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VPR: Special Commission Would Study Affordable Health Care For All Vermonters
March 10, 2010“What we’ve been doing in Vermont has been trying to fill in those gaps for people that are uninsured. Well, we have VHAP for some, we have Catamount for some, we’re always trying to patch it together and I think the time for patches is over. I think the time for systemic change is here.”
Times Argus: Sen. Racine unveils health bill; Goal is universal coverage in Vermont
March 10, 2010The bill, introduced in draft form in his committee Tuesday afternoon, would set up an independent panel of three people to design models for major reform – including possibly setting up a state-run, single-payer health care system.
Racine, a Chittenden Democrat, said health care costs in Vermont are estimated to increase by $1 billion in the next three years, for a total annual spending of $5.9 billion by the end of 2012. Small changes won’t fix a broken system, he said.
Free Press: State Sen. Doug Racine offers two-year health care reform plan
March 10, 2010Under Racine’s proposed timeline, the Legislature would make a decision next year about which option to pursue and the new system would be operational no later than July 1, 2012.
Racine, a candidate for governor, has made solving the health care problem one of the planks of his candidacy. With national health care reform stalled, Racine wants Vermont to push ahead on its own. Despite competition from pressing financial issues, Racine sees a bill creating a process for action as the best way to make progress this year.
Rutland Herald: ‘Speed dating’ with the candidates
March 9, 2010Jettison “Jeopardy.” Forget “Family Feud.” Let’s play “Politicians On Parade” — a live game of skill and timing presenting your political leaders as you have never seen them before.
Ten days ago — in a combination of speed dating and political savvy — the men and women who would be governor strutted their stuff. Even those of you who have thought of your politicians more as game show hosts than contestants would have been amused.
Racine Moves Health Care Reform Forward
March 9, 2010Senate Health and Welfare Committee chairman Doug Racine will introduce a bill today that will design the system that will deliver real health care to Vermonters, and answer all of the questions that need to be answered to implement this new system. The bill will be introduced at 1:30 pm in the committee. The bill will call for the state to hire independent advisors, who will be overseen by a panel of Vermonters, to provide the state with a “menu of options.” These advisors will design three different health care systems—fully design them, not just study them—and deliver back to the legislature a full implementation plan for each of the three possible systems.
Video: Doug Racine on VTblogosphereTV
March 1, 2010Doug Racine talks with VTblogosphereTV about his candidacy for governor.
(Part 1 of 3)
VTDigger.org: Racine, Dunne support universal health care
March 1, 2010“Brian Dubie has been ducking every event that has been held,” said Racine, as he registered his disappointment that the lieutenant governor had sent staffers out instead of attending himself.
Times Argus: Human services cuts fuel concern
February 27, 2010Cuts proposed by Gov. James Douglas for programs across the human service budget likely will result in the loss of more than 1,000 Vermont jobs if they go into place, according to a study by an economist working for the Legislature.
Rutland Herald: Senate: Clear ‘no’ on Yankee
February 25, 2010But Sen. Doug Racine, of Chittenden, also a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said the vote sends a “powerful message” to Entergy, the utilities and the rest of the state that Vermont is moving away from nuclear power in support of green energy.
“This is the beginning of a better energy future for the state of Vermont,” Racine said. “And it will be one based on conservation, efficiency and renewable energy.”
Times Argus: New tax on workers part of proposed unemployment fund fix
February 24, 2010Sen. Doug Racine, a Chittenden County Democrat and gubernatorial candidate who sits on the economic development committee, said the employee tax provision compelled his vote against the bill Friday.
“I believe it’s a rather huge additional tax burden on working Vermonters that just can’t afford this right now,” Racine said.
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I'm For Doug
Kim Keiser, former VT State Child Care Administrator
“There is no better friend to the children of Vermont than Doug Racine. Doug has been a staunch supporter of quality child care and after school programs, knowing that these services have a strong positive impact on the children and families served and on the economy. Doug will make sure that our children have the support they need to get off to a good start in life. Our state and our children need Doug Racine at the helm.”