Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Health Care
Fischer Has Received Over $120,000 In Corporate PAC Contributions From Health Care/Insurance And Pharmaceutical Corporate PACs Over Her Career. [FEC]
Fischer Received At Least $77,500 From Pharmaceutical Corporate PACs Over Her Senate Career. A review of Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate’s FEC reports showed that Fischer received $77,500 from pharmaceutical corporate PACs over her senate career. Fischer has received corporate PAC money from pharmaceutical companies like Mallinckrodt, AbbVie Inc., Pfizer, Merck, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. [FEC]
Fischer Received Over $50,000 From Health Insurance And HealthCare Corporate PACs Over Her Senate Career. A review of Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate’s FEC reports showed that Fischer received $51,500 from health insurance and health care corporate PACs over her senate career. Fischer has received corporate PAC money from healthcare corporations like Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and DaVita. [FEC]
Fischer Voted For The 2017 GOP Tax Bill. “The Senate voted 51-48 on Wednesday to pass the Republicans’ tax overhaul bill in a party-line vote.” [New York Times, 12/19/17; H.R. 1, Vote 323, 12/20/17]
Fischer’s Vote Made Drastic Changes To The Affordable Care Act “The final Republican tax-reform bill unveiled Friday repeals ObamaCare’s individual insurance mandate, leaving the GOP poised to blow a significant hole in the health-care law next week. The change, which takes effect in 2019, removes one of the least popular parts of ObamaCare, but one that many experts warn is necessary to make the law function smoothly.” [The Hill, 12/15/17]
Congressional Budget Office Estimated The Changes Made To The Affordable Care Act By The GOP Tax Bill Would Increase Premiums By 10 Percent And Cause 13 Million More People To Be Uninsured Over The Decade. “The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repealing the mandate will increase premiums by 10 percent and cause 13 million more people to be uninsured over a decade, but that markets would remain stable in ‘almost all’ areas of the country.” [The Hill, 12/15/17]
The Increase In Uncompensated Care Causes Health Care Providers To Raise Prices, Shifting Costs To Individuals With Private Insurance Coverage Including Employer-Sponsored Insurance Plans. “Providers might also raise prices, shifting costs to people with private insurance coverage (including employer coverage). Or, states or the federal government might be forced to step in to cover some of these uncompensated care costs, shifting costs to taxpayers.” [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 11/17/17]
Fischer Voted For Motion To Proceed To AHCA In July 2017, Fischer voted for: “McConnell, R-Ky., motion to proceed to the bill that would make extensive changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law, by effectively repealing the individual and employer mandates as well as most of the taxes that finance the current system and by making extensive changes to Medicaid.” The motion was agreed to by a vote of 50-50, with Vice President Pence breaking the tie. [CQ, 7/25/17; HR 1628, Vote #167, 7/25/17]
- Older Americans Slapped With ‘Age Tax’ In GOP Health-Care Bill: AARP. “Older Americans are being unfairly targeted in the Republicans’ health-care bill, AARP told CNBC on Monday. Under the new legislation, insurers would be allowed to charge older adults up to five times more than younger people. Under Obamacare, rates were capped at three times more.” [CNBC, 6/26/17]
Fact Check: Sen. Deb Fischer’s Record On Trade
Fischer On Toomey-Corker Bill That Would Give Congress Veto Power Over Tariff Decisions Made On Basis Of National Security: “I Haven’t Heard A Compelling Case.” “A few Senate Republicans are attempting to put some checks on the president through legislation that would give Congress veto power over tariff decisions made on the basis of national security. But their effort appears destined to fail, seemingly leaving Trump with free rein to undo U.S. trade relations around the world as he sees fit. […] But other Republicans showed little interest in the Toomey-Corker proposal. ‘I haven’t heard a compelling case,’ said Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). ‘The sponsors of the bill need to make that.’” [Washington Post, 6/11/18]
Fischer Hasn’t Cosponsored Corker’s Bill To Require Congressional Approval Before President Adjusts Imports That Are Determined To Threaten National Security Unlike Fellow Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse. According to Congress.gov, Fischer has not cosponsored Senator Bob Corker’s legislation, S.3013, a bill to amend the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require Congressional approval before the President adjust imports that are determined to threaten to impair national security. Senator Ben Sasse is listed as a cosponsor for this legislation. [Congress.gov, accessed 7/12/18]
