Health care and immigration took center stage during a legislative update meeting hosted by U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, Aug. 21 at the Jewish Community Center, Allentown.

During the first half of the meeting, Dent's responses to questions involving the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, were marked by heckling from audience members and sharp outbursts.

"Truthfully, my office has not received much information from Health and Human Services," Dent said of ACA. "This implementation is not going well."

"I agree this health care law is fatally flawed," Dent added.

"What does that mean," a woman in the audience quickly shouted back.

"The health care law is raising costs, it is harming job creation, it is disrupting coverages and it is stifling innovation," Dent said. "The individual health care market is being destroyed."

Dent then redirected attention to defunding the health care law, a movement led by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican. Bryan Eichfeld, of Hellertown, who labeled Dent as too moderate, recommended Dent pursue such a course of action.

"The tactic to defund the law doesn't get you to the goal or the outcome you desire," Dent said, arguing President Barack Obama will make it a priority to fund the law one way or the other.

Eric Goldman of Allentown, who works in the health and human services field, asked Dent why more time is not being devoted to the smaller parts of the bill. Goldman said his concern is how the health care law affects the average, working person in America.

Dent said he, along with other representatives, are looking at the provision in the bill that defines what a part-time worker is. Under ACA, a part-time employee is anyone who works 30 hours or less a week.

"We want to change that definition," Dent said. "I want to make sure people can still work."

Dent also said the current immigration system is in need of repair. He said he wants to ensure those who have a desire to move to the United States to work, can do so and meaningfully contribute to America.

Dent said a major problem with immigration policy involves allowable Visa numbers as set forth by the government.

"If Visa caps are too low to get here legally, they [immigrants] will find a way to get here illegally," Dent said. "We have to make sure caps on Visas are high enough to allow for lawful workers."

While progress has been made in the area of immigration, Dent said work still needs to be done.

"We are doing a good job, but we are not where we should be" Dent said.

Dent recommended an immigration bill that deals specifically with agricultural workers and utilizes terminal degree holders to find useful employment. He also said he supports a means that would allow for children brought here illegally to become citizens.

"Most immigrants are trying to come here for a better life," Dent said.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, Lori McFarland, of Allentown, who serves as a teacher in the Allentown School District, replaced the political angst and discord dominating the meeting earlier with light humor. McFarland complimented Dent on his service, appearance and recommended he remain a voice for moderation within his party.

"You're very popular and you're very handsome," she said. "You're not going to lose your seat. Continue to come to the table. Be reasonable. Turn Fox News off."