Key Senate staffer to discuss health care reform at Graham Center

April 10, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With health care reform high on President Obama’s agenda, one of the critical policymakers in that area is coming to Gainesville to discuss the possible changes.

Kristine Blackwood, chief counsel for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, will talk about “Health Care Reform in an Aging America” at 7 p.m. Monday in the Pugh Hall Ocora. No tickets are required for the event.

“Kristine Blackwood is one of the key inside players in Congress’ current effort to reform health care,” said Michael T. Heaney, an assistant professor of political science. “As Obama and Congress tackle health care, they will need to pay close attention to the needs of the aged, who are counting on Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care. Blackwood’s talk will shed light on where Congress is likely to make progress — and fail to make progress — on these debates in the near future.”

Before joining the Aging Committee, Blackwood spent two years as an investigative counsel for John Dingell, former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has authorizing jurisdiction over the Department of Health and Human Services and its programs. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Blackwood was an attorney at the Department of Justice for more than 12 years, most recently as an attorney adviser in the Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs.

The Graham Center for Public Service provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet policymakers and take courses in critical thinking, language learning and studies of world cultures. Its mission is to foster public leadership and solve issues related to the Americas and homeland security. It also serves as a magnet to attract distinguished scholars and speakers to Florida.