Please Spay or Neuter your pets.......

This is an example of an "in-bread" kitten......

Why is it "Class Warfare", when it is fair for working families?

President Barack Obama on Monday made an impassioned plea for what he described as his balanced plan to reduce the deficit, arguing that his proposal for a so-called "Buffett rule," which would prohibit millionaires from paying a lower tax rate than middle-class Americans, is not "class warfare" as Republicans have charged.

"All I'm saying is that those who have done well, including me, should pay their fair share in taxes," Obama said, adding that he would veto any legislation "that puts all the burden on closing the deficit on ordinary Americans."

SCC’S BUREAU OF INSURANCE OFFERS FREE PUBLICATION EXPLAINING THE IMMEDIATE PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL HEALTH CARE LAW

               

RICHMOND — Certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Action of 2010 have been in place for nearly a year. Other key aspects of this federal legislation, known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are forthcoming in the next few years. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance has prepared a free publication to help explain the health care reform changes that may affect your health insurance plan.

The 2011 Virginia General Assembly revised the Commonwealth’s laws to enforce what are called the immediate provisions of these federally-enacted laws. These changes were mainly effective for plan years and policy years that began on or after September 23, 2010. These immediate provisions are now explained in a free consumer publication prepared by the Bureau. Entitled “Federal Health Care Reform – Do Recent Changes Have You Puzzled?,” the publication helps consumers better understand how their coverage might be affected. The publication addresses such issues as insurance cancellations, annual and lifetime limits on benefits, costs for preventive services, choice of health care providers, coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, and much more.

Not all health insurance plans have changed. Grandfathered health benefit plans or policies are not required to meet certain provisions. The publication describes what is meant by the term “grandfathered health benefit plan or policy.” It also explains ways to determine whether your health benefit plan or policy is grandfathered, and which immediate provisions affect grandfathered health benefit plans or policies. The publication also includes a glossary of frequently used health insurance terms.

Funding for the publication was provided to the Bureau through a federal Consumer Assistance Program grant established under the ACA. The publication is just one of many consumer guides and other materials available on the SCC website regarding federal health care reform and a variety of other insurance-related topics. For a copy of this free publication or other consumer materials offered by the Bureau of Insurance, visit the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi or call toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at (804) 371-9092. Consumers who are hearing or speech impaired may call through the SCC’s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206. This document and other guides are also available by writing to the State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance, P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218. The Bureau can also assist non English-speaking consumers with questions or concerns regarding insurance either on its toll-free line or at its main telephone number (804) 371-9741.

The Bureau of Insurance also offers free consumer outreach programs on a number of insurance topics. Speakers are available to talk to your group or organization on the insurance topics of your choice, and provide answers to general questions regarding insurance. For more information, contact the Bureau’s Life and Health Insurance Outreach Coordinator, Olivia B. Claud at 804-371-9389 or by email at L&HOutreach@scc.virginia.gov.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, please visit www.healthcare.gov.

Ad Campaign Targets Pro-Life Members For Policies Harming The Unborn

Evangelicals Call For Protection of the Unborn Through Strong Mercury Regulations

Washington, DC – Evangelical leaders and pastors delivered letters to the House and Senate Bi-Partisan Pro-Life Committee and launched a major multi-state ad campaign criticizing pro-life members of Congress who are trying to gut EPA regulations on mercury pollution.  As part of this effort, leaders have targeted Reps. Ed Whitfield (KY-1), Fred Upton (MI-6) and Joe Barton (TX-6) because of their efforts to remove restrictions meant to prevent mercury poisoning in the unborn.

In radio ads, Rev. Tracey Bianchi describes the dangerous effects of mercury poisoning on the unborn, including permanent brain damage and developmental challenges.  “I believe that every life is a precious gift from God,” says Rev. Bianchi in the ad.  “And I expect members of Congress who are pro-life to use their power to protect life, especially the unborn.” 

The ads, sponsored by the Evangelical Environmental Network, are running a high saturation levels for a week on Christian, Country, and News/ Talk stations in Kentucky, Texas, and Michigan. 

