Latest news with #U.S.HouseWaysandMeansCommittee
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Richard P. Ley Transitions from Bestselling Author to Screenwriter and Filmmaker
Richard P. Ley, a former businessman and CEO turned novelist and screenwriter, reflects on his journey from writing bestselling books to tackling Hollywood's tough world of film production. Wexford, Pennsylvania, United States, April 29, 2025 -- The Entrepreneur Who Became a Novelist Richard 'Rick' Ley is not your typical novelist. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ley spent years building a career in the banking, technology, and healthcare industries. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in economics, he not only became a successful businessman but also founded and operated two companies. Early in his career, he had the rare opportunity to testify before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on federal tax policy, an experience that sparked his deep interest in public policy and governance. However, in 2014, Ley took an unexpected turn—he became a novelist. His first book, Escape from Serfdom, was published and later revised and expanded into a six-book political fiction series titled The Ship of State. The series touched on complex political issues and governance, providing readers with not only an engaging narrative but also a sense of societal reflection. The series' success on platforms like Amazon, where several of Ley's books earned bestseller status, helped cement his name in the literary world. Overcoming Challenges in the Publishing World While the success of The Ship of State series was a major accomplishment, it didn't come without its challenges. After the publisher of his first book went out of business, Ley found himself regrouping and re-launching his career. He revised and republished his first novel, turning it into an even more successful series. This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his determination to continue telling stories, despite setbacks in the publishing industry. 'My journey has been anything but linear,' says Ley. 'From the highs of bestseller status to the lows of losing a publisher, I've learned to adapt, innovate, and keep going. It's all part of the process of being a writer.' Transitioning to Screenwriting and Film Production In addition to his novels, Ley is expanding his storytelling skills by venturing into screenwriting and film production. His novel Fate: Book One is currently in pre-production as a feature film adaptation titled A Twist of Fate. Not only is Ley writing the screenplay, but he is also taking on the role of executive producer for the film, navigating the complicated and often unpredictable world of Hollywood. 'Writing a screenplay is an entirely different animal compared to writing a novel. You have to think in terms of visuals and dialogue rather than inner monologues or long descriptions. But it's been an exciting challenge,' Ley explains. He hopes that A Twist of Fate will resonate with audiences and lead to even greater opportunities in the film industry. From Businessman to Aspiring Filmmaker Despite his success as an author and screenwriter, Ley remains passionate about the world of filmmaking. He actively participates in university lectures where he shares his experiences as a writer and screenwriter with students. His lectures, such as Adventures in Writing, Publishing, and Bringing Your Story to the Big Screen, have been met with enthusiasm from students eager to learn from someone who has successfully navigated the publishing world and is now tackling the complexities of the film industry. 'Whether it's through a novel or a screenplay, my ultimate goal is to create stories that inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. I want people to walk away feeling like they've experienced something meaningful,' Ley says. Awards and Recognition Ley's work has earned significant recognition, particularly in the realm of public speaking. A longtime member of the North Hills Toastmasters Club, in 2013, he earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award from Toastmasters International, a testament to his ability to communicate effectively and connect with an audience. His entrepreneurial background, coupled with his passion for writing and film, sets him apart from others in his field. A Unique Storytelling Journey What makes Richard P. Ley's story stand out is his multifaceted journey. He's not only a businessman turned novelist, but he's also an aspiring filmmaker who continues to evolve as a creator. Through perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Ley has demonstrated that it's possible to reinvent oneself and navigate the various challenges life throws at you—whether it's in business, publishing, or Hollywood. About Richard P. Ley Richard P. Ley is an author and screenwriter based in Wexford, Pennsylvania. A lifelong Pittsburgher, he has built a successful career in various industries, including banking, technology, and healthcare. As a novelist, Ley has published multiple bestselling books, including The Ship of State series, and his work has earned recognition for its political themes and engaging storytelling. Ley is also venturing into the film industry with his novel Fate: Book One, which is currently in pre-production for a feature film adaptation, A Twist of Fate. He is dedicated to creating heartfelt, uplifting stories for both the page and the screen. Media Contact Richard P. Ley Phone: 412-719-9895 Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Richard P. Ley Email: Send Email Organization: Richard P. Ley Website: Release ID: 89158823 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump not seeking to re-invigorate US-Russia trade with lack of tariffs, Greer says
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump was not trying to re-invigorate trade with Russia by sparing Russian goods from new tariffs, but it was up to Trump whether to impose any future duties. Greer told the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee that Russia was excluded from the tariffs because it already was facing heavy U.S. sanctions and sectoral trade embargoes and did not enjoy "most favored nation" trading status, as were Belarus, Cuba and North Korea. Several Democratic lawmakers questioned why Trump imposed a 47% reciprocal tariff on Madagascar and steep duties on other impoverished countries but none on Russia, despite still-substantial U.S. Russia trade that totaled $3.5 billion in 2024, with a $2.5 billion bilateral U.S. trade deficit. Asked by Democratic Representative John Larson whether tariffs would be imposed on Russia if that trade deficit did not improve, Greer said that it was up to Trump to decide whether to impose any tariffs. When asked whether he recommended that Trump impose tariffs on Russian goods, Greer declined to disclose his recommendation to the president.
