About a dozen protesters from Moveon.org, a liberal political action committee, demonstrated in front of Sen. Evan Bayh’s Jeffersonville office Wednesday.
The group voiced support for a public option and single payer government-run health insurance and said Bayh needed to take a position in the debate.
The debate over health care reform has been going on most of the year. The Senate is looking at two bills — one that provides a public option and one that does not.
“It’s time for [Bayh] to tell us which side he’s on,” said Linda Mitchell, a Clarksville resident who organized the event.
She brought with her a report from Moveon.org, which said that Hoosiers could save more than $2,600 per year if provided with a public option. And, she said, 75 percent of the 960,000 uninsured residents of the state would be covered as a result.
“With no public option [health care reform] is not going to work,” she said.
Bayh was not in his Jeffersonville office on Wednesday.
Brian Weiss, Bayh’s spokesperson, noted that a bill has not been put on the senate floor for a vote yet.
“Senator Bayh is keeping an open mind on a public option that provides flexibility to the states and does not impose a one-size-fits-all Washington mandate on Indiana families and small businesses,” he said in an e-mailed statement.
“He hopes to have the opportunity to vote on legislation that will bring down the federal deficit and make health insurance coverage more affordable for Hoosiers.”
Those at the rally spoke in favor of the public option for a number of reasons.
Dave MacCool, one of the protesters, argued that it would reduce balance sheets for small and large business alike - because they wouldn’t have to provide health care coverage.
“It’s just good economics,” he said. “GM and Chrysler may not have needed a bailout.”
Butch Ragland argued that it would reduce the number of lawsuits being filed related to medical malpractice. Most of the time, he said, people are suing doctors to get their care paid for. If their coverage were guaranteed, they wouldn’t have to sue.
“I think the public option is the way to go. And I will benefit nothing from it,” said Jerry Kessinger.
“It’s a sad state that people pay more for their health care insurance than their mortgage.”
Clark County
Reform proponents call for public health option
Sen. Bayh asked to pick a side
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
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Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
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JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
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be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
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Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
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Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
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He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
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Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
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TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
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But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
