It has become abundantly clear that one of the most pressing issues that our industry will face in the future is increasing regulation. VALA PAC was formed to proactively address this issue and bring about change in a way that is good for both our residents and our industry.

We are not opposed to smart regulation, but it is our duty to fight new rules that do nothing to improve resident care and unnecessarily increase our costs. We also understand the importance of proactively seeking new legislation to clarify our role in the long term care network, ensure that resident choice is preserved in an increasingly regulated environment, and to improve the quality of care delivered by our providers.

In order to be more effective in this venture, we need friends in the legislature, and in order to get our friends into the General Assembly, they need our support. While lobbying and campaign donations sound like dirty words after many stories of misuse, money is the lifeblood of any candidate's campaign. This is how they buy the advertising to get their message out, and getting their message heard is how they get elected.

VALA PAC is raising money to actively support legislators and candidates who are concerned about senior issues and to make sure they understand our business. We need your support and are asking that each facility contribute a minimum of $250 to this important effort. We look forward to working for you and ensuring our industry's ability to be successful in the future. Please make your checks payable to VALA PAC and mail them to VALA, PO Box 6266, Richmond, VA 23230. Please include a business card with your donation or provide us with your name, mailing address, and phone number to satisfy reporting requirements by the Commonwealth of Virginia.