Concern about health care reform continues to dominate letters received by Utah’s congressional delegation,

And they’re still worried about the proposed cap and trade legislation.

But Utahns are also writing about the flap created by ACORN (the Association of Community Organizations to Reform Now).

ACORN began in 1970, and is now the nation’s largest community organization of low and moderate income families working together for social justice and stronger communities, according to its website.

The organization came under scrutiny recently when hidden camera videos were released showing ACORN workers appearing to offer tax advice to a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute.

Both Rep. Rob Bishop and Sen. Bob Bennett report receiving letters from Utahns angry about the videos depicting unlawful conduct within the organization.

On Sept 17, Sen. Bennett joined a number of his colleagues to introduce the “Protect Taxpayers from ACORN Act” which would prohibit any federal funds, contracts or grants from going to ACORN or any affiliated groups.

Bennett said the legislation rejects sending more taxpayer money to ACORN, “whose employees have multiple convictions of undermining our democratic process, our laws and our good faith.”

Bennett said, “I am appalled by what appears to be the unlawful actions of several ACORN employees. Currently, a number of state district attorney offices are in the process of investigating the alleged illegal activities of ACORN.

“I support these state investigations into what appears to be ACORN's blatant disregard for the law. I am continuing to address this issue and will work to ensure that ACORN is investigated and does not receive any further government funds.”

Bishop, Bennett and Hatch all continue to receive letters concerning the health care reform debate.

Hatch said, Utahns “are concerned about the price tag associated with plans being bandied about in Congress, as well as having the government between them and their own doctors.

“The majority are concerned that at a time when government-run programs like Medicare and Medicaid are on a path to fiscal insolvency, the last thing they want is another big federal spending program.”

Bennett has received well over 1,000 letters, emails and phone calls during September voicing opposition to President Obama’s health care priorities, his speech to Congress and opposition to a government-run plan.

Bennett has sponsored his own health care reform bill with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called the Healthy American Act — the only bi-partisan health care bill in Congress, which Bennett said is deficit neutral, but which will provide accessible, affordable and portable health insurance for every American.

Bennett said his plan would allow choice for Americans, portability of their plans, tax reform, encourage healthy behavior and competition between insurance companies based on price, quality and benefits.

Hatch and Bishop also continue to receive letters on the proposed so-called cap and trade legislation which is supposed to limit carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use. The bill is in the Senate awaiting a vote. But all three men believe it will result in higher energy costs.

Bennett, Hatch and Bishop are all opposed to the bill, and letters they are receiving show their constituents are too.

Hatch said, he’s received a lot of mail from people opposed to the bill. “Their concerns helped solidify the creation of a Cap and Trade Forum I held at the State Capitol over the August recess to give Utahns a chance to participate in discussing this issue in detail.”

mwilliams@davisclipper.com