Nebraska Matters is a new non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to the progressive ideals and policies that have made America strong.
Last night, Senate candidates Mike Johanns (R) and Scott Kleeb (D) debated the future of Health Care in America and Congressional candidates Rep. Lee Terry (R) and Jim Esch (D) debated the issues important to Nebraskans..
Neither was broadcast on radio or television so Nebraska Matters sent staff to live blog both debates. Below the fold is a brief summary of those live blogs mixed with photos.
Live Blog -- Nebraska Senate: Mike Johanns (R) and Scott Kleeb (D)
Each candidate gave ten minute opening speechs to discuss their Health Care plans:
Kleeb: "I want to thank everyone for putting this forum on because this is one of the most important issues in this election."
Far too many Nebraskans can not keep up with rising Health Care costs -- Washington hasn't put Nebraskans first and they have a lot to learn when it comes to Health Care.
"Government can't solve all of our problems but public policy can be a powerful tool...we can offer every Nebraska and everywhere else with quality affordable Health Care."
Discusses ways to expand coverage by increasing funding for programs like SCHIP and having a governmental and a private business partnership...
Moving forward on technology will lower costs -- moving forward on internet and creating "paper free clinics" which will cut down on waste. It it will also make it easier to recruit new doctors and professionals.
"It will revolution the way we do healthcare. Not more government, but smart government."
"We need leader who will get the job done...Nebraskans don't quit...We have to work hard and work smart and we can solve anything."
Johanns: Thanks the moderators and the organizers, etc..
"I'm gonna start to talk a little bit about brought me to public service."
Johanns finished a clerk ship and was interested in working with people who had developmental issues and wondered who was going to take care of them. He worked with the Lancaster County board on this issue early in his career. "That's how I got started..."
Johanns is talking about his work with the legislature and took some federal money to expand mental health service. Substance Abuse, Minority Health, etc...
"We opted not to balance the budget and focused on health care investments...and those investments paid off and they are still in place."
People go in and get treatment and then go back out on the streets. There was no public care for the people who needed it.
"It broke my heart..."
He took on the problem and moved everything into community services. "We had services in the community which help but something stable in these peoples lives.
"98% of people got care who needed it. Is there more to do, yes there is. We need to increase funding in this area and it just doesn't tell the story to say Mike Johanns threw this out."
Audience members were asked to participate. One member asked:
"What can we do to increase the quality of care at rural hospitals?"
Kleeb: Transportation is the key. We have to provide a service that will take folks to get the care they need. "We have good health care in rural Nebraska...but it's difficult to get to."
Johanns: "People out in rural Nebraska keep telling me it's so hard to recruit people." We need to find ways to recruit more people. Discusses the need for more public health facilities.
Click here to read the whole live blog from last night's Senatorial debate.
Live Blog -- Nebraska Congressional: Lee Terry (R) and Jim Esch (D)
This debate was more structured. The moderator asked:
The economy is ailing but Omaha seems to be doing well, how will you help maintain that?
Esch: Focusing on infrastructure in Nebraska. Becoming Energy Independent will go a long way in securing the future. He also discussed investing in our kids.
Terry: Omaha's economy is strong because our housing and banking companies didn't make the same mistakes their national counterparts did. But the economy is going to effect us eventually. Promoted lowering taxes and accused his opponent of wanting to raise them.
Esch rebuttal: "I have never said I wanted to raise taxes. Looks like we're gonna start early tonight."
How can we reduce poverty?
Terry: Increase access to education. Empower people in poverty to save money. Grow and create jobs and companies.
Esch: Unemployment is up. We continue to have policies that widen the rich poor gap. Cutting taxes isn't the only answer. "It's the only answer coming from my opponent." Make investments in infrastructure, in educations, etc..
Click here to read the whole live blog from last night's Congressional debate.