538 has an article about the advantages of a reconciliation "sidecar" bill versus starting over with a standalone reconcilliation bill. Also, according to David Waldman the consensus is the senate bill plus the reconciliation sidecar bill. It makes sense to me, but I was wondering if we could flesh out the strongest sidecar provisions. Is it possible to get ahead of the brainiacs in the house and senate leadership on this?
After the inauguration, I was looking forward to learning more about politics and policy through the health care bill. The most I can say about this process is that it has been bizarre. Following what may or may not be in the bill, looking at the press conferences week after week, watching the hearings on C-span month after month; I have come to realize that waiting around for leadership to flesh out good smart policy and messaging, is like watching "The Lost Boys" at age 33, it is a huge disappointment....It has almost been as rewarding as my attempt to collect baseball cards between the years of 1988 and 1993. (If anyone is looking for mike mussina upperdeck rookie cards let me know.)
So, what is a smart simple "sidecar" bill to supplement the senate bill. Put in a public option? Expand medicare to those over 50? Expand medicaid to a higher percentage of poverty? Put in a millionaires tax? Increase subsidies to offset the cadillac's tax? The polling on these items are high and it would be tough to vote against any of these items.
Are there other big items that need to be in the bill -- I am trying to keep it simple. Anyone have better information on the details