Alaska Residential Lease Agreement This Lease Agreement: Fill & Download for Free

Great question! Yes, you can still get free land in the U.S.If you are the adventurous type who wouldn’t have a problem pulling up stakes and moving to a town you have probably never visited (nor heard of) in your life. There are actual cities in the U.S. that still have a form of homesteading (not officially) but it is free land nonetheless! From a 80 X 120 foot lot to 12 acres, this land is free for the taking. The only caveat is that you must move there to own it and, in some cases, you must grow a business and provide jobs on it.1. Lincoln, KansasLincoln, Kansas is a picturesque small town. The property is located right next to the town baseball field and in close vicinity to the local schools. This is a subdivision setting, but a lot of modern homesteaders do so on a smaller scale.The town population is only 3500, and it is located right off of Interstate 70. The town does require an application process.If you are interested in applying for this land, click here.2. Marquette, KansasMarquette is another small town gem. They offer great school systems and safety for your family.They, too, require you to fill out a land application. It is also required that if you are accepted into the free land program that you begin to build a home within 120 days.Your home must be completed one year from the date of signing the land agreement. You are also required to live in your home for one year. There are certain specifications that your home must meet in order to qualify.If you’d like to apply for Marquette’s free land, click here.3. New Richland, MinnesotaNew Richland has a population of just 1200. Though it is a small town, it does have amenities like a golf course and bike trail. They are giving away 86’ x 133’ lots.They require that you apply for the land.Once the land has been deeded to you, you have one year to build a home with certain specifications.You will be assessed for part of the cost to put in street curbs, gutters, sewer, and water into the area. The cost of this will be around $14,000 that will be collected semi-annually over a 15 year period.The upside is that a lot of lenders will allow you to use the free land as a down payment to build a house.If your income falls under a certain amount, the assessment fees will be lowered as well.If you would like to find out more information about the land in New Richland, Minnesota, click here.4. Mankato, KansasMankato, Kansas is a town of only 900 people. They are giving away small plots of land to build new homes on as well. You must apply to their city as well to be considered for the land.They currently have 26 lots available.Your home must be no less than 1200 square feet in size which excludes garages or basements. However, they give you two years to finish your home from the date the deed was signed.You will need to have a contract with a builder within six months of obtaining the land.If you would like more information on this land, click here.5. Osborne, KansasOsborne is giving away free residential property, free commercial land, and they are giving out low-interest loans to help with business and home repairs. Osborne, Kansas wants you!They do require a $500 deposit to hold the land, but it will be returned to you upon the completion of your new home. They require that your home be at least 1400 square feet on the ground level. You also have to have your home complete within 12 months of the land being deeded to you. You have 24 months to be completely moved in.They require that your home be at least 1400 square feet on the ground level. You also have to have your home complete within 12 months of the land being deeded to you. You have 24 months to be completely moved in.For more information or to apply for this land click here.6. Plainville, KansasPlainville, Kansas has a population of 2,000. They actually only have one lot available at this time that is on a first-come-first-served basis. The lot is 155 feet wide by 93 feet deep.They do require all homes must be on a foundation, but this can include a modular home as well. They do not allow single-wide mobile homes. They do require a $500 deposit to hold the property, but it will be refunded once the land is deeded over. Your home must be complete within 18 months of the land being deeded to you.To apply for this land click here.7. Curtis, NebraskaCurtis, Nebraska is a small retirement town (832 pop). They have multiple lots available for free!All utilities have already been placed, so there are no additional fees. You will need to apply for this land as well. Their website offers a visual of all of the lots available. It is worth checking out as they all vary in size.Curtis is known as Nebraska’s Easter City due to its famed 40-year-old Easter Pageant tradition. This 3.266-square-kilometer community of approximately 832 persons in southern Nebraska’s Medicine Valley has the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and an airport three minutes away.Sound good? All righty, then: Curtis offers two options for free-land claimers. Consolidated Companies, Inc. created Roll ’n Hillslots to boost the local economy by providing free sites on paved streets with all utilities for single-family homes. Three of those lots now have occupied homes, says Ed Coles of Consolidated, and nine remain.Additional free lots are available through the city of Curtis that overlook the all-grass nine-hole Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course, which is one of the best public courses in the state—at least according to Medicine Valley’s economic development website.To apply or view lots available, click here.8. Elwood, NebraskaElwood, Nebraska has as many as ten lots available to build on for free!It says to stop by the village office to pick up the paper work to apply.You can click here to visit their website and collect information on how to apply if you live out of state.It appears that the homes must be on a foundation, but no specific requirements have been listed. The sizes of the lots are not mentioned either. However, a call to the local town office should give you all of the answers you desire about this free