-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

June 22, 2009

Health Care Sticker Shock

Since last week’s Roundup, the health care discussion continues in Congress, with more pieces of different plans coming forward from both Democrats and Republicans.

One of the most concerning developments to me was the cost estimate that came in at more than a $1 trillion dollars over 10 years for a plan introduced by Senator Kennedy.  The estimate for that plan also projected that 15 million Americans could lose their current health coverage. This same plan would only provide insurance to 16 million Americans who would otherwise not be covered. If Congress is going to spend more than $1 trillion dollars, which I don’t believe we can afford, we should be able to reduce the number of uninsured by more than just one-third.

These types of estimates show that Congress is heading in the wrong direction on health care reform.  We need to spend a lot more time at the drawing board to come up with a more affordable plan that actually reduces costs.  Democrats cannot continue to try to force through health care “reform” that will only plunge this nation into deeper debt and leave our children and grandchildren with the tab.

Like many of you, I do not want a government takeover of health care that will raise taxes, ration care, and expand our national debt. Both parties need to come together to create a plan that will rein in costs and fix what’s broken in American health care.  Americans deserve health care reform that will work to empower doctors and patients by making health care more affordable, more accessible, and more accountable.  As additional committees start evaluating health care proposals, these are the criteria I will be looking at.

National Dairy Month

June is National Dairy Month, a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and celebrate an industry that provides both nutritional and economic value to our lives.

Dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream contain essential nutrients, like calcium and potassium, which may help to reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. A glass of milk helps to build strong bones and muscle. To learn more about the benefits of dairy, I encourage you to visit the National Dairy Council.  I hope you and your family will celebrate the many benefits of dairy this June.

Mobile Office Hours

My staff will conduct mobile office hours this week (June 22-25) in Plainview, Floydada, Muleshoe, Farwell, Littlefield and Levelland.  If you live in or near one of these towns and would like to meet with someone on my staff, I encourage you to stop by a mobile office. For more information on the times and locations of these events, contact my office’s toll free number - (888) 763-1611.

JUNE 23rd

Plainview
10:00 am-11:30 pm
County Courthouse, Commissioners' Court Room
500 Broadway
Plainview, TX

Floydada
2:00 pm -3:30 pm
Floyd County Courthouse,
Old Library Room
105 Main St., 2nd floor
Floydada TX

JUNE 24th

Muleshoe
10:00 am-11:30 pm
Five Area Telephone Co-op Board Room
302 Uvalde
Muleshoe, TX

Farwell
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Community Center
207 9th St.
Farwell, TX

JUNE 25th

Littlefield
10:00 am-11:30pm
Lamb County Courthouse
County Commissioners Court Room
100 6th Drive
Littlefield, TX

Levelland
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
City Hall Council Chambers
1709 Avenue H
Levelland, TX
 

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.