Study: These Are the Healthiest and Least Healthy States in the US

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The United Health Foundation has released its annual report of the healthiest and least healthy states in the U.S.

According to the foundation’s website, “America’s Health Rankings” were based off of the World Health Organization’s holistic view of health.

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” reads WHO’s definition.

“The model reflects that determinants of health directly influence health outcomes. A health outcomes category and four categories of health determinants are included in the model: behaviors, community & environment, policy and clinical care,” the United Health Foundation said.

The study looked at a variety of different factors affecting a population’s health, including lack of physical activity and obesity rates, smoking and drug deaths. It also explored environmental factors such as air pollution and the number of health care providers available across a state, according to CBS News.

The foundation said the top five healthiest states in the U.S. were Massachusetts, Hawaii, Vermont, Utah and Connecticut.

This year, Massachusetts knocked Hawaii out of the top spot due largely to the accessibility of health care in the state. The Bay State has not only the largest number of dentists and primary care physicians per capita, but also the highest concentration of mental health care providers, according to CBS.

Utah has apparently also shown one of the greatest improvements. Factors in that state’s rise include reduced air pollution and an increase in immunization rates among children.

Ranking in the bottom five were West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Those five states have not budged much, as shown by past rankings. Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana all maintained their positions from last year, while West Virginia fell three places to number 46.

Alabama had the lowest number of mental health professionals — 85 per 100,000 people vs. 547.3 per 100,000 for Massachusetts.

After Utah, Florida was noted for making vast improvements. Ranking at number 32, the study found positive changes in childhood poverty rates and levels of mental stress in the state since last year.

Meanwhile, North Dakota saw the sharpest decline, falling seven places to number 18. The study noted ratings for smoking and Salmonella — as well as the amount of children being immunized in the state — as major factors.

The United Health Organization listed rising rates of premature deaths and an uneven concentration of health care providers across the country as a cause for concern. (For more from the author of “Study: These Are the Healthiest and Least Healthy States in the US” please click HERE)

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Vote Alert: Tax Cut for America

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Given our current political environment, there is no easy way to reform the base structure of our current progressive income tax. The GOP tax bill certainly will not solve the systemic problems with our tax code or system of governance. The bill does not make the code simpler, flatter, or fairer. Conservatives have long advocated for transformative tax reform and would have preferred a flatter tax that broadens the base so that everyone pays a fair, low rate.

This GOP tax bill does cut taxes for almost everyone, particularly for families with children. Additionally, this bill substantially lowers the ridiculously high business tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and significantly reduces the tax liability for “pass through” income of small business owners. But with the inclusion of an expanded refundable child tax credit, this bill increases the current progressive nature of the federal income tax by ensuring that even more individuals pay zero taxes and some others “earn” extra cash through the tax code. Simply put, this bill is a tax cut, not tax reform.

While conservatives would prefer that Congress cut spending to offset at least part of the tax cut, unfortunately, that was not an option on the menu. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have any interest in reducing the size of the federal government or even cutting waste in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, when faced with the final choice of spending into oblivion with a progressive tax code that cuts taxes for almost everyone who pays them (and gives money to many who don’t) vs. spending into oblivion without a tax cut and no chance for economic growth, the best thing for conservatives is to pocket the tax cut and continue fighting for more structural reforms to the code, more spending cuts, and entitlement reforms.

As an added bonus, this bill repeals the unconstitutional requirement to purchase medical insurance. To be clear, this is not a fulfillment of the GOP promise to repeal Obamacare. However, it is better than the status quo and will help consumers escape from the monopoly of the insurance cartel and create alternatives that will compete with the system.

The bill was approved by the Senate 51-48 on December 20, 2017, and the House of Representatives approved the bill 224-201 on December 20, 2017.

To see how your elected officials stack up or other votes that compose the Liberty Score, view our full scorecard here. (For more from the author of “Vote Alert: Tax Cut for America” please click HERE)

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A Record Number of Americans Are Expected to Travel This Christmas and New Year

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About 107.3 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more this holiday season, a 3.1 percent increase from last year that can be explained in part by lower plane ticket prices and a growing economy.

The holiday travel season, according to a AAA report, will be the sixth consecutive record high in terms of number of travelers between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1.

Most of the travelers — 97.4 million — will be on U.S. roads driving to their destination.

“With record-level travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in major metros,” Dr. Graham Cookson, chief economist and head of research at INRIX. “Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak times altogether or consider alternative routes.”

AAA and INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, calculated the worst times to travel in 10 major U.S. cities. The most congestion is expected to occur during the week before the Christmas holiday in the early afternoon as people leave work and try to beat the traffic.

Those traveling by car will also find the most expensive year-end gas prices since 2014. Last week, average prices were $2.45 per gallon, a 9 percent increase from last year. AAA does expect the average to drop five cents by the end of the year.

“More expensive gas prices are not swaying holiday revelers to stay at home,” AAA senior vice president Bill Sutherland said.

Sutherland noted that travel across the board has increased “year-over year for every major holiday weekend” and the same is expected of this year-end holiday time frame.

