Public Policy
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations whose goal it is to influence the debate Washington.
Featured Stories
Washington Office on Latin America: Colombia - Urgent Updates November 2024
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Washington Office on Latin America issued the following news wrap up for November 2024:
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By Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli
On this page, you'll find the latest updates on Colombia and the current security situation as of November 2024. WOLA closely monitors the situation in collaboration with communities and partners, and we will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
Afro-Colombian Community at Risk of Losing Ancestral Lands (Cauca)
In November 2024, the Afrorenacer del Micay Community Council is de facto losing its rights over its territories,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Washington Office on Latin America issued the following news wrap up for November 2024:
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By Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli
On this page, you'll find the latest updates on Colombia and the current security situation as of November 2024. WOLA closely monitors the situation in collaboration with communities and partners, and we will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
Afro-Colombian Community at Risk of Losing Ancestral Lands (Cauca)
In November 2024, the Afrorenacer del Micay Community Council is de facto losing its rights over its territories,which will be destroyed by a large-scale development project it did not agree to. On July 25, 2024, the Colombian National Land Agency recognized the "Afrorenacer del Micay" Community Council's ancestral claim to 28,417 hectares in the Micay Canyon, Cauca Department. Since March 2020, dissident FARC-EP factions (the Carlos Patino, Dagoberto Ramos, and Jaime Martinez fronts) have murdered community leaders and internally displaced residents. Once the rightful owners of the land were taken out, foreign rural farmers and community boards not connected to the Afrorenacer del Micay Community Council took over. As a result, unregulated illegal mining has increased, leading to deforestation and water pollution, threatening the environment and the community's health. This replacement of ancestral communities' ethnic authorities with outsiders is a strategy the dissident guerillas are utilizing to take over territories for illicit economies. Despite the legitimate Community Council's objections, exploitation of natural resources has continued.
The proposed Arrieros del Micay Dam large-scale development project effort has further eroded the Community Council's rights by utilizing the media to legitimize the usurpers, calling them stakeholders. This dam project would fully take over the ancestral lands of the Afrorenacer Micay Community Council. It is advancing by displacing the communities, killing the leaders, and denying the rightful owners the process of free, prior, and informed consent. While the rightful community had obtained a court decision that affirms their right that calls for precautionary measures to be placed on this land, Colombian national authorities have not enforced them. National and international authorities must intervene to guarantee that this does not occur. Beyond land rights, this practice will lead to an extermination of this community's culture and practices and the natural environment.
Indigenous Ethno-educator Killed in Solano (Caqueta)
On November 3, 2024, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that Darwin Falla Teteye, a recognized ethno-educator from the Uitoto community, was found dead. This occurred in the Indigenous community of Los Estrechos, located in Solano municipality, Caqueta Department. Falla Teteye worked at the Fortunato Really Educational Institution of the Puerto Sabalo Los Monos Indigenous Reserve in Murui Muina. Colombia's Ombudsman's Office issued early warning alerts - AT 011/22, which includes Solano, and -AT 019/23 for leaders, leadership, and human rights defenders. These are at high risk of harm due to illegal armed groups' imposition of rules and their social control over civilians. Illegal armed groups present in Solano include the Carolina Ramirez Front (Carolina Ramirez del Bloque Amazonas Manuel Marulanda Velez), Front 62 of Jorge Briceno Suarez Bloc of the FARC (Front 62 Rodrigo Cadete del Bloque Jorge Suarez Briceno), and the Colombian Army's Sixth Division.
Rights Ombudsman Kidnapped and Killed in Cumbitara (Narino)
On November 5, 2024, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that the Ombudsman of Cumbitara, Narino Department, Jimmy Alejandro Rosero Chavez, was kidnapped and killed. Rosero Chavez was meeting with community members, ESE municipality officials, and victims' liaisons when unknown individuals forcibly took him away in a truck. The incident occurred in the Las Piedras village in Cumbitara's rural area. The Ombudsman's body was later found in the Puente Rojo area. Colombia's Ombudsman's Office issued an early warning alert AT 008/24 for the Cumbitara, El Rosario, Leiva, Policarpa, and Taminango (Narino). In this, it states that there are security risks for civilians due to illegal armed groups vying for control of these areas. The groups in question are the EMC's "Franco Benavides Front, "the ELN's Southern Comuneros Front (Frente Comuneros del Sur), the Second Marquetalia, and the self-proclaimed United Self-Defense Forces of Narino (AUN). The Colombian armed forces and other local criminal groups also operate in these parts.
