Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 25, 1993 TAG: 9305250461
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"There is a new administration that has brought a new attitude with it," Boucher told an audience at the annual meeting of Southwest Virginia's Council of Community Services in Roanoke.
Clinton's proposals, including free government distribution of childhood vaccines and a service plan for college-bound students, plus the focus on health-care reform, "signals a new era," Boucher said.
Proposals such as the national service plan - which would give federal aid to select college students who volunteer for national service - advance community service, Boucher said.
Boucher predicted that a solution to the health-care crisis will occur during this session of Congress. With 37 million people lacking affordable access to health care and its costs rising at four times the rate of inflation, "the problem can go unanswered no longer," Boucher said.
Congress is working to put a national solution in place, he said.
"I think it will be the greatest accomplishment of the 103rd Congress," Boucher said.
Boucher also forecasted passage of legislation that will aid the development of an "information superhighway" - a communications network capable of delivering voice, video and data to every home and business in America. The network - which would have educational and health-care applications - has the potential of advancing the community services agenda, said Boucher, who is chief sponsor of the legislation.
A handful of anti-abortion demonstrators lined up outside the entrance of the Southwest Roanoke County hotel where Boucher spoke on Monday.
"We want to send him a message," said Susan Jasek, of Roanoke. Standing next to her was Ron Hudlund of Covington, who held an enlarged, graphic photograph.
"Abortion is pretty graphic," Hudlund said. "We want people to see what abortion really is."
Asked about the demonstration, Boucher said that he personally opposed abortion. But a woman's decision should not be dictated by the government, he said.
The Council of Community Services is a Roanoke-based human services planning agency that works to identify needs in the Roanoke Valley. The council is supported by area agencies, governments and businesses.
Boucher applauded the council for its efforts. Its public-private partnerships "serve as a model we hope to advance nationwide," he said.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***