Hello Friends & Neighbors,
Today is Veterans Day.
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Delegate DeSteph and Vietnam War Hero, Johnny Johnson
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On this Veterans Day, I was honored not only as a Veteran, but also as your Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly, to participate in what has become one of the largest Veterans' Day Parades in the country.
Of course, not only is Veterans Day an important time to reflect upon the service of our fellow Veterans, it is chance to honor those currently serving in our armed forces who defend our freedom every day. Like the men and women before them, they put their safety, their security, and their family life at risk so they can protect our great nation. I am grateful for their service and send heartfelt thanks.
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Marine Corps Color Guard
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As Virginians, I think it can be honestly said that our close ties to the military community give us a unique insight into our nation's defense forces and why we support them in every way possible.
I am also pleased to report that the proposed constitutional amendment on last Tuesday's ballot exempting the taxation of real property of the surviving spouse of a fallen service member passed by a resounding 87%.
HB-5011 "Keep your Plan, Virginia"
The Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation yesterday to allow insurance companies to renew 2015 health insurance plans that were cancelled under the Affordable Care Act. House Bill 5011 "authorizes health carriers to offer to renew any health benefit plan that would otherwise be required to be canceled, discontinued, or terminated because it does not meet the requirements of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."
Despite multiple promises from President Obama, as many as 250,000 Virginians and millions of Americans had health care plans cancelled under the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare).
Others have reported to me that their healthcare premiums have increased dramatically over the past year and are now paying more for their health insurance than at any point in their lives.
I have read the text of the Affordable Care Act and I must say, it is without a doubt one of the most complex pieces of legislation I have ever seen.
But most importantly, in his effort to help some, President Obama's signature legislation is hurting too many Virginians. This is why I support the "Keep Your Plan" legislation.
To read the text of HB-5011, please visit the State Legislative Information Services website.
Drive Carefully in Construction Zones
Driving home from the Capitol last night, I really came to appreciate all of the efforts to rehabilitate the vital roadways in our area such as I-64 and I-264.
As work nears completion on this huge undertaking and with many roadway construction projects just getting underway, I'd like to ask everyone to drive with a little extra attention in work zones.
The construction on the new Lesner Bridge and the major project at the Oceanfront along Pacific Avenue means traffic patterns can be changed from one day to the next. There is also the hazard of moving construction equipment, tools that might fall off of trucks, or construction workers who might become momentarily distracted and forget that traffic is moving in either direction just a half-step behind them.
So please, practice extra vigilance in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be safe! You will be doing your part to help keep these projects moving along towards completion smoothly.
