Letter: Joni Ernst phone-in town hall a farce

On July 5 at 5:16 p.m. my I-Phone showed an incoming call from our U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Naturally, I answered thinking that a member of her staff might be trying to get in touch with me over some of the many issues I've contacted her about in recent months. Instead, it was an invitation to join in a 'Telephone Town-Hall” on the Better Health Care Act (BHCA) by getting the opportunity to ask questions and listen to other constituents concerns and our senator's thoughts on matter. Instead, I listened to some misinformed talking points and only three questions before the 'town hall” ended.

This experience left me with a few questions. First, why was there no notice given about this event? Others I talked to who were called had the same experience. This call appeared as the dinner hour was approaching and gave m about a minute to decide to participate. Second, who is advising Sen. Ernst on health care? One of the callers wanted to know why Americans can't buy health insurance across state lines. A quick Google search shows the many problems with this idea and its questionable if it would lead to any cost savings. Instead of trying to explain how unworkable this idea was to the caller, the Senator agreed that this is something that the Senate bill should include.

Overall, I would expect Senator Ernst and her staff to do better when it comes to an important issue such as this.

Chris Rolwes

Cedar Rapids