“One in six babies born in the U.S. have harmful levels of mercury in their blood.  Pro-life members of Congress should be doing everything they can to protect the unborn from this threat.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why some are trying to block the EPA from regulating mercury levels when they know the unborn will pay the price,” says Rev. Mitch Hescox, President of the Evangelical Environmental Network.

In addition to the radio ads, a letter signed by pro-life evangelical leaders and another by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was hand delivered to members of the Congressional Pro-Life Committee.  These letters follow on a previously issued statement, An Evangelical Call to Stop the Mercury Poisoning of the Unborn, signed by over 100 evangelical pastors and leaders.  In the letters, the pastors state, “We understand mercury poisoning to be a pro-life issue . . . We are asking Congress to stop playing games with the health of America’s unborn children by supporting the EPA’s March 16, 2011 proposed regulation known as the ‘Utility MACT rule.’”

Since the 1990 passage of the Clean Air Act, the EPA has had the authority to regulate the levels of mercury released by coal-burning power plants.  Once emitted, mercury falls from the air into local water sources, becomes part of the food chain, is consumed by pregnant mothers when they eat contaminated fish, and can have devastating impacts on their unborn children.  But in recent months, members of Congress have moved to block the EPA’s ability to protect the unborn from mercury pollution. 

To listen to the Radio Ad, click here.

Text of the Radio Ad is below:

Hi, this is Rev. Trace Bianchi.

As an evangelical mom and pastor, I believe that every life is a precious gift from God.  And I expect members of Congress who say they are pro-life to use their power to protect life, especially the unborn.  I can’t understand why Congressman Ed Whitfield is fighting to stop the EPA from enforcing its plan specifically meant to protect the unborn by cleaning up dangerous mercury pollution. 

Mercury pollution can have devastating impacts on the unborn and small children, causing permanent brain damage.  And unborn children here in Kentucky are vulnerable because coal burning power plants in our region have helped to raised mercury levels in our waters to threatening levels.  

Please contact Congressman Whitfield and tell him that being pro-life means protecting the unborn from mercury pollution.  The Evangelical Environmental Network paid for this ad and encourages you to learn more at creationcare.org.

9-1101 to 9-11-2011

Virginia Organizing protests proposed Social Security cuts in Abingdon today!

 Please join us today, THURSDAY 9/1, at 2pm to celebrate Social Security's 76th birthday!  At a time when it and other important programs are under attack from all sides, now is an incredibly important time to let Sen Warner and Rep Griffith know we need them to strengthen and protect Social Security-not to cut it.  We'll be in front of the Kroger on Cummings St this afternoon, and I hope to see you there!
Brian Johns

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The "Great Quake" of 2011

It was probably caused by the Founding Fathers rolling over in their collective graves over the Tea Party Republicans using their names in vain.....

Think for yourself

In today's 30 second sound byte world many people do not or will not take the time to do their own research. What they last heard in some biased sound byte on the television becomes their "truth".

Don't let this happen to you. Question everything.

Sierra Club group reforming in SWVA!

You Are Invited to the Organizational Meeting of:

Southwest Virginia Highlands Group

Sierra Club

Wednesday – September 14, 2011

7:00 – 8:30 P.M.

Washington County Public Library Conference Room

205 Oak Hill Street. Abingdon, VA 24210

Corner of Oak Hill and Valley Streets

276-676-6222

Bring your friends and family members!

For more information, contact:

Barbara Williamson, bawmson1027@juno.com, 804- 221-2358

Jim White, jimwhite@embarqmail.com, 276-451-4135

Good Morning Southwest Virginia

Some of you may remember "What IS Right for Virginia" my former blog, now abandoned since it was so associated with Virginia's 5th Congressional District and the Martinsville area. Well "Southwest Virginia" is now my home and will focus on issues related to this area plus the 9th Congressional District!

And let me tell you, we have a real winner in Morgan Griffith.

As before, I invite anyone and everyone to comment, just keep it civil. I'm the only one allowed to rant here!