Social Leader killed in Barrancabermeja (Santander)
On November 6, 2024, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that hitmen killed Rodolfo Enrique Rivera Tarazona, the vice president of the Social Action Board of the La Bendicion de Dios settlement in Barrancabermeja, Santander Department. Colombia's Ombudsman's Office of Colombia previously issued an early warning alert AT 027/22 for the municipalities of Yondo (Antioquia), Barrancabermeja, Puerto Wilches, and Simacota (Santander). It warned that civilians were at risk due to ongoing disputes between the Gulf Clan (Clan del Golfo), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and organized crime groups. These conflicts are tied to control over drug trafficking networks and other illegal activities, including extortion, arms trafficking, and fuel theft. Armed groups present in Barrancabermeja include the Gulf Clan (AGC), the ELN, other local criminal gangs, and the Colombian Army's Second Division.
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Original text here: https://www.wola.org/2024/11/colombia-urgent-updates-november-2024/
[Category: Sociological]
Ukraine: The Human Toll of 1,000 Days of War
NEW YORK, Nov. 20 [Category: International] -- The International Rescue Committee issued the following news release:
Odesa, Ukraine, November 19, 2024 -- As Ukraine marks the sobering milestone of 1,000 days of war, recent days have brought waves of indiscriminate attacks that claimed dozens of lives and injured many innocent civilians. Just yesterday in Odesa, ten people were killed, and 55 others injured. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing aid to affected families, delivering emergency supplies and offering critical financial support.
With temperatures dropping to below
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Nov. 20 [Category: International] -- The International Rescue Committee issued the following news release:
Odesa, Ukraine, November 19, 2024 -- As Ukraine marks the sobering milestone of 1,000 days of war, recent days have brought waves of indiscriminate attacks that claimed dozens of lives and injured many innocent civilians. Just yesterday in Odesa, ten people were killed, and 55 others injured. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing aid to affected families, delivering emergency supplies and offering critical financial support.
With temperatures dropping to belowfreezing in the upcoming week, the destruction of residential buildings has left many without safe shelter. Targeted damage to critical heating infrastructure further threatens people's ability to survive the harsh season.
Scott Lea, IRC's Ukraine Country Director, said:
"The past few days have once again seen the immense human toll of this war as Ukraine marks 1,000 days of war. People's capacity to cope has been severely depleted--both physically and psychologically. Many families are left without savings to endure the cold season, unable to afford fuel or warm winter clothing.
"Intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure have made life increasingly difficult for millions of civilians, particularly in places already enduring the strain of prolonged hostilities. The attacks have damaged energy plants and electricity stations, forcing people to face daily blackouts which can last for hours. A harsh winter lies ahead and people may have a hard time heating their homes."
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Original text here: https://www.rescue.org/press-release/ukraine-human-toll-1000-days-war
PCAOB Sanctions Five Firms for Failing to Comply With PCAOB Reporting Requirements
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
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Following enforcement sweep, the PCAOB imposes censures, fines, and remedial undertakings to foster compliance with PCAOB rules
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The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) today announced settled disciplinary orders sanctioning five audit firms for violating PCAOB rules related to required reporting. The firms are the following: Bush & Associates CPA LLC(PDF) ("Bush"), Barton CPA PLLC(PDF) ("Barton"), Crowe Hussain Chaudhury & Co.(PDF) ("Crowe"), B S
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
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Following enforcement sweep, the PCAOB imposes censures, fines, and remedial undertakings to foster compliance with PCAOB rules
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The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) today announced settled disciplinary orders sanctioning five audit firms for violating PCAOB rules related to required reporting. The firms are the following: Bush & Associates CPA LLC(PDF) ("Bush"), Barton CPA PLLC(PDF) ("Barton"), Crowe Hussain Chaudhury & Co.(PDF) ("Crowe"), B SR & Co. LLP(PDF) ("KPMG India"), and RSM Brasil Auditores Independentes Sociedade Simples(PDF) ("RSM Brazil").
