Posted March 31, 2009
The National Alliance for Healthy Communities does not want to create fear or rain on the parade of funds that have and will becoming available for communities to do public works projects.
The reality is that the responsibilities, significant responsibilities or association with accepting any funds that are either Federal, State or Regional. The oversight this time around will be greater than ever before.
In the recent meetings we had in DC, it was made very clear to us that the federal government will be monitoring the investment of federal dollars by local government agencies. The federal government agencies that will monitor the dollars have been given a very strict structure and protocols for oversight. The rationale is fairly simple: restore public trust in the federal government and the funds become a true stimulus rather the a bailout.
Through the Stimulus package you and your city have great opportunities. At the same time you face extreme challenges in accountability. Most communities will be trying to do the right thing for the right reasons, but often times that is not enough. Much like the IRS at audit time, if you look hard enough and deep enough you will find a financial error, be it intentional or negligent. In the case of the federal dollars, whether it comes out of the 2009 budget or the Stimulus funds, one misstep could result in a loss of all your community’s federal funds. In addition, the budget for 2010 is now on the table and your community could face challenges in the upcoming budget.
The Alliance staff has spent decades working with government agencies on accountability issues and what we have learned to avoid errors. We all need to focus on what we do best. The projects in communities are significant and manageable. But, what studies have shown is that the key is to bring in project managers who know and understand the funds process, protocols and regulations. City staff can do an amazing job, but with the protocols the feds have, you need micro-management and the ability to fully understand the nature of the regulations and guidelines.
Through our research, we have found only a few firms that actually can manage the full spectrum of a public works project from the shovel to the auditing; and the always present politics. The Alliance has completed the auditing of these companies from a past performance perspective, and in a short time certified one or more of these firms.
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The President’s plan for the average community is similar to the legislation proposed in years past by Democrats. We are not here to editorialize or criticize, we are here only to provide you with the facts to prepare you for whatever action you need to take for your community .
The plan provides significant new opportunities for the small and medium size farmer, but takes away certain funding for a larger business. This change in funding can greatly affect the employment base of a community and the quality of life. Does this mean what the President wants he will get? Probably not. What it does mean is that there will be changes. With change comes opportunities and challenges. The National Alliance for Healthy Communities will be monitoring the process as the legislation goes through the Congressional hearing process. There will be changes, some will be macro in nature and others will be focusing on regions, type of agriculture, etc. If your community is dependent on agriculture, you need to get involved now and get your concerns vented .
Remember, the National Alliance for Healthy Communities, www.nafhc.org, is a California non-profit public benefit corporation and takes positions on policy issues, but not political issues. Our concerns relate to maintaining or improving the quality of life in communities throughout the country.
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The Alliance is only reporting on the facts, not whether they are good or bad. The President’s proposal is a total revamping of the healthcare delivery system. Some call it Universal Healthcare, others call it simply healthcare for all Americans. Whatever you call it, change is on the way. Wall Street is already commenting on the proposals of the Administration as health plan stocks such as Aetna and Humana have dropped significantly from where they were … a year ago.
What is the vision? The vision is simple: Every American has the absolute right to affordable, able to access and quality healthcare.
What does this mean? It means that programs like MediCaid and Medicare will be expanded to cover more people and more products. This increases access to insurance. Then the idea is to allow people choices. They can keep what they have or they can buy into the federal system which would be similar to the benefits federal employees receive.
What the facts show now is that premiums continue to rise as health plans attempt to cover losses. Reimbursements to doctors are being reduced so the return to health plans is greater. What is also occurring now is less doctors are becoming primary care doctors, which means access to primary care is more challenging. Managed care doctors work on a ratio of 2200 patients per doctor and often incentives are provided for not seeing patients. As there becomes less doctors, the patient load will increase and the compensation will decrease. Therefore, the facts justify some change. What Congress will review is what type of change should occur and whether is should be in phases.
