Category: Reproductive Justice

ACTION ALERT: S221/A4115 Preventing Restrained Prison Child Birth

by UU FA Office

S221/A4155 would prohibit the restraint of women prisoners during and immediately after childbirth. Under the bill, correctional facility staff or medical providers would not be permitted to apply restraints to a female prisoner known to be pregnant during any stage of labor, any pregnancy related medical distress, transport to a medical facility, delivery, or postpartum.

Over the last 15 years, 21 states have enacted laws against shackling pregnant inmates during and after labor, but many of the laws have proved ineffectual. It is estimated that about 2,000 prisoners in American correctional facilities give birth each year. “To physically restrain any woman immediately before, during or after the critical time of active child labor is entirely inhumane, not to mention recklessly dangerous for both the mother and child,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex), the bill’s sponsor. “Incarcerated women are no less human than others, and this unsafe practice must be prohibited in New Jersey.”

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The bill cleared the Senate with a vote of 39-0 on March 16, 2015 and the Assembly on January 11, 2016 with a vote of 75-0. It now heads to the Governor’s desk where it will be pocket vetoed if he does not take action before Tuesday, January 19 at noon. Please write or call the governor, 609-292-6000, today and urge him to sign this humane legislation.

Issues Conference 2015 – Health Care & Reproductive Justice

by UU FA Office

Priorities for 2015-16:

UULMNJ HEALTH/REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE TASK FORCE

UULMNJ Issues Conference – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Task Force Session Summary Report

  • Nine people attended the task force meeting. Most people had not been to a Health/RJ task force meeting, therefore the meeting began with people introducing themselves and explaining their interest in Reproductive Justice.
  • Materials were available both in the conference packet and at the task force meeting. Of particular interest were the materials from the UUA: The Statement of Conscience that was approved by the General Assembly 2015 and the information sheet, “Two Things Every UU Should Know about Reproductive Justice. Some time was spent in explanation of the need to become conversant with the paradigm of reproductive justice as distinct from reproductive health, rights or choice. Each is more limiting than RJ which came out of the women of color movement who coined the phrase at the U.N. Women’s Conference in Cairo Egypt, in 1994. Intersectionality with racial justice was emphasized.

Other materials available:

  1. “How to Really Defend Planned Parenthood” by Katha Pollitt, 8/5/2015 NY Times Opinion Page
  2. “The Dark History of the Right’s Graphic, Misleading Abortion Images” by Sarah Erdreich, 10/8/2015
  3. “The War on Planned Parenthood Is Also an Assault on Poor Women of Color” by Michelle Chen, 8/2/2015
  1. The New “Jane” Crow: Black Women Are The New Target For Mass Incarceration by Jeffrey L. Boney,  8/5/2015
  • We welcomed our speaker, Kate Clark, Government Relations Director for the New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL) and the Family Planning Association of New Jersey (FPANJ). Ms. Clark addressed many topics related to current issues in NJ. She helped the group to understand the funding for family planning by differentiating among the funding sources. First she explained federal Title X funds which “— is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services.” It was enacted in 1970 and is currently administered by NJFPL. Clinics are funded in all 21 counties. Currently 14 of the counties are served by Planned Parenthood clinics. The remainder are served by county health departments and other clinics. New Jersey Title X agencies “provide many health care services, including contraceptive services and counseling, breast and cervical cancer screenings, test and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, general health screenings for high blood pressure and anemia and community education on a wide range of health topics.”

Most of the group knew that in 2010 a NJ state budget line that allocated $7.4 million for basic reproductive health care services was eliminated. It resulted in 6 out of 58 health and family planning centers closing and others cutting back in staffing and hours. Our speaker testified before the NJ Assembly in March 3, 2015 and urged for restoration of the budget line. The NJ State budget had a longstanding budget line going back to the 1970’s that supported reproductive health care. In 2009 the line item of $7.4 million supported 16 agencies to support 58 clinic sites. These were the same sites that NFPL supported with Title X funds. These clinics saw 136,000 women and men, providing 70,000 breast screenings 65, 000 Pap tests. In 2013 family planning centers saw at least 37, 000 fewer patients compared to 2009. While the family planning providers work hard to meet the needs of women in NJ, the lack of funding makes it very difficult to provide care to the ever increasing number of women in need of family planning services. Attempts each year to have the line item restored in the state budget have been met with a gubernatorial veto.

