U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop casts early ballot in Albany on Tuesday

ALBANY — Asked what the biggest issues were in this year’s congressional campaign, U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop was quick to list “costs, inflation, the economy and health care.”

The Albany Democrat, first elected to the House in 1992, who was in town to cast his ballot on the second day of early voting at the Albany Civic Center, said that Congress has been working to address those issues. Bishop is facing Chris West, a Republican from Thomasville, in the general election this fall.

Those efforts include money for states, counties and cities to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, including critical money for projects such as water and sewer system improvements, and most recently the Inflation Reduction Act, which among other things lowers prescription costs for insulin.

“I think the efforts we are taking to lower costs are working,” said the congressman, who has signed onto a bill to eliminate the federal gasoline tax. “There are a number of measures we are taking, short term and long term, that will lower the costs for everyone. The good thing is we are the number one economy in the world. Every country is experiencing inflation.”

The legislation places a $35 cap on monthly costs for insulin for Medicare patients, and sets an annual cap on medicine costs of $2,000 per year.

“It’s a big help for a lot of folks, particularly in this area,” Bishop said.

Previous legislation delivered millions of dollars to grade schools and colleges and universities, and this included laptops, tablets and internet hotspots for students during the pandemic, he said. Congress also has invested in providing high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas.

“I am passionate (that) every child, every business, every individual should reach their full potential, including those in rural areas,” he said.

The veteran representative also pointed to a $3 billion farm relief package he worked across the aisle on with U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, a Georgia Republican, that assisted farmers, communities and agribusinesses in picking up the pieces after the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018.

As a member, and only Georgian, on the Appropriations Committee, as well as agriculture and military subcommittees, Bishop said he is in a position, and has the experience, to help secure funding for the region.

“I certainly hope voters will extend my contract for another two years,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for jobs, a better economy, education and health care, and national defense. I believe my experience stands out.”

Bishop encouraged voters to cast ballots during the early voting period, which runs through Nov. 4 ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

“I think it’s important to vote early,” he said. “You never know what might happen. Sometimes emergencies take place on election day. I would encourage people to vote. It’s a sacred trust.”

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
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