The Almanac: Town Meeting Focuses on Debt, Energy

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Healthcare, media control, national debt, and the environment were some of the topics covered at Congressman Tim Murphy's Town Hall meeting held in North Strabane July 24.

Murphy spent the first 15 minutes covering nationwide issues, including government spending. "Back in the 1970's, our total debt was 283 billion; foreign countries owned 5 percent of that debt. Then by 1990, it was almost 20 percent. Now foreign holdings are 47 percent." Concerned with foreign control over America's debt, he continued, "When I hear the treasury secretary has gone to talk to the Chinese about some of these debt issues, and then I hear the Chinese say, 'Well, we are going to sell these treasury bonds...' I don't care who the president is. I don't care who the treasury secretary is. I don't want some other country dictating to us what we are going to do based upon how much of our debt they own. This concerns me greatly."

Later, he discussed a bill he introduced: HR 2227, The American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act. "It is bipartisan. The way it works is it is going to use our resources as a bridge to a clean energy future. Everyone wants clean air, clean land, and clean water We don't have to raise taxes, borrow from other nations, and we don't have to send money to OPEC. We would drill off the coast. If you drill for that oil and natural gas, the federal revenue over 20 years would be between $2.5 and $3.7 trillion." Ten percent of that total would be allotted to the federal treasury to pay down debt and clean up the deficit.

During the questions portion of the meeting, One woman from Washington commented on the Marcellus Shale industry. She supported the economic benefits, but was concerned about the environmental risks. The congressman discussed many facets of the industry. He noted the chemicals are listed on the DEP website.

"We want to make sure that the fluid is cleaned; not dumped anywhere; or spilled anywhere. If you have any concerns, let us know. "

Eileen Multunas of Washington asked, "Am I the only one absolutely outraged by the estate tax?" Beginning in 2011, when someone dies, their estate will be taxed 55 percent if it is worth more than one million dollars. The congressman is opposed to the estate tax.

Healthcare issues were also ongoing at the meeting. "The system needs reform," said Murphy. "Medicare doesn't pay for managing your illness before you get to the doctor. This is really important; because one of the things we know is one way to save money is managing your healthcare...Washington Hospital did a study on heart disease. They found they could cut hospitalizations by 50 percent by working with patients."

He cited examples, "Contact the patient on a regular basis such as 'We see you did not pick up your prescriptions,' or 'You have a doctor visit coming up,' etc."

Joyce Rothermel, CEO, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, asked Murphy to support the Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act. "Congressman, you are so important. You are the only child psychologist in the House of Representatives, and you have the authority to give the support to pass this bill," She stated.

Bob Joseph of Peters Township discussed fears of imperialism. "We're on the way to an imperial presidency," he stated. "This is your moment in time...you can be like our founders...risk it all...save your country," he said passionately.

John Rusinko commented, "My great concern is media control by the left." Applause filled the room. 'We have to stop this control over the media and papers. '

Mike Coliqute, McMurray, is a member of the Vietnam Veterans Advocacy Group, Rolling Thunder. He held a picture of a toddler, "On behalf of all the active military personal, I want to thank you congressman very much. UPMC was not accepting Tricare. This boy (whose father was on his second deployment in Iraq) was born with a cleft foot. He could not get medical care." Coliqute was going to approach Murphy for help when he read in the paper that the congressman was already addressing the issue. "You solved that, you did a lot of good work for a lot of good people and I appreciate it."

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