Congresswoman helps constituents in need

While canvassing to get out the vote, I met with a neighbor and a long-time friend. I told him what I was doing, encouraging everyone to vote. "Why bother?" he asked. "I voted for Trump and nothing ever changes. Nothing good is happening for my family."

His sister is a single 40-year-old mom who has fourth-stage ovarian cancer and is undergoing chemo treatment. Now she can't work and she has a 10-year-old son. Her family is trying to pay some of her bills and bring them food, but she didn't know how she could possibly pay the medical bills she's still accumulating. His sister had applied twice for Medicare/Medicaid and was refused both times.

I told him that Medicare/Medicaid services are set up specifically for folks in need like her. Lauren Underwood is constantly focused on providing her constituents with the benefits they deserve, reducing the cost of affordable health care for all of us, reducing drug costs and protecting those of us with preexisting conditions. (I'm a breast cancer survivor myself.)

She's also working to pass a livable minimum wage bill and end "socialism-for-corporation" policies that benefit employers who pay workers so little that they require Medicaid and food stamps.

I advised him to speak with Lauren Underwood's Woodstock office, which he did. Lauren's people re-examined the case, straightened out the miscommunications and reapplied for the benefits due his sister. Within a month, she was receiving the Medicare/Medicaid benefits she was entitled to.

Recently, I got a thank you call from him. I said "Don't thank me." Just vote for Lauren Underwood for Congress and tell your friends." We can count on her and she deserves our vote in November.

Susan Rosner

Marengo