Baldwin Talks Health Care At Town Hall Meeting Conference Calls

Congresswoman To Hold Two More Tuesday

Updated: 11:47 am CDT August 18, 2009, WISC-TV/Channel 3000

MADISON, Wis. -- The ongoing health care reform debate is leading to shouting matches around the country, but one lawmaker has found an alternative way to reach out to residents who're reviewing the proposed plans.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., took questions and all kinds of opinions in two special format town hall meetings on Monday night. The meetings were held over the phone, and she said this is just another tool to get questions and feedback.
She said that she heard from a wide ranging number of opinions.
"Some people who were repeating some of the misinformation that's out there about the health insurance reform bill and others who were particularly excited about one or other provision and wanted to make sure that those would remain in the bill as the legislative process continues," she said.
Baldwin's office called more than 86,000 households in her congressional district inviting 8,000 residents to take part in the conference call.
Baldwin said this gives her the ability to reach thousands of Wisconsin residents in the comfort of their home.
"I just spoke with a woman on the phone with cancer who's been kicked off her insurance because it's now a pre-existing condition. This will be eliminated if we pass this bill and that's exactly why we must," she said.
Baldwin said that Monday night's two meetings are not a substitute for a live town hall meeting. She said that she plans face-to-face events in all communities in her district later this fall.
The congresswoman will hold two more telephone town hall meetings Tuesday night at 5:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Baldwin fielded questions ranging from how much is the proposed reform was going to cost to questions about euthanasia and illegal immigrants.
When asked if she will be signing up for the health care plan that is passed, Baldwin said that since she and other members of Congress already have health insurance, she is ok with the plan. She will not sign up in the first year.