Don't be afraid to speak your piece, and don't think your opinion doesn't count. Take the time to communicate with your elected officials. Issues for the New Congress Almost everyone who deals with Washington predicts that Social Security will move to center stage in this Congress. The National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, is also expected to deliver its recommendations this month. Many expect that there will be far-reaching implications that will arise out of this report.
Congressional leaders are likely to advance a major tax cut bill.
Along the money line, campaign finance reform will probably be brought up again this year. Another money issue has Sen. Kennedy proposing a bill to increase the minimum wage by 50 cents in September 1999 and another 50 cents in September 2000. These items are just the tip of the iceberg. There will be many more pieces of legislation on the floor. Children's Health Insurance Program Studies show that children without health insurance are more likely to be sick as newborns, less likely to be immunized as preschoolers and less likely to receive medical treatment when they are injured.