How does this affect your community? Many communities have large hospitasl and a strong medical presence. These communities will see significant economic changes. Communities who have little healthcare have great opportunities now and will have more as these changes occur.
Did you know that there are government loan funds at 3% interest available to assist medical clinics as well as grant funds available in the federal budget? Money is available to provide medical groups economic incentives to go into rural communities like Sanger, California and other communities.
Programs that can be centered around a medical clinic could include funding for the clinic, staffing, a mobile health unit (exam room), teleMed and more. This is a primary focus of the Alliance. It can lead to funding for jobs, increased economics for a community and much more.
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There is no doubt that the President and Congress are keen on protecting the environment. In protecting the environment there is a strong desire for alternative energy and also the increases use of recycled products.
Funding is, and will continue to be, available for energy sources like solar and wind. Many communities are looking to be significantly off the grid within the next 5 to 10 years. Now many solar companies are providing warranties backed up by insurance to remove some financial risk from local government agencies. Funding is available to offset start up costs.
Recycled products such as rubber are becoming a way of life in resurfacing streets and in recreational areas. Although concerns have been voiced by some environmental groups, the tire recycling industry has done a good job in overcoming those issues and the product is now being used in cities like Indio, California. Tires have no home in landfills and need to be recycled. The rubber, the metal, the oil all have a place in the recycled community.
And again, there is funding available to cities to encourage them to use recycled products. But the key here is you must ask the question, no agency volunteers the information.
The National Alliance for Healthy Communities supports any legislation that improves the quality of our environment and protects the environment for future generations. With financial incentives for cities there is no reason not to get involved in the process. Ask for funds and legislative support. Call us.
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A major concern to employers is, “do you hire before the business comes through the door or after?” Every state has federal funds to assist businesses in paying for new hires and training from direct payments to tax credits. California, as an example, has over 600 million dollars a year for these efforts. The same funds can be used to assist public and private education starting at the 3rd grade level.
Great programs, but unless you ask you cannot receive.
The National Alliance has been involved in these types of programs for many years and has great insight to the funding.
Do not forget, SHOVEL READY. This is the most important term that you can use in getting federal funding. This means the projects are almost ready to go. The rationale is that the project is needed, that the project produces jobs short and long term and that it is good for the environment. No one will come knocking on your door. You not only need to ask, you need to submit a proposal that is sensitive to the funding sources thoughts and objectives. Your proposal needs to contain all the proper buzz words and phrases or it becomes just another good proposal.
Posted March 30, 2009
NAFHC works to build a healthy quality of life while ensuring health and safety in the communities. NAFHC works with businesses to review protocols and business plans to meet or exceed the level of expectation that the consumer has for public health and safety. Protocols include attending 3 workshops, training programs and successfully completing the program. Upon passing onsite inspection, confirmation of participation in ongoing continuing education programs and full access to the site here and abroad for inspections - The National Alliance For Healthy Communities certification will be issued.
The Alliance will allow those certified to recieve weekly updates on regulations and protocols as well as other information. The Alliance will also be involved in research and publishing reports related to products from countries including the United States. Press releases will be distributed by the Alliance and the Alliance will hold a conference once a year to bring regulators, consumers, businesses, government and the media together.
The Alliance is pleased to announce:
Brian SooHoo, a broker of record for trade from Asia, has passed the certification requirements of the National Alliance for Healthy Communities. Mr. SooHoo passed the background and professional standards test and he has agreed to meet or exceed the standards of the Alliance.
He is currently the exclusive broker of record for the Alliance.
The Alliance has stringent requirements and Mr. SooHoo is the first broker to meet or exceed our standards.
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NAFHC is partnering with Chivas USA to create youth Soccer Clinics throughout Southern California. The event, open to Youths, features drills, tips and techniques by AYSO Certified Coaches. A special guest appearance from a pro Chivas USA player and a healthy eating habits session will be held on site. NAFHC is currently creating alliances with other professional sports teams in addition to Chivas USA.
