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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted and updated February 4, 2005 Press release © 2005 U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and courtesy Adrianne Marsh, press secretary.

Stupak: Privatizing Social Security doesn't make sense

"Tonight President Bush outlined concerns facing all Americans and set forth an aggressive agenda for the coming year. I urge the President and my Republican colleagues to cooperate with Democrats on the other side of the aisle as we move forward on these issues. It's only then, Americans can have balance and fairness in their government," Stupak said. 

"Among the most aggressive and divisive of the President's goals outlined tonight was his plan to privatize Social Security," Stupak noted. "I do not agree with the privatization of Social Security and will not support legislation to jeopardize this program. However, I do agree there are challenges that we have the time to correct properly."

Stupak said Congress and the President must not slash any Social Security benefits and any changes "must be fair to all Americans."

Calling Bush's privatization plan "unnecessary, unaffordable and unwise," Stupak compared it to the President's health savings accounts that benefit a few wealthy people and encourage employers to drop health insurance, when 45 million Americans are already without it.

"See what he's done with health care, and now he wants to privatize Social Security. It just doesn't make sense," Stupak said.

He noted also the need to have funds in the Veterans Administration system to take care of veterans now and in the future. Stupak said Republicans must keep their promises to help veterans with health care.

Stupak undergoes back surgery*

While Stupak prepared for his back surgery scheduled for Feb. 3,  he watched the President's Address. The purpose of the surgery was to correct a herniated disc, and doctors have predicted a complete recovery.

Last week, Stupak's lower back "gave out." After seeking medical attention, he was informed the pain was a result of the discs in the L-2, L-3 and L-4 pinching the nerves to his legs.

The damage has required immediate surgical attention and will also require extensive physical therapy. The restrictions of his recovery include limited travel for one month. During this time, Stupak plans to stay in contact with his constituents in the 1st Congressional District.

"I thank the doctors and nurses for their expert advice and quick action to alleviate my back problem. I look forward to spending as much time as possible meeting with the great people of northern Michigan. I'm eager to heal quickly so I can get back to Washington and carry out the demands of this vast district," said Stupak. "As always, my staff will be available to assist constituents here in northern Michigan and in Washington, D.C."

Stupak's Telecom Task Force hears UP testimony

Dan Boyle, a native of Marquette, represented northern Michigan as his guest at the President's Address. Boyle was already in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 2 to testify to the Congressional Rural Caucus Telecommunication Task Force that Stupak Co-Chairs. The testimony concerned the Universal Services Fund (USF), providing necessary technology to rural communities in northern Michigan.

Boyle from Upper Peninsula Health Care Network (UPHCN) spoke about the Telemedicine program affecting rural health care. Mary Cary Crawford from the Superior Library Co-Operative testified on the economic and educational impact technology has made in libraries and schools of northern Michigan communities. 

"Knowledge is power in the information age, and the Internet is the most important power tool people in rural areas have today to overcome geographic constraints and remain competitive in a global economy," Crawford said. "The patrons of our library system have used our services to obtain jobs, enable business transactions, pay bills, acquire research and connect with people. The impact and scope of these actions creates a ripple effect and puts our communities on a more even playing field globally." 

Crawford testified that due to USF funding, the cooperative was able to leverage additional means to afford technology like broadband, multipoint connectivity and interactive teleconferencing. These services resulted in a 100% increase in the use of the Menominee Public Library and the West Iron Public Library and a 200% increase in use of the Marquette Public Library. 

Boyle testified that, "prior to the USF program, we only had telephone connectivity between healthcare providers. With the program, we are now able to take advantage of shared resources and technologies while still remaining somewhat competitive with the urban providers."

Boyle said that while the skills of specialists in northern Michigan facilities parallel those in metropolitan areas, the challenge of access to necessary technology hinders the ability to provide needed procedures. The UPHCN is comprised of 16 members including: Critical Access Hospitals, county based facilities, a Tribal Health System, a community mental health network, a Regional Tertiary Care and Trauma Center and Marquette General Hospital.

"When residents of the UP need subspecialty care beyond the services available at Marquette's regional referral center, they often make a two-day trip to Detroit, Ann Arbor, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or to Milwaukee, Wisconsin," said Boyle. "A benefit that cannot be measured in dollars is a patient's ability to have health care provided close to home. Very few people want to drive three hours on snow-covered roads to see a healthcare specialist, and in the U.P. that's a fact of life six months out of the year."

"Being here (in Washington) and seeing how the system works and operates is a much different environment than what I had imagined," Boyle said. "This experience has been one to cherish. If my coming here has made any difference in continuing the funding that is crucial to healthcare in the U.P. then I have done my job in representing our district."

Boyle thanked Stupak for the opportunity to attend the State of the Union and participate in the legislative process.

"I'm glad that Dan was able to testify today and view the State of the Union. With his commitment to improve the quality of life for northern Michigan he could certainly appreciate this opportunity to its full extent," Stupak said on Feb. 2.

Constituents can contact Congressman Stupak and his staff by calling toll-free 1-800-950-7371 or by emailing him at stupak@mail.house.gov. His Congressional Aide Amy Wisti may be reached in Houghton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at (906) 482-1371.

For Rep. Stupak's views on current issues, visit his Web site.

Editor's Notes:  * Update: Friday, Feb. 4, 2005: Congressman Bart Stupak's scheduled back surgery, which took place on Thursday, Feb. 3, was a success. Doctors found significant nerve damage to the L2 through L5 discs. The damage was corrected, and the Congressman is now resting comfortably. He looks forward to a full recovery and thanks his constituents for the numerous well wishes. Constituents can contact Congressman Stupak and his staff by calling toll-free 1-800-950-7371. You can also call U.S. Senator Carl Levin at 202-224-6221 and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow at 202-224-4822 to leave a message with your views. Senator Stabenow's Web site has more information on Social Security and a petition you can sign if you wish. See http://stabenow.senate.gov/socialsecurity/ . For an update on the House of Representatives Floor Proceedings, visit the Web site of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives.