Burlison touts Stockton Lake water deal, health care reform ahead of midterms
What do you think?
Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison is highlighting long-term water security for Joplin and Carthage, highway improvements, and conservative policy victories.
During a Friday morning interview with the KZRG Morning Newswatch, Burlison identified securing a water allocation from Stockton Lake as one of his most significant accomplishments for Southwest Missouri.
The agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is intended to help meet the region's water needs through 2060.
However, substantial infrastructure must still be constructed to deliver that water to participating communities.
Regional planners have estimated the pipeline system could cost $1 billion or more.
Burlison also pointed to increased funding for road improvements, including Interstate 44, and changes to federal work requirements for certain recipients of food assistance and Medicaid.
Looking ahead, Burlison said reducing health care costs would be his top legislative priority.
His proposed Great American Healthcare Act would expand access to health savings accounts, allowing Americans to contribute roughly $25,000 annually on a tax-free basis. The legislation also seeks greater transparency in hospital and insurance pricing.
"The patient will once again be the consumer and the one holding onto the dollars," Burlison said.
Congress has introduced the proposal, but it has not become law.
The congressman also offered a candid assessment of Washington, saying one of his biggest adjustments has been discovering how much influence congressional staff members have over legislation.
"Unfortunately, a lot of the lawmakers are kind of checked out," Burlison said. "They just leave a lot of the decisions up to their staff."
