The Century Foundation - Taking Note

Peggy Noonan vs. the New England Journal of Medicine

Maggie Mahar, The Century Foundation, 3/9/2010
Let’s put to rest, once and for all, the idea—or rather, the notion (it’s not even an idea, just a vague impression, based on hearsay)—that the health reform legislation now under discussion includes no plans for containing health care spending. The reform proposal now being debated in Washington would put a brake on health care inflation. As an eye-opening essay in the most recent (March 4) issue of the New England Journal of Medicine explains, Medicare would, at last, have the power it needs to lead the way, not by cutting benefits, but by restructuring how it does business.

The Snapshot: The Progressive Millennial Generation

Ruy Teixeira, The Century Foundation, 3/9/2010

The 2008 election was the first in which the 18- to 29-year-old age group was drawn exclusively from the Millennial Generation (birth years 1978-2000), and they voted for Barack Obama by a 34-point margin, 66 percent to 32 percent, compared to a 9-point margin for John Kerry among 18- to 29-year-olds in 2004. Behind this striking result, however, is a deeper story of a generation with progressive views in all areas and big expectations for change that will fundamentally reshape our electorate.

The Snapshot: Time for Comprehensive Health Care Reform

Ruy Teixeira, The Century Foundation, 3/8/2010

President Barack Obama made it very clear at the health care summit last Thursday that while he was open to ideas from every quarter, he was not willing to compromise away comprehensive health care reform where extending coverage and serious health insurance market reform are pursued at the same time. Baby steps, as he pointed out, just won�t do. He also pointed out that most of the components of comprehensive health care reform are popular with the public, suggesting that the bills in Congress would fare better if the public actually knew what was in them. Predictably, this claim was greeted with derision by conservatives.

Firing Teachers in Rhode Island

Richard D. Kahlenberg, The Century Foundation, 3/5/2010
Last week, the school board in Rhode Island�s poorest city, Central Falls, made national news by firing all 74 teachers and 19 staff members at Central Falls High. The move was part of a �turnaround� plan of the type being pushed by the Obama Administration.� Education Secretary Arne Duncan applauded the action, arguing �the status quo needs to change.�� The local school board and Duncan may get political points for being seen as �tough,� and �demanding action,� but is it fair to blame the teachers in Central Falls, and, more importantly, will the effort work to help students?

Obama�s Letter to Congressional Leaders: We�re Almost There

Maggie Mahar, The Century Foundation, 3/3/2010
Today, President Obama sent this letter to Congressional leaders, offering to incorporate more Republican ideas in health care legislation. Don’t panic: Of the four ideas, two are excellent, one was almost certain to happen anyway, and one simply funds pilot projects in the states to explore alternatives to resolving medical malpractice disputes. This provision does not call for capping malpractice awards—the president has made it clear that he opposes caps.