land.9. Loup City, NebraskaLoup City, Nebraska is a unique opportunity. All lots are totally free.However, there are two different types of housing available: Workforce Housing and Market Rate Homes.The Market Rate Homes require a $1,000 deposit for the land to be held. This deposit will be returned when the home is complete.The Workforce Housing is an income based opportunity. If you income falls below a set standard then you will be available to receive assistance in purchasing your home. You can receive up to $20,000 in down payment assistance!Click here for more information.10. Beatrice, Nebraska (I said “Texas” by mistake on the podcast)With a population of about 12,564 and situated just 40 miles south of Lincoln (via the Homestead Expressway) and 99 miles from Omaha, Beatrice is one of the most populous and more accessible locations on this list. In this case, the aim is not to stave off the death of a town with a dwindling population, but to clean up neglected properties and get them to generate taxes and utility fees once again.Applicants must occupy their parcels of land for five years.11. Marne, IowaMarne, Iowa is giving away lots of free lands! They have quite a few pieces of land available. The lot sizes are 80 x 120 feet.Your home must be at least 1200 square feet and must be constructed within 18 months of the land being deeded over to you.They do allow conventional construction along with modular homes. The city does require that you file an application to apply for this land. Click here for more information.Marne, Iowa made many publications because of giving away their free land.12. Manilla, IowaManilla, Iowa is another small town offering free lots of land for those that want to take them up on it. They claim to have some of the lowest cost of living around.Their website does not offer much information as to what the requirements for the free land are. However, you can get all of the town’s contact information here.13. Cuyahoga National Park in OhioOkay, this one isn’t exactly free nor will you own it.It is a program the government recently began to give farmers cheap farm land. It allows farmers to lease farm land for 60 years at a time. This includes a house already available and acres and acres of protected farm land.The average rent runs between $500- $1,000 per month. This includes housing and 9-12 acres of land.Though it isn’t free, it is insanely cheap and unique, so it is worth mentioning. There is an application that must be filed, and many farmers have become interested in it.You can read more of the details here.Other AreasThe details for the rest of our list was found in this article. This man and his wife saved a little money, bought what he called “a mixed bag” piece of property, and they kept the part of the land no one wanted and sold off the good land for more than what they paid when they originally purchased the property.This is a plan that requires more long-term thought and shopping around.However, you could end up with a descent piece of property and technically, your land would end up being free! You can’t beat that!There are many ways to find “free” land to build your homestead. There are short-term options and long-term options.Whether you homestead on a little land or a lot of lands, all that matters is that you actually build your personal homestead dream.Do you know of any other places that offer free land to modern day homesteaders? Do you know of other ways to obtain “free” land?14. AlaskaRequirements:Must farm part of the acreageMust live on the landTwo types of programs:Sealed-bid to highest bidderRemote Recreational Cabin Sites. Can own land for recreational use in a designated remote staking areaIn the past, Alaska homesteading was a way people could obtain free government land by meeting certain requirements. This was made possible through the Federal Homestead Act of 1862; however, this act came to an end in 1986. As an alternative, the state offers land for sale in Alaska.15. Muskegon, MichiganIt’s called the Mukegon 25 programFree industrial property to help in creating jobsDiscount ratesHoping to attract industrial employers, the city and county of Muskegon, Michigan, (pop. 174,344) launched Muskegon 25. Under this program, companies that will bring in 25 full-time jobs or more will be granted industrial park property for building, complete with all services, gratis. In addition, the industrial parks are situated in low tax “Renaissance Zones.”Muskegon Area First is hoping to attract food processing industry, other suppliers for local industries, and alternative energy providers. New or existing companies creating 25 jobs are allotted five acres, 50 jobs get 12 acres, 75 jobs get 20 acres, and 100 or more jobs get 20 acres. The program also provides discounts at rates proportionate to the amount of jobs created. The 25-job companies are entitled to 50% off water and sewer bills, and the discounts increase from there, down to 20% of the full rate.State business credits and other tax incentives are also available. To sweeten the deal further, the city will even throw in tickets to Lumberjacks hockey season tickets or a local boat slip to qualified participating companies.16. Camden, MECamden is the coastal exception in this otherwise-landlocked list of free land locales. The charming New England berg of about 4,052 citizens is offering 3.5 acres of land near Camden Harbor for a business that will create at least 24 jobs.The former industrial site on the Megunticook River, refurbished by the Town of Camden, comes equipped with 3 Phase Power, Sewer, Water, Cable, Broadband, and parking is available for up to 300.Clearly, this is a prime deal for the right company. The Town of Camden is hoping for a company from industries such as biotech, information technology, financial services, medical labs, film, or green businesses. In fact, those last two listed industries are encouraged, as creative economy employers are encouraged and environmentally friendly businesses are given preference in this search.I did a podcast on this that you might want to check out as well. Here it is: 098: 16 Places in the U.S. Where You Can Get Free LandI hope that answered your question. Best, Bill.

