Hill talks gas, health care with seniors during New Albany stop

By DANIEL SUDDEATH
Daniel.Suddeath@newsandtribune.com

August 15, 2008 01:36 pm

— Rep. Baron Hill told New Albany residents Thursday his month-long hiatus from Congress is hardly a vacation.
Up for re-election this fall, Hill has been making several stops in Southern Indiana this month, touting progress at the federal level. Other members of Congress are also taking time away from the Capitol in August, but Hill said the work continues.
“I don’t consider what I’m doing right now a recess,” Hill said while speaking to a crowd at Mark Elrod Tower, a senior-living facility run by the New Albany Housing Authority.
“It’s not like we’ve been sitting on our hands and doing nothing.”
Hill discussed economic relief, benefits for veterans and the nation’s hottest topic, gas prices.
Forcing oil companies to drill on land they own is one facet of legislation the congressman has been pushing. He calls it the “use it or lose it” bill, which if passed would mean oil companies not using land could lose their lease.
Hill said there are millions of acres of land that have been secured by oil companies that are not being used, which he feels could be used to drop prices at the pump.
But domestic drilling is not a long-term solution, according to Hill.
“We cannot drill ourselves out of this problem,” he said.
But later in the day Hill expressed his eagerness to vote on an energy bill that would allow for leasing of offshore lands and drilling.
Hill said it would provide for American’s future by supporting the development of renewable and alternative energy sources.
The measure would provide additional tax reductions for production of renewable energy while repealing federal prohibitions on using appropriated funds to conduct leasing activities on federal land.
The 125 mile moratorium on oil and gas production in the eastern Gulf of Mexico would also be repealed through the measure, which will likely be voted on this fall.
“I hope this bipartisan bill will indeed be brought to the floor for a vote when we return to Washington in September,” Hill said. “It would provide immediate relief, while also bolstering development of new energy sources in order to move this country closer to energy independence.”
Blaming speculators for jacking up gas costs, Hill proposes ending tax breaks for big oil companies. Instead of reductions for suppliers, the congressman wants the money — an estimated $10 billion — to be put toward research for alternative energy sources.
Gas prices have been pushing the 9th District campaign race, with Republican challenger Mike Sodrel recently making a trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to meet with energy industry experts.
Libertarian candidate Eric Schansberg challenged Hill to a gas debate — similar to the situation when Hill challenged then incumbent Sodrel to a debate in 2006 — saying prices at the pump have soured under Hill’s watch.
Hill has authored legislation, which was incorporated into a larger energy package, which raised fuel efficiency standards from 24 miles per gallon to 35. It was the first raise of the standard in nearly three decades.
Besides fuel discussion, Hill pointed to recent property tax language he authored in a bill that was signed by President George W. Bush into law in July.
The measure calls for non-itemizers to deduct up to $500 off their property tax bills from their federal taxes this year, and families will be able to deduct up to $1,000.
He also fielded several questions about health care, a concern for the elderly residents of Mark Elrod Tower though many say it has been an ignored issue.
Hill agreed, but promised changes are coming after the presidential election.
“Many ideas are bouncing around,” Hill said. “We have not done anything, but I think we’re getting ready to.”
Hill said talk of socialized health care seems to be fading, but said the price of providing adequate medical benefits is pinching employers and keeping families unprotected.
“Something’s got to give,” Hill said.

Hill hosting discussion on economy
• Congressman Baron Hill will host a discussion on gas prices, the housing market and health care from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 5, at the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. The event is open to the public, but due to limited seating, those interested are asked to reserve a space by calling Hill’s Jeffersonville office at 812-288-3999.

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