Letters to the editor
Health care ‘roadmapped’ for ‘08 session
To: Editor
From: Sen. Katherine Klausmeier
(D-8th District)
The end of the 2007 Maryland General Assembly has come and we did many things that will benefit the state for years to come.
Although no comprehensive health care plan passed the General Assembly, I feel that we made great strides into the right direction of health care for children and working families.
As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I was present at hearings on several pieces of legislation that had various different ideas as to how this state can help expand health care to those who do not have it currently. Through these bills we now have a roadmap for the 2008 session, and I am very optimistic that we will come out with a plan that will work quite well for this state.
One success regarding health insurance that I supported was a bill to require private insurers and other insurance plans to allow dependents up to the age of 25 to remain on their parents’ plan.
This will help to close the gap that occurs when a dependent has graduated college but has yet to gain employment where they receive health benefits.
When going door to door in 2006, this was an issue that I heard about from many of the residents of the Eighth Legislative District.
During the 2008 Legislative session when we look at comprehensive health care coverage, we will look at many different possible sources of revenue for funding such an initiative.
I do not believe that we should lock ourselves into just one source, which can result in problems if the revenue level of that source declines severely.
I encourage anyone who would like to voice their opinion on health care expansion to contact my office at (410) 841-3620 or Katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us.
Fresh Air Fund offers thanks to volunteers
To: Editor
From: Amanda Cortese
Director of Public Relations, Fresh Air Fund
As National Volunteer Week approaches, I would like to give my deepest thanks to our dedicated Fresh Air hosts, volunteers, and supporters in Perry Hall, Parkville, and White Marsh. They truly embody the meaning of the 2007 National Volunteer Week theme, “Inspire By Example.” Year after year, our volunteers demonstrate their commitment to New York City children by continuing the Fresh Air tradition in the community.
Our caring Fresh Air host families open their homes and share the everyday joys of summertime with their Fresh Air guests.
Our local volunteer leaders – many of whom are also hosts – give by serving on our local Friendly Town Committee, planning summer activities, raising funds for special events, publicizing the program and interviewing prospective host families.
I would also like to thank all individuals and businesses, which have generously given their time and resources to make the Friendly Town program throughout this area a great success each summer.
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children since 1877. For more information on how you can help to continue this wonderful tradition of volunteering, please call Jill Curry at (717) 630-8901 or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003.