Lucy Baxley speaks about concerns for Limestone’s elderly

Published 7:50 pm Saturday, May 20, 2006

Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley expressed her concern for the state’s elderly when she brought her campaign for governor to Athens Saturday with an appearance at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives and the Sheriff’s Rodeo.

Baxley spoke as one of about two dozens candidates for state and local office at a Veterans Museum sponsored forum. Candidates and their families were treated to music by the Madison County Ramblers and hotdogs before speaking began under the outside pavilion.

Baxley said Medicaid was once thought of as an entitlement for the poor who could not pay their way, but she said the federal program is especially important now to help the state’s elderly who worked hard all of their lives and whose savings and retirement funds run out. She said that the state of Alabama funds Medicaid at the absolute minimum to participate in the program.

Baxley proposed a coalition of governors to join to increase buying power to purchase drugs at a reduced cost for the elderly.

“We need to explore every possible way to access every federal dollar we can,” said Baxley.

Baxley said that governors have clout in Washington and that they should get behind making sure veterans ‘benefits are not further cut.

“The state of Alabama sends more than its share to defend the United States,” she said. “Our veterans today have more co-pay for doctor’s office visits and more per diem for veterans homes. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs we must make sure we give them all the help we can. When we obligate ourselves to the costs of war we should consider veterans’ needs when they come home.”

Baxley said also that she is all for incentives and tax abatements to attract large industries, but we should not overlook the support and promotion of small businesses. She said that if she is elected she will create a cabinet position to act as liaison with small businesses to “help them navigate through state government.”

Baxley expressed delight at the large turnout at the forum. She said she had stopped in Prattville for an old-fashioned barbecue with a bluegrass band to which 1.200 people turned out.

“I just love to see politicking and campaigning the way it used to be,” she said. “We need to get out and meet people face to face. Because of television campaigning in recent years there is a certain disconnect between candidates and the people. This is the part I love and this is where I am reminded of why I do it in the first place.”