The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

March 21, 2010

Divided reaction to passage locally

Walz votes for health care bill

The Free Press

MANKATO — Some Mankato-area quick takes on Sunday’s passage of the health care reform bill:

 U.S. Rep. Tim Walz of Mankato, who said he voted for the bill because it provides middle class families with meaningful benefits and ensures they have control over their own  health care decisions:

“Middle class families want to visit their doctor and get the care they need without insurance company or government control. They need hassle-free coverage they can count on and they want peace of mind knowing that if they get sick they will not have to worry about insurance companies dropping them.”

Walz said he also voted for the legislation because it’s the fiscally responsible thing to do, saying the nation can’t tackle its debt without addressing the out-of-control cost of health care.

He said the measure will necessarily be a continuing work in progress.

“This legislation is not perfect. I have often said that health care reform is a journey, not a destination.”

Steve Luther of Waseca:

“It’s a tragic day in America, in my opinion. The American people don’t want it. I’ve had a lot of conversations with lawyers lately and they said this will set up a tremendous amount of lawsuits regarding the unconstitutionality of it. This isn’t about reform. It’s about taking away our ability to come up with a better (way).”

George Stoops of Mankato:

“We think it’s a historic piece of legislation and essential to get something done. It’s not the beginning of the end, it’s the end of the beginning. All other developed countries provide health insurance for everybody. It’s just amazing that we can’t.”

Bob Jentges of North Mankato:

“I’m disappointed. We just can’t afford it. The bill isn’t going to do much, if anything, to reduce the cost of health care.

“I’m not saying we don’t need health care reform. Goodness gracious, we certainly do. But this bill doesn’t necessarily deal with health care. It deals with the philosophy of the way our country should run.”

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