Office of Lincoln Senator Scott (Pre-election Statement)

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

- OFFICE OF LINCOLN SENATOR SCOTT -
Labor - New Hampshire

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[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

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This post is reserved for public statements, announcements, campaign speeches, and news updates released by the Senator's office.

August 22, 2016 - Campaign victory speech
September 27, 2016 - Statement on activity
October 1, 2016 - Statement on the departure of Senator tmthforu94
October 18, 2016 - Reelection announcement

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

One of my first orders of business will be, in keeping with my promise of being an active legislator as well as a consultant to the government of our region, to propose two pieces of legislation for the Assembly to take up, preferably at the nearest possible time.

The first of these is the renewal of the Standing Order on Assembly Procedure, better known as SOAP.  These are the rules which dictated the parliamentary procedure of the former Northeast.  I have authored a revised version of the bill to be considered;

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I am subsequently proposing a bill that will designate official symbols (including a flag and seal) for the Region, which I drafted according to a July survey:

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SECTION 9. ENACTMENT

The contents of this act shall go into effect immediately upon passage.[/quote]

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Source: Senator Scott's official Twitter page

Update from Senator Scott

As you all know, the 2nd Congress is approaching the second half of the session.  Unlike the first session, lots of great bills have been debated and voted on.  Two important bills which I've proposed (one ending the federal prohibition on marijuana, and another which authorizes creation of a 'foreign policy outline' of the Republic of Atlasia) are on their way to the House.  Progress on healthcare has been slower than I'd anticipated, but I am confident that we can reach a consensus on reform by next month.

Sadly, much less can be said about the current state of affairs of our regional Assembly.  While we have had several vacancies since the swearing-in of the first session, the Assembly has been slow to function.  As of now, only one bill has been passed (that which establishes parliamentary procedure), and we've been witnessing a serious lack of leadership during this crucial period for our region.  It is simply unacceptable for a region as great as ours to be dead last in activity at the local level.

I am calling on all members of our Assembly to help reorganize as quickly as possible.  I will remind our esteemed Delegates that all bear collective responsibility for the success or the failure of this body.

As senator, I promised to assist the Assembly by any means possible.  But ultimately the power rests on our local elected officials to make our region vibrant and productive.  I am calling on Governor Flo and other members of this government to take charge.  And I encourage all Northern citizens to run for local positions as we are in dire need of optimistic leadership.


Real change starts with you.



Scott
Northern Senator

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Was that "Not Good" the intentional use of a Trumpism or was it just coincidental?

I've been using a lot of Trumpisms this year.  I know, Sad!

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Statement on the departure of Senator tmthforu94

Today, Atlasia lost a game giant.  While tmthforu94 and I had numerous political differences, and though I enthusiastically supported (and still support) his opponent, Senator Blair, for this month's presidential election, it was never my desire to see one of our most active and enthusiastic members of the community depart under these conditions.  Tmth was a great statesman for his region and an asset to the Senate.

During my time here, I've tried my hardest to separate differences in ideology from my personal relationships with individual players.  It goes without saying that I wish tmth the absolute best in all his endeavors and I hope to see this game heal and undergo a smooth transition in his absence.



Scott
Northern Senator

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Thought it was time for another update in light of where the game's been lately.  I also have a special announcement.

So I think it's quite obvious the last few weeks have not been Atlasia's best.  The fighting and attacking that has happened lately, both within and between our two main parties, have taken this game in the wrong direction.  I am reminded of the type of culture that existed in this game prior to my exit from the forum two years ago.

As we enter the final week of the campaign, I plead with both sides that we try and maintain a welcoming environment in Atlasia.  We must realize that in order for this game to survive, we must have people on both sides of the political spectrum willing to contribute.  Along with this, we must balance our ideological interests with electing candidates up and down the ballot who we trust to maintain an active presence in the offices that they serve.

Unfortunately, the Congress has been in much disarray this last session.  We lost a valued Senate leader, we've had numerous vacancies, and there is, I believe, a shared lack of enthusiasm among players.

In spite of all this, we have before us two excellent candidates for president.  Senator Blair, in particular, has put forward a great progressive vision for the people of our nation, and I'm proud to be supporting him today.

Although healthcare has been stalled this session, I look forward to working with Senator Blair or Justice Yankee on developing a bipartisan reform package that expands coverage and lowers costs for poor and middle-class families.  During my term, the Senate has passed two of my authored bills with bipartisan support.  In the next Congress, for which we will hopefully have a complete, fully-operational, progressive House and Senate, I anticipate much greater reforms to come.  I have similar hopes for the Northern Assembly, which is coming to the end of a rather dismal first session.

With all that said, I would like to formally announce my intention to run for a second term as your senator this December.  Though this announcement comes somewhat early, it is of utmost importance that the North continues to have active representation on all levels of government, and I hope to have the privilege to continue working for a stroinger Atlasia as our region's voice.

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Thank you all!!

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I'm pleased to announce that work has begun on the new Wiki article for our region.  You can find this article and related articles here.  As senator, I strongly encourage Northern officeholders and citizens alike to do what they can to build on this new section of the Wiki and keep it up to date.

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YUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to announce that tonight we have made a small yet significant step to achieving full universal, affordable health care in the Republic of Atlasia.

While the last four months have been seemingly plagued with chaos and legal discordance, the essential goal of building a workable, effective healthcare system for all Atlasians has not been forgotten.  I have been deeply invested in the ongoing debate over how to best improve our nation's healthcare, and I have considered proposals from people all across the ideological spectrum on how this can be done.

Tonight, I formally proposed a framework from which we might achieve this effort.  The guidelines set in this new bill are drawn from the proposals that I submitted to the Healthcare Congressional Committee in July.

This bill, as currently written, will complement our market economy by offering a broad range of options to consumers, with the establishment of non-profit Health Insurance Cooperatives to compete with traditional private insurance, as well as a Medicare buy-in plan that automatically enrolls Medicaid recipients.  In addition, this bill protects the right of our regions to regulate their health insurance markets as they see fit and encourages adoption of a "single-payer" model if they so choose, to guarantee the same quality and affordability of coverage regardless of one's background, zip code, or health history.

That being said, this bill is by no means complete and I very much look forward to working on expanding it once it reaches the floor of the Senate, as there are many other issues yet to be addressed to lower the overall cost of healthcare, including reigning in frivolous lawsuits and incentivizing doctors and hospitals to provide the best services to patients at lower costs.

Our work begins now.  Let's seize this opportunity to make healthcare a right for all Atlasians.

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Hopefully this might help you:

I've gutted, stripped, and added to two ideas we can use as frames for healthcare.

http://pastebin.com/zUHCsDzH

I appreciate you re-sharing this.  I looked over the plans that were listed and I think that the 'HIC-public option' approach would be most effective at expanding coverage.

This issue has been troubling me for some weeks and I have been developing a growing fear that we will likely end up the equivalent (relative to the status quo) of the 2012 Healthcare law. That is improving the existing system but missing the boat on some key problems.

The Co-ops and Medicare Buy in are good ideas, don't get me wrong. However, I must say that the continued piecemeal approach to health insurance (I think this is like 33%) and complete failures to address delivery, Shortages of supply (both physicians and facilities), integrating and revolutionizing technology both in medicine, delivery and support systems, and of course Liability costs, will hamper the improvements and leave us needing to reform again down the road.

Not saying we shouldn't proceed with these improvements to at least move the ball down the court, just that we need to be mindful of reality of the situation, and (assuming we have realistic forecasts, which with the reset I have every expectation of), we will realize just how large the basketball court is.

Those are things I'd like to work with Congress on when the bill is being considered.  The systematic problems you raised would still exist with the bill in its current form, so I will need help creating a formula to target those issues specifically.  I think the ACA came with its own incentives to try lowering service and delivery costs et al., but that was a relatively minor part of the law as much of these problems still exist and are growing.  (And even tackling lawsuit reform would just be a drop in the bucket.)

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In addition to the ongoing House elections, the Northern region is currently holding elections for Senate and Assembly.  I hope I have used these past four months to earn the support of the people for a second term, and I urge all our citizens to get out and make their voice heard as we elect a new Assembly.  The health of each region is vital to the health of the nation, people, and democracy is not a spectator sport.  Get out and vote!!!

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Thank you to all Northerners who got out and voted this past weekend.  I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve for a second term as your senator, and I congratulate our incoming Delegates on their victories.

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So I know it's been a while since I last posted here, but here are some thoughts about the current state of things in Atlasia, and a little about my personal situation.

First of all, I am for the most satisfied with the level of debate and activity in both houses of the Congress.  I think that the House especially has been a place of great, active discussion for nearly every bill that has hit the floor here.  The Senate, which until recently had some problems keeping its members engaged and present for important votes, is steadily picking up in activity as well.  And I couldn't be more fortunate to be working with newly-elected Senator R2D2, who's been off to a great start representing the great Region of Lincoln (and boy does it feel good to finally call it that) with me over the last couple weeks.

With all that being said, I believe it is critical for there to be more cooperation between the two houses, particularly between the House Speaker and Senate PPT.  During my time in the Senate I've seen a number of bills go from weeks to months without consideration or debate.  More recently, a fungled understanding of procedure led to a bipartisan compromise bill on abortion policy had to be tabled so as to resolve a congressional mishandling of legislative procedure, for which we all take responsibility.  That is why, if congressional leadership so wishes, I would like for there to be a thorough review of our current House and Senate rules so that we don't run into problems like this again.

Now, as far as my future at the National Archive is concerned: I have already stated my intention to retire from this position.  I have decided that my resignation will take effect immediately after next month's midterm election.  I realize that I have not been as up to date on fulfilling certain goals I had planned in fixing the Wiki.  I take full responsibility for this, but I would like to use the remainder of my tenure to catch up on some of the things I've fallen back on before the President appoints my successor.

Though I no longer intend to stay on as NA after next month, I promise to stay committed in representing our region and assisting our local government where possible, and that is why I will again seek reelection as your senator next month.

Next, I would like to say a few things about what's happening in our region.  Our legislature is finally poised to pass its first ever budget.  With the help of former Senator Clyde, we managed to balance our budget in keeping with Constitutional requirements.  Not only that, but we were able to amass a very large surplus without making serious cuts to public services.  In fact, the surplus was so large that we decided to eliminate our planned sales tax, as two of our states (Oregon and my home state of New Hampshire) have the distinction of not levying such a tax on their hardworking citizens.  The elimination of this tax is welcome news to low-income families who are most hurt by this form of taxation.

I had a lot more to say, but I'm keeping this update brief for now.  Thank you all for listening, and now if you excuse me, I have some fundraisers I need to get to...

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Endorsed times a million!

Endorsed!

Endorsed

Endorsed of course. Can't wait to get reelected together and serve another four months!

Thank you all!

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Senator Scott addresses a townhall in Keene, New Hampshire

Friends, in just over twenty four hours people in Lincoln and across this nation will head to the polls and make their voices heard, as we select who will represent us in the sixth session of Congress.  Though I currently appear to be running unopposed for another term as Lincoln's Senator, I did not want to pass up an opportunity to speak directly to the people of Lincoln before they cast their votes and answer questions if necessary.

First, I would like to congratulate my friend SJoyce on his stunning win in the South this past weekend, as he will be the first ever Labor senator to represent the ten original states of that region.  Should I be reelected as your Senator this weekend, I very much look forward to working with Senator-elect SJoyce particularly on the issues of childcare and universal pre-k, two things that Labor will work diligently toward if we win control of the House of Representatives and retain our new majority in the Senate.

