An elected official’s job is to represent their constituents, not base their vote purely on partisan politics or national lobby group agendas. We see the results of this type of political process, that of delay, confuse and block, which results in little or no action.
We have a “do nothing” Congress blocked by an extreme partisan agenda. It is no wonder so many people are frustrated with party politics and register as independents. Instead of bemoaning the fact that attempts to add restrictive amendments to Medicaid expansion failed to pass because Republicans didn’t all vote to the extreme right, Spec Bowers (Monitor Forum, March 25) should look at the success of this program. Medicaid expansion has resulted in health care coverage for 49,000 Granite State residents, a 37 percent reduction in the uninsured rate and a reduction in uncompensated care costs. Medicaid expansion has saved lives and money. He should look at the support that came from the public, business organizations, hospitals, drug treatment groups and insurance companies to continue this program and work for a solution.
I applaud those representatives, senators and the majority and minority leaders who worked together on Medicaid expansion. They succeeded in representing their constituents and bringing outside groups together. They reached across the aisle to find a solution that was in the best interest of all New Hampshire citizens and then voted their conscience not party dictates. Thank you, New Hampshire legislators, for doing your job.
LINDA TANNER
Georges Mills