JMO4Rep Update ---- General Election Edition, October 2010
Friends, Allies, and Constituents,
With less than a month until the Nov. 2 election, I wanted to share some helpful resources regarding some of the issues we'll be voting on, update you on the healthcare changes that were implemented in September, and announce important volunteer opportunities and community events.
Ballot Issues
I have fact sheets about the following initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot:
Amendment 1
Amendment 2
Amendment 3
Proposition A
Proposition B
These fact sheets give the background of each issue, the ballot language, and arguments for and against each proposal. If you would like any of the above fact sheets, or a compilation of all five, make your request by writing to this address (jmo4rep@juno.com).
Please be aware that Missourians for Tax Justice has voted to endorse a NO position on the following: Amendment 2, Amendment 3, and Proposition A. Information will be posted on their website by early next week. (The website is being renovated just now, but the link will be http://missouriansfortaxjustice.org/)
A final note: I have endorsed a YES vote for Proposition B. A new report from the Humane Society offers reasons why we need Prop B:
http://stlactivisthub.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-humane-society-report-on-missouri.html
Implementation of Federal Healthcare Reform
In late September the first phase of implementation of the federal healthcare reform law began. Among changes in this first phase are:
* Elimination of lifetime and annual limits - health plans will be restricted in the dollar limits they set on certain types of treatments per year or in a lifetime. For example, many plans today cover treatment of cancer, but only up to $50,000 per year or $300,000 lifetime. Many of these limits will be banned in the future.
* No-cost preventive care - consumers will receive preventive services from their doctor with no copays, deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs. Preventive services are defined by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. They generally include, among other things, vaccinations for children, flu shots, and annual checkups for women and children.
* Coverage of pre-existing conditions for children - health plans must accept children age 19 and under with pre-existing medical conditions, and must provide coverage for those conditions.
* Prohibition on cancelations - health insurance plans may only cancel a policyholder on the basis of fraud or misrepresentation. They may no longer cancel policyholders because they get sick and too expensive to insure.
* No prior authorization for pediatricians, ob-gyns and ER - consumers will no longer have to get prior approval from their health plans before seeing a certain pediatrician, obstetrician or gynecologist if those doctors are in the plan's network. Also, consumers will not have to get prior approval before going to any emergency room, whether it's in or out of network.
* Coverage of adult children to age 26 - parents may now add an adult child to their health insurance plan until the child's 26th birthday. Many of Missouri's largest health insurers implemented this change last spring so that college graduates would not lose their health coverage.
* Essential benefits - all health plans must now offer coverage of ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; lab services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
You can learn more about what's in the federal law by going to http://ga6.org/faithbeyondwalls/materials.html or watch a very informative nine-minute video at the Kaiser Family Foundation website: http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx
Surrounding Our Schools with Care Update
Monroe Elementary Cuts Dedication Ribbon on Rams Playground: Rampage (the Rams' mascot) joined several parents and students for the official dedication of the new playground at Monroe Elementary School on Wednesday, September 29th. The Rams donated the new playground. In fact, all Rams players and office personnel came to the School on June 8 to help build the playground. Monroe Principal Greg Hammen handled the ribbon cutting ceremony and presented Rampage and Rams representative Sarah Rouland with a special Thank You plaque from the Monroe students. Ms. Rouland asked the children to take care of the playground so that students for years to come will be able to enjoy the gift from the Rams.
Meramec First Graders Clown Around with Circus Star: Jimla the clown, star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, made a visit to Meramec School last week. Jimla stopped by to teach the school’s first graders a few fitness lessons. He also joined KidSmart and the St. Louis Area Food Association in donating physical education equipment to the school. As an extra-special treat, Jimla provided the entire school with tickets to see an upcoming circus performance at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Carnahan High School of the Future: Principal Bruce Green received an Excellence in Education award and will be receive a resolution from the House of Representatives honoring him for this achievement.
Roosevelt High School: Roosevelt administration and teachers are looking for support for the following programs - Adopt an Athlete (to raise funds to send football players to summer camps), Conscious Choices (to help young women plan for a "college shower" instead of a "baby shower"), and providing food and other support at home games for the football team. If you can help with any of these, let me know, and I'll connect you to the right person or committee.
Congratulations to Faith Aloud
On September 22, Faith Aloud officially transitioned from being a Missouri group to a national organization. The Faith Aloud mission is to end the religious stigma of abortion. If you'd like to learn more about their work and resources, go to: http://www.faithaloud.org/
Announcements
Great campaigns for which to volunteer: There are many wonderful Democratic candidates running for office. I will be glad to help you plug in with a campaign that really matters, so give me a call to discuss your priorities and interests. Here are three recommendations in races that I consider absolutely crucial:
Jeanne Kirkton for State Representative, District 91 (Webster Groves) - http://www.jeannekirkton.com/
Sun., 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Canvass with Jeanne
Sun., 10/31, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Get Out the Vote Canvass with Jeanne
Phone bank for Jeanne's re-election campaign on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at the SEIU office (5585 Pershing) from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
To volunteer, call Deborah F. Pratt, MSW, 314-771-8066 (home) or 314-477-7381 (cell).