Obama’s record. It may not overwhelming assisted every Black American, but was he supposed to? He wasn’t the president of Black America. He was the president of the United States. I truly believe he did his job to the greatest extent possible, within the 8 years he had, with the Congress and Supreme Court he had. The problem he had all through his presidency is that he was intentionally held in check, by Republican power. But even with that he was able to mount several accomplishments:EthicsOrdered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal documents (2009)Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible (2009)Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration (2009)Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists (2009)Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) * Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the AdministrationCompanies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and initiatives (2010)Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards (2010)Developed the “Don Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse (2010)GovernanceThe White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our government (2009)Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for political reasons (2009)Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they disagreed with the results (2009)Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000) (2009)Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned in the `00s) (2010)Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they complain of a lack of access and information (2010)Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) * Note: To curb wasteful spendingTasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties, etc. (2010)National SecurityPhasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay (2009) * Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it remains on the agenda.Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max” facility in the US (2009) * Note: this has been delayed in the face of massive opposition but it remains on the agendaCut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion in 2010 (2009)Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic (2009)Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller systems (2009)Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating (2009)Established a new cybersecurity office and appointed a cybersecurity czar (2009)Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment (2009)Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (2010) * Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat; a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict; etc.Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and other foreign threats (2010)Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) * Note: This includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime; however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supportedSigned bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on the Mexican border (2010)Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)Iraq & AfghanistanBegan the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the withdrawal (2010)Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces, developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc. (2009)Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan (2009)Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)Military & VeteransOrdered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (2009) * Note: The media is now permitted to cover the story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen soldier’s familyEnded the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties (2009) * Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the War on TerrorOrdered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) * Note: The old Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDsWorking to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)Improving housing for military personnel (2009)Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses (2009)Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) * Note: Bush announced in 2001 his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include: new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts (2009)Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information systems, etc. (2009)Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans (2009)Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military (2010)New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan (2010) * Note: The omnibus bill does the following: Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units; etc.Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled (2010)Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by August 31, 2010 (2010)Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small businesses (2010) * Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs, etc.Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and security personnel) (2010)Foreign PolicyClosed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe (2009)Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note: Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to continueRestarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructureReengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) * Note: These were suspended under BushReengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under BushVisited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office (2009)Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping captain held by Somali pirates (2009)Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning; overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009) * Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under BushInstituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home” to visit families (2009)Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons (2009)Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive (2009)Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc. (2009)Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)Invited the Israeli Prime Minister to Washington; met with him (2010)Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations (2010)Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and launch systems by half (800)Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia (2010)EconomyIncreased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009) * Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make infrastructure a priorityAuthorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages (2009)Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing guarantees (2009)Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) * Note: 1/3 in tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects; 1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfallsInstituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying (2009)Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for creating jobs (2009)Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) * Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and the industry’s predatory practices were bannedAuthorized the federal government to make more loans available to small businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses (2009)Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) * Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his presidencyIn November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million workers and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again (2009)Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) * Note: Designed to reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protectionsSigned the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) * Note: The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in equipment this year; etc.National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support (technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts to help US businesses export products and services (2010)Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) * Note: Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis (2010)Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)TaxesNegotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs (2009) * Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing investments to brings jobs back to the USSigned the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) * Note: The tax cuts were not as big as was suggested during the 2008 campaignConvened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code (2009)Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and business tax evaders) (2009)Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate economic recovery (2009)Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses (2010)Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (2010) * Note: This would be for families earning over $250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s levelBudgetingOrdered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut federal spending (2009)Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending and practices (2009)Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in the federal budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget” items are now included in the annual budgetFull appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and War on TerrorFunds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in 2011 (2010)Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either wasteful or unnecessary (2010)Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals to balance the budget (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered downEstablished a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security, tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered downCut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this much every year (2010)Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and stick with marine One (2010)Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on national security (2010)Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for federal political appointees (2010)Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)HealthcareRemoved Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children (2009)Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare (2009)Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower their costs the deal only lifted some restrictionsExpanding government vaccination programs (2009)Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC (2009)Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1 vaccines (2009)Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009) (2010)Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010) * Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in over four yearsCOMPONENTS OF THE BILLPrevents insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions until the full reforms go into effect in 2014Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on benefitsBans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if individuals keep their policies current or if they become illAn individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are cappedCloses the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above $4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts); now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that amountIn 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the costs incurred within the “donut hole”Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for benefitsIndividuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insuranceAll individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine; all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees or pay a fineSmall businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health careThere are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health insuranceFamilies can keep their children in college on their plans through age 26Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy “wholesale”Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health insurance exchangesFUNDING SOURCES:Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to a maximum of $695/person)Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+3.8% tax on unearned income for millionairesInsurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offerMISCELLANEOUS:Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidiesBy Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for abortionThe federal government will assist states by covering all of the increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after 2020)Energy & EnvironmentRemoved a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles (2009)Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act (2009)Announced plans to purchase fuel-efficient American-made fleet for the federal government (2009)Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labelling carbon dioxide emissions (2009)Signed a measure requiring energy-producing plants to begin producing 15% of their energy from renewable sources (2009)Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate RepublicansProposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits (2009)Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) * Note: Bush had withdrawn from such effortsAsked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) * Note: The Congress failed to pass such a billDeveloping plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current energy production (2009)Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very slowlyAuthorized studies in several western states to determine how to support large-scale solar installations (2009)Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note: Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in CongressIncreased investment in clean energy projects (2010)Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)RightsInstituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill) (2009)Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court (2009)Held the first Seder in White House (2009)Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization (2009)Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes (2009)Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court (2009) * Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of opposition, Obama has remained quietSigned an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees (2009)Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the military (2009)After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for the Indian Health Service (2009)Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in terms of benefits (2010)Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) * Note: This includes new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the disabledPrograms to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS (2010)After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) * Note: The Administration continues to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possessionEducationAuthorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in K-12 public schools (2009)Increased funding for school construction (2009)Increased funding available for student loans (2009)Expanded the national youth service program (2009)Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the next 10 years (2009)Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance their loans (2009)Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in CongressInitiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states who develop innovative policies (2009)Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than the previous year’s finances (2009)Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236 million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs (2009)Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as percentage of their income) (2010)Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in community and public service jobs (2010)The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a profit (2010)Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)Disaster ResponseOrdered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) * Note: Bush removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this statusDemonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)COMPONENTS OF THE RESPONSES:The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for reliefAnnounced the Clinton-Bush Haiti FundEstablished an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State DepartmentEstablished a website with information, resources, and a posting of a “person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved onesJoint aid and relief planning with the U.K.Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional security and police forces in HaitiDispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5 days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft, and 12,000 US military personnelInitial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid supportEstablished a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed airport in Port-au-PrinceAfter the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze was placed on new deep water projects (2010)Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and bioterrorism response (2010)Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore spills (2010)After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for victims of the spill (2010)Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current economic crisis (2010)Other InitiativesNew federal funding for science and research labs (2009)Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program (2009)Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing (2009)Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)Restored the EPA to “Cabinet-level” status (2009) * Note: Bush removed the EPA from this statusBeginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform (2010) * Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by the opposition in CongressCommissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011 (2010)Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers (2010)Signed bill – FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (2010)P.S. In Case You Were Wondering…The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new first families (2009)The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees rather than buy new ones (2009)The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree (2009)Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to several charities (2009)Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of White House employees (2009)Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not available on such things, but this seems to be a new record highLess than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be a new record low...And A Family Man!!!Source: The 244 Accomplishments of President Barack Obama – Ramona Houston