Fischer Among 14 Republican Senators To Side With Trump Administration In Vote Against GOP Plan That Would Have Given Congress Greater Oversight Over Deals Between Foreign And U.S. Firms That Could Affect National Security. “The Senate sided with the Trump administration Thursday to vote down a GOP plan that would have given Congress greater oversight over deals between foreign and U.S. firms that could affect national security. The legislation, pushed by Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.), failed to clear a procedural hurdle when the Senate blocked it with a 62-to-35 vote. Sixty ‘yes’ votes would have been required for the measure to advance. […] Most Republican senators voted in favor of Toomey’s amendment, but 14 joined Democrats in voting “no”: Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton (Ark.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Susan Collins (Maine), John Cornyn (Texas), Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), John Hoeven (N.D.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), James E. Risch (Idaho), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Steve Daines (Mont.) and Richard C. Shelby (Ala.).” [Washington Post, 6/14/18; Vote #123, S.Amdt. 2700 to S.Amdt. 2282 to H.R. 5515, 6/14/18]
January 2017: Sasse Left Senate Agriculture Committee, Making It The First Time In Half Century For Committee To Lack Nebraskan Representation. “The Senate Agriculture Committee lacks a Nebraskan for the first time in nearly half a century, even as the panel prepares to kick off hearings on a new farm bill. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., announced Tuesday that he will leave his seat on the panel in the new Congress and is also relinquishing his spot on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.” [Omaha World Herald, 1/4/17]
- January 2018: Fischer Joined Senate Agriculture Committee. “Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced she is joining the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. ‘I’m excited to announce that I am now a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across the state of Nebraska. Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy and it’s a big part of my own life. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policy has been a top priority for me, and I am honored that I now have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level.'” [Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, 1/9/18]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Medicare & Retirement Security
Fischer Voted For Budget That Would Cut Medicare By Nearly $500 Billion. “The Senate plan would cut Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) subsidies for health insurance, and related health programs by $1.8 trillion; the Trump and House plans would cut these programs by $1.9 trillion and $2.0 trillion, respectively. The House and Trump plans explicitly endorse the ACA repeal legislation that the House passed in May, which CBO estimates would cause more than 20 million people to lose health coverage and raise premiums, weaken coverage, or both for millions of others. The House and Trump plans also propose additional Medicaid cuts on top of those in the House-passed repeal bill.” [H.Con.Res. 71, Vote #245, 10/19/17; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 10/17/17]
Fischer Voted Against Preventing Medicare From Being Privatized Or Turned Into A Voucher Program. In March 2015, Fischer voted against a: “Stabenow, D-Mich., motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Enzi, R-Wyo., point of order against the Bennet, D-Colo., amendment no. 601 for not being germane. The Bennet amendment would create a 60-vote point of order against any legislation that would privatize Medicare, reduce guaranteed benefits, increase out of pocket expenses or turn the program into a premium-supported plan.” The motion was rejected 46-53. [CQ, 3/25/15; S.Amdt. 601 to S.Con.Res. 11, Vote 90, 3/25/15]
Fischer Voted Against Protecting Social Security From Benefit Cuts Or Privatization. In March 2015, Fischer voted against a: “Wyden, D-Ore., motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Enzi, R-Wyo., point of order against the Wyden amendment no. 471 for not being germane. The Wyden amendment would create a 60-vote point of order against any legislation that would reduce Social Security benefits, increase the retirement age for benefits or privatize Social Security.” The motion was rejected 51-48. [CQ, 3/24/15, S.Amdt. 471 to S.Con.Res. 11, Vote 84, 3/24/15]
Fischer Voted For Motion To Proceed To AHCA In July 2017, Fischer voted for: “McConnell, R-Ky., motion to proceed to the bill that would make extensive changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law, by effectively repealing the individual and employer mandates as well as most of the taxes that finance the current system and by making extensive changes to Medicaid.” The motion was agreed to by a vote of 50-50, with Vice President Pence breaking the tie. [CQ, 7/25/17; HR 1628, Vote #167, 7/25/17]
