Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Notable Quotables’ Category

Notable Quotables (in their own words)

Posted in Civil Service, Contract, Contracts, Governor's Office, Health Care, Notable Quotables, OGB, Office of Group Benefits, Privatization, Transparency on July 31, 2012| 2 Comments »

“Given how salient the issue of health care is to national Republicans, privatizing the Office of Group Benefits (OGB) would further the national viability of Gov. Bobby Jindal in a number of ways. It would be difficult for Gov. Jindal to continue his strident attacks on President Obama’s ‘government-run health care program’ while leaving untouched a state-run health insurance program right under his nose.

“Therefore, given the idelogical thrust of both the governor’s rhetoric and his policies, coupled with the political timing of the proposed privatization of OGB, it is hard to escape the conclusion that the privatization of OGB is politically motivated.”

–Albert L. Samuel, Ph.D., Chairman of the Department of Political Science at Southern University, discussing Gov. Piyush Jindal’s incessant ongoing audition for the Republican vice-president nomination and his obsession with privatizing OGB.

Read Full Post »

Notable Quotables (in their own words)

Posted in Governor's Office, Health Care, Notable Quotables, Privatization, Transparency on July 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

“So if you just think about the sort of pipeline that’s out there, certainly Louisiana, Kentucky, Washington, Kansas–all those are states that are looking at how did they do it and, in particular, how they do managed long-term care.”

–John Littel, Vice President of External Relations of Amerigroup Corp., during a conference on “Medicaid’s evolving role with the private sector” as administered by the State of Texas, where 6.1 million (28 percent of the population) are uninsured–most in the nation. The Texas program was considered by the conference as a model to be emulated.

Read Full Post »

Notable Quotables (in their own words)

Posted in ALEC, American Legislative Exchange Council, Governor's Office, Health Care, Notable Quotables, Privatization, Transparency on July 22, 2012| 6 Comments »

“The most important point to be made is this: during my years here at SELH, the families of these clients have consistently told me that even though their loved ones have been treated at other fancier (private) places, they firmly believe that their mother, sister, brother got the best care here. As plain and stripped down as we are, the staff is the best and the care offered is unsurpassed. This staff is a big part of the outlying community. With the loss of (these) jobs, the community comprising of local merchants and businesses will suffer along with those who are laid off.”

–Social worker at Southeast Louisiana Hospital, commenting on the impact the hospital’s closure will have on Mandeville and surrounding area.

Read Full Post »

Notable Quotables (in their own words)

Posted in Campaign Contributions, Civil Service, Governor's Office, Health Care, Layoffs, Legislature, Legislators, Notable Quotables, OGB, Office of Group Benefits, Politicians, Privatization, Transparency on July 20, 2012| 4 Comments »

“The selection of a third-party is an important step toward providing quality care and service…”

–Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater, defending the awarding of a contract to Blue Cross/Blue Shield to administer the state health care insurance plans. Announcement of the award was held off until near the close of business on Friday.

“It really is a shame that we will have to face the real cost of Bobby’s ambition for a very long time.”

–Former State Sen. Butch Gautreaux, responding to the awarding of the BCBS contract that will abolish 177 OGB positions.

“This is an opportunity to reform and modernize.”

–DHH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, explaining how the federal cut of $859 million to the state’s Medicaid program is “doable.”

“I was surprised to see this on the table. I was told 15 minutes before the announcement was made.”

–State Sen. Jack Donahue (R-Mandeville), reacting to the administration’s announcement late Friday that Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville would begin closing down operations effective Oct. 1, resulting in the loss of 300 positions.

Read Full Post »

Notable Quotables (in their own words)

Posted in ALEC, American Legislative Exchange Council, House, Senate, Legislature, Legislators, Notable Quotables, Public Records, Transparency on July 18, 2012| 1 Comment »

“Rep. Harrison informs that his assistant will return Monday (July 16) & send the list of recipients of the letter.”

–E-mail to LouisianaVoice from House Clerk Albert “Butch” Speer on Thursday, July 12, in response to request for the names of recipients of a letter from Rep. Joe Harrison (R-Gray) soliciting $1,000 contributions to help “over thirty” legislators attend an ALEC conference.

“My opinion is that the solicitation of donations for ALEC does not create a public record.”

–E-mail from Speer on Monday, July 16, explaining that there had been a 180-degree flip-flop over the weekend.

“I know you work for the House and have little choice but to do the bidding of its membership. I attribute that to your sudden change in position on this matter.”

–E-mail from LouisianaVoice to Speer as a result in the change in position over what is and what is not public record.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »