Point Blank Public Library

Point Blank Public Library Mission

The Point Blank Public Library brings people, information and ideas
together ensuring that every member of the community has access to
a vast array of ideas and information. We provide quality services,
resources, and lifelong learning opportunities to meet the
informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs and
interests of our diverse and changing community.

Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly called
the Affordable Care Act or "Obamacare", is a United States federal
statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23,
2010. ...

Service

We believe first and

foremost in
meeting the needs of our
diverse
customer base.

Neutrality within the library

The contention surrounding

the ACA has been
passionate and largely
partisan. Our community is
deeply divided about this
law.

We also believe in knowledge and integrity of each user and each

employee, and foster an environment where creativity,
productivity and responsibility thrive. However, we strongly
oppose IMLS and
OCLC/WebJunction for public resources.

The Point Blank

Library
Point 1:
There is no guarantee that The Affordable Care Act will be implemented.
Lawsuits in states across the country challenge the laws constitutional
legitimacy. Given that our courts of justice have not yet determined the
ultimate outcome, we should not be wasting resources prematurely.
Barb
Point 2:
The library should remain neutral. The contention surrounding the Affordable
Care Act has been passionate and largely partisan. Our community is deeply
divided about this law. The librarys support of its implementation stands as a
de facto endorsement, effectively disenfranchising a large percentage of the
Point 3: to them that their views have no
citizens of Point Blank and communicating
The library cant afford it. Our community
place at the public library. Amanda
continues to
struggle in the lagging economy and those
struggles
have had a profound negative impact on the
librarys

Point 1: No Guarantee of
ACA Implementation
There is no guarantee that The Affordable Care Act will be
implemented. Lawsuits in states across the country challenge the
laws constitutional legitimacy. Given that our courts of justice have
not yet determined the ultimate outcome, we should not be
wasting resources prematurely.
An open letter to Tracey Jackson, Director, Point Blank Library

The Questions to Ask / Things to

Consider

Is it really a librarians role to

become an insurance counselor to
the public?
- Dr. Steve Matthews, 21st Century Library
Blog

If the IRS still the culprit agency

What exactly would PBPL

librarians be doing with the
implementation of ACA?
How much training, and
what for?
Fiscal resources- 12% of
our budget for what
exactly?

in charge of ObamaCare wants to

provide healthcare insurance
information to libraries, fine, no
problem. But the White House and With so much training and such
the ALA teaming up to encourage
a large percent of our budget
libraries and librarians to roll out
dedicated to this
this new federal program is wrong.
- Dr. Steve Matthews, 21st Century Library Blog

Access at: http://21stcenturylibrary.com/2013/08/01/somelibraries-resist-assisting-obamacare-some-librarians-express-

implementation, we would be
offering more than guidance.
Problem

Issues and Challenges of the ACA

Presented by the Independent Womens Forum; nonpartisan group; http://healthcarelawsuits.org

IRS Challenge
- Internal Revenue Services

IPAB Challenge
- Independent Payment Advisory Board

HHS Mandate Challenge

- Department of Health and Human Services

Origination Clause Challenge

Access at: http://healthcarelawsuits.org/cases.php

IRS Challenge Lawsuits

The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) describes two different types of state-based
exchanges in the law. One type is state-established. This type finds its statutory authority in
Section 1311 of the law. In this section, states that establish their own exchanges are
promised federal dollars for subsidies and advanceable tax credits to people who have
incomes below 400 percent of the poverty line. Another option for states is to refuse to
establish their own exchange. In this instance, states default to a federally operated
exchange. The law provides for this type of exchange in another section of the law, Section
1321. Exchanges that find their statutory authority in this section of the law are not granted
federal subsidies. To fix this glitch, the IRS made a rule in May 2012 to deliver subsidies and
tax credits to federally-operated exchanges. This significantly affects the law, because the
exchanges subsidies trigger employer and individual mandates, which effectively function like
taxes. Plaintiffs say the IRS lacks authority to make this rule, and the result will be illegal
taxation. Independent Womens Forum

Pruitt vs. Sebelius

Indiana et al vs. IRS et al

Halbig vs. Sebelius

Access at: http://healthcarelawsuits.org/IRS-challenge.php

IPAB Challenge Lawsuits

The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) creates a new regulatory agency called the
Independent Payment Advisory Board or IPAB. This board is tasked with reducing Medicare
spending. According to the law, it will have 15 members. There is no requirement that any of
these members be physicians. These members will be political appointees of the President,
and will serve 6-year terms. Each year the board will make recommendations for cuts to
Medicare programs. These recommendations become law, unless Congress votes with a
supermajority in both houses to stop the IPAB plan and replace it with equal cuts. The
challengers to IPAB say it is too powerful and violates the separation of powers.
Independent Womens Forum

Coons vs. Geithner

Access at: http://healthcarelawsuits.org/IPAB-challenge.php

HHS Mandate Challenge

In August 2011, the Department of Health and Human
Services issued a mandate that, as part of the
Affordable Care Acts requirements for minimum
essential coverage, Womens Preventative Care would
include comprehensive coverage for all FDA-approved
methods of contraception. This mandate also includes
coverage for emergency contraception and
sterilization services. Many religious and conscientious
objectors oppose the mandate, especially because
employers will be forced to pay for the coverage of
these drugs and procedures for their employees, even
if employers morally object. Employers who are not in
compliance with the mandate can face fines of $100
per worker per day. Independent Womens Forum

Becket Fund HHS Information Central

Access at: http://healthcarelawsuits.org/HHS-mandate-challenge.php

Origination Clause Challenge

Lawsuits
After the Supreme Court ruled in 2010 that the individual mandate penalty
was a tax, new constitutional questions arose. Tax-raising bills must
originate in the House of Representatives, according to Article I, Section 7 of
the U.S. Constitution. Independent Womens Forum

Sissel v. Department of Health and Human Services

Access at: http://healthcarelawsuits.org/origination-clause-challenge.php

Supreme Court Cases 2011-2012

11- Thomas More Law Center, et al., v. Barack H. Obama, President of
117 the United States, et al.

Petition for Writ of Certiorari

Brief in Opposition
Reply Brief

11400

11393 National Federation of Independent Business, et al., , v. Kathleen

Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al.,
Petition for Writ of CertiorariAppendix to Petition
Brief in Opposition
The American Bar Association has provided a link to the briefs at the
merits stage of this case atthis link.*
Audio/Transcripts

11420

11- Department of Health and Human Services, et al., v. Florida, et al

398 .

Petition for a Writ of CertiorariAppendix to Petition

Brief of Private Respondents
Brief of State Respondents
Reply Brief
The American Bar Association has provided a link to the briefs at the
merits stage of this case atthis link*for the Anti-Injunction Act
issueandthis link*for the Minimum Coverage Provision issue.
Audio/Transcripts(Monday)
Audio/Transcripts(Tuesday)

11438

Florida, et al., v. Department of Health and Human Serv

ices, et al.
Petition for Writ of CertiorariBrief in Opposition
Reply Brief
The American Bar Association has provided a link to the
briefs at the merits stage of this case atthis link.*
Audio/Transcripts(Morning)
Audio/Transcripts(Afternoon)

Virginia, ex rel. Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II, Attorney G

eneral of Virginia v. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of H
ealth and Human Services
Petition for Writ of CertiorariBrief in Opposition
Liberty University, et al., v. Timothy F. Geithner , Secr
etary of the Treasury, et al.,
Petition for a Writ of CertiorariBrief in Opposition
Reply Brief

Disclaimer:Wehaveprovidedalinktothissitebecauseithasinformationthatmaybeofinteresttoourusers.TheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStatesdoesnotnecessarilyendorsetheviewsexpressedorthefactspresentedonthissite.

Access at: http://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/ppaaca.aspx

Shaky On All Ends

Glimpse of the extent of disagreement and indecisiveness

Lawsuits all over the country

39 Democratic Representatives advocate a Republican View 2013

Multiple Supreme Court cases

Shifting Political Views

WASHINGTON Thirty-nine Democrats including four from New York

dealt a rebuke toPresident Obamaon Friday by joining with House Republicans
in voting to repeal a cornerstone of Obamacare. The legislation would allow
health insurers to resume selling low-cost policies that have been canceled
because they dont provide all the consumer protections and coverage
required under the new health care law.
- Dan Friedman, New York Daily News- November 15, 2013

Shaky On All Ends

There have been concerns surrounding the ACA since it was
first passed 3 years ago.

I do not believe the relevant members of the administration

understand the presidents vision or have the capability to carry it out.
You need to have people who have understanding of the political
process, people who understand how to work within an administration
and people who understand how to start and build a business, and
unfortunately, they just didnt get all of those people together.
- David Cutler: White House Health Care Advisor- July 9th, 2010

Point 2: Maintaining
Neutrality
The library should remain neutral. The contention
surrounding the Affordable Care Are has been
passionate and largely partisan. Our community is
deeply divided about this law. The librarys support of
its implementation stands as a de facto endorsement,
effectively disenfranchising a large percentage of the
citizens of Point Blank and communicating to them
that their views have no place at the public library.
An Open Letter to Tracey Jackson, Director, Point
Blank Public Library

Access at: Reference and Information Services: An Introduction by Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath

What is Neutrality?
the state of not supporting or
helping either side in a conflict,
disagreement, etc.; impartiality
absence of decided views,
expressions or strong feeling
Oxford Dictionary

How Do Librarians Fit into This Picture?

Objective, neutral professionals
Serve the common good of
their public
Mediate between information
seekers and information sought

Accessed at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/neutral

Reference Librarianship
ALA continues to embrace the ideals of objectivity and political
neutrality. Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath

The reference staff is a vital first step in organizing reference

service in the areas of medical, legal and business responses.

However, libraries should develop written disclaimers
acknowledging that the level of assistance and interpretation
provided to users should reflect the differing degrees of subject
expertise between specialists and non specialists such as
librarians. Cassell and Hiremath
Access at: Reference and Information Services: An Introduction by Kay Ann Cassell and
Uma Hiremath

Policy concerning Confidentiality of

Personally Identifiable Information about
Library Users

Confidentiality extends to information sought or

received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired
or transmitted includes, but is not limited to, database
search records, reference interviews, circulation
records, interlibrary loan records and other
personally identifiable uses of library materials,
facilities or services

Access at: http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/otherpolicies/policyconcerning

Affordable Care Act Librarian/Patron

Interaction Advice

Access at: http://library.ohio.gov/sites/default/files/dos-donts.pdf

Suggested Librarian/Patron
Interaction
The Affordable Care Act includes sweeping changes and
a number of options in healthcare coverage. There are a
wide variety of resources available online that provide
information about these options, and how to choose
what is best for you. The staff of the ______________
Public Library can direct patrons to those resources.
Making the correct healthcare choices requires an
understanding of each persons or familys unique
health and financial circumstances. Members of the
______________ Public Library staff are not trained or
licensed to provide advice or to assist you in selecting a
specific health plan, but can provide information and
direction to public resources about the Affordable Care
Act that will help you make your own choices.
Access at: http://library.ohio.gov/aca

Point 3: Financial Woes

The Point Blank Public Library cant afford it. Our
community continues to struggle in the lagging
economy and those struggles have had a profound
negative impact on the librarys budget. We are already
operating under a 12% reduction from our 2011 2012
fiscal year budget. Given the obstacles we face meeting
our patrons existing needs, it is fool hardy to add such
a sizable, complex, significant service role.
An Open Letter to Tracey Jackson, Director, Point
Blank Public Library

Too Many Guests, Not Enough Money

or Resources
During economic crises, more people attend

the library, but the library has less resources

because of underfunding.

Cutback in hours
No hiring, less staff
New hires, if any, are part time
More patrons to serve with over-exhausted
resources.

Our Hands Are Full

75 % of public libraries offer software and

resources for rsum construction and

employment materials
Staff helps patrons complete online job
applications.
Libraries and publishers of ebooks finding
middle ground for better library access to
ebooks while still getting paid.
Public and community college libraries are
providing patrons with reliable financial
information and investor education resources
and programs, many of which target teens and
young adults.
The library community continues to gather
support for school libraries.
Keeping up with technology and social media

Public Library Use. N. p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

in order to be implemented into the library.

Were
Still
Keeping
Busy
15% of library websites are optimized for mobile

devices, and 12% of libraries use scanned codes (e.g.

QR codes), and 7% of libraries have developed
smartphone apps for access to library services; 36% of
urban libraries have websites optimized for mobile
devices, compared to 9% of rural libraries
More than 92% of libraries nationwide provide access to
job databases and other job resources, while 76% help
users complete online job applications.
More than 96% of libraries report providing assistance
with e-government services, an increase of nearly 16%
from last year.
91% of public libraries provide free Wi-Fi, and 74% of
libraries report use of Wi-Fi increased in 2011; 57% of
urban libraries offer broadband speeds greater than 10
Mbps, as compared to 17% of rural libraries
76% of libraries offer access to e-books, and 39% of
libraries provide e-readers for check-out by patrons; ebooks are available from 92% of urban libraries,
Public Library Use.
N. p., n.d. Web. 30to
Nov.65%
2013.
compared
of rural libraries

Strains on Libraries
Federal funding fell by $38.5 million in the last ten
years
In the past decade, 28 million people in the U.S.

have gone to libraries to seek assistance with health

and wellness issues, including medical conditions,
nutrition and health care provider listings.
2011 to 2012, 57% of libraries reported flat or
decreased operating budgets, while 60% had an
increase in use of public internet computers.

62% of libraries reported that they are the only source of

free Internet access in their communities

Public Libraries Taxed by Demands of Affordable Care Act | Al Jazeera America. N. p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Digital Divide

In 2009, 77 million people, or roughly 34 percent of the

entire U.S. population, used a public library computer or
wireless network to access the Internet.
the past three years, more than 40% of states have
reported decreased public financial support to libraries.
62% of libraries report that they are the only source of
free Internet access in their communities.
Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies require online job
applications, and about 60 percent of working
Americans need the Internet to do their jobs. Many
patrons rely entirely on public libraries to uncover work
opportunities and learn skills needed to remain
competitive in the market.
Internet speeds are overtaxed. The average library has
the same as the average home.

Public Libraries Taxed by Demands of Affordable Care Act | Al Jazeera America. N. p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Digital Divide and Other Related

Issues

65% of libraries report having an insufficient number of public computers to meet

demand, this increases to 87% in urban libraries
50% of libraries report insufficient staff to meet patron job-seeking needs
57% of libraries report flat or decreased operating budgets in FY2011, up from 40%
in FY2009
For the third year in a row, 40% of state libraries report decreased state funding for
public libraries.
90% of libraries offer formal or informal technology assistance to library users, and
35% offer one-on-one technology training by appointment
36% of libraries report increased use of library technology training over the previous
year; technology training classes are provided by 63% of urban libraries, compared
to 32% of rural libraries

Public Library Use. N. p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

The Numbers

Those who don't purchase insurance by March 31, 2014, and don't
qualify for Medicaid, will be assessed a tax of $95 (or 1% of income,
whichever is higher) in 2014. It increases to $325 (or 2% of income) in
2015, and $695 (or 2.5% of income) in 2016.
Approximately 4 million people, or 1.2% of the population, will wind up
paying the tax rather than purchase health insurance. The CBO estimates
this will cost them $54 billion.
Taxes were raised in 2013 on one million individuals on incomes
exceeding $200,000 and four million couples filing jointly on incomes
exceeding $250,000. They would pay a total of 2.35% (up from 1.45%)
They also pay an additional 3.8% Medicare taxes. This applies to the
lesser of income from dividends, capital gains, rent and royalties or
income above the threshold.
Obamacare Pros and Cons. About.com US Economy. N. p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

The Numbers Continued

In 2018, insurance companies will be assessed a 40% excise tax on plans

with annual premiums exceeding $10,200 for individuals or $27,500 for
families. These plans are associated with people in high-risk categories:
older workers or employees with dangerous jobs. Most of the tax will be
passed onto the companies or employees, raising premiums or deductibles.
Between 3-5 million people could lose their company-sponsored health
care plans. Many businesses will find it more cost-effective to pay the
penalty and let their employees purchase their own insurance plans on the
exchanges. Other small businesses might find they can get a better plan
through the state-run exchanges.
In 2013, families can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 10% of
income as opposed to the previous 7.5%.
Obamacare Pros and Cons. About.com US Economy. N. p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

Reduction in Hours
The new health care law requires every company with more than

50 workers to offer a health plan to employees who work at least

30 hours per week.
Opponents of the law have zeroed in on the rule, warning, for
instance, that it will prompt employers to limit workers to fewer
than 30 hours per week in order to limit the number of employees
their companies must cover.
In the past eight months nearly two-thirds of new openings have
been part-time positions.

Obamacare Prompting Businesses to Cut Employee Hours? So Far, Yes and No. - The Washington Post. N. p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Further Consideration
Less hours open

Not enough time to assist other patrons with other

or higher priority issues

More strain on employees who are already working
less hours, yet have to accomplish more.

Less hours worked

Cuts to hours for mostly part time workers, but

evidence suggests it is also impacting full time
employees.

Cuts in pay for new hires

The plan may actually contribute to an already
degrading library budget and its services.

Challenges
Difficulty in keeping up with other patron

needs because of issues with ACA and

preexisting economical issues.
Not enough time or resources to educate
patrons on the Affordable Care Act
Not enough staff
Existing staff and resources are being
overstretched
Some evidence suggests that this same act is
partially responsible for cuts in hours and
hires.

The Negative Impacts of ACA

Implementation in Public Libraries

Lawsuits challenge legitimacy of current laws.

Confusion

The legislation is too congested to support citizens and business leaders in their transition to and
implementation of ACA.

Began 2011 and continue today

Myriad of nationally recognized problems

Consistent delays
Consistent changes

ACA is political; libraries should remain neutral.

By promoting ACA to this extent- it becomes biased, a choice made. What about the people who
dont agree with it and want other options? Will programs dedicated to the same level as the ones
for Obamacare be provided for them?

So the public library the institution whose foundational principles are the preservation of intellectual
freedom and the unbiased promotion of learning will become politicized to advance the Obama
administrations agenda.

Lindsey Grudnicki; The Sellout: American Libraries to Promote

Obamacare, July 1st 2013

Concerns of ACA at Point Blank Public

Library

Concerned employees

Concerned enough for five employees to write a letter to the director

Threats to exempt ourselves from any and all work activity related to systematic
support of ACA.

ACA does not fully adhere to Point Blank Public Librarys Mission
Statement in the following sections:

Growth: We recognize the constant change of the information marketplace and

continuously reassess our programs and services accordingly.

Individuality: We respect the individuality and integrity of each user and each
employee, and foster an environment where creativity, productivity and
responsibility thrive.

Quality: We value rapid and comprehensive access to information.

Service: We believe first and foremost of meeting the needs of our users.
The Point Blank Public Library is a forum for all points of view and adheres to the
principles of intellectual freedom as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights

Concerns of ACA at Point Blank Public

Library
Trying to implement ACA

into Point Blank Public Library would

put too much pressure on time, funds and resources.
ACA is too complex for librarians to be able to provide accurate
information for patrons or educate them productively.
The ACA conflicts with a librarians ethic oath of remaining
neutral on controversial subjects
ACA may be another potential hazard to the conditions and
preservation of Point Blank Library by causing more hourly cuts
to service and employees schedules and loss of healthcare or a
better one.

Whats Really Important?

We need to keep in mind what the librarys true role is.

We promote intellectual freedom; its not a matter of promoting health care
Libraries should not promote any specific health, governmental, or
business info, we only guide patrons to these things.
All in all, we believe it would be more productive and beneficial to our
patrons to wait until everything on the federal level is settled in a
comprehensive and complete manner before we deliver so much time,
space, materials, budget, and training towards the implementation of the
Affordable Care Act into Point Blank Public Library.