"Failures to make required disclosures undercut the PCAOB's ability to protect investors, and firms must not take these obligations lightly," said PCAOB Chair Erica Y. Williams.
Pursuant to PCAOB Rule 3211, Auditor Reporting of Certain Audit Participants, a firm must file a Form AP within a specified time after an audit report issued by the firm is included in a document filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The PCAOB adopted the rule in 2015 to improve transparency for investors and others regarding the engagement partner and other accounting firms that took part in the audit.
Barton failed to file multiple required Form APs within the specified time frame. Bush and Crowe failed entirely to file multiple required Form APs until notified of that delinquency by PCAOB staff.
PCAOB Rule 2203, Special Reports, requires registered firms to file a Form 3 disclosing certain reportable events listed in that form within 30 days of the occurrence of those events. These events include the initiation of certain criminal, regulatory, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings against a firm or its personnel. When the Board imposed this requirement in 2008, it recognized that this type of information should be timely reported so that staff can determine if the information merits follow-up. Timely reporting also enables investors to determine if registered firms and/or their personnel are subject to the types of proceedings within the scope of Form 3.
KPMG India and RSM Brazil both failed to timely report the initiation of multiple disciplinary proceedings brought against those firms (and, in the case of KPMG India, its personnel) by local regulators.
The violations by Bush, Barton, and Crowe were identified through a sweep, which the PCAOB uses to collect information on potential violations from several firms at the same time. The violations by KPMG India and RSM Brazil were identified through regular monitoring the PCAOB conducts of registered firms' compliance with Form 3 reporting requirements.
"Sweeps are a critical aspect of the PCAOB enforcement program. We will continue to use sweeps - and ongoing monitoring - to identify firms that fail to comply with PCAOB reporting requirements," said Robert E. Rice, Director of the PCAOB's Division of Enforcement and Investigations.
Without admitting or denying the findings, all five firms consented to their respective orders, which censure the firms and impose civil money penalties of $50,000 on Bush and $25,000 on Barton, Crowe, KPMG India, and RSM Brazil each. The orders also require each of the firms to undertake remedial measures to improve their policies and procedures concerning compliance with PCAOB reporting.
PCAOB enforcement staff member Sina Mansouri conducted the investigation into Barton, Bush, and Crowe, supervised by William Ryan and John Abell. PCAOB enforcement staff members Brett Collings and Samantha Parker conducted the investigation into KPMG India and RSM Brazil, supervised by C. Ian Anderson.
The PCAOB oversees auditors' compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, provisions of the securities laws relating to auditing, professional standards, and PCAOB and SEC rules.
Further information about the PCAOB Division of Enforcement and Investigations is available on the PCAOB website (https://pcaobus.org/oversight/enforcement). Firms or individuals wishing to report suspected misconduct by auditors, or to self-report possible misconduct, may visit the PCAOB Tips and Referrals page (https://pcaobus.org/oversight/enforcement/tips-referrals).
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About the PCAOB
The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB also oversees the audits of brokers and dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws.
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Original text here: https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-five-firms-for-failing-to-comply-with-pcaob-reporting-requirements
[Category: Accounting]
National Action Network: Rev. Al Sharpton Blasts Trump Over Lack of Black Cabinet-Level Nominations
HARLEM, New York, Nov. 20 -- The National Action Network issued the following news release:
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Calls Out President-Elect's Courting of Black Vote, Problematic Candidates to Lead Government
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New York, NY (November 19, 2024) - Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement regarding Donald Trump's failure so far to appoint a single Black person to a cabinet or high-level administration position.
"In the two weeks since Donald Trump was elected to a second term, he has put forth a dozen troubling nominees, yet the most alarming
... Show Full Article
HARLEM, New York, Nov. 20 -- The National Action Network issued the following news release:
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Calls Out President-Elect's Courting of Black Vote, Problematic Candidates to Lead Government
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New York, NY (November 19, 2024) - Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement regarding Donald Trump's failure so far to appoint a single Black person to a cabinet or high-level administration position.
