Much has been made over the past few days of Mitt Romney’s selection of Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate. Much of the focus is on Rep. Ryan’s radical budget proposals, and the fact that, if adopted, this would end Medicare as we know it.
Indiana residents don’t have to look at the Federal level to see an attempt to end Medicare. Instead, you can look at the health care compact that was passed by the Republican-dominated General Assembly this past session and signed into law by Gov. Daniels. Luckily, this proposal needs Congressional approval before it becomes effective, and as long as Democrats hold the U.S. Senate and Presidency, this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
The health care compact is a reactionary counter to the Affordable Care Act, which would allow Indiana to design its own health care system while still accepting federal money. Taken to its logical conclusion, this would take Indiana out of the Federal Medicare system, and require Indiana to run its own system. The stories of mismanagement and misplaced funds that have dominated stories of our State government over the past year should give anyone pause regarding such a proposal.
Obviously, given the hurdles to overcome for this to go into effect, it’s unlikely that this will occur any time soon. Instead of spending time crafting and passing legislation to improve education or create jobs, Republicans in the General Assembly – including my opponent – have wasted time passing legislation with no chance of becoming law.
Indiana deserves better. With your help and your support, I will provide leadership that is responsible and responsive to the people of District 93.
