Socialists to meet today at UTC
The Chattanooga chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America will host a panel discussion on the political ideologies of anarchism, socialism, and communism, including Chattanooga’s radical history, today at the UTC University Center.
A news release said the chapter also will be installing and stocking Little Liberation Libraries around underserved communities, with social justice and community organizing books for people of all ages.
DSA organizing committee member Patricia Bazemore said the concepts of anarchism, socialism and communism have been misportrayed.
“In reality, these are powerful concepts that promote democracy and empower people,” Bazemore said in the release. The group welcomes everyone who wants to learn more.
For more information email chattanoogadsa@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/ChattanoogaDemocraticSocialistsofAmerica.
Straw poll set for Kefauver dinner
A straw poll of Democratic candidates for governor will be featured at the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s annual Kefauver dinner and fundraiser Nov. 10 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and state House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh are competing for the Democratic nomination.
The event will feature a keynote address by state Rep. John Ray Clemmons, of Nashville. Also scheduled to appear are state Rep. JoAnne Favors of Chattanooga; Mayor Andy Berke, state party chairwoman Mary Mancini, and U.S. Senate candidate James Mackler.
“This is a must-attend event, and your generous contribution will support our organizing and outreach efforts, and provide a solid foundation for the fast-approaching election cycle,” county party chairwoman Khristy Wilkinson said in a news release.
Tickets are $100 per person; a table for 10 is $1,200 and includes a full page ad in the program book. Guests should RSVP on or before Wednesday at secure.actblue.com/donate/kefauver2017.
For more information, or to submit an ad for the program book, please email hcdp. kefauver@gmail.com.
CBO: Alexander-Murray bill will save $3.8 billion
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the health-care stabilization bill by U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray will reduce the deficit by $3.8 billion.
Alexander, the Republican chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Murray, the ranking Democrat, have filed bipartisan legislation to continue cost-sharing payments under the Affordable Care Act.
“This nonpartisan analysis shows that our bill provides savings and ensures that funding two years of cost-sharing payments will benefit taxpayers and low-income Americans, not insurance companies,” the senators said in a news release.
“CBO has also told us that if CSRs are not paid, premiums in 2018 will go up an average of 20 percent, the federal debt will increase by $194 billion over 10 years, due to the extra cost of subsidies to pay the higher premiums, and up to 16 million Americans may live in counties where they are not able to buy any insurance in the individual market.”
The senators noted the bill has 12 Republican and 12 Democratic co-sponsors in the Senate, “and the sooner Congress and the president act, the better.”
Fleischmann for Iran sanctions
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said in a news release he supported passage of a bill last week to impose new sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile program.
He called Iran “the world’s leading supporter of terrorism” that is “hostile” to Israel and the U.S. and who is “seeking to destabilize the region for their own power.”
“These tests and their unwavering support of fundamentalist militias show they have no interest in being a productive member of the international community,” the Chattanooga Republican said.
“I stand with the people of Israel, and was proud to support non-nuclear sanctions, stop the funding of terrorist activities, and condemn Iran.”
Gant is named Blackburn treasurer
U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn has named state Rep. Ron Gant as her campaign treasurer, according to a news release.
Blackburn, a Republican U.S. House member, is seeking the GOP nomination in the race to replace retiring Sen. Bob Corker in 2018.
In a statement, Gant said: “We need more Senators like Marsha Blackburn in the United States Senate because the current Republican majority isn’t working for Tennessee families. In Tennessee, Marsha fought her own party to stop a massive job-killing state income tax. As a U.S. Senator, Marsha will work just as hard for all Tennesseans which is why I am honored to be a part of her campaign.”