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.
Recent Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Mr. Hill goes to New Washington: 9th District representative talks politics with area students
- Recent Local News
-
-
SWEET TREAT: Volunteers see the attraction of annual Starlight Strawberry Festival
-
Board chair: Parks district best solution for New Albany and Floyd County
Mayor Jeff Gahan’s veto of a new parks deal between the city and county was upheld earlier this month by the New Albany City Council. While the Floyd County Council agreed to still pay an additional $100,000 toward the parks department for the remainder of the year, the city and county remain under a prior agreement that led to funding discrepancies in the past.
-
THE 'V' WORD: SUB: Prosser Career Education Center moves away from stigma of ‘vocational’ school
- TARC sets Memorial Day and Kennedy Bridge route changes
- Indiana man releases hostages, fatally shoots self
-
Vietnam veteran receives medals 46 years after active duty ends
- More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend
-
Pence talks bridges, jobs during Southern Indiana swing
“I think everyone senses with the recent bridges agreement, the potential for extraordinary growth,” said Mike Pence, a U.S. House member who is seeking to replace Gov. Mitch Daniels and retain the gubernatorial seat for the Republican Party.
- Police: Gunman has hostages in Indiana realty office
-
Delaware woman dies in I-65 crash
-
Collingsworth Family to perform at Silver Heights Retreat Center in New Albany
The Collingsworth Family will be making a return trip to the Silver Heights Retreat and Camp Center in New Albany on Thursday, June 7.
-
Clark County approves self-insurance plan
Clark County Insurance Agent-of-Record Diane Swank presented health insurance renewal options at the council meeting Monday, but the county’s fiscal body decided to recess its meeting in order to review a proposal to move the county to a self-insured plan.
-
New theater directors at NAHS and FCHS ready for their programs
As the curtain falls on the careers of the teachers who put the theater programs of Floyd Central and New Albany high schools on the map, the new blood coming in have big hopes for the programs they’re taking over.
-
Jeff to start enforcing insurance ordinances
A 2004 ordinance that dictates how much city retirees pay for health insurance – ignored for years by Jeffersonville officials – looks like it will now be enforced.
-
Top Gun showing Saturday at the New Albany riverfront
In honor of Memorial Day, the city of New Albany will show the movie “Top Gun” on its new 40-foot screen at the Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday.
- More Recent Local News Headlines
-