If I am reelected, I will continue working with the current administration and Congressional members of both parties in pursuing universal health care while simultaneously lowering the cost of care in the Republic of Atlasia.  Next session, Senator R2D2 and myself will also be pushing legislation to provide much needed federal aid to Flint, Michigan, where residents continue to struggle in the aftermath of massive lead contamination.  Though Flint has seemingly become a blip in our news media, the challenges facing this city continue to be fresh in the minds of Flint families.  The Flint Reinvestment Act will direct funds to the city for the repair of infrastructure as well as economic stimulus and long-term care for those that were exposed to lead-contaminated water.

During the next session, I would also like to propose what shall be a major expansion of our existing AtlasiaCorps program, in order to promote public service and rein in student debt by increasing aid payout to volunteers.  This plan would be based on an older proposal outlined by Hillary Clinton in her 2016 campaign to expand service opportunities and reward those who volunteer their time and energy to jobs from disaster response to academic support in our public schools.

With that, I urge all the people of Lincoln to get to the polls this weekend.  Thank you, and I hope to have your support.

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It appears we're victorious!

Thank you to all the people who have supported or endorsed my campaign, including the Speaker and President.   I would also like to congratulate Senator-elect Ted on his win in Fremont.

Thank you to cynic for his last-minute write-in campaign for giving the people of Lincoln a real opportunity to express who they want representing them in this important election, and helping to inspire competitive elections across our nation.

As of midnight tonight, I remain your senator but I no longer occupy the office of National Archivist.  As I step down from this position, I look forward to knowing the President's choice for my successor, whose qualifications and plans going forward will be looked at during the Senate hearing.

Thank you all!

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Brief announcement: I am pleased to announce that I will be moderating a debate between incumbent Governor Mike Wells, who is currently seeking election to a third term, and challenger Kingpoleon, who recently announced his second run for the office.  The debate will take place Friday night at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana.  All Lincolnians are encouraged to watch as well as submit questions via PM that you would like asked at the debate.


LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE



(I would also like to again formally endorse my colleague, Senator R2D2, in his reelection bid this month.)

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I encourage all eligible Lincoln citizens to vote this weekend if they haven't yet.  It was a pleasure to moderate a great debate between Governor Wells and Kingpoleon, which may be seen here.

Today I cast my ballot for Governor Mike Wells and Senator R2D2, as well as Delegates Lt.G JGibson, lok1999, and kyc0705.  Our Assembly is expected to be reduced to three members at the end of the election.  I urge those who have not yet voted to cast their ballots for these five great statesmen, and to vote yes on both constitutional amendments up for ratification this weekend.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --

Reaction to election results

First, I would like to congratulate all those who were elected or reelected - particularly my good friends Senator R2D2, Governor Mike Wells, Representative-elect fhtagn, Senator-elect Barnes, and of course, President dfwlibertylover.  I look forward to working with these people and more as long as I am a senator, as well as the elected Delegates to our Assembly.

I would also like to congratulate Clyde and Siren for the progress they made in this election, and I hope they stick around in this game for time to come.

To my Labor friends who are in despair tonight, I encourage them to keep fighting for our values.  While the Federalists retained the presidency and the House of Representatives this election, Labor won its first official majority in the Senate post-reset.

As I saw the results come in this weekend, I carefully considered what I would do over the next two months of my term.  I very much enjoy being this region's senator and being part of many great debates and bills, and that is why tonight I would like to declare my intention to run for another term as Lincoln's senator.

What is less clear, for me, is how I can better use my influence in the Senate.  I am considering a run for PPT at the beginning of the next session so that Labor can use its Senate majority to effectively push essential reforms such as universal health care and Pre-K.  At the same time, I do not seek to wield power for partisan gain; I am first and foremost an independent thinker, and I have great working relationships with people of both parties in the game, including Senator PiT, who is playing a vital role in the development of our bipartisan health care plan.