- Older American Slapped With ‘Age Tax’ In GOP Health-Care Bill: AARP. “Older Americans are being unfairly targeted in the Republicans’ health-care bill, AARP told CNBC on Monday. Under the new legislation, insurers would be allowed to charge older adults up to five times more than younger people. Under Obamacare, rates were capped at three times more.” [CNBC, 6/26/17]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Huge Tax Breaks For Huge Corporate Special Interests
Fischer Voted For The GOP Tax Bill Along Party Lines. “The Senate voted 51-48 on Wednesday to pass the Republicans’ tax overhaul bill in a party-line vote.” [New York Times, 12/19/17; H.R. 1, Vote 323, 12/20/17]
Small Business Majority: 77 Percent Of Pass-Through Reduction Benefit Will Go To Top 2.6 Percent Of Firms, Hedge Funds, Investment Vehicles And Lobbyists, Not Small Business. “The conference report released today on the final tax reform bill shows congressional negotiators somehow managed to make a bad proposal even worse by reducing the paltry benefits to Main Street small businesses even further. The final report lowers the deduction for pass-through income to 20 percent from the 23 percent that the U.S. Senate approved in its version of the tax plan. But regardless, 77 percent of the proposed pass-through reduction benefit still goes to the top 2.6 percent of firms—hedge funds, investment vehicles and lobbyists—not the local pizza shop. Indeed, the financial benefits to a pass-through entity making $500,000 are 20 times the benefits to a business making $75,000. [Small Business Majority Press Release, 12/15/17]
Final GOP Tax Bill Would Cut Corporate Tax From 35 Percent To 21 Percent. “A massive tax cut for corporations: Starting on Jan. 1, 2018, big businesses’ tax rate would fall from 35 percent to just 21 percent, the largest one-time rate cut in U.S. history for the nation’s largest companies. The House and Senate bills originally had the big-business tax rate falling to 20 percent, but Republicans were not able to make the math work to keep the rate that low and start it right away in the new year, so they compromised by moving the rate to 21 percent. It still amounts to roughly a $1 trillion tax cut for businesses over the next decade.” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]
In A Decade, About Two Thirds Of Middle-Class Taxpayers Will See Tax Hike. “There may be an even bigger problem for the middle class, however. Budget rules tied Republicans’ hands, limiting their ability to make changes that extend more than 10 years in the future. As a result, most personal tax provisions in the bill expire by 2026. Meanwhile, other tweaks — like a new, less generous way of accounting for inflation — will work against middle-class taxpayers over time. As a result, a decade from now, about two thirds of middle-class taxpayers will actually see a tax hike, albeit a relatively small one of about $150, according to the Tax Policy Center.” [Time, 12/20/17]
February 2018: New York Times Said Corporations Used Much Of Tax Cut Money For Buying Their Own Shares. “Companies have announced plans for some of those investments. But so far, companies are using much of the money for something with a more narrow benefit: buying their own shares. Those so-called buybacks are good for shareholders, including the senior executives who tend to be big owners of their companies’ stock. A company purchasing its own shares is a time-tested way to bolster its stock price.” [The New York Times, 2/26/18]
Just 17 American Oil & Gas Companies Reported Combined Total Of $25 Billion In Direct One-Time Benefits From 2017 Tax Cuts And Jobs Act. “Just 17 American oil and gas companies reported a combined total of $25 billion in direct one-time benefits from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Many of the companies will also receive millions of dollars in income tax refunds this year. Looking forward, the Tax Act then reduces all corporate annual tax bills by a minimum of 40 percent every year in perpetuity, while adding new benefits that function as government subsidies for the oil and gas industry. The companies’ activities in the United States are made less expensive, thereby encouraging a further expansion of oil and gas operations.” [Pacific Standard, 3/27/18]
Axios Found 21 Health Care Companies Expected To Gain $10 Billion In Savings In 2018 With Most Of Money Going Towards Share Buybacks, Dividends, Acquisitions, and Paying Down Debt. “What we found: 21 companies collectively expect to gain $10 billion in tax savings in 2018 alone. Most of the money is going toward share buybacks, dividends, acquisitions and paying down debt — with just a sliver for one-time employee bonuses, research and internal investments.” [Axios, 3/5/18]
Majority Of United Health Group’s Windfall From GOP Tax Bill Went To Wall Street And Executives. “UnitedHealth Group accounts for a quarter of that total, and a majority of UnitedHealth’s windfall is going to Wall Street and executives.” [Axios, 3/5/18]
- Fischer Has Received Over $120,000 In Corporate PAC Contributions From Health Care/Insurance And Pharmaceutical Corporate PACs Over Her Career. [FEC]
