The Kansas chapter of AARP is unhappy with U.S. Sen. Sam Browback, R-Kan., who voted against a bill to prevent a 10.6 cut in reimbursements to health officials to treat Medicare patients. The measure eventually passed over President Bush’s veto.Of Kansas’ six member congressional delegation, only Brownback voted against the bill. He was also the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote to sustain Bush’s veto.At a news conference last week with U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and representatives of major health care groups, Brownback was criticized for his vote.”To Sen. Brownback … the only member of the Kansas congressional delegation to vote against improving Medicare, we are sadly disappointed in your refusal to assist your fellow Kansans with something as important as affordable health care,” said Kansas’ AARP state president David Wilson.When asked whether his fellow Republican made a bad choice, Roberts declined to comment.”Sen. Brownback had his own position and I’m sure he could clarify that,” Roberts said.Brownback stated one of the reasons he opposed the bill was that “a number of employer organizations have expressed concern that the legislation will cut payments to Medicare plans that offer coverage to their retired workers.”Under the approved bill, the cut in Medicare reimbursements will be prevented by reducing subsidies paid to private insurance companies that provide the alternative Medicare Advantage.

Jenkins gains more endorsements

Lynn Jenkins’ campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes west Lawrence, released a list of 107 city and county officials throughout the district who have endorsed her bid.Included in that group is Douglas County Commissioner Bob Johnson.Jenkins, who is currently state treasurer, faces Jim Ryun, a former congressman, in the Aug. 5 primary. The winner will go against U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, in November.