"In the two weeks since Donald Trump was elected to a second term, he has put forth a dozen troubling nominees, yet the most alarmingfactor in his proposed cabinet is that not a single candidate is Black," said Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of NAN. "Trump spent this campaign selling himself to Black voters, especially men, by peddling sneakers and implying his criminal convictions would resonate with our community. Instead of meeting the demands of more Black voters who supported him, Donald Trump has proposed an Attorney General nominee wrapped up in an ethics probe over trafficking allegations and a Health Secretary whose views on vaccines and other safeguards could devastate our community. Right now, it appears that the self-proclaimed 'best president for Black America since Abraham Lincoln' has lost interest in us. The president-elect needs to put his money where his mouth is if he actually wants to deliver for Black America."
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About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
For more information go to http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net
(http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/).
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Original text here: https://nationalactionnetwork.net/newnews/rev-al-sharpton-blasts-trump-over-lack-of-black-cabinet-level-nominations/
[Category: Political]
Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights: Judge Mustafa Kasubhai's Historic Confirmation Improves Our Judiciary
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following news release:
Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program and an advisor at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Judge Mustafa Kasubhai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon:
"The Leadership Conference celebrates the long-awaited confirmation of Judge Mustafa Kasubhai. Judge Kasubhai possesses significant experience defending and protecting the rights of working people and, as a fair-minded
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following news release:
Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program and an advisor at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Judge Mustafa Kasubhai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon:
"The Leadership Conference celebrates the long-awaited confirmation of Judge Mustafa Kasubhai. Judge Kasubhai possesses significant experience defending and protecting the rights of working people and, as a fair-mindedmagistrate judge, has been deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and fairness in his courtroom. He also makes history as the first Asian American lifetime judge and first Muslim lifetime judge on the District of Oregon. This personal and professional diversity strengthens our democracy by improving judicial decision-making and allows more people to see themselves reflected and represented in the courtroom.
"We thank President Biden and Senators Merkley and Wyden for their leadership and applaud all senators who supported Judge Kasubhai's confirmation. The Senate must continue the urgent and important work of building an equal justice judiciary that works for all people in America, and that means expeditiously confirming every pending judicial nominee. Our courts and our future can't wait."
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai is the third Muslim lifetime judge in our nation's history and the 38th AANHPI lifetime judge confirmed during the Biden administration. Adeel Mangi, whose nomination to the Third Circuit is pending before the Senate, would be the first Muslim federal appellate judge in our nation's history. Amir Ali, whose nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is also pending before the Senate with votes expected this week, would be the first Muslim lifetime judge on that court. Earlier in the Biden administration, Judge Zahid Quraishi (District of New Jersey) and Judge Nusrat Choudhury (Eastern District of New York) became the first two Muslim lifetime judges in our nation's history.
Read The Leadership Conference's letter in support of the confirmation of Judge Mustafa Kasubhai. The Leadership Conference previously published a blog highlighting Judge Kasubhai's incredible dedication to making our judiciary more inclusive, which is available here (https://civilrights.org/blog/our-federal-courts-need-more-judges-like-mustafa-kasubhai/).
On Friday, The Leadership Conference, joined by 140+ other national organizations, wrote to senators urging them to confirm all pending judicial nominees before the end of the Biden administration. The letter is available here (https://civilrights.org/resource/140-national-organizations-urge-senators-to-confirm-all-pending-judicial-nominees/).
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The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit http://www.civilrights.org.
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Original text here: https://civilrights.org/2024/11/19/judge-mustafa-kasubhais-historic-confirmation-improves-our-judiciary/#
[Category: Political]
CAIR Condemns Israeli Soldier's Urination on Quran as Latest Act of 'War on Islam'
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
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CAIR Condemns Israeli Soldier's Urination on Quran as Latest Act of 'War on Islam,' Calls on Muslim Nations to Take Action
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an Israeli soldier's obscene desecration of a copy of the Holy Quran as the Israeli government's latest act of war against Islam and called on Muslim-majority nations to take concrete action to end the Israeli government's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
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CAIR Condemns Israeli Soldier's Urination on Quran as Latest Act of 'War on Islam,' Calls on Muslim Nations to Take Action
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an Israeli soldier's obscene desecration of a copy of the Holy Quran as the Israeli government's latest act of war against Islam and called on Muslim-majority nations to take concrete action to end the Israeli government'sgenocide.
