Buchanan, USF to host 'listening session' on health care

With a debate over health care reform high on the agenda for President Barack Obama and Congress, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is turning to his constituents for ideas.

Buchanan on Monday, June 15, will host a "listening session" at University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee. The forum, called “Prospects for Health Care Reform,” will be held at the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership at USF‘s Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail.

“The Congress is expected to vote this summer on sweeping health care legislation,” said Buchanan, R-Sarasota. “I look forward to hearing the views from doctors, seniors and others on how best to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans.”

David Klement, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership, will moderate a discussion on legislative proposals to improve health care in the United States.

Panel members will include Sarasota Medical Society immediate past President Dr. Michael Patete, past president of the Sarasota Medical Society; Moody Chisholm, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital; David Verinder, chief financial officer for Sarasota Medical Center; Bob Bartz, president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce; and Jeff Johnson, advocacy director for AARP.

The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday. The public is invited to attend.

RSVP to christian.ziegler@mail.house.gov or call Buchanan's office at (941)951-6643. There is no fee for the event but space is limited.