In the News

MANY, LA - Washington lawmakers take time from the capital this week to visit their districts back home. Congressman Mike Johnson spoke at a town hall in Many Monday.

There was a fairly good turnout at the meeting with a mostly light atmosphere of back-and-forth questions and answers. But people's main concern was the topic of health care.

"Everybody needs health care and everybody deserves health care," said Carlos Slaydon, Many resident.

Slaydon was one of about 40 people who attended the town hall meeting. 

"He answered most all the questions and if he didn't, he is going to respond back to us and give us something answers. So I was impressed," Slaydon said.

"We talked about everything from the electrical grid to the things going on with Syria and reforms in Washington," said U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, (R) La District 4.

Johnson was asked by a local educator if he'll support policies under the new Secretary of Education Betsy Devos. He replied that he will always support public-schools but believes in school-choice programs and charter schools. Besides education, people wanted to know what is next for their health care and if they can stay on Medicaid.

"As he said during the meeting is that Louisiana is a poor state and that is a main concern here," said Gay Corley, Many Alderwoman District D.

Johnson said the Republicans haven't given up in repealing or replacing the Affordable Care Act.  

"I'm very confident we're going to have a better bill that actually provides more coverage for more people, adds more choices, and actually reduces premiums so we can afford health insurance again," Johnson said.

Later in the day, he went to Vernon Parish and met with people in Leesville.