----
Deb Lavender for State Representative, District 94 - http://www.lavenderforstaterep.com/94th/
Big Literature Drop on Oct 23, starting at 9 a.m., leaving from 1133 Colonnade Center Des Peres, Mo 63122
For other canvass and phone dates, call Lavender for State Representative - Office 314-821-6006 Cell 314-749-7777
----
Barbara Fraser for State Senate - District 24 - http://www.barbarafraser.com/
Canvassing on Tu & Th, 4-8 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sun 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Phonebanking M & W, Sat and Sun all Day
Wine & Cheese Fundraiser at Starrs, 1135 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, 5-7 p.m., RSVP to Katie Butler, 314-863-2946
PROMO PAC Fundraising House Party for Barbara Fraser for State Senate (I am a co-host) on Thursday, October 21, 6-8 p.m. at the home of Christopher Thau in Olivette - for more details call me or the PROMO PAC office, 314-862-4900
For additional opportunities, call Andrew Shaughnessy Field Director, Office 314-863-2946 Cell 314-724-4488
----
Here's a way to help the whole slate of progressive women candidates - Come to the Harriett's List "Women Stepping Up to Power Event" - Thursday, October 7, 5-7 p.m. at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. I am one of the candidates endorsed by Harriett's List and a co-host for this wonderful reception which also includes music and the premier of "Ladders", a brief performance featuring some amazing women and men. Joan Lipkin acted as creative director for "Ladders." Come for the inspiration and join the agitation - When progressive women win, it's good news for our state (and for the world).
For more about the endorsed candidates and the event, http://harriettslist.com/
A few tickets are left ($35), and you can get them at: http://www.actblue.com/page/Ladders
----
And here's another great opportunity at RAC, sent to me by Leslie Holt, Board President of VSA Missouri ----
What: "Blindness Isn't Black" exhibit
Who: Janice Atkins, Thomas Allen, Margaret Jorgensen, David Kontra, Roulett Leflore, Kimberly Ann Welker, Richard Meyer, Paul Lodes, Joshua Grimwood
Where: Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar
When: Opening Oct 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Exhibit is up through November 28
Why: Great show, great artists!
http://stlopenings.blogspot.com/2010/09/rac-gallery-friday-15-october-2010.html
----
Stonewall Democrats of Eastern Missouri off the ground: Throughout the year, people have constantly asked me "Can't we get another Stonewall Democrats affiliate started in the area? We need one!" Well, a group of us have been working on it and got it officially underway this summer. We had a reception for National Stonewall Democrats Director Michael Mitchell when he was in St. Louis for the Democratic National Committee Meeting in August, and then had public meetings on Sept. 1 and September 30. Our next meeting will be October 28, 7 p.m., location to be announced. To join our Facebook group, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=130153830369260
----
PROMO PAC, Stonewall Democrats, and the Victory Fund all play particular roles in promoting LGBT equality. Victory Fund provided good training and technical resources to me in my first two campaigns (the one I lost in 2000 and my first win in 2004). You can support Victory Fund by attending a champagne brunch at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel (8th and Washington), Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $100, or a variety of hosting options at higher levels also exist: http://www.victoryfund.org/about_us/events/id:80
----
Last announcement for this edition is from my beloved community of faith: Epiphany United Church of Christ. Epiphany is raising funds for its nursery program (which operates under a "Safe Church Policy" to protect all children). Come enjoy refreshments, children's games, and singing at "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child", Saturday, Oct. 9, 3-5 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Epiphany at 2911 McNair, St. Louis, MO 63118 (Benton Park). We also will be having a drawing on Oct. 9 for two beautiful hand-crafted baby quilts. One is a mixture of several pastel colors and the other has blocks of soft lime green and lavender. They are suitable to use in a nursery or as a wall hanging/decorative piece. Raffle ticket prices are 1 for $1, 6 for $5, 12 for $10, 25 for $20, 60 for $50, or 125 for $100. If you would like to see photos of the quilts, please send an e-mail request to isaiah-58@juno.com. A flyer about the event is also available at that address. Call me if you'd like to buy raffle tickets, but cannot attend.
W are also supporting children with low-incomes in our neighborhood on Oct. 9 with gifts to our food pantry, Joint Neighborhood Ministry. If you attend "It Takes a Village", please consider bringing jars of peanut butter and/or jelly or large size diapers for JNM since we are a part of their village too! If you have questions, call 314-771-8882.
