Klamath Falls, Ore. – Senator Jeff Merkley was in Klamath Falls Saturday for a series of meetings, and a town hall session.
Senator Merkley started off the day with a visit to Marquis Plum Ridge Care Center.
Merkley says he’s concerned about the possible impacts of the President’s health care plan. “Because this health care bill could strip health care from millions of Americans, hundreds of thousands of people here in Oregon – and yet they’re wanting to do it with no committee, no dialog.”
“If we see steep Medicaid cuts, we’re very worried about our community.” Notes Catherine Prather of Marquis Plum Ridge. “And who will take care of the seniors, and what it will look like for them.”
The Senator then held a town hall meeting at Mazama High School.
Dani Watson of Klamath Falls was one of the more than 100 people on hand. “I deal a lot with water issues, and irrigation, and instream flow rights – so I’m hoping he might be able to talk a little about where the agreement is at.”
“I did hold meetings both with the Tribe, and with the water users.” Notes Senator Merkley. “I’m encouraging them to connect back up, and try to find the common ground that they had before.”
Some of the topics covered during the town hall included a proposed liquid natural gas pipeline, benefits for disabled veterans, construction of a border wall to Mexico, and climate issues.
Merkley says the way that he arrived in Klamath Falls reflects a step in the right direction. “To be able to get on that plane last night, and be able to take Penair back down, it’s like – Yes! – that’s a big improvement.”
Senator Merkley is making good on a campaign promise to hold a town hall meeting in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year he serves in office.
The meeting in Klamath Falls marked his 309th town hall.
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