Daytona Times - June 29, 2017

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Black Press group elects new leader SEE PAGE 5

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

EE FR

JULIANNE MALVEAUX: THERE’S WAY TOO MUCH PUBLIC POLICY BEING DONE IN THE DARK PAGE 4

DAYTONA YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUES PREPARE FOR SEASON SEE PAGE 7

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

YEAR 42 NO. 26

www.daytonatimes.com

Locals also leery about health care plan Residents and doctor weigh in on senators’ controversial bill. BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Sam Shields is physically disabled and receives health care through Medicaid, a government program that provides coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with disabilities. The 43-year-old Volusia County resident is among the many Americans concerned about the new bill – the Better Care Recon-

ciliation Act (BCRA) – proposed by Republican senators in Congress. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill, if approved by the Senate, would leave 22 million fewer Americans without health care by 2026. The bill also chops $772 billion from the Medicaid program.

A lifesaver It’s frustrating for Shields. “I think everyone should be entitled to health care. Morally, it should be available for everyone in the country regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. It just seems like they want the poor to die,” Shields told the Daytona

Times this week. “The people who are well off and can take care of their families will be fine. There is no telling why a person is poor. Everyone should have access to health care and education. They call America the land of freedom and opportunity but the poor always get the short end of the stick.’’ He recalls a time when he had health insurance through his employment, and it saved his life. “I had a brain aneurysm when I was working at AT&T as a cable technician. I had been on the job for 10 years when it happened. If I didn’t have health insurance at the time, I would have died,” he recalled.

A little assistance Another local resident, Richard Bell, appreciates the health care help that he does receive. “It may or may not affect me. It may be worst for others. I maybe can manage to keep my head a little bit above water. All Medicaid does for me is give me $16 worth of food stamps each month,” Bell shared with the Times. “Medicare allows me to have hospital visits. You have part A and part B. If I lose Medicare, I can’t go to the hospital. If I lose Medicaid, I may lose my stamps. The $16 of food stamps is not much, but when you get in the grocery line, every little bit adds up. At my age, you need to be able

to go to a hospital when needed,’’ added Bell, who is 67.

Effort to repeal The controversial Senate bill follows an earlier proposal by Republicans in the House of Representatives who also drafted a bill to repeal President Barack Obama’s signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. Republicans have been trying to repeal Obama, which became law in 2010, ever since they took the majority of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The Senate has delayed voting on the bill until their IndepenSee PLAN, Page 2

Hukill reflects on cancer battle, legislative year BY DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Youngsters display the greeting cards they made while participating in Team Hardnotts University’s Therapeutic Photography Program.

Arts, crafts and culture Museum wraps up summer camp

The youth attending the DeLand summer camp work on jars that light up.

The African American Museum in DeLand’s summer camp started June 12 and ends this week. During their time at the museum run by director Mary Allen, the students were busy creating their own works of art. They also learned about local and national history during their time at the museum, located at 325 S. Clara Ave. The camp was open to elementary school-aged kids up to those in fifth grade. For residents interested in vis-

iting the museum, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Founded in 1994, it is the only museum in the area devoted primarily to African-American culture and art. The museum houses a revolving gallery where visitors will find works of both established and emerging artists. It’s also the home to a permanent collection of more than 150 artifacts, including sculptures and masks from countries of Africa. For more information about the museum, visit africanmuseumdeland.org.

TALLAHASSSEE – Sen. Dorothy Hukill says she spent more time watching the Legislature this year, even though she didn’t appear in person at the Capitol. The Port Orange Republican started treatment for cervical cancer Dorothy shortly after her Hukill re-election to the District 14 seat in November but says she was glued to her computer – and her iPad – throughout the legislative session and the special session that followed. Prior to her election to the Senate in 2012, Hukill, 70, served in the House for eight years. She’s the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee and vicechairwoman of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. District 14 includes parts of Volusia and Brevard counties. The News Service of Florida has five questions for Dorothy Hukill.

Plan to return Q: Let’s start with your health. You missed the entire session and the special session because of your cancer treatment. How are you doing, and what are your See HUKILL, Page 2

Kids learn to fish, bond with police officers BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Mason Falle is only 5 years old, but he’ll have a great fish story to tell for many years to come. The boy took home the grand prize at the Daytona Beach Police Department’s first youth fishing tournament. Falle’s big catch? A nearly 17-inch albino catfish.

ALSO INSIDE

Mason had this to say about his adventure on Saturday: “It’s cool! I had a lot of fun. It’s not only a big fish, but it is the only fish I’ve ever caught.” The kid went home with a fishing kit that included a brand-new pole and several fishing accessories from Bass Pro Shops. The fishing tournament, for kids up to 12 years old, was held at Lake Valor, which is located right in front of the police department’s headquarters. “I think it was a great turnout with it being the first one. We’ll use this one for learning and building. We want to do this every year. I think we’ll do it during the school year since a lot of people go away during the summer,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri.

A family event Larry Adams took his 4-yearold daughter, Larissa. About 40 people participated in the tournament. He told the Daytona Times, “I think this is a fun activity for the kids. It is also a way for them to have fun with their parents. It teaches them discipline and responsibility as well as how to fish. Like they say, ‘If you teach a person to fish, they’ll eat forever.’ Fishing is a great skill to have.” Maria Moore made the fishing tournament a family affair. She attended with her three sons – Roman, 6, Fabian, 5, and Milan 3 – as well as her mother, Jamie Crawford. “It’s pretty cool. It’s fascinating. The kids are learning about animals and fishing as well as

Volusia County School Administrator Rod Smith assists his son Rod Smith Jr. during the fishing tournament while his wife, Antonette, looks on. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY. COM

See FISHING, Page 2

COMMUNITY NEWS: PALM COAST COUPLE PUSHING FOR MORE PARKING FOR DISABLED | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: MARC MORIAL: JAY-Z’S GESTURE BRINGS FOCUS TO PRISONS, POVERTY | PAGE 4


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