Ms. Clark also spoke about Medicaid reimbursement funding in NJ. While there has been expansion of Medicaid under the ACA (known as NJ Family Care), the backlog in getting benefits is acknowledged to be extensive. Medicaid would cover all reproductive health care services for women who qualify including abortion, it can take up to 60 days and longer to finalize eligibility and it often does. This is clearly much too long if a woman in pregnant and wants to end the pregnancy. A woman must therefore seek other funding if she is pregnant and chooses to have a safe and legal abortion. All of the funding cuts clearly impact access for women and limits their options for care.

The group, especially people from Sussex County, was interested in the Senate bill S3150 that was sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Pennachhio (District 26). The bill asks for the state government to investigate Planned Parenthood, for allegedly participating in illegal activities, in the reported sale of body parts of unborn and aborted fetuses. It would ban any financial compensation for donation of tissues from fetal cadavers, for the purpose of research. An assembly bill has also been drafted. Ms. Clark felt that in spite of support for the Sussex County Board of Freeholders, the bill is going nowhere for many reasons, especially because there is not fetal tissue donation program in any Planned Parenthood clinic in NJ.

Ms. Clark spoke about the new coalition that has been started in NJ for reproductive justice and pro-choice groups. Planned Parenthood Action fund has taken the lead. The UULMNJ Health/Reproductive Justice Task Force is a member. This group will be very helpful in keeping us informed of issues as they emerge. The coalition keeps us up to date about Planned Parenthood advocacy nationwide and in and is a wonderful networking group.

Other Issues

  1. Current Abortion Clinic situation, especially the increase in number and intensity of demonstrators. This will be discussed at future calls and meetings.
  2. National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW): The group has had cases in NJ, the most recent one was decided by the NJ Supreme Court in July 2015. The Court vacated a judgment of abuse and neglect in a case that had been brought against a mother who was using prescribed methadone during her pregnancy. There were 76 organizations and experts who were part of the case led by NAPW. We will contact NAPW and consider asking the UULMNJ Legal Advocacy project to join in amicus briefs in the future.
  3. NJ Health Care Coalition: There was nobody who could attend their meeting at the end of October. We will continue to see if somebody on the TF can represent us.

Possible focuses for the Task Force

  1. The group expressed a lot of concern for Planned Parenthood attacks and possible defunding of Planned   Parenthood and its impact on New Jersey.   We will watch this closely and advocate if there is a NJ impact            and action to take.
  2. Will be an active member in My Health My Life, the new coalition of reproductive justice/pro-choice                  groups in NJ.
  3. Study mass incarceration and the New “Jane” Crow.   There is interest in exploring the conditions of           women in prison and county jails in NJ.   Possible coordinate with the UULMNJ Criminal Justice Reform/End             the New Jim Crow Task Force.  Recognition that the intersectionality is great.
  4. Encourage congregations to form groups to study reproductive justice and support any initiatives by supplying with resources.

Goals Possible reproductive justice legislative/advocacy actions in NJ

  1. Support any action to reinstate family planning cuts to the state budget.
  2. Medicaid Funding – explore the time lapse from time of application to finalization of eligibility and consider advocating for closing the gap. Be aware of other opportunities to advocate for Medicaid expansion.
  3. be aware of any bills that would infringe on reproductive rights including abortion. While Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) bills have not been enacted in NJ, we will be ready if there is such a move.

