Here are two interesting numbers: The Senate health care bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, would throw 22 million more Americans off their insurance over the next decade alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.
And, perhaps unsurprisingly, just 17 percent of Americans said they supported it in a recent poll.
For now, the Senate has moved back a vote while Republicans try to contain the growing unease within their ranks. But it’ll surely be back.
This week in OtherWords, Khalil Bendib riffs on the GOP “destroying health care in order to save it.” Jill Richardson explains that leaving millions of working Americans uninsured costs a lot more than it saves. And Jim Hightower says that probably has something to do with the president’s historically low approval ratings.
Also this week, with the July heat nearly upon us, Basav Sen sings the praises of that little “Energy Star” label that comes on energy-smart appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators. It saves Americans billions every year, he says. Yet the Trump administration is looking to kill the program. Why?
Speaking of July, don’t miss Chuck Collins this week explaining how the very wealthiest Americans are declaring independence from the rest of us, by hiding trillions worth of potentially taxable income. If you do any travel for the Fourth this year, think of them each time you hit a pothole!
Finally, Alyssa Aquino reflects on the situation facing lots of grads looking for work this summer: Take a job that sucks your soul, or let your student loans weigh you down?
Khalil Bendib/ OtherWords.org
- What Happened to America’s Wealth? The Rich Hid It. / Chuck Collins
There’s actually trillions that could be used to fix our roads and schools. The wealthy just don’t want you to know where it is. - Making Utility Bills Rise Again / Basav Sen
The mercury is rising, and so are utility bills. So why does this administration want to scrap those Energy Star labels that help us save? - Student Debt Means Fewer Public Servants — and More Bankers / Alyssa Aquino
Indebted students trained for public service are instead cutting bait and heading for Wall Street. - America Needs Service Workers — And They Need Health Care / Jill Richardson
Universal health care costs money. Going without costs more. - No Wonder Trump’s Approval Rating Is Plummeting / Jim Hightower
The record to date: an immensely unpopular health bill, big tax breaks for Wall Street, a longer war in Afghanistan. - Repeal and Destroy / Khalil Bendib