An Israeli soldier from the Givati Brigade 435 Rotem Battalion reportedly published a photo of himself urinating on a copy of the Holy Quran in Jabalia, Gaza.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
"The far-right Israeli government has been openly waging a war against not only the Palestinian people in Gaza, but a war on Islam and Christianity. From the destruction of mosques and churches, to the abuse and humiliation of Muslim women, to now urinating on the Holy Quran, the Israeli government has violated every sanctity that Muslims hold dear.
"The Israeli military is currently one of the most immoral forces on the world stage, and unfortunately the Biden administration remains steadfastly complicit with its war crimes.
"We call on Muslim-majority nations to harness their collective power, including their economic influence, and take concrete action to confront this out-of-control government and end its genocide."
Awad noted that yesterday, Israeli authorities demolished a mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
He added that CAIR has previously condemned several incidents of desecration of the Quran by Israeli forces.
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SEE: Global ire as Israeli soldier films himself 'urinating on Quran' (https://www.newarab.com/news/global-ire-israeli-soldier-films-himself-urinating-quran)
SEE: CAIR Says Israel's Latest Quran Burnings Is a War on Islam that Biden Must Condemn (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-israels-latest-quran-burnings-is-a-war-on-islam-that-biden-must-condemn/)
CAIR Says Videos of Israeli Soldiers Burning Quran, Library in Gaza are Further Evidence of Genocide (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-videos-of-israeli-soldiers-burning-quran-library-in-gaza-are-further-evidence-of-genocide/)
CAIR Says Video of Israeli Soldier Tearing Up Quran in Destroyed Gaza Mosque 'Shows True Face of Genocide' (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-video-of-israeli-soldier-tearing-up-quran-in-destroyed-gaza-mosque-shows-true-face-of-genocide/)
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-israeli-soldiers-urination-on-quran-as-latest-act-of-war-on-islam-calls-on-muslim-nations-to-take-action/
[Category: Sociological]
32BJ Health Fund and Rosen Hotels Honored for Healthcare Strategy Innovation by the National Alliance
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions issued the following news release:
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Alabama Employer Healthcare Consortium and Economic Alliance for Michigan recognized for member leadership
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The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) acknowledged the efforts of employers and member coalitions at its 2024 Annual Forum - Manifesting a New Destiny: Employers Creating the Future of Healthcare. 32BJ Health Fund and Rosen Hotels & Resorts received the 2024 Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award and the Alabama Employer Healthcare
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions issued the following news release:
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Alabama Employer Healthcare Consortium and Economic Alliance for Michigan recognized for member leadership
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The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) acknowledged the efforts of employers and member coalitions at its 2024 Annual Forum - Manifesting a New Destiny: Employers Creating the Future of Healthcare. 32BJ Health Fund and Rosen Hotels & Resorts received the 2024 Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award and the Alabama Employer HealthcareConsortium and Economic Alliance for Michigan were honored with the 2024 Member Leadership Award.
"These awards recognize the efforts of employers, purchasers and member coalitions committed to promoting healthcare value while improving the health and wellbeing for America's working families," said Shawn Gremminger, National Alliance president and CEO. "Achieving market and policy reforms requires that we all work together and 32BJ Health Fund and Rosen Hotels are excellent examples of purchasers that are driving market change while sharing their learnings to help others do the same."
The Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award is presented to a jumbo- and a mid-sized employer or purchaser who demonstrates leadership and innovation in advancing overall health and healthcare value through their approach to benefit programs and design, employee engagement, and support of coalition efforts. Previous award recipients include Bell & Evans, The Boeing Company, East Penn Manufacturing, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Phifer Incorporated, Prudential Financial, Qualcomm, Turner Industries, Walmart, and The Walt Disney Company.
32BJ Health Fund
A unique collaboration between labor and management, 32BJ Health Fund provides innovative quality and affordable health benefits to eligible 32BJ SEIU members and their dependents - more than 210,000 property service workers including doormen and women, office cleaners, and security guards in New York and 12 other states - on behalf of more than 5,000 employers. Hospital prices are the core driver of high and rising healthcare costs and significant savings could be realized if employers and other purchasers - including unions - could more easily identify hospital price inflation and act on that information to reduce their healthcare spend. Focused on that goal the Fund has played a leadership role in challenging the status quo of the healthcare industry through progressive purchasing including low member cost share, benefit steerage through network design, and expanded centers of excellence. Most recently the Fund completed a contract-first RFP for a medical administrator where all final bidders submitted a redlined contract. The Fund is a member of the Northeast Business Group on Health.
