Several members of the Crawford County Democrats staged a rally Thursday afternoon outside U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins’ office at Seventh and Broadway in Pittsburg.
County Chairperson Beth Bradrick said that the meaning of the rally was to get the attention of Jenkins, a Kansas Republican, who has long opposed President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care legislation.
“We want to make an impact on her,” Bradrick said. “She needs to listen to her constituents and not her party.”
Some at the rally went so far as to say that Jenkins, in her first term, has neglected the needs of southeast Kansas, especially with regards to health care.
“We are tired of Lynn Jenkins holding things up,” said Pittsburg resident Harry Humphries. “I want to know what she has done for us.”
House Democrats are pushing for a procedural vote Sunday on the health care initiative that is expected to cost $940 billion.
One person at the rally is watching the debate particularly closely. Marcia Weeks, Pittsburg, said that she was turned down for health insurance and forced to take the state’s insurance because of her arthritis. However, the cost of that insurance — $640 per month — is still difficult to swallow.
“They say I’m not healthy enough,” Weeks said. “I’m here because I want affordable health insurance.”
She said that the proposal in the House means her overall insurance costs will go down, despite the fact that she is considered “high-risk.”
“This will make a high-risk level for all 50 states,” Weeks said. “It will allow me to buy into that.”
Those who took part said that they knew taking to the streets in front of Jenkins’ office would probably not make a difference in Washington, but they still want their voices to be heard.
“We all agree that she will not change her mind unless the national party tells her to,” Humphries said. “I don’t think she will listen.”
In a statement released by Jenkins, she said that she continues to oppose the Democrats’ plan because it cuts Medicare, raises taxes and puts more health care decisions “in the hands of Washington bureaucrats.
“I absolutely agree our nation’s health care system needs reformed to bring down health care costs for everyone,” Jenkins said. “Ironically, with regard to this particular issue, while the people are free to rally and say they either support this legislation or do not, Speaker Pelosi is not allowing members of Congress the same opportunity, but instead hiding behind procedural rules.”
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
