Local lawmaker says GOP will not stop trying to repeal health care

PEORIA, Ill. -- Even with a long list of issues looming over Capitol Hill, one local lawmaker says the GOP will continue to focus on repealing the healthcare mandate.

This after House republicans Wednesday voted, for the 33rd time, to overturn at least part of that law.

17th district Republican Congressman Bobby Schilling was in Peoria Friday touring the Heartland Community Health Clinic.

Schilling says, during this election season, republicans will continue to hammer away at the historic law.

"The majority of Americans do not agree with the way the healthcare law was pushed through," said Schilling. "Amendments were not allowed to come to the House floor, and I think it's really important to know that this is the first time since we've taken the House back, is that the House floor is actually opened up for amendments from both sides."

He adds much of the pushback centers on the mandated coverage of family planning services, including contraceptives.

"I don't believe that my tax dollars should be paying for that," he said. "Now, if somebody wants to do that, that's their choice. I'm not against people who want that freedom. That's what makes America great, but when it comes to my tax dollars paying for abortions, I think that's wrong, and that's my religion. My religion does not allow for me to support that."

Meantime, Heartland CEO Farrell Davies says the health care battle is weighing heavily on patients at the clinic.

She adds their questions about what the next year will bring leave staff feeling helpless, as well.

"We care about the people we serve. That's why we go into this business," said Davies. "We are in this business because we want to help people stay healthy. So to the extent that there are barriers to us, to our ability to serve them, it's very painful. It's painful to our board. It's painful to our staff. It's very stressful right now."

Davies says Heartland is considering developing a financial advisory program to help patients plan for their healthcare coverage, whether or not the mandate stays in place.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48180228/ns/local_news-peoria_il/

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