- Fischer Received At Least $77,500 From Pharmaceutical Corporate PACs Over Her Senate Career. A review of Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate’s FEC reports showed that Fischer received $77,500 from pharmaceutical corporate PACs over her senate career. Fischer has received corporate PAC money from pharmaceutical companies like Mallinckrodt, AbbVie Inc., Pfizer, Merck, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. [FEC]
- Fischer Received Over $50,000 From Health Insurance And HealthCare Corporate PACs Over Her Senate Career. A review of Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate’s FEC reports showed that Fischer received $51,500 from health insurance and health care corporate PACs over her senate career. Fischer has received corporate PAC money from healthcare corporations like Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and DaVita. [FEC]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Immigration
Fischer Voted Against Final Passage Of Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Including Incremental Path To Citizenship. In June 2013, Fischer voted against the: “Passage of a bill that would overhaul U.S. immigration policies, create an incremental path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants in the country and institute new border security measures. It would require the Homeland Security Department to complete certain security measures, including 700 miles of fencing along the southern border, nationwide use of its E-Verify system and a biometric entry-exit system at all international airports and seaports, before illegal immigrants who receive provisional legal status can become permanent residents. It would make available $42.5 billion for additional border control agents, the 700-mile fence and monitoring technology, such as cameras and drones. It would create visa programs for agricultural and low-skilled workers and qualified entrepreneurs, and increase temporary visas available for high-skilled workers from 65,000 to 115,000 annually. The bill would create a program to allocate green cards, up to 250,000 each year, on a merit-based system, with consideration given to family ties in the United States and the country’s economic needs. It would require DHS to annually audit its E-Verify system and begin removal proceedings for at least 90 percent of people who stay beyond the duration of their visas. It also would prevent immigrants from claiming Social Security benefits for work they did while unauthorized and bar non-citizens from receiving public assistance.” The bill passed by 68-32. [CQ, 6/27/13, S.744, Vote 168, 6/27/13]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Gun Reform
2015: Fischer Voted Against Measure To Expand Background Checks For Guns Purchased Online And At Gun Shows. “The Senate rejected a measure from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to expand background checks for guns purchased online and at gun shows on a 48 to 50 vote.” [Washington Post, 12/3/15; Vote 321, 12/3/15]
Fischer Voted Against Expanding Existing Background Check System For Firearms Purchases To Include Firearms Purchased At Gun Shows And Over The Internet. In April 2013, Fischer voted against: “Manchin, D-W.Va., amendment no. 715 that would expand an existing background check system to include firearms purchased at gun shows and over the Internet. It would allow gun show sales to proceed if a background check does not prompt a response within 48 hours and reduce that to a 24-hour wait four years after enactment. It would exempt family transfers and some private sales. The amendment would restrict law enforcement grant funds for states that do not provide all available records to the national background check database. It would ban the creation of a national firearms registry, allow active-duty military members buy guns in their home state and create a commission to study the causes of mass violence in the United States.” The amendment was rejected 54-46. [CQ, 4/17/13; S. Amdt. 715 to S. 649, Vote 97, 4/17/13]
Fischer Voted Against Advancing Bill To Require Background Checks On Private And Commercial Firearm Sales. In April 2013, Fischer voted against a: “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to a bill that would require background checks on private and commercial firearm sales, with certain exceptions. It also would make it a federal crime to buy guns on behalf of those who are legally barred from owning them and extend a school safety grant program through 2023.” The motion was agreed to 68-31. [CQ, 4/11/13; S. 649, Vote 95, 4/11/13]
Fischer Voted Against Banning Straw Purchases Of Guns On Behalf Of Those Legally Barred From Owning Them. In April 2013, Fischer voted against: “Leahy, D-Vt., amendment no. 713 that would revise provisions in the bill that would make it a federal crime to purchase firearms on behalf of those legally barred from owning them to include exceptions for firearms purchased as a raffle, contest or auction award, as a gratuity for a hunting guide, as an employee bonus or as a commemorative award or honorarium.” The amendment was rejected 58-42. [CQ, 4/17/13; S.Amdt. 713 to S. 649, Vote 99, 4/17/13]
