Press Releases

New Study Highlights Consequences Of Miller’s Action

Autism study emphasizes the importance of treatments Jackson Miller voted against covering

MANASSAS, VA - A study released in the journal Pediatrics shows that cases of autism have risen in the United States and about 1 percent of children ages 3 to 17 have autism or a related disorder. Given this increase in statistics, that means that based on 2007 census data for Virginia, thousands of children in Virginia suffer from the disease.

In the 2009 legislative session, Delegate Jackson Miller voted against a bill to support requiring insurance companies to cover treatments for autistic children. After telling parents of autistic children that he would support the bill, he ended up voting to kill the bill.

“This most recent study highlights the real concerns of parents with young children today. As more and more parents face the tough reality of dealing with autism, Delegate Miller voted against coverage of some of the most basic treatments for their children,” said Jeanette Rishell, candidate for Delegate.

Studies indicate that strong early intervention that would have been funded by insurance in the autism bill helps about 90% of autistic children to improve dramatically and about half reach normal or near-normal functioning. Additionally, the cost increase to insurance companies would have been negligible, approximately $1.50 per policy per month.

“No matter what excuses he gives, Jackson Miller's voting record on the autism bill clearly shows that when it mattered, he voted against supporting the families of children with autism. By killing the autism bill in the 2009 session, Jackson Miller has forced families with autistic children to bear the costs of treatment during an economic recession. A family should never have to chose between feeding their child or providing their child with necessary medical care," said Rishell.

“Jackson Miller will tell you that it was a ‘procedural vote’ but the parents of autistic children will tell you it was a stab in the back,” said Ilana Kaplan-Shain, campaign manager for Jeanette Rishell.

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Jackson Miller Flip-Flops on New Business Incentives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Contact: Ilana Kaplan-Shain, 571-208-0394

Jackson Miller Flip-Flops on New Business Incentives
Delegate voted against a program he now claims to support.

MANASSAS – In a classic 'I voted against it before I supported it' move, Delegate Jackson Miller recently claimed his glowing support for expanding a program he has voted to cut during his time in Richmond. The program, the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, which Miller has voted to decrease funding for, is a program designed to bring new businesses to Virginia.

“Jackson Miller’s comments don’t match his record. He has a strong record opposing increased business incentives through the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, and now he’s telling the voters he supports it. This is what is wrong with Richmond, they will say one thing and then do another. Jackson Miller needs to be honest with the voters,” said Jeanette Rishell, candidate for Delegate.

In 2007, Jackson Miller voted for a $5 million cut in the Governor's Opportunity Fund, begging a very important question of whether or not he is deliberately misleading voters.

“The Governor's Opportunity Fund has been a great economic stimulus for Northern Virginia and was essential in bringing Micron to Manassas which created over a thousand local jobs. I have consistently stated my support for this program because we need to get our economy back on track," Rishell said.

“Jackson Miller is not the Delegate we thought he was. His words rarely match his actions. He said he supports the Governor’s Opportunity Fund but he votes against it. He said he supports coverage for children’s autism treatments but votes against it. He has even gone so far as to co-sponsor a bill and then vote against his own bill. Jackson Miller seems to have perfected the art of the flip-flop, and he expects the voters to buy it,” said Ilana Kaplan-Shain, campaign manager for the Rishell for Delegate campaign.

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Jeanette Rishell Proposes Bold Plan To Fix Healthcare Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2009
Contact: Ilana Kaplan-Shain, 571-208-0394

Jeanette Rishell Proposes Bold Plan To Fix Healthcare Crisis

MANASSAS - Today Jeanette Rishell announced a plan to fix Virginia's ailing healthcare system by cutting costs, improving preventative care and expanding access to affordable coverage for Virginians children.

"Children are the most vulnerable members of our community," Rishell said. "We need leaders who will fight to ensure that every child has quality health care." Currently 172,000 children statewide lack health insurance, placing them at a higher risk for serious health problems like asthma and obesity.[1] Rishell plans to draft legislation to provide insurance coverage for all children in need.

Presently, upwards of 40% of insurance costs are administrative expenses.[2] Rishell plans to offer tax incentives for medical practices that invest in technology such as electronic medical charts that decrease administrative costs and thereby lower the overhead cost of a patient's care.

"Virginians are frustrated with an industry that charges more money for less coverage. Costs are so high that many families simply go without. I will fight hard to make sure our families have the coverage they need."

Rishell's plan emphasizes preventative care as a means to cut the skyrocketing costs of health insurance. In addition to providing access to cancer screenings, Rishell would sponsor legislation granting paid sick leave to hourly workers of companies with 100 or more employees.

"I lost a father to cancer, but thanks to good preventative treatment my mother was diagnosed early and able to live well into her 90s," Rishell said. "Virginians need access to screenings so we can catch the disease early, save lives and cut costs."

[1] http://www.childrenshealthcampaign.org/assets/pdf/Uninsured-Minority-Kids-at-Risk.pdf

[2] http://www.bobbyscott.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=425&Itemid=113
Jeanette Rishell Announces Over $40,000 Raised in 3rd Quarter Fundraising Period

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Contact: Ilana Kaplan-Shain, 571-208-0394

Jeanette Rishell Announces Over $40,000 Raised in 3rd Quarter Fundraising Period

MANASSAS - Democratic House of Delegates candidate Jeanette Rishell has reported raising $47,025 during the fundraising period which ended August 31.

“Despite the recession, the voters of the 50th District and Virginians across the Commonwealth are still investing in the future and in our vision for Virginia,” Rishell said. “I’ve had support from both Republicans and Democrats because people know that good leadership in the House of Delegates helps all Virginians."

