Parker Griffith

The Economy

Griffith took some flak in September 2009 when he introduced a bill that would allow businesses that had received small-business contracts from the government to continue to bid for them, even if the firms had grown to Fortune-500 size companies. Critics feared the bill would actually benefit big companies.

The American Small Business League and several state chambers of commerce came out against it and backed a counter-proposal by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) to bar large businesses from small-business contracts.

In general, Griffith supports reducing government spending in order to stem the national debt. He would rather stimulate the economic through measured tax increases, such as a March 2009 bill he sponsored to exempt property acquired or disposed of in 2009 or 2010 from capital-gains taxes

Health Care

Griffith is a former radiation oncologist who agrees the health-care system needs reform. However, he fiercely opposed a public option. "Health care reform is the most important issue currently before Congress...I remain firm on my health care principles and will not vote for a government-run public option or the taxing of benefits," said Griffith.

He also supports medical liability reforms, including caps on civil damages, which were not included in the original House-passed legislation.

He favors market-based reforms, such as making it easier for insurance plans to compete across state lines and allowing small businesses to bid for care. In Griffith's opinion, any health-care reform plan should give consumers access to multiple choices.

During a townhall meeting in August 2009, Griffith reiterated his disagreement with the health-care reform bill sponsored by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.).

"The public option is unnecessary if we reform the private health insurance industry," he said.

"The insurance companies have got to cross state lines for bids," said Griffith. "They cannot disallow someone with a pre-existing illness, they can't overrate somebody for age, and we have got to allow small businessmen to join together with other small businessmen to get a bid for insurance. All of that brings the cost down."

"The average guy on the street" should have access to multiple plan choices, Griffith said.

Griffith has also been active in many health-policy issues besides reform. In May 2009, he introduced a bill encouraging public schools to design their buildings to accommodate children with asthma. The bill passes the House unanimously that month.

He also sponsored a June 2009 bill to enhance national databases on cancer patients and incidence, and to increase federal assistance to uninsured individuals upon their first diagnosis with cancer.

Veterans' Issues

Griffith co-sponsored eight bills in the 111th Congress pertaining to assistance for military veterans. Those bills include widening eligibility requirements for disability compensation, increasing aid for veterans with Parkinson's Disease, establishing new Veterans Administration physical-therapy programs, and expanding mental-health outreach for veterans.

He is also co-sponsor of a February 2009 fund increase to the Veterans Administration's health-services programs. The bill passed the House in June 2009.

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