Notes provided by Carol Loscalzo, chair

Handouts:

2 Things Every UU Should Know About Reproductive Justice

UUA Statement of Conscience on Reproductive Justice

The Dark History of the Right’s Graphic, Misleading Abortion Images

 

Get the Conference Registration Packet

Responding to Attacks on Planned Parenthood

by UU FA Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

UULMNJ Reproductive Justice/Health Task Force Responds to Attacks on Planned Parenthood

Summit, NJ, July 21, 2015

As Unitarian Universalists we are called to protest violations to basic human rights and support reproductive health/abortion clinics that are experiencing intimidation and spiritual or physical violence. The current attack on Planned Parenthood is deeply disturbing, troubling and misleading. Anti-abortion activists from a group called the Center for Medical Progress recently released a video showing Dr. Deborah Nucatola, Planned Parenthood’s senior director of medical research talking to people she believed were representatives of a biotech company. She was describing how Planned Parenthood handles tissue donation from aborted fetuses.

This video is deceptive on many levels. The group who secretly videoed Nucatola edited a 150 minute meeting (60 page transcript) down to eight minutes of detailed medical description. The group is led by David Daleiden, formerly of the anti-abortion group Live Action. Live Action typically releases videos that have been heavily edited to cast abortion providers in an unflattering light. Out of context, the video of Dr. Nucatola can be disturbing for people to hear, however from all of the recent commentary, it is clear that the video in no way represents the work of Planned Parenthood. Dr. Nucatola was discussing the legal donation of fetal tissue to biomedical research laboratories.

In the unedited video of the meeting Nucatola points out repeatedly that donations are only done with consent of the woman receiving services. These women are described happy to do something that contributes to medical research that might one day find a cure for serious diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, AIDS, dementia, diabetes or heart disease. Nowhere was this presented in theedited video. As was stated in a press release from Planned Parenthood, “…we do [tissue donation] just like every other high-quality health care provider does — with full, appropriate consent from patients and under the highest ethical and legal standards. There is no financial benefit for tissue donation for either the patient or for Planned Parenthood.” The small amount of money that Planned Parenthood receives from tissue buyers ($30 – $100) covers the cost of storing and shipping samples.

The controversy concerning this hoax is problematic on many levels. Planned Parenthood has a 100 year history as a health care organization serving women who need reproductive health services. Three percent of Planned Parenthood’s services are legal abortions. The remainder of provided services are reproductive health services such as cancer screenings, pelvic exams and contraception and abortion care. The patients served by Planned Parenthood are often those who would have difficulty affording the cost of these services in other medical facilities.

The current discussion focuses on the lies that have been perpetrated by a discredited group instead of the very real issues that women face in getting appropriate reproductive health care. Unfortunately, this discussion ignores the core issues of the reproductive justice movement – the right to have children, to not have children and to parent children in safe and healthy environments. This is a basic human right and at the core of reproductive justice. This right is grounded in the particular experiences, values, priorities and leadership of women of color. It includes accessibility to the complete spectrum of reproductive health services, including legal abortion. Today this right is under attack. As Monica Simpson of SisterSong, a national reproductive justice collective said recently, “The simple fact is that the people who are out there perpetuating myths about abortion providers are not doing so because they care about ensuring the availability of high quality health services. This is about doing whatever it takes, including spreading lies in order to make it so that women can’t get an abortion when they need one.”

At the Unitarian Universalist Association 2015 General Assembly the delegates passed a Reproductive Statement of Conscience. This statement, a culmination of three years of study by local congregations (Congregational Study Action Issue 2012-2016) calls on UUs to “center the experience of the most vulnerable, and to bridge the gap between reproductive rights and other social justice movements.” Supporting Planned Parenthood and standing together when any of the groups standing for reproductive justice is attacked, is essential to protecting the basic human rights at the core of reproductive justice.

