Happy Holidays from
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett |
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| Congresswoman Plaskett and husband Jonathan Buckney-Small |
This season is a special time for togetherness where we take the opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and friends. We celebrate the many gifts of life, counting and sharing our blessings.
We also think of those for whom the struggles of daily life continue, in spite of the season. In these instances, let us remember that it’s often more satisfying to give than to receive.
This holiday season, my family, staff, and I send warm wishes. We hope that you are surrounded by the true spirit of the season and receive the priceless gifts of love and peace.
Looking at this past year, there is much for which we can be grateful, yet just as much to look forward to. As we prepare for a New Year and new decade, it is my hope that we all draw on our trials and victories to motivate us to grow and succeed in 2020 and beyond. We can use the lessons learned to propel us into new areas of opportunity and progress. This New Year lets work together help create a future we all can believe in. May all your days be filled with joy.
Have a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year!
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| U.S. Senate Reaches a 4-Year Deal on Medicaid for Territories |
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The Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories have been on the precipice of a Medicaid crisis since September 30, 2019. The office of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett has been working diligently with other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to avoid this crisis and set in place a long-term solution. Recently, the Senate came to a 4-year deal for all U.S. territories. This deal will appropriate an annual increase of $126 million to the Virgin Islands in federal Medicaid funding from 2020- 2023. This increase raises the federal cost-share from the 55% established by the ACA to 83% until the end of fiscal year 2023. |
| SNAP Waiver |
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Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture released new rules regarding SNAP eligibility for working-age able-bodied individuals. The Virgin Islands requested and was approved for a 3-month waiver from the changes. The waiver was granted on the basis of our unemployment rate which is higher than the national average. When the waiver expires in March 2020 we will be able to apply for an extension that is likely to be approved. |
| Wounded Warrior Fellowship |
Congresswoman Plaskett would like to remind the community about the Wounded Warrior fellowship opportunity in my office. While we continue to receive a large number of stateside applications, I am actively looking for someone local to fill the position. If you reside in our territory presently, have been honorably discharged and released from active duty within the last five years, you may qualify!
Please visit https://www.usajobs.gov and search “Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program” to find additional requirements and information. |
| It's Crucian Christmas Festival!! |
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| Congresswoman Plaskett during Crucian Festival 2018 |
I would like to wish everyone a happy Crucian Christmas Festival, “What A Sight to See: Music, Culture and Pageantry. The Crucian Christmas Festival bears witness to the history, culture, and perseverance of our cultural heritage. This month-long celebration will feature continuous festive events—non-stop food, culture, music and dancing, colorful parades, and extravagant costumes. I'd like to congratulate the festival village and food, arts, and craft honoree, Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights. I also would like to recognize Cultural Night honoree the late Lena Schulterbrandt, for her many years of contributions to the cultural fabric of St. Croix.
Have a Safe and Blessed Crucian Christmas Festival season!
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ST.CROIX DISTRICT OFFICE
60 KING STREET
FREDERIKSTED, VI 00840
340.778.5900 |
ST.THOMAS DISTRICT OFFICE
9100 HAVENSIGHT
PORT OF SALE MALL, SUITE 22
ST. THOMAS, VI 00802
340.774.4408 |
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