Last Week in Washington
The U.S. House and Senate were both out of session last week, but many members returned early to continue negotiations on the health care reform bill. Democratic leaders from both chambers are working to finalize the differences in their respective bills, in an effort to have the bill signed by President Obama before the 2010 State of the Union address. There have been discussions about the House bypassing the official conference process and adopting the Senate version, but there is no official word from House leadership. Both bills have a variety of key differences that could make the conference process difficult.
The most prominent difference is the role of the public option. The House bill includes the creation of a public option that will be offered through the Insurance Exchanges. The public option must meet the same requirements as private plans and will be negotiated at, or above, Medicare reimbursement rates. However, the Senate substituted the public option with a provision that would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with insurers and offer multi-state plans.
Another roadblock is the administration and development of the Insurance Exchanges. The House bill includes the creation of a single national exchange to be administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); while the Senate version creates state-based exchanges and a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange. The objective of the Insurance Exchanges is to create a transparent market for small employers and individuals to purchase health care coverage.
Finally, a key divisive issue for policy makers is how to finance the health care bill. The House bill places a 5.4 percent surtax on individuals making more than $500,000 per year and $1 million for families. The House bill also includes a 2.5 percent excise tax on medical devices. On the other side, the Senate bill is financed through a excise tax on high-cost medical plans and an increase in payroll taxes for individuals making more than $200,000 a year and couples making more than $250,000. The Senate also includes tax fees on insurance carriers, medical device manufactures, and indoor tanning salons.
What to look for this week:
The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow, while the Senate returns on Jan.19. In the mean time, both House and Senate are aiming at completing the legislation in time for the President’s 2010 State of the Union Address. It is still unclear if the House will bypass the official conference process and adopt the Senate version.
SOUTH JORDAN — Fred Lampropoulos, founder and chief executive of Merit Medical, was honored Thursday with South Jordan's first-ever Corporate Citizen Award.
"Fred is an exemplary corporate citizen and a visionary community partner who values and supports the same ideals that our community embraces," said South Jordan Mayor Kent Money, who presented Lampropoulos with the award. "Time and time again, when there has been a need in the city of South Jordan, Fred and Merit Medical have volunteered resources and time to make our city great."
The Gale Center Museum, South Jordan's Country Fest and city fireworks are some of the sponsorships and contributions the company has made to the community.
Most recently, Merit Medical donated $150,000 to the South Jordan Fire Department for a citywide automatic external defibrillator program. Numerous AEDs were placed in city buildings, vehicles, schools and businesses.
"We know these devices will save a life, and we simply cannot thank Fred enough for his generosity," said Chris Evans, South Jordan Fire chief.
Merit Medical is a long time member of the Utah Manufacturers Association – Fred was recently recognized by UMA as “Business Executive of the Year”. Congratulations to Fred and Merit Medical Systems.
Utah’s Applied Technology Colleges stretch to accommodate enrollment surge during tough economic times
January 12, 2010 -- UCAT
Adding to a trend from last year, students in record numbers are filling the enrollment offices, labs and classrooms of Utah’s applied technology colleges (ATCs), seeking skills to prepare them for the workforce.
“Several of our campuses have reported double-digit enrollment increases the last six months,” said Robert Brems, president of the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) which governs the ATCs. “This is on top of a full year of record-breaking growth in the 2008-2009 year. They are finding even more students at their doors with the turning of the new year.” Brems and ATC campus presidents will update the UCAT Board of Trustees on growth and other issues at Wednesday’s board meeting in his president’s report.
UCAT officials attribute the increased demand to the economic recession and to the ATCs’ employer-tailored programs. According to UCAT’s 2009 Annual Report, “enrollment increases in technical programs have been occurring across the nation as both laid-off workers and young adults preparing for careers line up for training.” Technical colleges and the attainment of technical certificates are critical in securing a long-term career in the new economy.
Typical of ATC students is Ryan McDaniel, the Syracuse father of four children who has been working two jobs to make ends meet. Realizing he would need to continue working two jobs until the day he retired if things didn’t change, he decided it was time to go back to school. Ryan enrolled in February at his local ATC campus in Kaysville to earn certificates in Mechatronics and Business. “I knew that without proper education, I wouldn’t be able to make the kind of money I need to support my family.”
Ryan is sacrificing all he can to attend school. “My budget is very tight. I don’t eat out and I can only have my Mountain Dew once a week now, but it’s worth it. We’re making things fit in our budget so that I don’t have to work a second job and attend school instead.” Ryan works a full day at Utility Trailer in Clearfield and attends school each evening. His family doesn’t see him much right now, but he knows the hard work and long hours will pay off once he obtains advanced skills to find a higher paying job as a Mechatronics Technician.
Davis, Bridgerland and Dixie Applied Technology Colleges in particular are all reporting more than 20% increases in membership hours during the first half of fiscal year 2009-10. Some of the highest-growth programs at the ATCs are in information technology, machining, composites, diesel technology, and health care.
“This kind of growth creates both opportunities and challenges for UCAT, our eight campuses, and for Utah,” said Brems. “On the one hand, UCAT is playing a very key role in preparing the workforce that will support Utah’s economic recovery. On the other hand, the economic slowdown is driving up student demand for training and is straining available state and campus resources.”
“We will be working hand-in-hand with the legislature, the governor’s office, and business and industry to assure that Utah’s employers have the skilled workers they need to prosper,” he added. UCAT will report tomorrow to the legislature’s Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on its economic contribution and the effects of budget cuts.
“Student enrollment always peaks during poor economic conditions in the State, creating the ‘best of times and the worst of times’,” said Davis ATC campus president Michael Bouwhuis. “Our DATC enrollment increases of 28%, coupled with impacts from last year’s budget cuts, and this year’s expected budget cuts combine to approach a 22% decrease in General Fund legislative allocations. As a result, high stress is placed on diminished staff, creating a strong reliance on hourly and adjunct faculty to meet student enrollment demands.”
The good news for employers is students are staying in school long enough to certify or become licensed, making them much more valuable employees. The benefits of highly trained workers from ATC programs create a catalyst for economic development as existing and newly-located employers have a strong potential workforce to meet their needs when the economy rebounds.
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