Obama Signs Multifaceted Legislation Covering Land, Water, and Paralysis

Little River Canyon National Preserve will benefit. Photo Courtesy of National Parks Traveler.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- President Barack Obama has signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, incorporating 150 bills that cover legislative matters including: designating 2 million acres of new wilderness areas, authorizing the various Bureau of Reclamation water projects and water settlements, and creating The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act.

Among the president’s remarks at the signing of the bill, he said, “This landmark bill will protect millions of acres of Federal land as wilderness, protect more than 1,000 miles of river through the National Wilderness and Scenic River System, and designate thousands of miles of trails for the National Trails System.

“This legislation also makes progress for which millions of Americans have long waited on another front. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act is the first piece of comprehensive legislation aimed at improving the lives of Americans living with paralysis.”

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Uninsured to See Increased Assistance From Obama’s Pick For Head of Federal Health Services Agency

Dr. Mary Wakefield

WASHINGTON, D.C.- President Barack Obama has appointed Dr. Mary Wakefield, one of the nation’s top rural healthcare professionals, as administrator of the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The agency serves to deliver services to those who are uninsured or underinsured by the current healthcare system.

“Under her leadership, we will be able to expand and improve the care provided at community health centers which serve millions of uninsured Americans and address severe provider shortages across the country,” said President Obama, in a statement.

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