LETTER: Need a leader on autism
Published: October 17, 2009
Raising a child in today’s world is tough; however, when a child has autism it becomes that much more difficult. I was absolutely appalled to learn Jackson Miller (during the legislative session) voted with
insurance lobbyists to deny additional benefits to children suffering from autism.
Last year Jackson told families of autistic children that he would stand up for us and make it easier to gain access to health insurance for our kids who have been diagnosed with this tragic disease. I was
pleased when Jackson signed on to Del. Bob Marshall’s bill doing exactly what he promised. But when nobody was looking Jackson Miller turned his back on my son.
Why did he do this? Jackson Miller didn’t just vote no on this bill, he made it impossible for it to even be brought to the floor. I can understand that no one leader may have all the answers; however, when
confronted with making access to health care easier for children with a debilitating disease, we need a leader who sticks to his word.
Please understand, autistic ridden families face real problems, especially here in Virginia. Locally, 15,000 children suffer everyday just like my son. Recently a study estimated that 1 in 100 children have
autism and that nationwide 673,000 children have this disease.
I really need a delegate that will work for my family, not against it. If Mr. Miller won’t, it’s about time I find someone who will.
CHRIS BAYLISS
Manassas
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
“Jackson had assured me that he supported this bill, that he would cosponsor it, and then turned his back on it ...“
Jackson Miller has a record on not doing what he says he will. Quite frankly, he is not to be trusted as a Delegate and those that live in his District should consider challenger Jeanette Rishell.
Jackson ran for the Manassas City Council based on a campaign that he cared about the issues facing the City and the he would work to resolve those issues.
Of course, the first chance he could bail he did so, quitting that job to take one that promised more glory.
Jeanette Rishell is out knocking on doors, talking to citizens to HEAR what their concerns in Richmond are.
Jeanette will SERVE the residents of her District, much as Harry Parrish did for so many years - unlike Jackson who is little more than a Republican stooge.
I hate this laptop lol. I have no idea how it sent that incomplete post! As I was saying, Marshall puts his personal religious agenda ahead of the bread and butter issues affecting the district once he is in Richmond.
His mailers continue to refer to “Death Panels” and “Death advocacy” even though these outrageous assertions have already been disavowed by the author he cited. He plays on xenophobic fears by implying that there are tax funded health insurance for illegal immigrants when that too has been exposed for the fraud it is.
His bills to limit reproductive options for single women and his efforts to steer 1.2 million dollars of state money to his employer and biggest contributor, call into question his motives and his honesty in campaigning on a roads agenda.
Phdee and others have been calling attention to Marshalls duplicity for a long time now. Perhaps the voters are waking up? One good bill can not and should not erase a record of divisive and intrusive legislation founded on a specific religious agenda that blurs the lines between church and state.
Marshall likes to wrap himself in the mantle of Thomas Jefferson and yet our founding fathers were indeed wise to build the separation of church and state into our democracy.
Again I commend Bob for his work on the autism bill, but can only wish he focused more of his time on such issues and less on the divisive right-wing issues that have been his trademark.
I commend Bob Marshall for his efforts on behalf of autistic children and their families, but in a larger context, which is what I think phdee is referring, Bob has placed his personal religious
And looking at that, those comments are a little harsher than I would like (apologizes to Jackson Miller for not being more careful with that send button), but the sentiment behind them was honest. Parents are so frustrated at being stonewalled through the power of the lobbies in Richmond - both parties failed families in HB1588.
And phdee, to many people Bob Marshall is hero for the lengths he went to help families like mine.
In fairness, I talked to Delegate Miller about this a bunch, but I still want to know that families of autistic children will get better support going forward.
I would like to thank Chris Bayliss for writing this letter to save me from duplicating efforts. My son too has autism. Jackson had assured me that he supported this bill, that he would cosponsor it, and then turned his back on it, you, my family, and every one of his constituents who struggles with autism. All in the name of politics.
Chris, you are absolutely right. Jackson needs to learn to stick to his word. As happens with many people in Richmond, he needs to be reminded that he doesn’t work for his party leaders, he doesn’t work for lobbyists, he works for us.
Jackson Miller has done many great things in Richmond, especially in support of law enforcement. I, for one, would like to some sort of statement from his camp of what he intends to do going forward for families with autism and maybe an acknowledgement of the hurt he has caused. This is more than just a bill… this was the medical care and future of our children.
Maybe Miller is like Bobby G. Bobby G. campaigns for schools and tranportation, but once elected switches toCatholic dogma, especially abortion. Typical Republican dishonesty.
Advertisement