Well finally found the pic of the original motley crew and wanted to post it, say like around the first of the year. Problem is, I have it found now. So if I don't post it now I suspect it will be lost again. And maybe it is appropriate now. We are still fighting a corrupt system that cannot seem to give anything but lame platitudes to those whom they supposedly represent. Witness this response from Sen Bill Nelson to John W. our Big Bend ABATE Chapter VP:
"Dear Mr. Weigel:Thank you for contacting me regarding insurance coverage for users of recreational vehicles. As former Insurance Commissioner for the State of Florida I understand the frustration that many Floridians feel when they are unable to obtain adequate and/or affordable insurance for their families. On March 9, 2005, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act was introduced in the Senate (S. 577). This legislation would prohibit a group health plan or health insurance issuer from denying benefits or coverage otherwise covered under the plan solely because it resulted from participation in a
legal mode of transportation or recreational activity. S. 577 has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Although I am not a member of this committee, I will continue to monitor the status of the bill. Rest assured that I will keep your views in mind should this bill come before the Senate. If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office."
P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm"
Apparently the "Honorable" Mr. Nelson either did not remember or failed to make the connection, however this was pretty much the same blow-off answer he gave Papa John (Panhandle chapter ABATE)and I when we caught him at a town hall meeting last summer.
What Sen Nelson conveniently leaves out, is that for the past 5 years this bill has been getting kicked back to "committee". Why? Because this bill fixes the loophole in the act that enables insurance compaies to avid paying for injuries received as a result of riding horseback, snowmobiles, ski doos and yepper, MOTORCYLES. THe insurance want this issue to stay right where it is, "out of sight", Oh yeah did I use the word "kickback" in relation to this bill? Hmmmmmmmmm, wonder why.
Does he think that unlikely crew of misfits above will forget? We are still in the trenches dear Senator. rc
