Reader: About time for health care reform debate



How refreshing it is to witness and be part of a national debate so desperately needed, since certain factors killed any chance of health reform since 1994.

We now have a president who has the backbone to make a stand on an issue so vehemently opposed by the insurance and drug industry with thousands of lobbyists and millions of dollars trying to protect their interest.

As a retired firefighter, I have very good insurance, and I’m not afraid of the scare tactics from the fringe right that say I may lose it. I cannot say that for my extended family, some of whom have very little insurance or none at all.

As the Jeffersonville Township Trustee, I see many township residents on a daily basis who lack insurance or the means to pay for doctor visits or prescription drugs. Locally, we are fortunate to have a health care clinic with outstanding doctors and support personnel which the trustees’ office helps support.

I attended the “Hands Off Our Health Care” rally at Warder Park, which had organized speakers against the president’s health care plan. Each speaker recognized the need for health care reform — just not Obama’s plan. There was even a lady from Ireland who resides in Indianapolis who acknowledged the failures of the current system, while bashing the president’s plan. I’d like to see the same people be proactive in reforming our current system where rates are increasing while benefits are decreasing.

I believe as Americans we all should have access to health care and not be subject to losing our homes and savings because of an illness or accident that our insurance may not fully cover.

I have faith that there is a middle ground, if we are open-minded about what is truly needed and not be scared by unfounded claims.

— Dale Popp, Jeffersonville township trustee





Jeff resident floored by tax bill



Even though I had no tax bill, I decided to make a trip to the court house to pay the spring installment of my property tax. I wanted to avoid paying one large bill.

At that time, I was told that the tax rate was going down, something I was happy to hear.

When I received my property tax bill last week, I wasn’t worried — and then I opened it! Last year, my taxes were $1,527, and this year they are $2,435.83.

Home values dropped, new annexations need to be paid for so the city increased our property taxes to pay the difference and the state allowed the city to tax more than the maximum levy.

I think I’ll move to Clarksville.

— Norma Jenkins, Jeffersonville





Help out there for drug, alcohol addictions



Every day in our community, thousands of our fellow residents struggle with alcohol and drug abuse and addiction.

Despite popular belief, addiction is not a character flaw or a weakness of the individual. It is a chronic disease, characterized by increasingly negative physical and psychological consequences. Individuals are devastated, families ruined and communities shattered by the effects of the disease.

Most of us need not think beyond our families, friends and neighbors to identify someone who has been significantly affected by drug abuse.

September was national Recovery Month, but the problems don’t go away the rest of the year.

Although the effects of drug and alcohol abuse can destroy lives, there is help available. LifeSpring is the designated community mental health center for six Southern Indiana counties: Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Scott and Washington.

LifeSpring provides a comprehensive spectrum of drug and alcohol treatment services, beginning with inpatient detoxification and leading to individual outpatient therapy.

We have a full staff of case managers, therapists and psychiatrists ready to help with the substance abuse problems people in our community face. Please pick up the phone and call 100-456-2117.

— Jim Leggett, vice president, Substance Abuse and Forensic Services, LifeSpring, Jeffersonville