18 Takes Washington: Talking highways and health care

WASHINGTON D.C. (WLFI) - Highways and health care policies were two major discussion points with Greater Lafayette’s Washington D.C. delegation Friday.

About two dozen members of the Lafayette-area group met with policy experts at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The first issue discussed was transportation, especially the Chamber's efforts to increase the fuel taxes to strengthen the Highway Trust Fund.

The second expert updated the group on health care policy and the Chamber's efforts to repeal parts of the healthcare reform laws to help small businesses.

“It was disappointment today because I think there's not much happening in transportation and based on our visit I'm not sure how much legislation is going to come down the pike,” Greater Lafayette Commerce CEO Joe Seaman said. “(We’re feeling) disappointment that it's probably going to impact us very significantly.”

Seaman says everyone agrees the health care bill is the right thing long-term, but he worries about how quickly it will take effect and how it will be funded.

He added that Greater Lafayette Commerce doesn't always agree with the national chamber, but it can be an important lobbying tool for area issues.