Health Care a hot topic

Published 8:33 pm Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Congressman Bobby Bright made another stop in Pike County Wednesday to hear what local residents had on their minds.

And, unlike many of the stops before, health care issues were on the top.

“I think probably health care has been very much discussed,” Bright said, as he mingled with those gathered at Sister’s Restaurant Wednesday afternoon. “I would say 90 to 95 percent of people I’ve discussed it with are against any federal involvement in health care.”

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Larry and Jo Rawson, of Troy, were some of those residents.

“I personally think the government should stay completely out of it,” Rawson said. “(Bright) needs to vote no on every one of those health care bills.

“I’m just really fed up with what’s going on in Washington, and if we don’t do something to stop then we’re going to end up in bad shape.”

Bright, who also went to Goshen Town Hall Wednesday, has been traveling throughout his district this week hearing these types of concerns.

And, after hearing what his constituents had to say, Bright said he will have no choice but to vote against any health care legislation.

“I will assure you when we get back it will be on a hot track to get voted on,” Bright said. “I have to represent my constituents and most of them are against it, and I am, too.”

Bright said while all the health care bills on the floor now go too far, he wouldn’t be opposed to some type of legislation that phases in health care assistance gradually.

“I would look at a graduated or phased in plan,” Bright said.

Health Care wasn’t the only issue on local residents’ minds.

Bright said he also heard, as he has many times since taking office, concerns over the economy and climate changes.

“People want to know what we are going to do to stop people from losing jobs,” Bright said.

Bright also brought some good news for the Pike County area — more money.

In the House this year, Bright recently worked to pass two bills that impact Pike County. One secured $5 million for the Javelin Missile, built at Troy’s Lockheed Martin. The other will allocate $500,000 to Troy University’s Health and Science Center.