 

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Executive Director

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey

4 Waldron Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

609-672-7331   director@uulmnj.org

ACTION ALERT: Domestic Gun Violence Prevention Bill Passes but Christie Must Sign!

by UU FA Office

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In March of this year, UULMNJ Executive Director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg met in Trenton with former US Rep. Gabby Giffords, NJ Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, and other New Jersey lawmakers to work on important legislation that would take guns out of the hands of dangerous domestic violence offenders.

Why is this so important? A woman is 5 times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner if there is a gun in the house. Of the female homicides reported in New Jersey in 2011, more than half of them were committed by intimate partners and a third involved the use of a firearm. A report released in 2011 by the New Jersey State Police found that between the years of 2007 and 2011 there were 212 domestic homicides, with a peek of 57 in 2008. There were 2,962 total arrests involving domestic violence restraining orders reported by police in 2011.  Of these, 1,804 were arrests for violations of a restraining order only, while 1,158 were arrests for violations of a restraining order with an offense arrest. Children were involved or present during 31 percent of all domestic violence offenses.dv guns yellow (700x350)

The bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), Senator Nia H. Gill (D-Essex) and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D- Camden) to strengthen New Jersey’s gun laws and protect victims of domestic violence from gun violence was approved Thursday, June 25, by both houses of the Legislature, with a 29-1 vote in the state Senate and 49-11 with 19 abstentions in the Assembly.

Among other provisions, the bill (S-2786/A-4218) would:

  • Require domestic abusers to turn over their firearms while a domestic violence restraining order is in effect, and require the seizure of firearms when an abuser is convicted of a domestic violence crime or offense;
  • Require an abuser’s firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun to be suspended during domestic violence restraining orders;
  • Require an abuser’s firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun to be revoked if the individual is convicted of a domestic violence crime or offense;
  • Require a search of the state’s central registry of domestic violence reports to determine whether a record of domestic violence exists that would make an applicant for a gun permit ineligible under state law;
  • Provide that firearms seized in furtherance of a restraining order be returned to the defendant if the order is dismissed; and
  • Require that before firearms are returned to a gun owner, in cases where firearms were seized following a domestic violence call, victims be provided information about their right to seek a restraining order against an abuser, and the ability to apply to the court to seek revocation of a firearms purchaser ID card or gun permit.

Under current law, the above are provisions the Courts CAN take but are not required. The new legislation tightens that gap and closing a potential loophole.

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Write Governor Christie
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This bill now sits on Gov. Christie’s desk, awaiting his signature. The Governor has refused to sign many gun control bills that have been passed in the last two years. He needs to hear from New Jerseyans! Remind Governor Christie that he still has a job to do in his home state. Write the governor now and urge him to sign bill A4218!

 

My Health, My Life: Women’s Health Legislative Summit

by UU FA Office

Please join us at the 2015 My Health, My Life Legislative Summit.  The Summit will take place at the State Capitol in June and will include meetings with elected officials, a rally and press conference, and training for supporters from across the state who want to build a stronger network in their hometowns.

We will ensure our elected officials know that women and men are watching and want them to restore funding for life-saving family planning in the state budget.

To reserve your spot and get the latest updates on the Legislative Summit, REGISTER today.

Date: Monday, June 22, 2015
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

As more New Jersey residents gained access to insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 2014 marked the beginning of many great strides for women’s health care. Within the first year of open enrollment, 161,775 New Jersey residents were able to select health insurance plans through the Marketplace, and 53% of those residents were women.¹ Over 29 million women in the US, and 869,000 women in NJ are now able to receive expanded preventive services with no co-pay, including birth control, cancer screenings, and annual well-woman exams.²

Did you know NJ women's health stats PPHNJ

Although the Affordable Care Act has created additional coverage opportunities for women, it is estimated that 693,000 New Jersey residents will remain uninsured, and 1.1 million women are in need of contraceptive services and supplies.³ While the Affordable Care Act has proven beneficial for NJ women, the need for reproductive and other preventive health care is still a concern for many NJ residents.

