As a farmer and voter in Virginia’s 9th District I want to tell you why I’m supporting Anthony Flaccavento to become our new congressional representative. Farming is a major portion of the economy in our region and all farmers are dependent on market forces. Those markets have seen quite a bit of change recently, changes that have hurt farmers across this nation and in Southwest Virginia. Our Congressman, Morgan Griffith, supports the administration’s efforts to undermine farmers. Farms are closing, interest rates and expenses are increasing, market prices are falling, the decline continues with no help to support an industry that feeds all of us.
Anthony Flaccavento is a farmer and understands the affects of bad trade policies. He will work hard to make farming in Southwest Virginia a noble occupation again, one that can be passed from generation to generation and one that a young person can go into and be confident that with hard work, a person can raise a family.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not address the one issue that is critical to everyone in Southwest Virginia, access to quality healthcare as a right. As Americans, healthcare should not be rationed based on one’s ability to pay. And in this regard, farmers can suffer more than most. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations to have and a lot of farmers have to depend on individual health insurance policies, the most expensive kind. Medicare for all will help farmers to manage their total costs, address their health issues, and provide for their families without facing the horror of having to sell the farm because a member of the family becomes seriously ill or injured.
Letter from Mike Reardon/Rural Retreat
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