But we must move faster, and I will be weighing my options over the coming weeks.  But I can assure the citizens of Lincoln that I will continue to be an active voice for our great region in the Senate.  As its most senior member, I feel that Lincoln is getting the representation it deserves, and that's why I'm asking for the continued support of our citizens as we enter the next midterms (which are never too early to look towards!).

Thank you.

Scott
Lincoln Senator

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I have decided that I will, in fact, be running for PPT at the start of the next session.  While my colleague, PiT, has done a commendable job in his current role, I feel that a change of positions at this point in time would be healthy for the Senate and for the game as a whole.  One specific change I will be making as PPT will be reintroduction of the "Yankee Rule" - in which a sponsor must advocate for his or her bill on the floor of the Senate no more than 48 hours after a bill is introduced, or else the bill will be motioned for tabling (unless, of course, the sponsor is on LOA).  I would also like to bring healthcare back to the table (the original healthcare bill has been on the Senate floor since December and has been put on hold for the last couple months) and work with Senator SJoyce to make universal Pre-K a reality.

I hope I have earned the trust and confidence of my Senate colleagues to take on this new challenge in the months ahead.

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Actually it is 24 hours for sponsors. Always has been.

Noted.

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Getting every member to comment on legislation is a much harder task.  I myself will refrain from commenting on legislation for a few days unless I have a question or an amendment, because simply posting "I support this" doesn't really help generate discussion.  Based on what I've seen, debate is a bit more substantive in the Senate than it is in the House, partly because we have fewer members.

I fear that too much of the passion in this game is invested in personality politics and election drama than it is in the policy aspect of the game.  Some people might like that.  I don't.  But I think it's why we lose so many great players at the end of every election.  Nobody likes drama and it's absurd to get hurt feelings from something that was meant to be fun.

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Scott Addresses Supporters in Flint, Michigan

I decided to formally kick off my reelection campaign in this city of Flint: a city devastated by the effects of contaminated drinking water, which has caused the exposure of thousands of residents to disease, as well as lead poisoning.  It is a problem that still very much exists today.  Although mainstream news outlets have sadly forgotten about the people of Flint and the enduring challenges they face each day, people here know the great work that's being done by communities to help ailing families and to rebuild needed infrastructure.  Just in May, a Michigan-based construction company owned by residents of Flint took initiative in replacing 18,0000 corroded residential water pipes in the city.  This represents the true spirit of Flint, that it can prevail in the face of tragedy and adversity.

Last month, the President signed the Flint Reinvestment Act, a bill sponsored by Senator R2D2 and myself to provide long-term care for Flint which includes infrastructure repair, health monitoring for those exposed to lead and disease, improved education, and economic development.  Now is time for the legislature to act.  And I call on all members of our region's government to do just that.

The Flint Reinvestment Act is one of my proudest accomplishments this session.  Now we're on the verge of expanding and lowering the cost of healthcare for millions of Atlasians.  As President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, I am proud that we will, in this session, finish what has been under development for nearly a year.

During my (almost full year) in the Senate, we've accomplished a great deal for Lincoln and the Atlasian people, on issues ranging from drug and criminal justice reform, to drug policy reform, to health care, education, and beyond.  And that's why I am asking for your support this August.

I've been a consistent resident of Lincoln since I rejoined this game post-reset.  I have been advocating and helping to implement the same social democratic reforms we enjoyed prior to the reset.  My opponent in this race, strangely, declared his intention to run for Senate exactly one minute after changing regions.  Now Lincoln needs a senator who has experience, someone who knows the people of this region.  While I'm sure Mr. LouisvilleThunder is a good man, he does not have the experience I believe is necessary for a senator, and he certainly doesn't know the people of Lincoln at heart.

With that said, I look forward to a clean campaign, and I hope to have the honor of earning another term as your senator.