Fischer Voted Against Amendment That Would Bar Any Individual On Terrorism Watch List From Purchasing A Firearm. “In the most closely watched measure, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) proposed an amendment that would bar any individual on a terrorism watch list from purchasing a firearm. That failed 47 to 53.” [Los Angeles Times, 6/20/16; S.Amdt. 4720 to S.Amdt. 4685 to H.R. 2578, Vote 106, 6/20/16]
Fischer Voted For Bill That Would Have Given Investigators 72 Hours To Prove That Someone On Watch Or No-Fly List Had Ties To Terrorism And If Not, Suspect Would Be Allowed To Purchase Gun. “Right now, anyone on the FBI’s various terrorist watch lists — including the no-fly list that prevents you from getting on a plane — can legally buy a gun. Under this bill, if you’re on that list and try to buy a gun, you’d have to wait 72 hours. The idea is to give federal officials time to convince a judge there’s probable cause you have ties to terrorism while still protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of anyone who is mistakenly on a terrorist watch list -- like the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) once was.[…] ..A similar version failed in December on a 55-44 vote. Democrats — and Attorney General Loretta Lynch — say it’s impossible to put together a case that a potential gun purchaser is a suspected terrorist in just three days, so they argue this bill would essentially allow anyone on the watch list to still be able to buy a gun.” [Washington Post, 6/20/2016; Vote 105, 6/20/2016]
2016: Fischer Voted Against A Bill That Would Have Expanded Background Checks. “Democrats resoundingly rejected the GOP background check measure, arguing it would do little to make sure potential criminals or terrorists couldn’t buy a gun. ‘It’s a shield for members who don’t want to do the right thing,’ said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who led a recent unofficial filibuster on gun control. Grassley and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) offered a similar proposal during the Senate’s 2013 gun control debate, but it also largely fell along party lines. Instead, Democrats largely backed a measure from Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Murphy that would require a background check for most sales or transfers of guns. But that measure, which also needed 60 votes, failed in a 44-56 vote. Democrats have pledged for months to push for expanding background checks in the wake of recent high-profile shootings, but their effort faces an uphill battle in a GOP-controlled Congress.” [The Hill, 6/20/16; Vote 104, 6/20/16]
Fischer Voted For Republican Bill To Expand Definitions Of Mental Illness That Prohibited Individuals From Owning Guns And Studying The Causes Of Mass Shooting, Including The Impact Of Violent Video Games. In April 2013, Fischer voted for: “Grassley, R-Iowa, substitute amendment no. 725 that would reauthorize grants to help states use the national background check database. It would require federal courts to submit records to the database and restrict federal grant funds to states that do not meet reporting requirements. It also would expand definitions of mental illness that prohibit individuals from owning guns, make it a federal crime to purchase firearms on behalf of people legally barred from owning them and call for a task force to investigate and prosecute attempted firearm purchases by felons and fugitives. It would prohibit the Justice Department from inducing licensed gun dealers to sell firearms to a straw purchaser unless department officials certify that certain safeguards are in place. It would call for a study on the causes of mass shootings, including the impact of violent video games, and reauthorize grant programs on school security, mental health and crime prevention.” The amendment was rejected 52-48. [CQ, 4/17/13; S.Amdt. 725 to S. 649; Vote 98, 4/17/13]
- Proposal Would Have Eliminated Expanded Background Checks On Gun Purchases. “The Senate rejected a GOP substitute bill on gun control reforms Wednesday. Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) amendment failed on a 52-48 vote. It would have replaced S. 649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act, which would expand background checks on gun purchases, crack down on gun trafficking and beef up security in schools. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) called the GOP amendment a ‘weak and counterproductive alternative’ that didn’t go through regular order in the committee and ‘undermines law enforcement.’” [The Hill, 4/17/13]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Veterans
Fischer Voted For Republican Obstruction Of Veterans Bill Expanding Health Care, Education And Job Training Benefits For Veterans And Their Families. In February 2014, Fischer voted for a: “Graham, R-S.C., motion to table (kill) the Reid, D-Nev., motion to commit the bill to the Veterans Affairs Committee with instructions that it be reported back with provisions that would delay the enactment date by three days.” The motion failed 44-52. [CQ, 2/27/14; S. 1982, Vote 45, 2/27/14]
