Peace Progress
A Monthly 97th District Update
September 2009
In this issue:
v Message from Chris
v Get Involved
v Mark Your Calendars
v Campaign Finance Deadline
v Constituent Services
v New Media Services
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Message from Chris
While the current debate rages in Washington over Health Care Reform, as your delegate and a member of the House Health Committee, I believe it important to offer my thoughts on the state of Virginia's health care and how Virginia may be affected by Federal action.
Improvements in our health care system are needed across Virginia. For the past four years I have been a voice on our committee advocating greater access to health care, especially in the more rural parts of our district. I want to return to Richmond to fight to give you access to health insurance that's affordable and portable so you own it and don't have to lose your coverage if you lose or change jobs. This feature is critical in a modern economy. Of course Virginians should have more choices of more affordable health insurance and lower cost options for health care. And I will fight for changes that make sure Virginians can get the health insurance they need.
But Virginians deserve better than a federal government dictating to the General Assembly what it thinks is the answer to our problems. The one size fits all approach to health care will only lead to higher taxes, long lines at the doctor's office, and reduced quality of care.
Only we as citizens know what is right for ourselves and our budgets. Government should allow us to make our own choices. The health of Virginians must not suffer as a result of government intervention, but that is what will happen if the federal government gets involved in deciding what medical treatments we can or cannot have. That is a real risk we are facing today with greater government involvement in health care decisions.
Instead, as your delegate, I will strive to preserve and expand access to the highest quality health coverage for Virginia families through greater community based options and increased personal ownership of more affordable health insurance.
Your State House Republicans are likewise committed to expanding and preserving access to the highest quality health care to the families of Virginia. Adopting a long term approach to providing and securing cost-effective care requires examining new and diverse options and solutions. As spending on programs like Medicaid increases, House Republicans are committed to providing administrative and consumer-focused reforms at the state level. As our population shifts, long-term care must be addressed through greater community-based options and increased personal ownership of health care.
Past legislative accomplishments include making health care more affordable for small businesses, encouraging Virginians to purchase private long-term care insurance, enhancing personal responsibility, expanding utilization of technology to increase safety, funding mental health services, empowering individuals to manage their health care, and reforming Medicaid to better meet patient needs while containing the expenditure growth.
Flexible Benefits Health Insurance - HB 2024 (2009)
Reduces the number of uninsured Virginians by allowing small businesses the flexibility to offer affordable health insurance plans through greater choice of level of coverage.
Since 1999, health insurance costs have risen 129% and 84% since 2001 forcing small business owners to cut health plans while preventing others from offering any in the first place.
Small Business Insurance Pools - HB 761 (2006)
Allowed small businesses to pool together in cooperatives to offer coverage of health care services.
Providing small businesses with purchasing clout, bargaining power and wider coverage selection assist the entrepreneurs who employ nearly 65% of workers in Virginia.
Long-Term Health Care - HB 786 & HB 759 (2006)
Encouraged the purchase of private long-term care health insurance through tax credits and public-private long-term care partnership programs.
Because the future demand for long-term care services is expected to rise, Virginians need to plan ahead to ensure that the widest array and highest quality of services will be available.
Electronic Health Records - HB 2198 (2007) & HB 2044 (2009)
Facilitated the continued proliferation and interoperability of electronic health records.
Electronic health records will help to eradicate the preventable medical errors that kill up to 98,000 Americans every year.
Affordable Health Care - HB 397 (2008)
Increases affordable care by removing certain limitations on the deductibles that a health maintenance organization may require enrollees to pay.
Increasing flexibility in payment requirements allows Virginia's access to more affordable health care services.
Expanded Access to Health Care - HB 5002 (2006)
Expanded access to and support of Virginia's 34 community health centers and 47 free clinics.
Since 2000, American workers have seen an 87% increase in premiums and these health centers and free clinics deliver critical health care services to low-income Virginians.
Price Transparency - HB 603 (2008)
Required health insurance carriers to disclose the amount that the carrier is required to pay to the provider for health care services.
Adding greater transparency to the cost of health care services allows patients to make more cost effective care decisions without sacrificing quality service.
Comprehensive Mental Health Reform - HB 499, HB 559, HB 560 & HB 815 (2008)
Provided sweeping reforms to Virginia's mandatory outpatient treatment laws by closing the gaps in the mental health system exposed in the Virginia Tech tragedy.
Revising Virginia's commitment standard, requiring attendance at commitment hearings and closing firearm loopholes helped bolster Virginia's mental health system.
Support for Mental Health - HB 1650 (2007), HB 1600 & HB 2674 (2009)
Funded over 800 additional community mental retardation waiver slots while establishing a goal of eliminating the urgent care waiting list, increases in inpatient psychiatric hospital services and health care coverage of low-income expectant mothers.
Support for Virginia's 40 Community Service Boards and 16 state facilities as well as pre-natal care for low-income mothers continue to be funding priorities for House Republicans.
