Burlington -- On March 28, Senator Tony Foriest held his monthly town hall meeting in Burlington. After opening the meeting with a brief prayer, Senator Foriest explained his position on important legislation that has been working its way through the General Assembly, choosing to discuss at length both the budget and the state health care plan.
Senator Foriest was quick to admit the budget process would be very difficult this year in light of the foreseeable cuts that must be made. “Everyone thinks that keeping their program is absolutely necessary while every other program is expendable. We (at the Senate) have to make informed decisions about the budget knowing no one is going to be one hundred percent satisfied, but it’s something we are constitutionally required to do.”
He went on to say combing programs like More at Four and Smart Start would help cut administrative costs, but legislators need to be wary about cutting too deeply into effective programs. “With almost seventy-five percent of the budget focused on education and healthcare, it would be almost impossible to balance the budget without at least thinking about making cuts in these areas. However, I’m ready to fight for the necessary funding needed by programs that make sure our children have access to affordable healthcare and a quality education.”
Senator Foriest also backed his vote for the state health plan. He explained that mail-order, out-of-state pharmacies would change the way healthcare is done in rural North Carolina counties. “Most elderly people in rural areas rely on their local pharmacist for healthcare advice and explanations. They wouldn’t be able to get that with someone on the phone in Texas or New Jersey.” Additionally, he emphasized the need to protect the jobs and small businesses of independent, local pharmacists.
Senator Tony Foriest holds town hall meetings on the last Saturday of every month. For more information, please e-mail
Tonyf@ncleg.net.
Image: Senator Tony Foriest speaks to constituents regarding the state health care plan.