The problem of Americans without health insurance is a decades-old issue in national politics that both major political parties over the years have vowed to solve.

Unfortunately, the problem still lingers, and gets worse, as a newly released report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unfortunately reconfirms.

According to the CDC, uninsured American adults numbered 43.6 million last year — a 6 percent increase from 2005. Meanwhile, the number of uninsured children increased to 6.8 million from 6.5 million — a small increase, but an unacceptable increase all the same.

Nearly all of the increase among adults was in the nonelderly adult population. Experts put the blame for that on diminishing employer coverage and increasingly expensive private insurance.

Rising health insurance costs have caused some employers to drop coverage, and have stopped some people from buying it privately, experts say.

Affordability then is a key point for this nation to address amid the promises and ideas that are usually free-flowing at election time. The lack of success in significantly reducing the scope of the problem over the years confirms the complexity of the issue, indicating that Americans should not be optimistic about a deep reduction in the numbers of uninsured anytime soon.

The CDC is one of at least three federal agencies that provide estimates on the number of Americans without health insurance. As an article in the June 27 Butler Eagle pointed out, the Census Bureau puts out what is perhaps the best-known number, but the bureau's estimate isn't scheduled for release until next month.

Hopefully its estimate will provide more of a basis for optimism, but don't be surprised if it doesn't, since insurance costs have continued to rise.

Butler County Community College merits positive notice for allowing United Way of Butler County to make its home there on a temporary basis.The United Way office, which is based in the former commander's house on the grounds of the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center, is undergoing about a two-week paint-removal and repainting project.Making the temporary move necessary was the fact that the paint being removed is asbestos-based paint that was applied in the 1960s, prior to the time when health concerns with asbestos were identified.Because there would be the potential for United Way workers to be exposed to asbestos particles during the removal process, it was necessary for the agency to find other accommodations."Luckily, BC3 generously offered us a home until we can go back," said Leslie Osche, United Way executive director.It was indeed a neighborly gesture on the college's part.As noted in an article about the painting project in Thursday's Butler Eagle, those wishing to get in touch with United Way during its stay at BC3 should call 724-712-3964 or e-mail butler.unitedway@zoominternet.net.United Way's commitment and mission remain solidly in place despite the temporary inconveniences associated with the painting project. Also solidly in place is the college's intent to be a good, helpful neighbor, as well as carry out its educational objectives.

Butler County Commissioner James Kennedy was wrong in chiding Controller Jack McMillin's decision to abstain from voting on making permanent the position of grant writer/criminal justice planner.At the time, both men were serving in their capacity as county salary board members.McMillin correctly abstained from voting because he is related to the person holding that position, Charles Fleischer. Had McMillin voted, he would have opened himself to valid criticism regarding a potential conflict of interest.Kennedy, by virtue of his numerous years as an elected official, is well aware of the necessity for officials to be careful in the way they exercise their votes. It was wrong for him to criticize McMillin's decision — a decision that Kennedy himself should have been expected to make if he were the one who was related to Fleischer.Kennedy said the vote was about the job, not about the person who serves in it — and he was correct on that point.But McMillin's decision was nevertheless correct, and Kennedy should acknowledge that fact.