Boyd started off the meeting with the statement that he was glad he was from the south where the people may have a spirited dialog, but exhibit good manners.

 

That held true throughout the morning session at the Ag Center in Marianna.  While Boyd received some boos from the audience, he also received rounds of applause on his positions.

 

U.S. Economy:

 

Boyd said Congress realized last fall the U.S. had some serious economic conditions.   He noted, "It's the toughest time I've seen in this country.  The toughest time since the Great Recession and World War II."  Then he added, "Our parents came through and so will we."

 

Boyd said there had been 2 to 3 1/2 percent economic growth annually in the U.S. since World War II, but that changed in January 2009.  During January - March, 2009 Boys said the economy has shrunk 6.4 percent.  From April-June the signs were a little bit better; and now the trends are looking better.

 

Cap & Trade Bill - Energy Tax:

 

The 'American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454), is designed to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy.

 

According to Boyd, worldwide 88 billion barrels of oil are produced each day, while the U.S. only produces 10 billion barrels of oil a day.

 

Boyd said the U.S. controls only 2 percent of the world's oil and added that the country needs to wean itself from foreign oil.

 

Boyd said the U.S. has the largest supply of coal in the world and he feels that should be used.  He added that he supported drilling in Alaska

 

'Cash for Clunkers':

 

Marianna car dealer Eddie Hopkins pointed out to Boyd that the Federal government has been delinquent in getting payments to dealers.

 

Boyd said he voted against the bill.

 

Presidential czars:

 

Asked about the 'czars' being appointed by the President, Boyd said the czars are advisors to the President, not the House of Representatives.

 

 

U.S. Health Care:

 

Throughout the meeting Boyd stressed that the U.S. must have responsible health care reform.  He said 20 years ago 8 percent of the gross national product was spent on health care, but in 2008 that number jumped to 17 percent ($2.5 trillion), and continues to rise.

 

According to Boyd, 15 percent of the U.S. population does not have health insurance and added that the uninsured usually wait until they are really sick and then go to the emergency room ... the most costly way to receive medical care and then the taxpayers foot the bill.   He sees this as one of the major reasons there needs to be health care reform.

 

Boyd said currently there are five bills circulating to address health care reform, but the one most people are aware of is HR 3200.  He said that he has read it and if it comes to the floor in its present form he will not vote for it.

 

Listing his main priorities for health care reform Boyd included:

 

*  Patient Choice - Keep your present plan if you like it.

 

*  Stop the trend of increasing cost of health care.

 

*  Everyone needs at least a primary doctor.

 

* Plan must be deficit neutral.

 

 

Questions dealing with health care reform topped the list during the 'question & answer' portion of the town hall meeting.

 

The majority of those present were concerned with the cost of health insurance, not giving up their private plans, not wanting medical service rationed and making their own decisions about their individual medical care.   However, many agreed there needs to be help for those without anything.

 

However, there was one single mother from Marianna who said while she does not have health insurance, she doesn't want the government sticking it's nose in.  "Every time the government sticks it's nose in things get worse," she commented.  "My children will have a lesser America then I had."

 

Boyd did touch on insurance administration costs and said Medicare admin costs at approximately 2 to 3 1/2 percent, while some private insurance admin costs are as high at 25 percent.

 

 

There were signs in place outside the town hall meeting expressing displeasure with current medical health care costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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