In PelosiCare Fine Print: A Slush Fund for ACORN

Buried in the 2,000 page PelosiCare package passed by the House of Representatives Saturday is a slush fund made to order for ACORN and similar organizations.  Section 2530, Grants to Promote Positive Health Behaviors and Outcomes, begins on page 1,422 of the 1,990 page legislation.

Your tax money will fund grants to “eligible entities,” that will employ “Community Health Workers”
to:

…educate, guide and provide outreach in a community setting regarding problems prevalent in medically underserved communities, especially racial and ethnic minority populations…”

How does an “entity” achieve the status of “eligible entity?”  Does it have to be a hospital or clinic?  No.  If the entity is not a government agency it can qualify as “eligible” by being a non-profit corporation, as are all the ACORN chapters.  In fact, anyone can qualify as “eligible entity” by registering with the state as a non-profit ($139 at LegalZoom.com.)

Then, to qualify for a grant, the “eligible entity” merely submits an application that describes the “activities” the Community Health Workers will undertake along with “assurances’ that it will:

• help people become eligible for its programs,
• train the Community Health Workers,
• evaluate it’s programs, (by its own evaluation criteria)
• provide services in a cultural context appropriate for the individuals served.

The next obvious question is, what is a “Community Health Worker?” What are the qualifications? Maybe a nursing degree?

Nope.

The PelosiCare  definition is: “an individual who promotes health or nutrition within the community…” by telling people to government programs and encouraging them to sign up.

Thus, a person becomes qualified for the title of “Community Health Worker” by being one, on the payroll of an “eligible entity” that became one by registering as a nonprofit, and submitting an application for funds.

The language of this section includes no accountability for any verifiable results, making it perfect for a “community organization” set up by people who are anti-business and refuse to compete in the marketplace by offering value and striving for customer satisfaction.  The money will slosh in from Washington, no matter what they do or poorly they do it.