In 2009’s previous reports, over 95% of Rishell’s reportable contributions have come from private individuals. By contrast, less than 30% percent of Delegate Jackson Miller's 2009 previous reportable contributions have come from private individuals.

"Voters should pay attention to fundraising reports," Rishell said. "My opponent has been given a lot of money from special interests in Richmond because they know he's with them. I have contributions from hard-working Virginians because they know I'll be their voice for a brighter tomorrow for our families."

FRIENDS OF JEANETTE RISHELL FUNDRAISING TOTALS
Committee Totals to Date
Raised: $213,070.10
Spent: $138,525.38
Cash on Hand: $76,419.60

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Delegate Miller Refuses Prince William NAACP Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Contact: Ilana Kaplan-Shain, 571-208-0394

Delegate Miller Refuses Prince William NAACP Debate

MANASSAS – Yesterday the Jeanette Rishell for Delegate campaign received word from a member of the Prince William County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) that Delegate Jackson Miller has refused to participate in this year's debate. Delegate Miller was contacted several times by the Prince William NAACP in order to schedule a date that worked with his calendar. On the most recent call to the Miller campaign, the NAACP was informed that Delegate Miller would not fit the debate into his schedule and his campaign would not be sending a surrogate.

Every election year the Prince William NAACP hosts one of two opportunities for a debate between local candidates for the House of Delegates. Earlier this year the group hosted a debate between Luke Torian and Mike Hodge, who were contesting the Democratic nomination in the 52nd District.

Upon hearing the news that Delegate Miller would not be participating in the NAACP debate, Rishell responded by saying, “This is an historic organization that everyone in this country respects and I am shocked that Delegate Miller refused.”

Rishell said she will still attend the debate to answer questions from members of the Prince William NAACP. Hosea Mills, a resident of Manassas and a member of the Prince William NAACP said, “I hope Delegate Miller can make time in his schedule to attend the NAACP debate. The members of the organization are looking forward to hearing from both candidates as well as asking how each will address critical issues in our community.”

~~The debate is scheduled for October 17th at 2 PM in First Baptist Church located at 9528 Center St in Manassas.~~

The NAACP is attempting to re-schedule the debate, according to Prince William NAACP President Ralph Smith: "To date only the Rishell campaign has responded."

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Update: The News and Messenger covered this story here.

Update #2: Norma Fields provides facts in response to Delegate Miller's fiction.
Statement on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Manassas Park -- Jeanette Rishell released the following statement today regarding the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy:

"Americans today mourn the loss of a great statesman. For nearly half a century, Senator Ted Kennedy stood as a forceful advocate for progress and equality. Equally as inspiring, however, is the leadership and strength Kennedy demonstrated as the head of a family repeatedly touched by tragic deaths. Senator Kennedy lost all three of his older brothers to sudden, violent death and became, at an early age, the public head of an iconic family.

"Yet rather than retreat into private life to mourn, Senator Kennedy dedicated himself to the work of public service which his brothers had begun. By doing so he become a pillar of the Democratic Party and the U.S. Senate. Though we pause today to remember his life and his example, his words remain with us and urge us forward: 'the work goes on.' Today we keep the Kennedy family in our prayers and thank them for giving their brother, father, uncle and mentor to the nation for so many years. We are in their debt."

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Rishell Campaign Raises Over $100,000 in First Quarter

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Manassas Park - Jeanette Rishell thanked over 400 people for their contributions to her House of Delegates campaign today in a short video posted on her website.

"Thanks to you, we raised over $100,000 in the first three months of this year," Rishell said. "The economy may be down, but you've shown our commitment to the American dream is as strong as ever."

Rishell reported her fundraising numbers for the first quarter to the State Board of Elections. Candidates up for election in November must file reports by 5 PM today.

Of Rishell's 419 contributors, 181 gave more than $100 for a total of $76,325. 238 smaller donors each gave less than $100, for a total of $17,305.

Rishell's $101,630 in total fundraising includes a $8,000 loan to the campaign from the Rishell family.

Rishell spent very little in the first quarter, reporting $88,365.12 cash on hand at the end of March.

More information about Rishell's campaign can be found at www.JeanetteRishell.com.

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Rishell Announces Campaign For House

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2009

Manassas Park, VA - Jeanette Rishell announced today she will run once again for Virginia's 50th District House of Delegates seat. Rishell said President Barack Obama's landmark victories in Manassas, Virginia and the country showed her she should run again.

"I'm running to strengthen our families, our community and our Commonwealth," Rishell said. "Because of the economic downturn, we don't have time to fight yesterday's battles."

"Virginia is at a crossroads. I believe people will once again vote for change this year."

Rishell, a mother of two and a community activist from Manassas Park, ran for the House seat in 2006 and 2007, losing both times to Delegate Jackson Miller. 2009 will be different, she says, because of recent Democratic gains in the area.

"In 2006 and 2007, we were breaking new ground and did not see immediate results," Rishell said. "Then in 2008 people responded to a message of hope instead of fear."

Prince William County Democratic Committee Chair Pete Frisbie says Rishell can win this year.

"Jeanette is an incredibly hard worker, and she has our full support," Frisbie said. "She is committed to providing positive results for her neighbors."

Frisbie pointed to Obama's vote totals in the 50th District last year as evidence of Democratic momentum.

"President Obama received nearly 57% of the vote in Jeanette's district," Frisbie said. "These are people who know Jeanette and support her. She can win this year, definitely."

Rishell said she's learned from her previous campaigns.

"I'm going to be myself," she said. "I'm going to speak from my heart about the opportunity for every Virginian to experience the American dream. I think that's what people need to hear now, that we can all still achieve that dream we share."

More information about Rishell's campaign, including her announcement video, can be found at www.JeanetteRishell.com.

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