JMO
With less than a month until the Nov. 2 election, I wanted to share some helpful resources regarding some of the issues we'll be voting on, update you on the healthcare changes that were implemented in September, and announce important volunteer opportunities and community events.
Ballot Issues
I have fact sheets about the following initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot:
Amendment 1
Amendment 2
Amendment 3
Proposition A
Proposition B
These fact sheets give the background of each issue, the ballot language, and arguments for and against each proposal. If you would like any of the above fact sheets, or a compilation of all five, make your request by writing to this address (jmo4rep@juno.com).
Please be aware that Missourians for Tax Justice has voted to endorse a NO position on the following: Amendment 2, Amendment 3, and Proposition A. Information will be posted on their website by early next week. (The website is being renovated just now, but the link will be http://missouriansfortaxjustice.org/)
A final note: I have endorsed a YES vote for Proposition B. A new report from the Humane Society offers reasons why we need Prop B:
http://stlactivisthub.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-humane-society-report-on-missouri.html
Implementation of Federal Healthcare Reform
In late September the first phase of implementation of the federal healthcare reform law began. Among changes in this first phase are:
* Elimination of lifetime and annual limits - health plans will be restricted in the dollar limits they set on certain types of treatments per year or in a lifetime. For example, many plans today cover treatment of cancer, but only up to $50,000 per year or $300,000 lifetime. Many of these limits will be banned in the future.
* No-cost preventive care - consumers will receive preventive services from their doctor with no copays, deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs. Preventive services are defined by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. They generally include, among other things, vaccinations for children, flu shots, and annual checkups for women and children.
* Coverage of pre-existing conditions for children - health plans must accept children age 19 and under with pre-existing medical conditions, and must provide coverage for those conditions.
* Prohibition on cancelations - health insurance plans may only cancel a policyholder on the basis of fraud or misrepresentation. They may no longer cancel policyholders because they get sick and too expensive to insure.
* No prior authorization for pediatricians, ob-gyns and ER - consumers will no longer have to get prior approval from their health plans before seeing a certain pediatrician, obstetrician or gynecologist if those doctors are in the plan's network. Also, consumers will not have to get prior approval before going to any emergency room, whether it's in or out of network.
* Coverage of adult children to age 26 - parents may now add an adult child to their health insurance plan until the child's 26th birthday. Many of Missouri's largest health insurers implemented this change last spring so that college graduates would not lose their health coverage.
* Essential benefits - all health plans must now offer coverage of ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; lab services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
You can learn more about what's in the federal law by going to http://ga6.org/faithbeyondwalls/materials.html or watch a very informative nine-minute video at the Kaiser Family Foundation website: http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx
Surrounding Our Schools with Care Update
Monroe Elementary Cuts Dedication Ribbon on Rams Playground: Rampage (the Rams' mascot) joined several parents and students for the official dedication of the new playground at Monroe Elementary School on Wednesday, September 29th. The Rams donated the new playground. In fact, all Rams players and office personnel came to the School on June 8 to help build the playground. Monroe Principal Greg Hammen handled the ribbon cutting ceremony and presented Rampage and Rams representative Sarah Rouland with a special Thank You plaque from the Monroe students. Ms. Rouland asked the children to take care of the playground so that students for years to come will be able to enjoy the gift from the Rams.
Meramec First Graders Clown Around with Circus Star: Jimla the clown, star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, made a visit to Meramec School last week. Jimla stopped by to teach the school’s first graders a few fitness lessons. He also joined KidSmart and the St. Louis Area Food Association in donating physical education equipment to the school. As an extra-special treat, Jimla provided the entire school with tickets to see an upcoming circus performance at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Carnahan High School of the Future: Principal Bruce Green received an Excellence in Education award and will be receive a resolution from the House of Representatives honoring him for this achievement.
Roosevelt High School: Roosevelt administration and teachers are looking for support for the following programs - Adopt an Athlete (to raise funds to send football players to summer camps), Conscious Choices (to help young women plan for a "college shower" instead of a "baby shower"), and providing food and other support at home games for the football team. If you can help with any of these, let me know, and I'll connect you to the right person or committee.
Congratulations to Faith Aloud
On September 22, Faith Aloud officially transitioned from being a Missouri group to a national organization. The Faith Aloud mission is to end the religious stigma of abortion. If you'd like to learn more about their work and resources, go to: http://www.faithaloud.org/
Announcements
Great campaigns for which to volunteer: There are many wonderful Democratic candidates running for office. I will be glad to help you plug in with a campaign that really matters, so give me a call to discuss your priorities and interests. Here are three recommendations in races that I consider absolutely crucial:
Jeanne Kirkton for State Representative, District 91 (Webster Groves) - http://www.jeannekirkton.com/
Sun., 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Canvass with Jeanne
Sun., 10/31, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Get Out the Vote Canvass with Jeanne
Phone bank for Jeanne's re-election campaign on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at the SEIU office (5585 Pershing) from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
To volunteer, call Deborah F. Pratt, MSW, 314-771-8066 (home) or 314-477-7381 (cell).
