Jim's Journeys: Protecting Medicare and Long Term Care in Finney, Scott, Wichita, and Wallace Counties

Press Release

Wednesday morning Jim jumped in the car and headed to Garden City where he had the pleasure of spending lunch at the Finney County Senior Center. Jim spoke to a full house about the truth about Medicare, and Mr. Huelskamp's clear intent to lie and mislead seniors about the 700 billion in cost saving measures. Jim explained that unlike Mr. Huelskamp, Jim favors leaving Medicare alone. What seniors should be concerned about is the proposed interstate Medicare compact, which would allow the Kansas Governor and Legislature access to all the money allocated for Medicare benefits. "Take a look at KanCare and education and think about whether you want this governor and legislature in charge of your benefits," Jim commented. As reported by the Garden City Telegram, Jeanette Acosta, a 42 year Garden City resident, said Medicare is her top concern heading into the election. "I think [Sherow] is right," she told the Telegram, "I agreed with all he said."

Jim also had a chance to visit with Duane West, a life-long servant of Finney County and former prosecutor of the famous In Cold Blood murders. He is supporting Jim because of his tough stance on domestic violence, his common sense solutions to fixing the ACA, and his support for women and seniors.

Next Jim headed up to Scott City, where he spoke with voters about aging populations in rural areas and what can be done to help long-term care facilities. Another hot topic of conversation in the community was Pope Francis's recent declaration that evolution is consistent with the notion of creation, and his encouragement that Christians accept the Big Bang Theory. "Since Galileo, exploration in science has always been the way to unfold God's universe," said one local resident, "this is exactly the same scientific principles that tell us that global climate change is a problem. We need a leader like Sherow that will respect science, instead of someone like Mr. Huelskamp who has turned his back on protecting the earth."

Jim made a quick stop at the beautiful city of Leoti, where he got some delicious sandhill plum jelly to take home to Bonnie, and spoke with local residents about their markets. He also had a chance to visit with the city clerk and local ranchers about food deserts in the western part of the state and their effect on Medicare costs. "We could bring down the costs of Medicare dramatically if we gave people the choice of fresh fruits and vegetables in these communities," said Jim. "Local markets like this are a vital part of keeping our children, adults, and seniors healthy."

Next Jim grabbed dinner at Stephen's Restaurant in Sharon Springs, where he sat down with voters in the second least populated county in the state. "Way out here we feel forgotten," said one resident, "it's such a pleasure to have someone sit down and listen to us, instead of speaking in sound bites." When asked by supporters what they can do to assist in the election, Jim pointed out how important it is to vote, even in smaller populated counties. "Every vote counts, no matter which way the county goes," he reminded them. "Call your friends and neighbors, get them to the polls, and make sure they are informed. That is the only way our democracy works!"

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