08.28.09

The good news health care reform would bring to TX-31 and Williamson County

Posted in Commissioners Court, County Judge, District 31, Health Care, Insurance Reform, The Budget, Williamson County at 9:22 am by wcnews

Members of Congress are home over the Summer speaking with people in their districts and Rep. John Carter (R-Round Rock), is no different.  He is parading around District 31 this Summer talking to chambers of commerce, and other groups friendly to him, about his opposition to health care reform.  But it’s key to keep in mind exactly what he’s is against and what impact that will continue to have on his constituents. Here’s as short run down from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Benefits of America’s Affordable Health Choices Act In the 31st Congressional District of Texas [.pdf]:

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act would provide significant benefits in the 31st Congressional District of Texas: up to 12,300 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 5,200 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D; 700 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs; health care providers would receive payment for $75 million in uncompensated care each year; and 109,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. Congressman John R. Carter represents the district.

(There’s more information if you click the link above).Wow, 109,000 uninsured would get health insurance. That would probably help quite a bit with Williamson County’s upcoming budget problems. This is from the county press release on the budget adopted this week, “This budget includes substantial increases in the cost of indigent health care and employer paid health care..”. It’s a “no-brainer” that our elected leaders in Williamson County should be lobbying Carter to pass this needed health care legislation. Otherwise there will be “deep” budget cuts next year.  Not to mention the help that would bring to seniors, working families, and small businesses.

Here’s a nice rundown of the legislation so far, H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: A summary.  It’s key to remember when folks get past the lies of the GOP and the health insurance corporations, and understand what will occur, the plan is overwhelmingly supported.

Here at EOW we understand that unlikely Carter would support any Democratic to fix health care. But we also realize that needs of Williamson County oftentimes are not inline with Carter, and his party’s brand of representation in Congress. It would be nice if our elected leaders in Williamson County would realize that every once in a while too, especially on the health care issue.  With that statement above it’s obvious the know that health care will continue to be a huge part of the county budget unless, or until, health reform is passed.  And ignoring it won’t make it go away.

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