 stem cell lines available to federally funded researchers. His policy also places no restrictions on Federal funding for adult stem cell research, which is also a promising research area, or on private funding for stem cell research. Hopefully, the robust public and private research program will produce breakthroughs that will help millions of people. If you want to see the Presidents own words about stem cell research, here is the link to his answer in the second Presidential Debate (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/10/20041009-2.html). Jordan, from Arizona writes: Harriet Miers
hello, from goodbye writes: Harriet Miers
On national security and homeland security, President Bush has increased defense spending by more than one-third, which is the largest increase in a generation. He doubled investment in a missile defense system. The President has nearly tripled homeland security funding. And more than $18 billion has been awarded to state and local governments to protect the homeland.
If you would like to learn more about these efforts to make us all safer, here's a link for you to visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/
Oddie, from writes: Thank You. Harriet Miers
You are most likely referring to a program that President Bush called for in his 2004 State of the Union address and his 2005 Budget. He called for help for the some 600,000 inmates who will be released from prison back into society this year. We are hopeful that the Congress will fund fully this program, and the President has called upon the Congress to do so. The President knows from our Nations long experience that if returning inmates can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison. So he proposed a four-year, $300 million prisoner re-entry initiative to expand job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. The President reminded all of us that America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life. In the meantime, you can contact the White House Faith-based Office to determine what resources might be available in your State or community and what the status is of the Presidents effort to get his program funded. You also can contact the Employment and Training Administration at the Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Gregory, from Houston writes: Harriet Miers
In the debate last night, the President talked about the role of community colleges to increase worker skills. The President believes we need to make it easier for Americans to receive training, to earn a degree, or to take specialized courses that help them achieve their full potential. Community colleges are a vital part of that effort. The President is therefore encouraging partnerships between community colleges and neighboring employers, so that colleges can tailor training programs to meet the local employment needs. When particular skills are in high demand in a given area, the President's Jobs for the 21st Century program would make it possible for more people to go to a community college. Preparing students for jobs that are in high demand provides local employers with well skilled workers. And better training improves a graduate's chances of finding a good job, and it helps the local economy by increasing employment. You might be interested in reading a speech the President recently gave outlining all of his new education initiatives for a stronger workforce. I found the link for you: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040406-6.html Amy, from Greeneville, Tennessee writes: Harriet Miers
The Small Business Administration should give you information without a charge. I suggest that you try SBA's website (www.sba.gov) for information about resources available to help you to start a small businesses, or to find your nearest SBA office for that information. If that fails, email the President's team at SBA here in Washington (stephen.galvan@sba.gov), and we'll make sure you get to the right person. Best wishes with your plan! You also can check out the Online Women's Business Center website, also run by the Small Business Administration (http://www.onlinewbc.gov/). It's a great resource for women who are looking to start new businesses, or seeking advice on how to improve operations of an existing business. On a personal note, I will tell you I had an assistant whose parents were trying to start a small business in San Antonio, Texas. She told me that she and her parents were astounded at how much information and assistance was available through SBA. So, I hope you get the information and help you need. Thanks for the question and good luck! Mark, from Texas writes: Harriet Miers
- The President's tax relief bills have reduced income taxes on every American who pays income taxes (including by entirely eliminating the income tax liability of 5 million Americans). For more details, I recommend you check out the Treasury Department's website (http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js1284.htm), which has detailed breakdowns of who benefits and how much. I hope this helps and have a great rest of the day in a great State. Kim, from Syracuse writes:
As you may know, the President has announced tax reform will be a priority of his in the years ahead. He wants to make sure the tax code is pro-growth, fairer, and simpler. The Working Families Tax Relief Act is a step in the right direction as far as simplifying the code. One of the complexities that has developed over the years in the tax code is that many new tax provisions would have their own definition of who qualified as a child for the purposes of that provision. So this bill provides a uniform definition for a child (including in Sections 125 and 129), after all a child is a child is a child.
For more details check out the IRS website (www.irs.gov).
Ron, from Rancho Cucamonga, California
writes: Harriet Miers
Jeff, from Charlotte, NC writes: Harriet Miers
Amy, from Tulsa, OK writes: We love Barney and the First Family so much we wanted to send them something they all would enjoy. Please be watching the mail delivery as it should arrive about Nov. 1st if all goes as planned. Right now we are getting the right color trim for it. We think Barney loves red. Harriet Miers
Liz, from Ohio writes: Harriet Miers
Harriet Miers
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