As to be expected with such a controversial vote, feedback over Indiana Rep. Baron Hill’s support of health care reform passed Saturday by the House has been mixed.
A television ad thanking the 9th District Democrat and Indiana 8th District Democrat Brad Elsworth for their yes votes was funded by a joint effort of Americans United for Change and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
It began airing Tuesday in Indiana at a cost of $70,000 to the organizations.
“With these ads, we hope Indiana’s entire delegation will continue to hear from their constituents and be reassured that a vote for health insurance reform is not just the right thing to do, but the politically sound thing to do,” said Tom McMahon, acting executive director for Americans United for Change.
But opponents of the reform labeled Hill’s vote a rubber stamp for a government health care takeover.
“With unemployment at over 10 percent and voters clamoring for real solutions rather than more runaway spending, Hill’s decision to back his party leaders at the expense of the people he claims to represent is unconscionable,” stated National Republican Congressional Committee Communications Director Ken Spain in a news release.
Spain vowed Hill’s vote would not be forgotten when his campaign to recapture the 9th District seat heats up next year. He said Saturday signaled the beginning of the “Baron Hill farewell tour”.
Hill said the Affordable Health Care for America Act will significantly decrease the amount of uninsured Indiana residents, which stands at about 52,000, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Barack Obama.
It will also provide tax credits to 14,600 Indiana small businesses that reduce health insurance costs for employees, Hill said.
The removal of federal funding of abortion from the bill doused Hill’s biggest concern of the reform package, he said.
“As an elected representative I have been tasked with the weighty responsibility of acting as a good steward of the general welfare of my constituents and a good steward of their money,” Hill said. “My vote in support of the Affordable Health Care for America Act is a fulfillment of those responsibilities.”
Clark County
Related Photos
Discussion
Hill’s yes vote on health care draws converse reactions
Television ad thanking Hill now airing in Indiana
-
-
Half of Jeffersonville Fire Department overtime budget already gone
During the closing moments of the meeting Councilman Matt Owen said he was shocked by Mayor Moore’s plans and comments pertaining to two Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation Department matters reported in the News and Tribune during the last week.
Continued ... -
Charlestown resident makes appeal for filtration plant
“I understand that manganese is a secondary contaminant and it’s not something that’s necessarily harmful to health,” Burchett said. “I would much prefer that the water that comes into my home have as little manganese in it as possible, as well as anything else. I just want water.”
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 7, 2012
-
Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
An Indiana eighth-grader sued his school district in federal court Monday for the right to wear a bracelet promoting breast cancer awareness with the message “I (heart) Boobies.”
Continued ... -
Elderly man robbed outside Jeffersonville bank
The man returned to his car and sat down to close the car door when Williams grabbed the door and reached inside the vehicle, Hollis said.
Continued ... -
A fair fee? Indiana imposing fees for 4-H participants for the first time
Allen said his hope is the fee being charged by the state and the county will be enough to cover costs and that 4-H members will not be asked to cover any more expenses.
Continued ...
“They have never had to pay a program fee,” Allen said. - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 6, 2012
- Feb 5, 2012
-
CAPITOL CROSSROADS: Bauer tactics unite, divide outnumbered Dems
Democrats like Rep. Peggy Welch, who was drawn into a more Republican district last year, refused to boycott with Bauer.
Continued ... -
Greater Clark begins Fitness Calendar Challenge
Teresa Stengel, health services coordinator, said if other family members get involved with students, children might be more likely to continue with exercise routines and watching their diets.
Continued ... -
Man struck, killed on I-65
The preliminary investigation shows Jones was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Penske rental van driven by Patrick Shroering, 26, of Mount Washington, Ky.
Continued ...
-
