Share Your Job Crisis Story, Connect with Activists at Our New Good Jobs Now! Site

by Mike Hall, Feb 23, 2010

Good Jobs Now!, the AFL-CIO’s new interactive website, gives workers, people who have lost their jobs and activists a chance to take action, share their stories, find resources and, most importantly, be part of a grassroots movement to help the nation climb out of its 10-million jobs hole created by the recession.

Just launched this morning, Good Jobs Now’s! first featured action is a petition calling on Whirlpool Corp., to reverse its decision to close its Evansville, Ind., plant and send work to Mexico, eliminating 1,100 good jobs.

Senate's 'First Step' Jobs Bill Moves to Vote

by Mike Hall, Feb 23, 2010

The U.S. Senate cleared the way last night for a vote this week on a jobs bill that must be just the first step in closing the nation’s staggering 10 million jobs deficit created by years of Wall Street recklessness and failed Bush-era economic policies.

By a 62-30 vote, the Senate broke a filibuster against the bill. Five Republicans voted to end the filibuster and one Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson (Neb.), voted against the cloture motion.

Shuler: Youths, Unions Together Can Change the Nation

by James Parks, Feb 23, 2010

Saying today’s young workers are the “guinea pigs of the new normal economy,” AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler called for a new national economic strategy that addresses the real needs of young people in the workforce and creates good jobs that provide the security and prosperity previous generations enjoyed.

Speaking at the national conference of United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS), one of the union movement’s staunchest allies, this past weekend in Knoxville, Tenn., Shuler said the union movement must reach out to its younger members and young workers in general. She said the AFL-CIO is convening a national youth summit in June 2010 to explore ways younger workers can become even more involved in helping build the kind of country we all want to live in.

Time Is Now For TSO Bargaining Rights

Hundreds of workers braved the cold Washington, D.C., weather today to send a message to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Give transportation security officers (TSOs) who protect the flying public the opportunity to protect themselves with the right to bargain a union contract.

"Chanting Union Rights for TSOs," members of dozens of unions rallied at AFL-CIO headquarters this morning. Speaking within earshot of the White House, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker said:

Scott Brown Helps Democrats Advance 'JOBS' Bill

AP – Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., talks to reporters after he voted for cloture on the Jobs Bill on Capitol …

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer – Mon Feb 22, 6:30 pm ET

WASHINGTON – A Democratic "jobs" bill has advanced past a GOP filibuster in the Senate, helped along by the vote of the chambers newest Republican. Scott Brown of Massachusetts was joined by several other Republicans to help Democrats defeat a filibuster orchestrated by GOP leaders by a 62-30 tally. The tally sets up a vote on Wednesday to actually pass the measure.

Activists Step Up Health Care Fight

By Ambreen Ali

Activists are getting ready for the final showdown on health care.

As Democrats renew their push on health care this week, advocacy groups on both sides have stepped up their efforts to energize their bases and influence lawmakers.

President Obama's health care plan — released ahead of Thursday's bipartisan health summit — resembles the Senate bill (HR 3590) with a few concessions that could get House Democrats to pass the overhaul with a simple majority.

Health Information Technology

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The law includes the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or the "HITECH Act," which established programs under Medicare and Medicaid to provide incentive payments for the "meaningful use" of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a role in three areas of the HITECH Act:

• Implementation of the EHR incentive programs, including defining meaningful use of certified EHR technology;


• Establishment of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for EHR technology.


• Privacy and Security protections under the HITECH Act

Medicare Health Plans and Prescription Drug Plans in Florida

This list shows you basic information about plans in your area.

Click on a plan name for more detailed cost and coverage information, including whether or not the plan covers the drugs you take.

You can choose a plan based on this information, or you can find out what your drugs cost by comparing Medicare drug plans.

Medicare and You 2010

This is the official government handbook with important information about the following:

* What's new
* Medicare costs
* What Medicare covers
* Health and prescription drug plans
* Your Medicare rights
* Health information technology

Suitable and Affordable Senior Housing

For elder Floridians to live self-sufficiently, one of their basic needs is suitable and affordable housing. Secure, affordable housing can mean the difference between anxiety and peace of mind, poverty and well-being and even illness and health.