Campaign Blog
Addressing Obesity
Posted by Rep. Sanford Bishop on February 14, 2011 at 11:27 am
I want to speak to you about childhood obesity and its devastating impact on our communities.
This issue is critical to African Americans, where 18 percent of black high school students are obese, compared to 10 percent of whites; and 19 percent of black high school students are overweight, compared to 14 percent of whites.
Overweight and obese teens are at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, and breathing problems; and our children are disproportionately impacted.
In a recent report, “Too Fat to Fight,” over 100 retired generals and admirals wrote that obesity among children and young adults has increased so dramatically that it threatens not only the Nation’s health, but the future of our military.
First Lady Michelle Obama and a White House Task Force on Obesity issued a report with recommendations for reversing the obesity epidemic – setting goals, benchmarks, and measurable outcomes to tackle this crisis one child, one family, one community at a time.
Five goals must be implemented right away.
First, Giving Children a Healthy Start on Life by assuring prenatal care; breastfeeding; limiting TV time; quality child care settings; nutritious food; and ample opportunity for physical activity.
Second, Empowering Parents and Caregivers to make healthy choices for children through improved food labeling and menus; and reduction in the marketing of unhealthy products to children.
Third, Providing Healthy Foods for all school meals, upgrading nutritional quality of other foods sold; improving nutrition education and the overall health of the school environment.
Fourth, Improving Access to Healthy, Affordable Food by eliminating urban and rural “food deserts;” lowering the prices of healthier foods; making food products healthier, and reducing hunger.
Finally, Getting Children More Physically Active through quality physical education, recess, and more recreational opportunities.
All of us must join together to ensure that our children and our communities are healthy. Our nation’s future depends on it!
The Military Coalition announces support of “Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act”
Posted by on January 19, 2011 at 10:37 am
I’m proud to announce that The Military Coalition, a consortium of over 30 uniformed services and veterans associations, has announced their strong support and full endorsement of H.R. 333, the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act.
As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veteran Affairs, I introduced H.R. 333 to allow disabled veterans to receive the full amount of compensation they earned serving their country.
When a veteran receives income from multiple sources, such as from the VA and the Department of Defense, it is known as concurrent receipt. Under current law, many veterans are barred from collecting their VA disability compensation if they also receive military retirement pay, and face a dollar-for-dollar offset despite having earned both benefits while serving their country.
The Military Coalition has for years looked after the interest of our nation’s service members, veterans, and military families and I am proud to have their support on this vital piece of legislation.
Veterans who have been injured during their service to our country have rightfully earned their military retirement pay and VA disability benefits, and it is unjust that our current policies effectively tax these Americans, taking money right out of their pockets. These policies must change and I look forward to working with the Coalition to pass this bill.
About the Giffords Shooting
Posted by Rep. Sanford Bishop on January 10, 2011 at 11:35 am
The horrific shootings in Arizona continue to be top of mind for all of us. Vivian and I are deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and her constituents. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were maliciously attacked and their families. May the Grace of God be with them during this difficult time.
This incident was particularly disturbing because Rep. Giffords was doing what we all try to do each weekend – rush back home to be with our families, and get out and listen to the people we represent in order to make better decisions in Washington on their behalf.
This despicable act gives us all pause now. I certainly would like always to be accessible for dialogue with constituents, but under the current circumstances there must be a balance between accessibility and security.
I remain one of Congress’ most staunch supporters of the Second Amendment, and I intend to do whatever is necessary to protect and defend my family, my staff, and my constituents. Going forward I, and my staff, will use common sense and utilize law enforcement wherever appropriate.
Ultimately we will all have to depend on the grace and mercy of God for protection as we endeavor to do His will and serve our constituents.
Vote to Block Medicare Payment Cuts to Doctors
Posted by Rep. Sanford Bishop on December 7, 2010 at 11:28 am
Just wanted to let you know that I voted to prevent scheduled cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors and maintain the current Medicare rates doctors are paid through 2011. Absent this action by Congress, the rates were scheduled for a 25% reduction on January 1.
These cuts would have adversely impacted the access to health care of millions of senior citizens in Georgia and across the nation because many doctors have threatened to stop treating Medicare patients if the cuts are enacted. Congress, however, still needs to work towards a permanent solution to prevent any further uncertainty for patients and physicians.
The legislation, Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act, is completely offset and does not add to the federal budget deficit.