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Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News – December 28, 2005
Have a Safe and Happy New Year!
COMMENTARY
Critical Needs in Human Services Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
A recent briefing given to the Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly by Fairfax County government staff highlighted critical needs in human services in Northern Virginia and throughout the state. Recently released census numbers indicate that the Commonwealth of Virginia is the eighth wealthiest state in the nation. At the same time as the Fairfax County briefing pointed out, it is the stingiest in providing health and human services with the state’s spending on hospitals, health and public welfare services being 42nd lowest among the states. In many instances, Fairfax County picks up the difference when state funding is inadequate; in other instances individuals are put on waiting lists or simply are not served. Although Medicaid is the fastest growing part of the state’s budget, it has not kept pace with rising health care costs or with the increased demand of an aging population. Fairfax County pays $16.14 per hour for personal care services while the Medicaid reimbursement rate is $14.05. The average cost per service unit for Adult Day Health Care in Fairfax County is $83.67; Medicaid reimbursement is less than $50.00. Local property tax payers make up the difference. These needs must be addressed by the General Assembly. Governor Mark Warner announced some very good news last week. The budget he will present for the next biennium will include an additional $460 million investment in the mental health system. The Governor’s proposal that must be approved by the General Assembly includes $290 million to replace two outdated state hospitals in Staunton and Williamsburg and two aging state training centers in Lynchburg and Chesapeake with state-of-the-art treatment facilities. At the same time Governor Warner is proposing that an additional $170 million be invested in community-based behavioral health services initiatives. Other good news coming out of Richmond last week was the announcement by Governor Warner that the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) gave Virginia its highest score among all the states for state preparedness efforts for major health emergencies. States were evaluated on 10 key indicators of health emergency preparedness, such as capabilities to test for chemical and biological threats and hospital surge capacity to care for patients in a mass emergency. Virginia received 8 out of 10 points, while half the states received a score of 5 or less. The 2006 session of the General Assembly will be setting priorities in health and human services when it adopts a budget for the next biennium. Share your views with Senator Janet Howell and me at our Public Hearing on January 3, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne. The returning prosperity of the economy should allow us to better respond to critical human services.
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Annual Public Hearing Prior to the General Assembly Session Tuesday, January 3, 2006 – 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Reston Community Center at Lake Anne
Each year before the General Assembly session I hold a public hearing with Senator Janet Howell to hear from constituents about the issues and concerns they feel the legislature should be addressing. A public presentation of your views will be informative for Senator Howell and me but will help others to understand and support your issues. I hope that you or a representative of your interests will plan to take part. Pre-registration is not required. Written statements are appreciated but not required. Students are welcome.
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Delegate Ken Plum’s Weekly “Virginia Report” on Reston Comcast Channel 28
Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30 p.m. – Senator Janet Howell – “2006 General Assembly Preview”
Tuesday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, January 4 at 10:30 p.m. – Len Forkas, Reality Check – “Envisioning our Region’s Growth”
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Governor-Elect Tim Kaine has scheduled an additional “Moving Virginia Forward” town hall meeting in Northern Virginia. Attend the Fairfax County Transportation Town Hall on Tuesday, January 3, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at George Mason High School Auditorium, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. Contact Abby Curran with questions about the meeting at abbycurran@gmail.com.
I will be speaking at the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Policy Update held prior to the General Assembly session. I will be joined by Senator Janet Howell of Reston and Delegate Tom Rust of Herndon. The event will be held on Thursday, January 5, at the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce offices, 1763 Fountain Drive, Reston. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; continental breakfast is available. If you are a Chamber member, attend this information packed event to find out how election results will change the dynamics of the session and the future of the Commonwealth.
Regional public hearings on the Governor’s proposed 2006-2008 State Budget will be held around the state on Thursday, January 5, at 12:00 noon. Attend our region’s public hearing at Northern Virginia Community College, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale.
General Assembly Members representing jurisdictions in Fairfax County will hold their annual pre-session Public Hearing on Saturday, January 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Details about pre-registration and requests for special accommodations will be available soon.
The “Cribs for Kids” Project is a special project of SIDS Mid-Atlantic providing safe cribs for babies to help prevent needless, tragic infant deaths. A safe, portable crib can be a lifesaver for a new baby. Each crib costs $50. If you would like to donate to the “Cribs for Kids” Project and buy a new crib for a baby whose life may depend upon it, please go to www.sidsma.org for learn more.
***************** Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.
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