“We’ve seen the strong economy and growing consumer confidence fuel holiday travel all year long,” he said.

Air travel is also up 4.1 percent this year, the fourth consecutive year of volume increase, with 6.4 million people flying to their holiday destinations. AAA reported that holiday airfare was almost 20 percent cheaper than it was last year, but rental car rates are more expensive.

The remaining 3.6 million people will travel by trains, buses, rails and cruise ships.

The top 10 year-end holiday destinations are Orlando, Florida; Anaheim, California; Cancun, Mexico; Honolulu, Hawaii; Kahului, Hawaii; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Miami, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and New York, NY. (Read more from “A Record Number of Americans Are Expected to Travel This Christmas and New Year” HERE)

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Hollywood Producer Accused of (Homo)Sexual Misconduct by 8 Former Child Actors

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Following reports of sexual molestation from actor Anthony Edwards about his former mentor, Gary Goddard, seven more men have come forward with similar accusations stemming from their time traveling with the producer when they were young boys.

The Los Angeles Times published an article Wednesday in which it adds seven more people, most of whom chose to remain anonymous, to Edwards’ complaints. Goddard, 65, refused to be interviewed, but disputed the allegations through his publicist saying they were “full of innuendo and hearsay. . . .

Mark Driscoll claimed Goddard repeatedly sexually abused him over the course of three years, but declined to give more detail. Bret Nighman claims Goddard attempted to molest him four times before he was 16, culminating in an incident in which he rubbed the boy’s crotch and forced him to do the same to him. Linus Huffman, who acted in Goddard’s production of “Oliver!” at age 13, alleged he attempted to molest him as well.

According to others, Goddard would travel with the boys, specifically during the tour of “Peter Pan.” He would cause a rift between the boys and their parents while orchestrating close sleeping quarters that put the young boys within literal arms length during the night. Several people who worked with Goddard and Edwards on that production revealed, anonymously, that they witnessed the former “ER” and “Top Gun” actor’s assault in one way or another. Additionally, they all claimed to have their own stories about Goddard as well. (Read more from “Hollywood Producer Accused of Sexual Misconduct by 8 Former Child Actors” HERE)

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Accuser: Linda Sarsour Said Sexual Harassment ‘Doesn’t Happen to Someone That Looks Like You’

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Pro-Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour told an employee who claimed she was sexually harassed that “something like that doesn’t happen to someone who looks like you,” the accuser told Fox News Wednesday night.

Asmi Fathelbab also told “The Story with Martha MacCallum” that Sarsour warned her “that I will never work in New York City ever again for as long as she lives” if Fathelbab pressed her claims.

The alleged harassment occurred in 2009 while Fathelbab was working at the Brooklyn-based Arab American Association. Sarsour was executive director of the organization for 11 years before leaving her position earlier this year.

Fathelbab told The Daily Caller that Sarsour called her a liar and told her the man Fathelbab accused of harassing her “had the right to sue me for false claims” and “had the right to be anywhere in the building he wanted.”

Sarsour responded to The Daily Caller story Monday with a Twitter post calling it “a new low.”

(Read more from “Accuser: Linda Sarsour Said Sexual Harassment ‘Doesn’t Happen to Someone That Looks Like You'” HERE)

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Angry Parents Pull Kids out of School Over Ivanka Trump Visit

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By The Hill. Some Connecticut parents reportedly pulled their kids out of school after first daughter and presidential adviser Ivanka Trump made a surprise visit.

Trump on Monday spoke to high school students at the Norwalk Early College Academy, a program at Norwalk High School that allows students to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree in software engineering.

The visit was kept quiet due to security concerns, according to New Jersey’s News 12, which reported that parents who opposed the president’s views were upset that they did not know about the visit. (Read more from “Angry Parents Pull Kids out of School Over Ivanka Trump Visit” HERE)

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Parents Upset Over Ivanka Trump’s Surprise School Visit

By Megan Trimble. A surprise visit from Ivanka Trump has reportedly left some parents of Connecticut high schoolers upset.

Trump, the president’s daughter and a senior White House adviser, earlier this week made an unannounced appearance at Norwalk Early College Academy at Norwalk High School. Local media reported the impromptu trip left parents upset, saying they should have been notified in advance that Trump would be at the school.

One parent, Karey Fitzgerald, told News 12 in Connecticut that she understood security concerns but would have appreciated being fully informed.

“This should have been brought to our attention, although I do understand security reasons,” she said.

Fitzgerald continued: “I think we should have had the choice to send our child to school or keep them home.” (Read more from “Parents Upset Over Ivanka Trump’s Surprise School Visit” HERE)

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Trump Has Ben Carson Show Reporters How to Pray

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President Trump invited reporters at the White House to remain in his Cabinet meeting Wednesday while Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson prayed . . .

During his Cabinet meeting, he described some of the projects his administration has accomplished and more that are in the works.

Then he said: “With that I’m going to ask Ben Carson … you can stay if you want to, because you need the prayer more than I do. I think you may be the only ones.

