Bobbitt's Fotothing

Congressman Visits Vidalia, Explains Iraq Vote



Congressman John Barrow Discusses Health Concerns at MRMC Tuesday

February 20-- Twelfth District Congressman John Barrow is forming a district healthcare advisory council and was in Vidalia Tuesday on a fact-finding trip to Meadows Regional Medical Center.

"We need to know how changes to one part of the healthcare system impact other parts. There are all kinds of unintended consequences that we're learning about so we can make sure healthcare is available to people when they need it and where they live. That's what we're trying to do," the congressman says.

Meadows CEO Alan Kent says his staff briefed Congressman Barrow on problems with Medicaid. "We are very concerned about how many people who were formerly eligible are now finding themselves without coverage. Those patients tend to end up in emergency rooms which is a more costly way to care for them," he said.

Howard Holman of the Meadows staff is serving on the Congressman's advisory panel which also includes representatives from nine other hospitals in the 12th district.

After his hospital visit, Congressman Barrow hosted an open house at his new district office in the Vidalia Community Center. "I want citizens to use it as a place where they can go to meet with a representative of their congressman, and when I'm in town, where we can meet together. I don't think people should have to drive long distances to get help," he said.

The Vidalia office will be staffed Wednesdays and Fridays by Cynthia Reese of Soperton, the congressman's local liaison staff member.

Explains Vote for House Resolution on Iraq

Unlike this area's former congressman, Jim Marshall of Macon, Congressman Barrow voted last week for the House resolution which criticized President Bush's plan to increase security in Baghdad.

He explained his decision by saying, "This resolution presents us with a challenge. It presents us the very rare opportunity to comment on a battle plan while the plan is being carried out and it's very serious. At the same time, to keep silent is also very serious. The President's plan is a new plan, but on balance, it appears to be more of the same. I don't think it's going to make any difference on impact," he said.

As far as any further House action which could effect funding of the war, Congressman Barrow says it would not have his support. "I've made it very plain that I will never vote to cut off funds to troops while they're in the field. Of course, everything has to be considered on it's merits, but if they intend to do that they'll have to do that without my vote," the congressman said.