Lt. Gov. Bauer does his job well

By DARRELL JACKSON

Guest columnist

In the past, The State has run some editorials and columns that have questioned the leadership of our lieutenant governor, Andre Bauer, a stance with which I must disagree.

I bring this up in part because one column by Cindi Ross Scoppe questioned the action we took as lawmakers to move the Office on Aging from the large Department of Health and Human Services to the lieutenant governor’s office, where it would stand alone and receive the attention it deserves.

Our Department of Health and Human Services is basically a big insurance company for those needing Medicaid (anywhere from pregnant women to some elderly); the Office on Aging is providing services to our senior population. She called the action moving the office “nonsensical,” but offers no support for that. I find that assumption and conclusion way off-base.

And I do not agree with her statement that the office of lieutenant governor is “useless.” I happen to believe the work this lieutenant governor is doing is very important to the public. I know firsthand that the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging, now under Andre Bauer, is accomplishing much, because I hear about these things from my constituents.

For example, last year we passed the Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Program bill, which will increase the number of specialists in our state to help prevent and treat the diseases of our senior population. This was passed, in part, because of the unrelenting effort of the lieutenant governor.

Let me cite a few more accomplishments under the lieutenant governor. The long-term care ombudsman program was expanded to create five new ombudsmen to maintain a watch over seniors who are in residential care facilities, as well as public and private nursing homes. By the way, this was done without new money from the budget.

Also, Lt. Gov. Bauer worked with the AARP and the Silver-Haired Legislature to create a volunteer ombudsman program that will put trained volunteers in nursing homes to help ensure the quality of care for our vulnerable adults. For the reasons stated above (and others), I am glad I supported moving the Office on Aging under Lt. Gov. Bauer.

I have worked with Andre Bauer for several years now and have found him to be not only hardworking for the people of our state, but as fair as anyone I have ever worked with when presiding over the Senate. This includes people from both parties. I have watched him make rulings based on principle, time after time, and believe we should give credit where credit is due.

Frankly, that is why I as a Democrat am supporting Andre in the next election. I believe that some things should transcend partisan politics. He has proven to be honest and fair in presiding over the Senate, and has been a tireless advocate for improving the lives of our senior population.

Andre Bauer does understand the proper role of lieutenant governor, and he is doing what he is supposed to be doing.

Sen. Jackson represents Richland County in the S.C. Senate.

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