With 800,000 people in Tennessee not having insurance, Sen. Bob Corker would like to see a comprehensive health care plan in place by August 7 when the Senate takes its summer recess.

Corker was in Madisonville Monday as part of a Monroe County Chamber of Commerce presentation to meet with the public, discuss recent happenings in Washington and address any concerns the public might have.

"I want to see health care reform take place," Corker said. "I think everyone does. That's not the debate. The debate is whether to build it off the private sector or do it publicly."

Corker said a publicly funded health plan would attract small businesses, creating an uneven playing field for the private sector.

"One idea is to create a co-op where everybody contributed," Corker said. "Small businesses could buy into it and save money. Another idea being floated around is pay or play, where businesses who don't offer health care would pay more taxes."

Corker did say that some companies offer "Cadillac plans," which are probably better than anything the government would put together.

"I hope the administration will come up with a bipartisan plan," Corker said. "The Democrats have enough votes to pass whatever they want, but I hope they'll take all sides into account and pass something that preserves the private sector, provides for others and will stand the test of time."

Corker also commentated on the economic downturn, saying he feels things are starting to look better.

"Things will still be tough for a while," he said. "People's savings had gone into the negative area and now they're building them back up, which will be good in the long run. But we'll come out of this and be stronger in the end.

"Still, I understand there are families just trying to hang on," Corker added. "And I know there are some not succeeding. And we haven't even begun to work on Medicare and social security. We need to make sure any health care bill doesn't add to these already growing costs."

Corker also addressed audience concerns about the treatment of veterans, abstinence only education and reliance on foreign energy (oil).

"We need to be moving forward with nuclear energy," Corker said. "I'm all for whatever form of energy can work. Bring on the wind, solar or whatever else. We need to create our own energy."

Corker mentioned a recent overseas junket, stating it only took going to another country to realize how good life is in America.

"This is a great country," he said, "and it has become that way through the free enterprise system. I'd like to see it stay that way."

michael.thomason@advocateanddemocrat.com | 442-4575