Letter: Congressman Neal & Medicare for All

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To the Editor:

It was recently reported that Congressman Neal is at last open to exploring the feasibility of a Medicare for All approach to health care. As a longtime nurse and one of the millions of people in this country with family members of my own who are now deceased because of a lack of timely access to basic health care, I greeted this news with relief and hope.

This week, given the latest effort to kill the Affordable Care Act which, while flawed, is still the best (and sometimes the only) option for millions, I am even more concerned that Congressman Neal approach the health care crisis with a real sense of urgency as he assumes chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee in our newly elected Democratic Congress.

He will then be in a unique position with enough clout to help effect a badly needed overhaul of our crippled health care system.

I encourage all like-minded constituents of Congressman Neal's to call him (202-225-5601) and tell him of your own support of Medicare for All.

Cecelia Swanson
Pittsfield, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: ACA,   medicare/medicaid,   

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Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation. 
 
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks. 
 
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan. 
 
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about. 
 
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said. 
 
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom. 
 
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