The Deeds e-mail...

A little bit longer... I will let you know when I get answers from either candidate or their campaigns.

Mr. Abbey-

I am the mother of an autistic child and a sometimes blogger. I met your candidate several months ago and have yet to fully embrace him (though my husband made a donation to the campaign) completely based on the way he answered my question about autism insurance mandates. I supported and got our local delegate to cosponsor HB1588, which never made it out of the committee. When I asked him about insurance mandates, Mr. Deeds said the "market would adjust," so there was no need for mandates. After reflection, I came to the conclusion that his statement reflected the views of the lobbyists who successfully killed both the house and Senate versions of this year's legislation. I gave my vote to Brian Moran in the primary because I found his stance on the issue to be more thoughtful and had more hope for a governor that would meet the needs of my child and family, families that routinely pay thousands of dollars in uncovered medical expenses for therapeutic treatment for kids.

Today, I e-mailed Phil Cox and asked him the following question. I think Mr. Deeds should answer these questions as well. Though I have long voted Democratic, I cannot in good conscience vote for a candidate that has not given thoughtful consideration to policy for a disorder that affects in 1 in a 150 children in this country. My Twitter exchanges with Mr. Deeds show me that he is engaged and responsive and I appreciate his accessibility, but I think he really needs to look at his answer to my question. He is asking families to wait for insurance companies to do the right thing. That doesn't happen in the real world - they are beholden to their shareholders and the bottom line. They are perfectly content to leave our children untreated medically and therapeutically, limiting their futures, and shifting the burden for their care to the state as adults who require intensive services and institutionalized care.

When will Mr. Deeds share his position on autism in Virginia, particularly how it pertains to needed insurance mandates to help families have medical and therapuetic treatments covered (see HB 1588, sponsored by Bob Marshall), special education funding from Richmond, and the growing need for Medicaid waiver services? 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. With early intervention, education and proper medical treatment, many of these children can grow into tax paying, productive adults. With help to families, it will reduce the 80-85% divorce rate in couples raising autistic children. I have called, blogged, and even Tweeted, but now with November coming, I must have an answer as I have to vote on this very important issue to be a voice for the future of Virginia and the future of my children. I await your response and appreciate your time.