Dear Editor,
This week I received a political robocall from a group calling themselves “Women Speak Out VA 2025,” urging me to vote for the incumbent in House District 41, which includes parts of Roanoke and Montgomery counties. The call claims he is the district’s “pro-life candidate.” In fact, his voting record and positions have been very harmful to infant and maternal health and the safety of children. He has failed to address how Republican-led cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will affect his constituents, and he has not supported increases in health care funding in the state. During his first term in office, he voted against a bill to lower prescription drug prices (HB 1724) and against the Medical Debt Protection Act (HB 1725). He voted against a bill that would establish a right to obtain contraception (HB 1716) and against a bill that would outlaw child marriage (HB 994). The incumbent has fought against efforts that would help protect children and protect the health and life of women and infants in the face of increasing stresses. The loss of labor and delivery services at the Lewis Gale hospital in Montgomery County is already hurting constituents.
I encourage my neighbors who care about babies, about women and children, about health and life in general to instead support Lily Franklin, who would bring a vibrant history of support for children and families to this office. Although she has not yet held office, she was an aide to Delegate Sam Rasoul (HD 38). Del. Rasoul has been very active in improving health care for Virginians, passing legislation that would provide post-partum care several months after birth. Lily maintains that the General Assembly should address federal cuts to health care and provide access to affordable health insurance to all Virginians. She served as a high school math teacher and is a strong supporter of public education. She also understands that building a strong local economy to support higher wages improves all of our lives. I am supporting Lily Franklin for House of Delegates District 41 and I hope many of you will join me.
Carola Haas
Riner
