Health care and economic development in Augusta were topics of discussion for U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., at an Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Augusta class on Thursday.
About 50 people gathered at The Boathouse on Riverfront Drive on Thursday afternoon to hear what issues Mr. Broun, of Athens, plans to tackle in the upcoming legislative session in Washington.
Mr. Broun represents the 10th Congressional District, which includes Columbia, McDuffie and Lincoln counties and part of Richmond County.
"Health care came up time and time again. It's a huge issue," Mr. Broun said. "We can lower cost and make it more affordable, but we have to put people in the forefront for making the decisions, not insurance companies."
Throughout the year, Leadership Augusta invites politicians from various branches of government to visit the group and speak, said Chris James, chairman of Leadership Augusta.
"The mayor came out earlier today," Mr. James said. "We invite officials from local, state and federal government to see how what they do will impact our work and lives."
Expanding the interstate system in Augusta could have a major effect on the industry and people of Augusta, Mr. Broun said, adding that a highway that would link Savannah, Ga.; Augusta; and Knoxville, Tenn., could greatly improve economic development.
The expansion could also help to raise the profiles of noted Augusta hospitals, namely Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Doctors Hospital, Mr. Broun said.
Pending re-election in the Republican primaries in July, Mr. Broun said he hopes he can move forward with his vision for Augusta.
"I see Augusta as a jewel that needs to be fostered," he said. "It should really be promoted to be a destination for military veterans and civilians throughout the world."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
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