Rep. Baron Hill fielded students’ questions about the environment, education, Social Security and other topics at New Washington Middle/High School on Monday afternoon.
The question-and-answer session was part of several stops for Hill at area schools during the day. Hill, D-Ind., told the students that worries over the war in Iraq, health insurance and property taxes were on the minds of constituents.
“I find that most people are a little uneasy in the 9th District as well as around the country,” he said.
Lessening dependence on foreign oil and strengthening children’s health insurance were also priorities of late, he said.
Environment
Hill let the students lead much of the conversation. Addressing a question about helping the planet, Hill said that Congress is considering controls that will lessen dependence on coal by energy companies.
Laws that would require scrubbers — which reduce the amount of particle pollution being emitted at coal plants — are proposed. On a personal note, the congressman said that he’s switched to energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs, considering solar panels on his home and was driving a flex-fuel vehicle that can run on ethanol, and therefore is less of an environmental burden.
Education
One student asked about what could be done to help noncollege-bound students who find the current educational standards too difficult.
Hill responded by saying standards are necessary, even for those not going to college. Things such as computer, math and English skills are essential to modern life. He also fielded questions about the No Child Left Behind education program, saying that he would not vote to reauthorize it in its current form, and calling it “full of flaws.”
Social Security
One student asked Hill what could be done to ensure Social Security would be available to her generation — a question he called “loaded.” He acknowledged that adjustments would have to be made, but said the program’s problems are not insurmountable. He wants a commission formed to look into it.
Raising the age and raising that cap at which certain income levels have to pay into the system probably would be suggested. He also would “build a wall around Social Security,” so that it could not be borrowed against.
“I believe Social Security is probably the best government program ever created,” Hill said, and spoke against some calls to privatize the system.
Health care
On the topic of health care, Hill said something has to give. He’d like to maintain a private system — such as the one in place now — but noted that there are 47 million Americans without health insurance.
Asked about a universal health care program, he said: “I’m moving in that direction. The 47 million that don’t have insurance — the rest of us are paying for it anyway.”
Social issues
Students asked questions about social issues such as abortion and gay marriage. He answered the questions similarly saying that he was personally against both, but added that the government should not put a law in place to stop either.
The students in attendance were juniors and seniors and a part of a couple of classes, including social studies and U.S. history, said Tim McDonald, the teacher who arranged the visit. Hill also spoke at Utica Elementary and was scheduled to speak at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg later in the day.
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