NORTHEAST HOUSTON Well attended Town Hall meetings held over the last two Saturdays gave the public an opportunity to exchange views with their Congressman Gene Green, and to hear a report on the issues he is working on in this 111th session of Congress, which started on January 6th.
Green scheduled the events to occur in each of the community colleges in his district. These included HCC-Northeast, San Jacinto North, Lee College, HCC-Southeast, HCC-Northline, and Lone Star College-Greenspoint.
Greens comments focused on FEMA and Hurricane Ike Recovery, support for Veterans, Energy Independence and the Environment, Economic Recovery, Digital TV transition, and Health Care legislation.
Green also noted how popular the Inauguration of Obama was this year. Although he was alloted 200 tickets for the event, he had 800 requests from local citizens that wanted to attend.
Concern by citizens was expressed on a number of issues. On economic development and the TARP bailout money, most wanted to see some more accountability, not just a handout to the financial industry. Most would prefer the money be used for mortgage relief to individuals. Green pointed out that he had voted against the first two TARP bills, and would only vote for the next one if it had restrictions and accountability.
Many questioned what can be done to improve the air quality and environment. Green pointed out that his district in Houston has many polluting industries, but he must find ways to reduce carbon emissions but not take away jobs. He suggested that a carbon tax is a good solution, although it ultimately passes costs on to the consumer. Industry opposes any bill of this type in Congress. He suggested that changing power plants to fuels other than coal could make a big difference in air pollution.
On the stimulus package, Green said we need to change the tax code to encourage more savings by Americans, including their 401k plans. Also, he said the Stimulus Package now will include money for jobs, highways, drainage projects, and other infrastructure work.
On Health Care, the new Cobra legislation will let you qualify for Medicaid if you lose your job. It will cover 2-1/2 years, and pay 100% of costs.
Green has also co-sponsored a bill that would provide Medicare benefits to everyone, not just the elderly, but he thought that it did not have much chance for approval, as Congress studies many other ways to provide adequate and improved health services to everyone.
We have the highest costs per capita, and some of the poorest health care in the world he noted. Our employer-based health care system has not worked well, but a single payer Universal Health Care system is not close to adoption in this country, he thought.
Another health care bill that Green helped pass will include new FQHC, or federally funded health clinics in neighborhoods. Harris County has 4 of these now, far behind most other cities such as Chicago which has 81, and Austin 21. Houston has 10 but should have more.
On highway projects, Green said that plans are underway to complete Beltway 8 from US59 to I-10 as a Toll Road. This is necessary due to the high traffic volume now on this road.
Much discussion was on areas that experience flooding during rainstorms or hurricanes. Green said that the federal government has now taken over the Halls Bayou improvement project, which will allow faster completion of this flood project.
On the toxic waste site in the San Jacinto River, he said that although he no longer heads a subcommittee with this responsibility, he will nevertheless be on a subcommittee charged with the environment, and will continue to work to get the EPA to include this on their superfund cleanup list.
On environmental issues, the audience said they wanted more help with the recycling problem.
Green agreed, saying that the area has the worst record in the nation for recycling. He mentioned that 3 new crushers had opened recently on the East side of the county to help with the problem.
Residents complained about FEMA not delivering promised assistance. Green said his office reviews each case and tries to help, even with a denial, but this FEMA is different.
Some residents wanted more help in paying for college, since tuition has increased at most institutions. Green agreed that PELL grants need to rise.
Flooding in areas of Aldine were mentioned by several people. Green offered to help with County officials, who have the most immediate help to offer, while the federal government is working on long term flood control.
Other questions involved immigration concerns, jobs losses, competition from foreign countries, child care and foster homes, and mentally retarded care.
Green summed up by saying I am proud to be a Democrat, but I am independent enough not to always vote the way the party wants, but what is best for the people in my district.