On its trek across the nation the Patients First Hands Off My Health Care bus was in Louisiana earlier this week and made a stop in St. Tammany Monday morning.

At the rally, which was held Monday morning in front of the St.Tammany Justice Center, Kerri Toloczko spoke to the small crowd that gathered about the most current health care bills before the legislature.

“What they are doing and what they are saying are two different things,” Toloczko said in her speech.

The Patients First Hands Off My Health Care bus made a stop at the St.Tammany Justice Center Monday morning. (Staff Photo by Suzanne Le Breton)

She warned people to read the full bill before making a decision.

“We need to make sure everything we do focuses on patients and not bureaucrats,” she added.

Those present were invited to sign a petition urging legislators to oppose any legislation imposing greater government control over health care.

Toloczko said if approved the proposed bill would severely limit what doctors American could go to and would give bureaucrats the power to decide when someone can visit a doctor. The petition urges lawmakers to “protect patients freedom” and expand “health care options with real reforms – focused on patients and not on politics.”

“At the end of the day Congress has to make a calculation,” Toloczko said. “They know people don’t like this. They have to decide if they are going to vote for their constituents or not.”

She urged those present to spread the word.

“Share your knowledge and be as active as you can,” she said.

Many of those who came out Monday were older residents, who were not only worried about the care they will receive if this bill passes, but also of the future of health care in America.

When asked why she was signing the petition, Gerry Lambert of Mandeville said it was “for my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, so they may have the same life that I have had, which has been a great one.”

Betty Ross of Covington suggested that may of the leaders who will vote on the bill are not aware of the actual wording they are voting on.

“To have a bill like this and expect us to read this is ridiculous. Our senators and representatives need to read it,” she said.

Toloczko said Americans could expect Congress to vote on this bill around Veteran’s Day, which does not give those in opposition much time to get the word out to the people who have the power to vote.

“I urge people to write letters to newspaper editors and call legislators,” she said. “We are in the final stretch.”

She said even if the conservative Republicans regain power in the next election, it “would be difficult to overturn this bill.

“Not only do the republicans need to get back in the majority, they need to grow spines,” Toloczko said.

Nancy Graham said she was upset more people did not turn out the rally.

From Covington, the bus headed to Metairie Monday afternoon and then headed to Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles Tuesday before leaving the state.