hospital facilities who have to deal with this problem yet try to give their patients the best care they can. He proposed that an annual census would be more practical than a day to day census. Brownback agreed.

 The question was asked from the floor if the Senator would accept the nomination to run for on the Republician ticket for Vice President if John McCain would offer it to him. While he would be honored, Senator Brownback said, he didn't get along too well running for President. So, while he respects Senator McCain and works well with him, he likes the job he has now and feels he would probably do more good serving on the Senate Committees he is on now.

 James Hurley, Beloit resident, asked why there is such a variation in gas and oil prices in different countries in the world. He told of hearing of people going across the border into Mexico where gas is about $1 a gallon cheaper than in the states. He also wanted to knowwhy gas prices are from 11 to 18 $ higher in other countries than it is here.

 Senator Brownback explained that in some places in Europe there is an equivilent of up to $4 tax on oil. Healso said these countries may have long term contracts that dictate what they charge for gasoline. Richard Montgomery, President of the Farmway Credit Union asked if there is more or a likely hood of something happening to allow more off shore drilling.  Brownback said there is probably more of a better chance of that happening than in the past. 

He said in general the Republicans in Congress support offshore drillingand most of the Democrats are against it. While the United States demand foroil is fairly stable, the global demand for oil is fluxuating up and down. Chilna and India are the cause of some of this, he said. In the past 20 years citizens of those countries have gone from riding a bicycle to riding on mo-peds and are now driving cars and using more fuel.

 Brownback said if  the City and County have any specific projects they are working on and need help with to let his office know. City Administrator, Doug Gerber, thanked the Senator and his office for their support in helping the City of Beloit to get funding for the Municiple Airport.

 With all of the different energy sources available in the State today, Brownback said he feels we have the best opportunity we have had to take advantage of these sources. Getting a quarter of the gasoline market from these alternative fuels instead of exporting these dollars overseas would make a big difference.  

 When asked about his feelings concerning global warning and it's impact on the world today, Brownback said there definately seems to a climate change taking place, more in the northern than in the southern hemisphere.

Most of the scientists agree it is caused by a combination of man made and natural causes. They all agree it is prudent to reduce CO2 emissions if we can. He feels the best way to do this is through technology.

 The Senator says he is very concerned about the outcome of the upcoming elections as the wrong decisions could move the Supreme Court back ten years. Asked about gay marrages, the Senator had very definate concerns about what is happening around the country on this issue. He said for the good of future generations, we need to fight hard to keep marriage a union between one man and one woman who make a lifelong commitment to each other.

Bob Lampert, President of the First National Band ask why congress won't let the general public vote on this issue. Brownback said there are narrow interest groups who oppose this action and they put time and money in to keeping this out of the public's hands. Most people who believe in this cause are not politically active and don't donate money and time to fight for the issues they believe in.

"Lets remember one thing," Brownback said, "while this country has a lot of problems, it is still the greatest country in the world to live in."

 Leaving Beloit, Brownback moved on to Lincoln to speak to constituants in that area.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback stopped in Beloit today for a short visit with constituents before continuing on to his next stop. About 25 people gathered at the Porter House Coffee Shop this afternoon to hear Brownback speak and ask questions about issues concerning this area as well as, our nation as a whole. 

 The Senator introduced his staff member John Hurmel and Chuck Banks, president of the Farm Home Administration, now called the USDA Rural Development Administration who were traveling with him on his tour. 

 After shaking hands with those present, the Senator chose to discuss the Energy Crisis first before opening the floor for questions. He talked about the crude oil reserves in the United States and ways to address the issue in the near term, mid-term and long term market.

In the near term Senator Brownback said, we need to get the speculative money out of the oil market because this is what is driving the oil market up in this country. We also need to address the issue of them drivng up the oil market globally. If their interference continues, the prices will continue to rise even more than they are at the present time.

In the mid term, Senator Brownback said, this country needs to produce more fuel. The senator feels this should include ethnolol made from grain as well as cellulosive fuel. We need to produce more coal related energy, as well as wind power and nucular fuel  He feels there is a place for all of these energy sources.We need to permit more off shore drilling but do it in an envoiramentally sound way.

 The Senator showed graphs of the Western U.S. oil shale deposits in several northwestern states that the government has made off limits. He is very concerned about what effect this coming election will have on this issue. He feels there will be more hybrid vehicles and electric powered cars in the next 2 years.

 The Senator veels we need to take advantage of all the diverse energy sources available in this country. Without Bio-fuel, gas prices would be 40 to 50 cents higher than it is now. He recommends stopping all the negative talk about bio-fuel and work on producing it more effeciently.

 David Dick, Administrator of the Mitchell County Health Care Systems, asked about problems dealing with health care in rural areas of the country. Brownback was not aware of some of the issues Dick brought up such as how hard it is for Critical Access Hospitals to deal with their daily census and balance their care to fit the size of the census. Dick said it really stresses out local