In 2010, Governor Chris Christie cut $7.4 million in funding for family planning services in New Jersey. An investment in family planning services not only helps women access contraceptive services, but also helps them avoid sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer, and unintended pregnancies. Read the “Women’s Health at Risk” 2015 Report released by Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey.

The foundation for the UULMNJ’s support for reproductive justice is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist principle that affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We value life and the consciences of individuals, and we are called to protect and affirm the lives of women when it comes to their reproductive choices.

1. Department of Health and Human Services USA. 2014. Addendum to the Health Insurance Marketplace Summary Enrollment Report for the Initial Annual Open Enrollment Period. http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/MarketPlaceEnrollment/Apr2014/ib_2014Apr_enrollAddendum.pdf
2. Department of Health and Human Services USA. 2014. Increased Coverage of Preventive Services with Zero Cost Sharing Under the Affordable Care Act. http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/preventiveservices/ib_preventiveservices.pdf
3. Health Affairs Blog. 2013. The Uninsured After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act: A Demographic and Geographic Analysis. http:// healthaffairs.org/blog/2013/06/06/the-uninsured-after-implementation-of-the-affordable-care-act-a-demographic-and-geographic-analysis/
4. Guttmacher Institute. 2014. Contraceptive Needs and Services, 2012 Update. http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/win/contraceptive-needs-2012.pdf

 

Laurice Grae-Hauck is the Outreach Coordinator of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ.

January 9, 2015–Roe at Risk: Fighting for Reproductive Justice

by UU FA Office

Please join the Reproductive Justice Committee of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 7:00 to 9:00 for an inspiring and informative night discussing the current state of reproductive rights. We will be viewing the documentary “Roe At Risk: Fighting for Reproductive Justice” followed by a riveting panel discussion with three influential reproductive justice professionals. Light supper will be served. More details on this flyer.

Action Alert July 9, 2014: Reproductive Justice Demonstration This Saturday at Hobby Lobby in Totowa

by UU FA Office
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COME OUT THIS SATURDAY TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE!  OUR UULMNJ TASK FORCE CHAIR, REV. KATHLEEN GREEN, HAS CALLED US TO ACTION.  PLEASE COME OUT.

You are invited to participate:

Religious Liberty Demonstration  Sat., July 12th

For the purpose of drawing attention to the injustice that allows employers to privilege their own religious beliefs over those of their employees, and to show support of such employees.

In front of the newly opened Hobby Lobby at  465 US Hwy 46 in Totowa, NJ from 1-3pm   .

While we are frustrated, angry, and deeply concerned about the outrageous ruling handed down by our nation’s highest court on June 30th, this demonstration will be peaceful and civil.  We will gather as Americans of differing religious backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities, who value the right of religious liberty for human beings and not corporations.  We will hand out condoms that are donated for this event and all are welcome to bring signs that show support of employees and their right to the contraception of their choice.  Other sign ideas are Ginsburg quotes:  “The court, I fear, has ventured into a minefield” “The cost of an IUD is nearly a month’s pay for min. wage workers” and other general talking points  such as “Corporations do not exercise religious beliefs” “My body. My business.”  “My right to religious freedom has been taken away and given to corporations”.

We know there’s strength in numbers so let’s do this together!

Reproductive Justice Workshop – Plainfield, March 1

by UU FA Office

The First Unitarian Society of Plainfield (FUSP) I would like to invite you and members of your congregation to attend our 4th Annual Social Action Weekend.

On Saturday March 1st, 2014 we are planning a one day workshop on Reproductive Justice (RJ) called “From Rights to Justice” 9:30am-3:00pm.  The program is adapted from the six-week UUA curriculum “Reproductive Justice: Expanding our Social Justice Calling” concentrating on the human rights aspects of RJ.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to get a foundation in this UUA Congregational Study Issue (CSI), and to connect with other UUs in New Jersey. The program is free, but donations are welcome to help cover the cost of the workshop. Child-care is available for those who request in advance.

