Jim Banks speaking at a town hall style meeting at the Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — Concerns about healthcare, tax reform and President Donald Trump’s administration were voiced during a town hall style meeting with District Three Congressman Jim Banks in Warsaw today, June 2.

The meeting began with an update from Banks about what has been going on in Washington in the last five months and concluded with time for questions.

The Congressman spoke highly of the American Health Care Act that has been passed in the House and has gone onto the Senate. Congress began the year with the goal of repealing and replacing Obamacare. Banks advocated his support of the American Health Care Act, which he believes will be a step in rescuing healthcare.

“More accessible and affordable healthcare for more Americans than what they receive today,” said Banks.

While Banks spoke highly of the proposed changes, some individuals at the meeting voiced their concerns with the bill. Some mentioned concerns over the coverage of pre-existing conditions.

Dee Moore stated she had not been able to afford healthcare premiums before Obamacare because they were too high.

Another woman, with 40 years experience as a certified medical assistant, stated, “Right now the health care system is so broken in the United States. It’s only the rich or the poor who can afford health care.”

The Congressman announced the American Health Care Act will fully repeal Federal tax dollars going toward funding Planned Parenthood. His statement was met with both cheers and booing.

Others asked questions about the medial device tax. Monica Boyer mentioned her husband works in the orthopedic field and asked for Banks to speak on the medical device tax.

Banks stated the medical device tax has the greatest impact in the country in Warsaw, due to the high concentration of the orthopedic industry in the area. He noted the tax has been used as a way to fund Obamacare, and though it was temporarily suspended, but is to come back. Banks stated he hopes to permanently repeal the tax.

Others mentioned their concerns with President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Moore stated, “Your party seems to think that we can be one of the three countries that doesn’t think climate change is a problem.”

Banks replied while he sees no evidence the agreement would abet climate change, but he is open to pursuing other better environmental policies and believes climate change to be an issue of concern.

One woman voiced concern with President Trump’s alleged involvement with the Russian government.

“If it’s proven that Trump and his team colluded with the Russians in his campaign, are you going to put party or country first?”

Banks replied,”I believe it is a serious subject that Russia would seek to influence the American Election and that’s why I support the ongoing FBI investigation and the investigation by committees in the House and the Senate to gather facts and work through the process.”

During the meeting, an elementary student used the opportunity to speak with the congressman to ask Banks to recognize a man who had saved six lives on Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Keller explained the man had never received any special recognition for saving six lives.

“I believe he deserves that,” said Keller.

Banks responded he would like to talk to Keller further about his request after the meeting.

The Congressman concluded the meeting by saying, “I appreciate all of you showing up today for an open forum to discuss issues and ideas. That’s what the job is about. I’m here to offer up my time to discuss the issues of the day and hear your feedback, that’s what makes me a better representative.”