Social Issues

NM Blue Cross Denied Another Rate Increase Just Days After Public Outcry

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

Petition delivery and press conference

Another victory for the people, thanks to the hard work of some dedicated health care advocates and your support of their petition! Less than a week after a coalition of health care advocates delivered the petition signatures of 1,500 New Mexicans calling for Blue Cross Blue Shield to withdraw its latest health insurance rate hike, the company learned that the increase was denied. 

According to a story in this morning's Santa Fe New Mexican, the company failed to support the rate hike in its application to the State Insurance Superintendent.

Heartless vs. The Dream

October 12, 2011 by Calitics

Brown's signature makes California Dream Act a reality

by Brian Leubitz

The California Dream Act is not quite the major reform that the Dream Act represents at the federal level, but it is a nice place to start.  There was some doubt as to whether Gov. Brown would sign the second piece of legislation, as there was a $14.5 million redirection of funds involved.  However, ultimately the Governor came to the right decision:

"Going to college is a dream that promises intellectual excitement and creative thinking,'' Brown said in a statement. "The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us.''

Under AB 131, illegal immigrants who are accepted into state universities can receive, starting in 2013, Cal-Grant assistance, which last year provided grants averaging $4,500 apiece to more than 370,000 low-income students.

The measure also allows students who are not in the country legally to get institutional grants while attending the University of California and California State University systems, and to get fee waivers in the California community college system.

It's Time Washington Saves the American Dream

October 11, 2011 by Calitics

In the midst of economic and political turmoil, it is difficult to imagine and embrace the fundamental values that we as Americans believe in; the things that make our country the greatest nation on earth. Sadly, these tough times have made far too many middle class families believe that the American Dream is far from reality.

But I can tell you it does exist. And I am living proof of it's incredible promise.

OKC Occupation Begins

October 11, 2011 by Blue Oklahoma

"Whose streets?"

"Our streets!"

And with that chant, the occupation of Oklahoma City began early Monday evening when approximately 150 people gathered at downtown Kerr Park to demand economic justice and fairness in the face of growing wealth disparity dictated by our corporate-controlled political system.

The group, Occupy OKC, a spinoff of the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York, have a three-day permit to camp at the downtown park, which is primarily concrete and decorated with fountains, and it has even brought in portable bathroom facilities.