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Mark Your Calendars
Caroline:
September 19, 2009- Madison Ruritan Club (Ladysmith, VA) Crab-Shrimp Festival - l:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., All you can eat! Crabs, steamed shrimp, hot dogs, hushpuppies. Includes beverages Beer, Tea, Soda. Adult Tickets $25.00, Child 6-12 $12.00. Advance Tickets only. No refunds, No coolers. Tickets Call 804-448-3111 or 804-448-0587. Tickets sold at Hair Jungle and Ladysmith Pharmacy. Information, call 804-448-3111 or 804-448-0587.
Hanover:
Saturday, October 3 10AM to 2PM Pole Green Park, Join Hanover County Parks and Recreation for this free, fun festival geared for children ages 10 and under. Activities will include: Arts & Crafts, Games, Face Painting, Entertainment, Inflatables, Petting Zoo, Amusement Rides, Demonstrations, Interactive Exhibits, And much more...No pre-registration is necessary, just come and have lots of fun!
Henrico:
Bark in the Park. For all ages. The Division of Recreation and Parks is teaming up with the Henrico Humane Society to offer the third Annual Bark in the Park. Bring your best furry friend and enjoy a day of fun-filled family activities. Enjoy musical entertainment by the Atkinsons, who will keep the crowd entertained with their perfectly blended mix of alt-country rock'n roll. Activities include an expo of local pet vendors, products, and services, a pet costume contest, children's activities, and more! The event will begin with a 2K for Paws Walk. The first 200 dogs registered for the 2K will receive a free bandana. There is a $25 registration fee for the 2K for Paws Walk. For more information on the 2K, please call the Henrico Humane Society at 262-6634 or visit their website at www.henricohumane.org. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Jeannie Murray, 501-5121. Sat, Sept 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain date: Sun, Sept 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Deep Run Park. Free admission.
King and Queen:
2008 Northern Neck Food & Harvest Festival. September 27 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Stratford Hall. Celebrate the fall season with a fun festival for the whole family. Features: Bluegrass bands featuring the Mark Newton Band, Food including barbeque, hamburgers and Crab Dawgs!, Wine tasting including souvenir glass (must be 21), Chocolate-making demonstration in the kitchen outbuilding, Kids activities: petting zoo, face painting, Colonial games & more, Regional artisans & craftsmen. Vendors include "Virginia's Finest", Hayrides, Gristmill tours and much, much more! $5 for adults and $3 for children. Admission for members of the Friends of Stratford is free. (Great House tours and wine tasting not included in the festival admission price.) Visit www.StratfordHall.org for complete details. Vendors wishing to exhibit should contact Jim Schepmoes at (804) 493-8038 x 8119 or email to: jschepmoes@stratfordhall.org
King William:
The King William County Republican Committee in collaboration with the Hanover, King and Queen and New Kent committees will be hosting a barbeque on Saturday, September 19 from 4-6 PM at King William Commerce Park, 115 Commerce Park Dr, Suite E, Manquin, VA. Admission: $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. Call for tickets at 804-314-0433, 804-337-7207.
New Kent:
September 6 Festival of Flight, 10 am to 3 pm Fly In and Open House at New Kent Airport. Aircraft Displays: Antique, Classic, Contemporary, Home Built, Light Sport and Ultra Lights; New Kent Fire and Rescue; New Kent Sheriff's Office; Prizes; Food and beverages. Sponsored by New Kent Aviation, W96 Pilots Group and the Civilian Air Patrol Squadron oung Eagles: 10 am to 1 pm Free flights for ages 8 to 17.
Spotsylvania:
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Constituent Services
I am always happy to assist residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my constituents and the state.
My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. I encourage you to contact us. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth.
I may be reached at:
Capitol Office:
PO Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804-698-1097
Fax: 804-698-6797
District Office:
7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: 804-730-3737
Fax: 804-730-5049
E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
***Please make note of the legislative e-mail address change. To insure consistency among all Virginia government entities, the General Assembly of Virginia is changing all website and email addresses from the 'state.va.us' naming convention to virginia.gov. Therefore our new e-mail address is delcpeace@house.virginia.gov |
Campaign Finance Deadline:
The August Filing Deadline is Today August 31, 2009
Tonight at midnight is the August filing deadline.
In order to have a strong showing, please help me by donating online today.
Please make your secure online donation by visiting our website at http://chrispeace.com/contribute/.
Your donation today is critical to my success in this race.
Friends of Chris Peace
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Please visit my campaign web site for more information at: www.chrispeace.com.
Thank you for your support of our future. Together we can win this fight.
I look forward to hearing from you in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Chris Peace
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New Media Services
If you have not done so already, please visit my NEW REDESIGNED website :
Facebook: www.facebook.com
If you are a member of Facebook, please login and sign on as a supporter on my page. You may find my supporter page: Christopher K. Peace by using the search box in the top right-hand corner of the main page after you login. Once on the page, click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.
For General Assembly Session Updates please visit the following websites:
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