If members of your congregation have not had an opportunity to study this UUA CSI….. THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY!

Please extend this invitation to members of your congregation. For your information we have attached a flyer. Please promote this event in your newsletter, order of service, on your community events board, and any other medium your congregation uses to promote neighboring UU congregation events.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.  Please encourage members to RSVP to assist with our planning. (Please see my contact information on the attached flyer).

Report on Affordable Health Care Realities in New Jersey

by UU FA Office

Our friends at NJ Policy Perspectives have put together an excellent report [tt_vector icon=”fa-external-link”] for those trying to understand the Affordable Care Act realities in NJ. The news release is below.  I would strongly suggest clicking on the link and reading the full report.  This would be a good thing to have at our coffee tables and to distribute to those who are concerned about the Affordable Care Act.

Thanks,

Craig

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Maura Collinsgru, NJ Citizen Action: 609-519-0408

Jon Whiten, NJPP Deputy Director: 917-655-3313

The Sky Isn’t Falling: NJ Consumers With Substandard Health Plans Have Choices (And the State Can Help)

Trenton – State officials are facing important policy choices regarding substandard health plans that will impact the availability of comprehensive health care that is affordable to as many New Jerseyans as possible, according to a new Issue Brief released today by New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP). Consumer health advocates from the NJ for Health Care Coalition joined NJPP’s Ray Castro to discuss the findings and reinforce that consumers have many good options to obtain quality coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“Consumers haven’t heard the message – they have choices. If and when they need new coverage, they can access the coverage and protections offered by the ACA and apply for subsidies to help them cover the cost,” said Maura Collinsgru, Health Policy Advocate with NJ Citizen Action.

The report examines the range of choices available to policy makers and consumers regarding substandard health plans and the potential impact of cancelling or continuing them. It suggests the impact that cancelling substandard plans would have on consumers has been overstated since only one percent of New Jerseyans – 110,000 – have substandard plans, and they already have the option of extending these plans for up to one year.

“The problem of individuals losing their substandard health plans because they do not meet ACA requirements has been exaggerated and can be managed by the state, insurers, and federal government as long as they work together to address the real needs of these consumers. This issue needs to be put in its proper perspective,” said Ray Castro, Senior Policy Analyst at NJPP and author of the report.

While eliminating substandard plans is consistent with the state’s longtime goal to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for everyone, further extending substandard plans would lead to higher costs for others who purchase comprehensive insurance and could threaten important consumer protections guaranteed by the ACA. Those who stick with their current plans will not be eligible for tax credits or cost sharing assistance. They will also lose important benefits that outlaw discriminatory rating practices, as well as annual and lifetime caps on coverage.

The report recommends that New Jersey take a more hands-on role as several other states are doing by offering supplementary premium assistance to make comprehensive coverage more affordable. Most New Jerseyans would happily replace substandard plans with comprehensive insurance if increased costs were not part of the deal. While the ACA provides generous subsidies for insurance, these may not always be sufficient in New Jersey, which has one of the highest costs of living in the nation. The good news is that the state can help – and it should – by tapping the hundreds of millions of dollars each year it will begin saving in 2014 as a result of the Medicaid expansion to provide additional assistance to consumers.

Although not widely reported, or understood by New Jersey consumers, those who face cancellation this year have the option to continue in their current plan for one year if they re-enroll before December 31st. However, advocates strongly urged consumers to instead obtain the more robust and comprehensive coverage available through the Marketplace.

Consumer advocates say New Jerseyans need more information in order to make the choice that is right for them. To make the transition easier for those consumers affected, the state needs to oversee, monitor, and evaluate the transition process and ensure that consumers are aware of their rights and options.

The Coalition is renewing their call for the Governor to utilize the 7.6 million dollars remaining from a state planning grant to educate New Jerseyans on the range of new coverage options available to them and to help clear up the misconceptions that unnecessarily alarm consumers.  The money could be lost if the Governor fails to submit a plan to Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) over the next two months.