Opinion

Column: Time to Do the Right Thing

Once again Virginia is in the spotlight on an issue of economic progress and social justice. Marketplace Virginia is a Senate of Virginia plan to provide 400,000 Virginians who do not qualify for the Affordable Care Act to gain health insurance through federal Medicaid expansion. It is before the Virginia Legislature and the House of Delegates is standing in the way, putting Virginia behind the times and on the wrong side of history.

Column: To Fairfax County Graduates - Do Not Lose Sight of Community

To the graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools: This month you will don caps and gowns to mark the end of your high school career. Your accomplishment is the product of hard work, perseverance, and the support of many. While you are reflecting on your accomplishments, consider how you will begin your new chapter. As you set off into the world, I ask you not to lose sight of your community and to seize the opportunity to be an active, engaged citizen. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists many responsibilities of American citizenship, perhaps the most important of which being a citizen’s obligation to "participate in the democratic process." In the 2012 election, just 38 percent of 18 through 24 year olds voted. That number is much lower for state and local elections. As real challenges face the young people graduating today, I encourage you to become educated about the election process and to vote for candidates you believe will represent you well.

Letter: Opposing Medicaid Expansion

To the Editor: (In response to Del. Ken Plum’s Commentary "A Moral Imperative, " Connection, May 29—June 4, 2014) Rather than vilify Republicans in the House of Delegates who want separate debate on Medicaid expansion, Del. Ken Plum (D-36) should be reminded that there is no imperative to link it to budget negotiations in the first place.

Column: Something New – or Old, to Consider

And therein lies the anxiety. Although, all things considered – and as you regular readers know, I like, maybe even need, to consider all things – the medical assessment of the most recent CT scan of my upper torso and thorax/lungs showed a new object in my left lung, “approximately the size of a silver dollar,” according to my oncologist. What this object is, exactly, cannot be determined at this juncture; technology prevents such clarity, unfortunately. Nevertheless, its appearance and location are possibly cause for concern, possibly not.

Opinion: Transitioning to Summer

Summer is a time of change — always welcomed by students. The break during the hottest months gives a chance for kids to de-stress and prepare for their next grade on their short path to adulthood. After five summers at FACETS, I’ve had the opportunity to watch many children make this transition. What’s fun for kids though, can be a huge struggle for their parents. Finding appropriate and affordable care, providing enough meals during the day, and incurring the extra costs of entertaining children can be an enormous challenge for families that FACETS serves.

Opinion: Clearing the Air on New Carbon Standards

The EPA‘s new proposal to safeguard the air we breathe and contain a primary driver of climate change by reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants is the lynchpin to reducing our carbon footprint. As co-chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coalition, we welcome action on carbon pollution and look forward to working with all stakeholders in a responsible manner to advance a 21st century energy economy for America.

Letter: Support Of Fathers

To the Editor

Column: Myths About Medicaid Expansion

Commentary by Scott A. Surovell, State Delegate (D-44)

Surovell Column: Myths About Medicaid Expansion

Commentary by Scott A. Surovell, State Delegate (D-44)

Letter: Project Cost Raises Questions

To the Editor: As a resident of the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, I, along with others in our community, would like to know where the [roundabout project] money will come from.

Letter: Don't Rush into Medicaid Expansion

To the Editor: John Glazer’s letter “Bottom Line To Help or Not” in the May 22-28, Mount Vernon Gazette responds to my letter urging thorough consideration of data before expanding Medicaid to avoid problems because of money shortage and not establishing short and long term systems that will help instead of hurt those intended to help.

The Connection