State representatives and senator hold public forum

MARIANNA – State Representatives Brad Drake and Marti Coley and Senator Al Lawson visited Marianna on Feb. 6 to hold a political forum at the Jackson County Agricultural Center.
Issues from health coverage to State Farm to the CSX Railroad came up as the crowds that filled the Ag center tried to get their questions in.
The first issue presented was of the expenses of health insurance and those who couldn’t afford it.
“Let’s say for an example the average yearly wage is $26,000 to $27,000,” said Senator Lawson. “That would make health coverage costs $12,000 yearly and in all the years I’ve been representing Florida, this is by far the highest I’ve ever seen it.”
A concerned citizen asked about the possibility of State Farm’s property insurance leaving Florida due to lack of state assistance.
“The funding was refused due to the unreasonable and unexplained raise in rates and because of this the state of Florida went from being the last resort to the biggest carrier,” said Rep. Coley. “The rates have increased by 67 percent state wide and all we’re trying to do is come up with a compromise.”
Coley explained that the state wants State Farm to remain in Florida, but communication must be established and negotiations should be made.
Lawson spoke up where budgets were concerned, saying that even though it appears as though the budget is strained, there are large sums of money going to various other projects.
“For instance, the $400 million that will be going into the CSX Railroad,” said Lawson. “There are studies going throughout communities now to see the relevance of having a commuter train.”
He said that due to the large response, the funding might go up to $700 million.
Also there was the $10 million Project Gardening Program to help businesses prosper.
“The only oversight to this program was that the only businesses that could apply for the grant were those who made over a million dollars in revenue a year, leaving all the small businesses unable to get assistance,” said Lawson. “How is it that they can cut 66 probation officers in Jackson County and give $10 million to something that smells fishy?”
Coley addressed school budgeting, saying that the funding going towards education would be more flexible in the near future.
“Funding for example, that would normally be set aside for construction, could be used toward something else the school needs if they aren’t in need of construction projects,” said Coley.
Also, Lawson said that there is research being done to help assist the local libraries in their time of need.
“People don’t realize it, but it is during these times of financial strain that the library is visited the most,” said Lawson. “So we should give them as much support as we can.”