Editorial: Trading barbs is only waste of time

Sunday, July 9, 2000 | 10:51 a.m.

Partisan gridlock has prevented Congress from passing a prescription drug coverage plan for seniors and the disabled. In contrast even Democratic members of the Nevada Legislature supported Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan in 1999 to establish a limited prescription drug benefit for seniors.

But times have quickly changed. A health care task force, which includes Democratic Assemblywomen Barbara Buckley and Vivian Freeman, has blocked Guinn's proposal from going forward. The members believe the governor should offer more details -- and take more input from seniors -- before asking insurance companies to offer their proposals to provide drug benefits. Guinn's staff says they're willing to take public input, but they also have derided the task force, saying it had its chance to help but now only offers obstacles.

Guinn's first proposal was a clunker -- out of 800 companies only one showed an interest, and even that firm was ultimately disqualified. The governor should take up the offer from Buckley, who is an expert on health care issues, and get together to see what plans will work the best. Political gamesmanship only will hinder, not resolve, this important issue.