“Maybe a good solid prayer, and they’ll be honest then. Is that possible?”

Carson then began: “Our kind Father in Heaven, we’re so thankful for the opportunities and the freedom that you’ve granted us in this country. We thank you for the president and for Cabinet members who are courageous, who are willing to face the winds of controversy in order to provide a better future for those who come after.” (Read more from “Trump Has Ben Carson Show Reporters How to Pray” HERE)

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POLL: This Second Most Annoying Phrase Has to Do With News

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For the ninth consecutive year, Americans say “whatever” is the most annoying word or phrase used in casual conversation. But, fewer Americans feel that way than in previous years. Residents under the age of 45, compared with their older counterparts, do not find the word all that bothersome.

33% of Americans consider “whatever” to be the most annoying word or phrase. The recent addition of “fake news” takes second place with 23% followed closely by “no offense, but” with 20%. 11% think “literally” is the most grating word used in conversation while 10% assert “you know what I mean” is the most agitating.

In 2016, “whatever” received 38% to 20% for “no offense, but.” “Ya know, right” and “I can’t even” each garnered 14%. Eight percent of Americans deemed “huge” to be the most irritating word or phrase spoken in casual conversation. (Read more from “POLL: This Second Most Annoying Phrase Has to Do With News” HERE)

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Virginia Democrat Wins Election by ONE VOTE

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The entire scape of the Virginia state legislature was changed Tuesday after a recount finalized a Democrat’s victory in a seat formerly held by a Republican with a margin of just one vote.

Democrat Shelly Simonds emerged from the recount as the winner of the 94th District of the House of Delegates, defeating Republican incumbent David Yancey, The Washington Post reports. There were 23,866 votes cast in this district on Election Day, and when the first results were counted, Yancey held only a 10-vote lead over Simonds.

After the recount, the final tally is 11,608 votes for Simonds to 11,607 for Yancey.

This is a historic victory for the Democrats, who having flipped the seat to now share a 50-50 tie with the Republicans for control of the Virginia House of Delegates. According to the Post, legislation in the house requires 51 votes to pass, and there is no mechanism to break ties.

Simonds’ victory is the capstone win of a wave election for the Democrats in the state of Virginia. A single voter is responsible for bringing the Virginia legislature to a possible stalemate for the next two years.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your vote doesn’t matter. (For more from the author of “Virginia Democrat Wins Election by ONE VOTE” please click HERE)

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The House Just Gave Trump a Big Win on Tax Reform

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The GOP has inched one step closer to enacting monumental tax reform.

By a vote of 227 to 203, House Republicans passed an updated version of their comprehensive tax legislation, also known as the the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Bucking their party, 12 Republicans voted against the bill. These GOP members mostly hailed from high-tax states and are concerned with rollbacks of state and local tax deductions.

As predicted, no Democrat voted in favor of the legislation.

Tuesday’s vote marks the second time in a month House Republicans passed tax reform — the lower chamber approved a tax bill in November, but their version was markedly different than the Senate’s version that was passed in early December.

Because a uniform bill was needed, Republican House and Senate leaders met in conference committee and reached a compromise on identical measures to be passed in both chambers of Congress.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a sweeping reform of the U.S. tax code, calling for slashes in rates for the majority of Americans and a simplification of the system.

The bill will deliver $1.5 trillion in tax cuts over a span of ten years, cut the corporate rate to from 35 percent to 21 percent and lower individual tax rates.

Multinational companies would also see a completely revamped tax system — including a one-time tax on foreign profits that have been earned, but kept overseas to avoid U.S. taxes, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Notably, the bill repeals the individual mandate to purchase health care, an unpopular provision in Obamacare that requires every American to purchase health insurance or else pay a fine.

With the House vote out of the way, the Senate is expected to act on the bill later in the evening, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

While most are certain Senate Republicans have the numbers to send the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk, the vote is expected to be razor thin.

Currently, the Senate Republicans hold a slim 52-48 majority in the Senate. During the last tax vote, the GOP only endured one defector, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who joined Democrats in voting against the bill.

While Corker has now announced support for the updated bill, Senate Republicans are still in a somewhat precarious situation. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, who is battling brain cancer, revealed he will be in his home state to seek medical care and be with his family during the tax vote, leaving Republicans with one less body.

The other Republican senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, has yet to say if he will vote for the bill or not.

Nevertheless, Senate Republicans appeared to be good position after Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a very moderate member of the GOP, announced her support. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio — who had previously said he was against the bill, citing a desire to see child tax credits expanded — switched to a “yes” after negotiators met him halfway.

Vice President Mike Pence postponed a scheduled trip to the Middle East in case he is needed in the Senate to cast a tie-breaking vote.

President Donald Trump has asked that the bill be passed in both chambers and sent to his desk for signature by Christmas — a goal that looks very likely to come to fruition. (For more from the author of “The House Just Gave Trump a Big Win on Tax Reform the House Just Gave Trump a Big Win on Tax Reform” please click HERE)

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