"32BJ Health Fund is laser focused on containing healthcare costs for 32BJ members and employers," said Cora Opsahl, director, 32BJ Health Fund. "We've put significant resources towards understanding the cost drivers and as a result have changed the way we negotiate and contract with health plans, providers and hospital systems. No one employer can fix our broken healthcare system and that's why we've made available these resources for other purchasers to leverage and work with us to advance the goal of providing high-quality affordable healthcare to our members and America's working families."
Rosen Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1974 by Harris Rosen, the independently owned Rosen Hotels & Resorts is a collection of seven Orlando-area properties with three convention hotels and four leisure hotels. Rosen Hotels & Resorts is an active member of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value. The company's health plan covers approximately 4,600 lives through a value-based, comprehensive, self-funded healthcare program known as RosenCare, which was initiated more than 30 years ago and has improved health outcomes, saved lives and saved the company an estimated $500 million. Rosen Hotels & Resorts offers healthcare services to its associates and their families at significantly reduced costs. This includes no deductibles or co-insurance, no co-pay for preventive visits at Rosen Medical Center and $0 cost share for over 90% of all pharmaceuticals, including insulin and specialty medications. A new virtual program has also proven successful. It is staffed by ER providers and was implemented to help members receive virtual care, treatment and understand how and when to access urgent and emergency care. Rosen has seen a sizeable decrease in non-emergent use, especially for those who previously visited the ER more than once within a year. The virtual ER team works hand-in-hand with the Rosen Medical Center to follow-up with ER patients to help with their care management. The goal is to prevent repeated ER visits. The company's success inspired RosenHealth and RosenCare Powered by PeopleOne Health to give other employers the opportunity to achieve similar results.
"The savings generated from our efforts have enabled us to invest millions of dollars into community initiatives, particularly focused on education and healthcare access," said Kenneth Aldridge, Director of Health Services, Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "It's been a gamechanger for us."
Alabama Employer Health Consortium
The Alabama Employer Health Consortium (AEHC) is an employer-led non-profit organization established in 2018 focused on empowering employers through collaboration, education, and advocacy to address healthcare value. The organization is focused on hospital safety and transparency serving the as the regional leader for The Leapfrog Group and offers educational webinars and events focused on employer concerns such as migraines, high-cost claims, drug costs, and fiduciary responsibilities. The coalition is also involved in national projects such as the RAND hospital price transparency study to ensure Alabama employers have access to transparent and accurate pricing information crucial for making informed healthcare purchasing decisions. Its board chair also recently offered testimony to Congress on the impact of high healthcare prices to America's businesses.
"The AEHC believes that the employer is the key to fixing our broken healthcare system," said Michael Howard, AEHC president and CEO "Their financial stake and interest in good outcomes make them natural change agents toward higher value care. Our employer members have picked up that role and are running with it."
Economic Alliance for Michigan
The Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM) has been a pioneer in elevating women's health issues in the workplace to holistically address issues such as caregiving, mental health, financial wellbeing, and more. As a result of EAM's leadership, more coalitions and employers are dedicating time and resources to women's health issues and its members are adding coverage and support for conditions that were not previously prioritized such as menopause. The organization also plays a leadership role in advancing state and federal health policy issues on behalf of employers.
"The EAM team tirelessly works to create top shelf educational and advocacy programs and to be recognized for our efforts is a true honor," said Bret Jackson, EAM president and CEO. "We are successful because of the support and input from our membership and our coalition partners within the National Alliance. We look forward to 2025 and collaborating on initiatives that will curb the rising costs and diminishing quality of health care working families receive."
The 2024 Member Leadership Award is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Inc.
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About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
For over 30 years, the National Alliance has united business coalitions and their employer/purchaser members to achieve high-quality care that improves patient experience, health equity, and outcomes at lower costs. Its members represent private and public sector, nonprofit, and labor union organizations that provide health benefits for more than 45 million Americans and spend over $400 billion annually. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org and connect on LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalalliancehealth.org/news/32bj-health-fund-and-rosen-hotels-honored-for-healthcare-strategy-innovation-by-the-national-alliance/
[Category: Health Care]