----
Deb Lavender for State Representative, District 94 - http://www.lavenderforstaterep.com/94th/
Big Literature Drop on Oct 23, starting at 9 a.m., leaving from 1133 Colonnade Center Des Peres, Mo 63122
For other canvass and phone dates, call Lavender for State Representative - Office 314-821-6006 Cell 314-749-7777
----
Barbara Fraser for State Senate - District 24 - http://www.barbarafraser.com/
Canvassing on Tu & Th, 4-8 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sun 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Phonebanking M & W, Sat and Sun all Day
Wine & Cheese Fundraiser at Starrs, 1135 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, 5-7 p.m., RSVP to Katie Butler, 314-863-2946
PROMO PAC Fundraising House Party for Barbara Fraser for State Senate (I am a co-host) on Thursday, October 21, 6-8 p.m. at the home of Christopher Thau in Olivette - for more details call me or the PROMO PAC office, 314-862-4900
For additional opportunities, call Andrew Shaughnessy Field Director, Office 314-863-2946 Cell 314-724-4488
----
Here's a way to help the whole slate of progressive women candidates - Come to the Harriett's List "Women Stepping Up to Power Event" - Thursday, October 7, 5-7 p.m. at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. I am one of the candidates endorsed by Harriett's List and a co-host for this wonderful reception which also includes music and the premier of "Ladders", a brief performance featuring some amazing women and men. Joan Lipkin acted as creative director for "Ladders." Come for the inspiration and join the agitation - When progressive women win, it's good news for our state (and for the world).
For more about the endorsed candidates and the event, http://harriettslist.com/
A few tickets are left ($35), and you can get them at: http://www.actblue.com/page/Ladders
----
And here's another great opportunity at RAC, sent to me by Leslie Holt, Board President of VSA Missouri ----
What: "Blindness Isn't Black" exhibit
Who: Janice Atkins, Thomas Allen, Margaret Jorgensen, David Kontra, Roulett Leflore, Kimberly Ann Welker, Richard Meyer, Paul Lodes, Joshua Grimwood
Where: Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar
When: Opening Oct 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Exhibit is up through November 28
Why: Great show, great artists!
http://stlopenings.blogspot.com/2010/09/rac-gallery-friday-15-october-2010.html
----
Stonewall Democrats of Eastern Missouri off the ground: Throughout the year, people have constantly asked me "Can't we get another Stonewall Democrats affiliate started in the area? We need one!" Well, a group of us have been working on it and got it officially underway this summer. We had a reception for National Stonewall Democrats Director Michael Mitchell when he was in St. Louis for the Democratic National Committee Meeting in August, and then had public meetings on Sept. 1 and September 30. Our next meeting will be October 28, 7 p.m., location to be announced. To join our Facebook group, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=130153830369260
----
PROMO PAC, Stonewall Democrats, and the Victory Fund all play particular roles in promoting LGBT equality. Victory Fund provided good training and technical resources to me in my first two campaigns (the one I lost in 2000 and my first win in 2004). You can support Victory Fund by attending a champagne brunch at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel (8th and Washington), Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $100, or a variety of hosting options at higher levels also exist: http://www.victoryfund.org/about_us/events/id:80
----
Last announcement for this edition is from my beloved community of faith: Epiphany United Church of Christ. Epiphany is raising funds for its nursery program (which operates under a "Safe Church Policy" to protect all children). Come enjoy refreshments, children's games, and singing at "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child", Saturday, Oct. 9, 3-5 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Epiphany at 2911 McNair, St. Louis, MO 63118 (Benton Park). We also will be having a drawing on Oct. 9 for two beautiful hand-crafted baby quilts. One is a mixture of several pastel colors and the other has blocks of soft lime green and lavender. They are suitable to use in a nursery or as a wall hanging/decorative piece. Raffle ticket prices are 1 for $1, 6 for $5, 12 for $10, 25 for $20, 60 for $50, or 125 for $100. If you would like to see photos of the quilts, please send an e-mail request to isaiah-58@juno.com. A flyer about the event is also available at that address. Call me if you'd like to buy raffle tickets, but cannot attend.
W are also supporting children with low-incomes in our neighborhood on Oct. 9 with gifts to our food pantry, Joint Neighborhood Ministry. If you attend "It Takes a Village", please consider bringing jars of peanut butter and/or jelly or large size diapers for JNM since we are a part of their village too! If you have questions, call 314-771-8882.
JMO
posted by Joe at
12:43 PM