Reuters
09-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Trump not seeking to re-invigorate US-Russia trade with lack of tariffs, Greer says
WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump was not trying to re-invigorate trade with Russia by sparing Russian goods from new tariffs, but it was up to Trump whether to impose any future duties. Greer told the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee that Russia was excluded from the tariffs because it already was facing heavy U.S. sanctions and sectoral trade embargoes and did not enjoy "most favored nation" trading status, as were Belarus, Cuba and North Korea. Several Democratic lawmakers questioned why Trump imposed a 47% reciprocal tariff on Madagascar and steep duties on other impoverished countries but none on Russia, despite still-substantial U.S. Russia trade that totaled $3.5 billion in 2024, with a $2.5 billion bilateral U.S. trade deficit. Asked by Democratic Representative John Larson whether tariffs would be imposed on Russia if that trade deficit did not improve, Greer said that it was up to Trump to decide whether to impose any tariffs. When asked whether he recommended that Trump impose tariffs on Russian goods, Greer declined to disclose his recommendation to the president.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Reducing federal dollars for Medicaid expansion could cut millions from the rolls
Patients have their blood pressure checked and other vitals taken at a mobile dental and medical clinic in Grundy, Va. Republicans in Congress are considering making major cuts to Medicaid. () Depending on how states respond, a Republican proposal circulating on Capitol Hill that would slash the 90% federal contribution to states' expanded Medicaid programs would end coverage for as many as 20 million people — or cost states $626 billion over the next decade to keep them on the rolls, according to a new analysis. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are eyeing reductions in federal spending, largely to pay for extending tax cuts enacted during Trump's first term in office. Medicaid, the joint federal-state health care program for low-income people and people with disabilities, covers 1 in 5 people living in the U.S. and accounts for nearly $1 out of every $5 spent on health care. According to a document shared with Politico, one idea under consideration by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee is to shrink the current 90% federal funding match for states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Under the proposal, Congress would reduce the federal match for the expansion population to the percentages states get for the traditional Medicaid population — 50% for the wealthiest states and 77% for the poorest ones. Under the ACA, states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover adults with low incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level ($21,597 for an individual in 2025), instead of just limiting coverage to children, parents of young children and people with disabilities. The built-in incentive to expand was that the federal government's promise to pay 90% of the cost of expansion from 2020 and beyond, meaning states just had to pay the remaining 10%. Forty states plus the District of Columbia have opted to expand. The holdouts are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Health insurance for millions could vanish as states put Medicaid expansion on chopping block Research released this week by the health policy research group KFF finds that two major scenarios could happen — both of which might diminish patients' access to health care coverage. The first possibility is that expansion states would use their own money to make up for lost federal dollars. That would cost them about $626 billion over 10 years, an overall spending increase of 17%. To shoulder the heavier burden, states likely would have to scale back Medicaid coverage for some groups, eliminate optional benefits or reduce provider payment rates. Alternatively, they could raise taxes or make cuts in other large budget items, such as education. A second potential outcome is that states that have adopted Medicaid expansion would reverse it. Nine states (Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia) already have 'trigger' laws in place that would automatically rescind expansion if the federal match rate dips below 90%. Other states are considering similar legislation. If all the states (plus D.C.) that have expanded Medicaid under the ACA reverse it, 20 million people, or nearly a quarter of all Medicaid enrollees, would lose coverage, according to KFF. Among expansion states, overall Medicaid spending would decline by 6%. States that have not expanded Medicaid would not be affected under either scenario. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
