It was a small protest rally, but a big issue.
Along drizzly 10th Street on Tuesday afternoon, stood Matt Duncan, an 18-year-old Providence High School senior who’d come to the office of U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh to protest a proposal that would provide a public health insurance plan.
He planned to deliver a letter to Bayh’s office asking Indiana’s junior senator to reject a health care reform bill — “especially if the Senate’s version is like the House,” he said.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a health care bill that included the public insurance plan — commonly called the “public option.”
A procedural vote to start debate on a Senate version of the bill was expected Tuesday.
“I’m concerned about the impact of the reform,” said Duncan, who was contacted to hold the protest by Americans for Limited Government, a conservative advocacy group. He noted concerns not only about the debt that the new program would create, but also about lost liberties associated with a bill that would require health insurance.
He is not opposed to reform, but said he’d prefer a subsidies program that would allow people to buy health insurance from private issuers.
“We’re tired of this debt,” said Bob Hornung, who’d also shown up for the protest. “China already owns us.”
Duncan and Hornung were the only two at the protest as it got started about 4 p.m. However, Duncan said he expected more to arrive as the afternoon went on.
The health care debate has been ongoing since President Barack Obama proposed reform early this year. Rallies large and small — and for and against the public option — have been held in Jeffersonville throughout summer and fall. A few weeks ago, liberal group Moveon.org held a rally in nearly the same spot asking Bayh to support the public option.
Bayh was not in his Jeffersonville office for either protest; however there was a staff member there Tuesday to receive Duncan’s letter.
“Sen. Bayh is an independent voice in the United States Senate and will do what is right for Indiana,” an office spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. “He hopes to have the opportunity to vote on a bill that will bring down the federal deficit and make health insurance coverage more affordable for Hoosier families and small businesses.”
Clark County
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By KEVIN MCGLOSHEN
Discussion
Bayh asked to reject public option
Teenager cites debt, liberties in small protest at senator’s office
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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
