Nick Freitas has thrown his hat into the ring to challenge Congresswoman Spanberger. In his video he states: “My mom always said if somebody needs help, you have a personal responsibility to intervene”. But words are easy to say and harder to back up. Since the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior I looked into his voting record to see what his priorities might be. Mr. Freitas was one of only two who voted against SB423 requiring health insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids for children. 91 other legislators voted in favor of the bipartisan bill. Trouble hearing can be detected at a young age and even babies can be fitted with behind-the-ear aids. Children with hearing loss may have trouble developing speech, social skills, and have trouble learning. Does Mr. Freitas not understand basic child development? There is a critical period, up to age 5 where a child can develop language and after that it becomes much more difficult. Did he consult with any pediatricians before he voted? How is denying children healthcare helpful? Mr. Freitas intervened, but not on behalf of the children in need of help.
In his video he further stated “My dad really instilled in me that you have an obligation to protect people who can’t protect themselves”. Mr. Freitas was the only one who voted against requiring health insurance companies to cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment of autism (HB 1503). 97 other legislators voted in favor of the bipartisan bill. The range and severity of symptoms of autism varies greatly and early expert evaluation is necessary. Difficulty with communication, social interactions, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and sensory issues are just some of the symptoms families manage. Does Mr. Freitas not understand that autism is a lifelong condition? Common sense tells us that addressing a problem early results in a better outcome and research proves this to be true. Mr. Freitas failed to protect people who can’t protect themselves.
So who is he intervening for? Who is he protecting? These votes suggest that he is protecting for profit health insurance companies. Does he oppose services for all children with disabilities or just these two? I have spent my entire career advocating for children with disabilities and it is rare to find a politician so extreme and heartless about denying services to children who need them. I am thankful that he was overwhelmingly outvoted both times by a bipartisan legislature. Mr. Freitas does not act in accordance with his words and cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of the people.
In contrast, the incumbent, Congresswoman Spanberger has voted as she said she would. She has voted to support the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid expansion, both of which we have here in Virginia. She cosponsored and passed legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs. We need a representative who works to benefit people, not health insurance corporations who earned $913 Billion in profits in 2019. Vote for all children, vote for Spanberger.
Aleta Strickland
Licensed School Psychologist
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