For Immediate Release
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY HOSTS U.S. SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL AT RECEPTION, BOOK SIGNING
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) discussed the health care issue, taxes and unemployment at a reception and book signing for him at Campbellsville University today.
He autographed copies of the John David Dyche autobiography of McConnell titled “Republican Leader: Political Biography of Senator Mitch McConnell.”
McConnell, the longest serving U.S. Senator from Kentucky, said Campbellsville University has improved Taylor County, the area and the state. “I’m proud of what you have accomplished,” he said. He praised Dr. Michael V. Carter, CU’s president, for his leadership.
He spoke of the need for him to “cheer up the troops” in the Senate with his role as minority leader. He said the Republicans had bad elections in 2006 and 2008 when they were “killed” by independent votes.
He said, in this time with over 10.2 percent unemployment, that the stimulus bill did not help the economy because it has tripled the national debt.
He said there is no short answer for the health care issue and that having the government take over health insurance is not the answer. He said the American public is against the health care plan, and that no one should pass a 2,000-page bill.
He said, under the current bill, health insurance premiums would be driven up for those who are insured.
“The current bill is a great idea if you aren’t in a hurry for health coverage,” he said. He spoke of a concern of a man from Scotland needing a knee replacement and was on a list for five months for the surgery and would get it done next year due to their government-run health plan.
He said breast cancer treatment, for example, would be delayed due to waiting for tests, etc. He said the health care bill would hurt those with life-threatening illnesses.
He also said there is debate whether the bill would allow for the government to pay for abortions.
He said the Senate takes several weeks to debate issues, and he would lead in having lengthy discussion on the health care plan.
“The American people are screaming loudly that they don’t want the bill to pass,” he said.
Above, Barry Bertram, a member of the CU Board of Trustees, talks with U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell after the reception in McConnell’s honor. Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen, in picture above at left, gets U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s autograph. McConnell addressed a crowd in the Winters Dining Hall. Kyle Davis, director of campus safety, was one of those having their picture made with McConnell. (Campbellsville University Photos by Joan C. McKinney)
He said the bill would also increase taxes and that small steps should be done over a multi-year strategy to help health care. He said the high cost of defensive medicine of doctors being sued should be dealt with and that employers should stress wellness with their insurance plans.
He said a good decision would be to have interstate competition with health plans to bring costs down.
He said the Medicare and Medicaid programs are “technically bankrupt” and that raiding those programs and spending from them for the uninsured should not be done.
In response to a question from the audience, he said he does not believe the terrorists in the Sept. 11, 2001 bombing in New York should be tried in New York due to the possibility of information being given to the enemies of the United States.
He said the trials should be held in the courts in Guantanamo Bay and that the prison should not be closed. He said there are courts at the prison that should be used for the trials.
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell signs a book for Linda Hatter, superintendent of the Casey County School System, as John Burch, CU librarian, waits his turn. LeAnn Crosby, McConnell’s field representative, is in the center. At top right, employees with the CU Barnes & Noble College Bookstore pose with McConnell. From left are: Donna Wright, manager; Rebecca Newton; McConnell and Ashley Kirtley, assistant manager. (Campbellsville University Photos by Joan C. McKinney)
He said employers should receive tax relief from the government and help businesses expand.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.