Happy Liberty Day Today the Virgin Islands celebrates Liberty Day, honoring D. Hamilton Jackson. Jackson was a community leader who in the early 1900s fought for better working and living conditions for Virgin Islanders. He is best known however for traveling to Denmark in 1915 and successfully advocating for a free press in the Virgin Islands. This week Congresswoman Plaskett gave a five-minute speech on the floor of the House of Representatives celebrating the legacy of D. Hamilton Jackson. She also participated in today's annual Liberty Day ceremony at Grove Place in St. Croix. Watch the speech here. Congresswoman Plaskett Chairs Hearing on Organics Industry This week Congresswoman Plaskett chaired a Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee hearing on the organics industry. During the hearing, the Congresswoman expressed concerns about the challenges many farmers face when recieving their organic certification. The Virgin Islands' only organic certified grower testified on the need for technical assistance from the federal government to help increase the number of organic certified farmers. Also discussed were the difficulties to produce organically on a large scale, the inclusion of the hydroponics industry in organics, adequate cost-share assistance for organic growers, and upholding the integrity of the organic label. Congresswoman Plaskett Speaks with Healthcare Stakeholders This week, Congresswoman Plaskett spoke with various local healthcare stakeholders including officials from both hospitals. Some of the discussion revolved around the status of the hospitals, Medicare reimbursement, and Medicaid reauthorization. Stabilizing the healthcare system in the Virgin Islands is of vital importance. Congresswoman Plaskett continues to work with officials in the federal and local government to work towards the healthcare needs of Virgin Islanders being met within the territory. Congresswoman Delivers Speech On Elevating Food as a Policy Priority Recently, Congresswoman Plaskett spoke at the Milken Institute about the importance of food as a policy issue. In her speech, the Congresswoman said, "I believe that food policy can be used as a vehicle to positively influence health outcomes and to help address our current climate crisis." She emphasized that resilient and sustainable farming is necessary for food security. Food producers are often on the frontlines of the effects of climate change potentially compromising our nation's food supply.  Upcoming Town Halls Next week Congresswoman Plaskett will be hosting a series of town halls on Veterans and Postal Service issues. There to address these issues will be Deputy Postmaster General, Ronald Stroman, Deputy Director of the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network, Verana Richardson, and Public Contact Chief, PR/VI Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration, Daniel Massa. Tuesday, November 5th on St. Thomas at American Legion Post #90 6-8 pm Wednesday, November 6th on St. Croix at UVI's Great Hall 6-8 pm   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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