Fischer Voted Against Expanding Health Care, Education And Job Training Benefits For Veterans And Their Families. In February 2014, Fischer voted against a: “Sanders, I-Vt., motion to waive all applicable budget laws with respect to the Sessions, R-Ala., point of order against the bill that would extend and expand health care and education benefits and job-assistance programs for veterans and their families.” The motion was rejected 56-41. [CQ, 2/27/14; S. 1982, Vote 46, 2/27/14]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Education
Fischer Said That She Supported Education Secretary Betsy DeVos After Receiving A Written Assurance From DeVos That The Department Of Education Wouldn’t Support Vouchers. “Half the room clapped when one questioner criticized Fischer for supporting President Donald Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. ‘DeVos’s words don’t carry much weight in Nebraska. Why did you vote against Nebraska?’ said Paul Schulte, president of the Millard Education Association teachers union. Fischer said she supported DeVos after meeting with the nominee and receiving DeVos’ written assurance that the federal Department of Education wouldn’t support vouchers.” [Grand Island Independent, 3/16/17]
Fischer Voted To Confirm Betsy DeVos As Education Secretary. “The Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary. For the first time in Senate history, Vice President Mike Pence voted to break the tie in a confirmation vote.” [New York Times, 2/7/17; Vote #54, 2/7/17]
Betsy Devos Proposed Spending $1 Billion On Private School Vouchers And School Choice Plans “More than $1 billion would be spent on private school vouchers and other school choice plans under the budget proposal released Monday by President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The proposal also calls for slashing the Education Department’s budget and devoting more resources to career training, at the expense of four-year colleges and universities.” [Washington Post, 2/13/18]
Betsy DeVos’s Originally Proposed Spending $2.5 Billion On Private School Vouchers and School Choice Plans “DeVos originally sought $2.5 billion to support school choice initiatives, including private school vouchers, but the Office of Management and Budget rejected her request, according to people familiar with the proposal. She is once again seeking to cut several discretionary programs, including federal funding for the Special Olympics and a grant program for college students with ‘exceptional financial need.’” [Washington Post, 2/13/18]
Fact Check: Deb Fischer’s Record On Infrastructure
Administration’s Plan Proposed To Allocate Just A Fraction Of $200 Billion Over Ten Years, With Most Of Funding Burden Shifted Onto States And Local Governments - A Radical Departure From How Federal Transportation And Infrastructure Programs Doled Out Funding In Past. “It’s a year later than first promised, but President Trump finally announced his long-awaited infrastructure plan at the White House today, flanked by governors, mayors, and other state and local leaders. Calling the condition of the country’s roads, bridges, ports, tunnels and water systems “horrendous,” Trump says his plan ‘will spur the biggest and boldest infrastructure investment in American history. The framework will generate an unprecedented $1.5- to $1.7-trillion investment in American infrastructure.’ But the word “generate” is not the same as “spend,” as the Trump administration’s plan proposes to allocate just a fraction of that ambitious goal, $200 billion over 10 years, with most of the rest of the funding burden shifted onto states and local governments. It’s a radical departure from how federal transportation and infrastructure programs have doled out funding in the past.” [NPR, 2/12/18]
On President’s Infrastructure Plan, States And Localities Would Have To Be Willing To Raise New Revenue For Projects - Including Increasing Property Taxes. “President Trump is poised to unveil a long-awaited plan Monday that aims to stimulate $1.5 trillion in new spending on the country’s ailing infrastructure over the coming decade, but many lawmakers in both parties say the president isn’t providing a viable way to pay for his initiative. […] Of the proposed $200 billion in federal spending over the coming decade, half of it would be used to create an incentives program to reward states and localities that invest more in infrastructure projects. The money would be doled out on a competitive basis, with awards that amount to up to 20 percent of a project’s cost, aides said.To qualify, states and localities would have to be willing to raise new revenue for their projects. White House aides offered several examples, including increases in property taxes or sales taxes or an increase in tolls or other user fees.” [Washington Post, 2/11/18]
Fischer Said Administration’s Plan Included Ideas She Long Supported, And Said “I Look Forward To Working With The Administration To Implement These Ideas.” “Sen. Deb Fischer said the plan released Monday includes ideas she has long emphasized, such as empowering states, reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining the permit process. ‘I look forward to working with the administration to implement these ideas that will connect families and communities, keep travelers safe and grow our economy,’ Fischer said.” [Omaha World-Herald, 2/13/18]