Level the field for U.S., China
12/9/2012Our manufacturing sector is one of the strongest in the world, so it’s no surprise that Chinese consumers seek American-made goods (“Survey shows more Chinese want U.S. label; Researcher cites perception of quality, strength of brands,” Nov. 28).
But American manufacturers could sell even more products overseas — particularly to China — if we level the playing field.
China’s blatant currency manipulation — the act of undervaluing its currency, effectively to subsidize its exports — drives American companies out of business, costs Ohio jobs, and undermines our economy.
To keep U.S. manufacturing moving forward, Washington also needs to promote innovation that drives new investments in Toledo and throughout Ohio. That’s why I’m committed to leveling the playing field for American workers by fighting back against our trade partners, such as China, that cheat by dumping goods in our markets and undervaluing their currencies.
My bipartisan legislation, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act, is the biggest jobs bill to pass the Senate in recent years. It would crack down on countries that believe they’re exempt from the rules.
We need House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio to schedule a vote on this bill, which passed the Senate 63-35 more than a year ago.
Workers in Toledo are doing their fair share to boost U.S. manufacturing and strengthen our middle class. So should our government.
SHERROD BROWN
U.S. Senate
Washington
Ohio Medicaid needs to expand
Ohio lawmakers are debating whether to expand the state’s Medicaid program for people with low incomes, as all states are encouraged but not required to do under the Affordable Care Act. Unless Ohio enacts the full expansion of Medicaid by 2014, many low-income Ohioans will have no health coverage.
Caring Americans should protect, empower, and advocate policies that promote the public good. Medicaid expansion is critical to that common good.
Many people think that if you are poor enough, you get Medicaid, but that isn’t always true. Nondisabled adults without children generally are excluded from Medicaid, no matter how little they make.
Many people who are eligible for the Medicaid expansion are employed in low-paying jobs without health insurance. Their unreimbursed care is a cost driver for everyone. Expanding Medicaid will reduce the costs shifted to people with insurance when physicians and hospitals provide unreimbursed care to patients without insurance.
We must expand coverage to all who are eligible under the Affordable Care Act, because an expanded Medicaid will save lives.
Across the globe, only universal coverage systems such as Medicare for all have been shown to control health-care costs. Comprehensive reform includes expanding an improved Medicare to all Americans.
Until this is a reality, the full expansion of Medicaid to 138 percent of the federal poverty level allowed under the Affordable Care Act is a moral necessity.
JOHNATHON ROSS, M.D.
Executive Committee Single Payer Action Network-Ohio
Ottawa Hills