FL - Affordable Care Act, the immigration bill discussed at Southerland's town hall t

Affordable Care Act, the immigration bill discussed at Southerland's town hall this morning

Aug. 16, 2013 11:12 AM

Written by
Arek Sarkissian II
Democrat staff writer
tallahassee.com

http://cmsimg.tallahassee.com/apps/p...n-hall-morning
U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland

U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland held a town hall this morning that attracted 70 people who brought up concerns with the Affordable Care Act, the immigration bill and the National Security Administration.

Southerland held the town hall in a Florida State University administration building at Innovation Park and was greeted with a handful of protesters critiquing his views on the ACA and right to life.

Southerland said he would adamantly support a repeal to the Affordable Care Act, saying he did not agree with the way the law was created. He said several corporations have asked for a 1-year extension to the January deadline when the law becomes active because they need more time to prepare. Southerland said that extension should go for everyone.

"If those corporations want an extension then we all do," Southerland said.

Southerland's question and answer period drew cat calls from some of his sharpest critics who demanded he answer yes or no to issues such as whether he would support the landmark immigration bill moving though the Senate.

Southerland said although he supports penalizing those who also would be granted citizenship status he would not comment on specific points of the bill.

"That is a Senate bill and I am in the House," Southerland said. "I'll gladly look at the bill when it comes over to the House."

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/2...n-hall-morning

By: James Buechele
Updated: Fri 6:55 PM, Aug 16, 2013
wctv.tv

Tallahassee, FL. 8-16-13

There may be more questions than answers when it comes to immigration reform.

The topic was front and center during U.S. Congressman Steve Southerland's town hall meeting today in Tallahassee. One person in the audience in particular was interested in what the Republican lawmaker had to say.

Juan Espinoza was just four when his parents emigrated from Peru to America. He now has two college degrees and dreams of a future in politics. But life growing up wasn't always smooth.

"It's a scary life at times," said Espinoza. "I remember being younger. You're always going to immigration hearings."

Espinoza was one of about 75 questioning the congressman during a town hall. Southerland took questions covering everything from health care to climate change.

"[Juan's] situation is unique and in a fair society to honor immigration that we have in the past we must also honor immigration present and future," said Southerland.

The congressman however wouldn't go as far as to say he would sign a bill that led to a path to citizenship.

Although Southerland's conversation with Espinoza during the town hall about immigration at FSU was civil, some people in the audience were growing tired of the congressman's answers. At one point a woman started swearing at the lawmaker.

"We are not going to subject those that I represent to such language," said Southerland.

The woman then shouted out 'then you might as well get used to it.'

Espinoza says he appreciated the congressman's time, but isn't too hopeful real immigration reform will pass anytime soon.

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/So...219974761.html