The President Signs Rosa’s Law
E-Newsletter Issue Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama put his pen to work signing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law, delivering brief remarks on the impact of the law on people with disabilities and celebrating Rosa’s Law. The law, which was enacted by the President on Tuesday, substitutes the term “intellectual disabilities” for “mental retardation” in many federal laws.
Self-advocates William Washington (The Arc’s national office receptionist), Jill Egle (Co-Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia) and Jeremy Jacobson (son of The Arc’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Trudy Jacobson) joined Paul Marchand, Director of the Disability Policy Collaboration to represent the intellectual and developmental disability community whose advocacy resulted in this bill.
Nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, for whom the law was named was in attendance with her family and received a hug from the President. Also in attendance were the bill’s sponsors, key policy leaders and musician Stevie Wonder.
Rosa’s Law was passed by the Senate earlier this year and passed the House in September. Self-advocates and The Arc have led the effort to get the bill enacted as part of a nationwide effort to remove the stigma of the “r-word.” The majority of states have altered their terminology by replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in state laws and in the names of state agencies that serve this population.
Changes in terminology are another stepping stone toward realizing a more inclusive society. The Arc was instrumental in the passage of Rosa’s Law by galvanizing support across the nation and through vigorous advocacy. “We have achieved another historic milestone in our movement. We understand that language plays a crucial role in how people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and treated in society. Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act increases accessibility for people with sensory disabilities to modern communications, such as internet access over smart phones. The Arc also advocated strongly for this legislation and celebrates its enactment.
Showing posts with label President. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President. Show all posts
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Disability Policy Seminar Fact Sheets
http://disabilitypolicyseminar.org/
Friday, January 22, 2010
Capitol Insider
Action Alerts
Major Events Last Week
Health Care Reform
President Obama increased his involvement in negotiations with the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate to resolve differences between their bills. On Wednesday, he reportedly spent over six hours in these negotiations. The leadership had hoped to resolve all differences and send a revised bill to the Congressional Budget Office for a cost estimate by the end of the week, but did not meet that deadline.
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, recently released a compendium of disability statistics for 2009. The Annual Disability Compendium brings together in one place disability statistics published by various federal agencies. It may be useful when individuals or organizations needs disability statistics for press or public information activities, advocacy materials, grant writing or other matters relating to persons with disabilities. See: www.DisabilityCompendium.org
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ADA/Technology
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reached agreements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Pace University in New York City, Arizona State University and Reed College in Portland, OR, regarding the use of electronic book readers, which read text aloud. The schools were using the Kindle DX. A student using the Kindle DX could have the text read aloud but could not use the menu and navigational controls. Without access to the menus, students had no way to know which book they had selected or how to use the Kindle DX. Under the agreements the universities will not purchase, recommend or promote use of the Kindle DX, or any other electronic book reader, unless the devices are fully accessible to students who need assistance in order to read textbooks.
Major Events Ahead
Obama Administration
The White House has announced that the President will deliver his State of the Union Address on Wednesday, January 27. President Obama will then release his Fiscal Year 2011 budget request to Congress on Monday, February 1.
U.S. Congress
The Senate returns to work on Wednesday after a fairly brief holiday recess.
Health Care Reform
The fate of the health reform bill may rest on the outcome of today's special election in Massachusetts to fill the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's seat. The Republican candidate has vowed to oppose any health reform bill. If he wins, Senate Democrats will lose their 60 vote filibuster-proof supermajority that allowed for passage of the Senate health reform bill. White House and Democratic Congressional staff are meeting to discuss fast track strategies for a final vote on health reform (such as the House voting on the Senate bill) if the Republican candidate wins.
Much is at stake for the disability community in the health care reform bills. To learn about specific provisions that affect people with disabilities, read the recent letter from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), which includes The Arc and UCP, at:
http://www.c-c-d.org/task_forces/health/CCD-House-SenateConferenceLetter810.pdf
http://www.c-c-d.org/task_forces/health/CCD-House-SenateConferenceLetter810.pdf
Debt Limit/ Entitlement Commission
The Senate is set to begin debate tomorrow on legislation to increase the debt limit so that the federal government can meet its debt obligations. The debate on increasing the debt limit may be prolonged by numerous amendments and filibusters. Key issues to be debated include the pay as you go system (PAYGO) and the creation of an entitlement commission. An entitlement commission, likely to be appointed by the Congress and the President, would be of great concern to the disability community as its primary purpose is to recommend savings (i.e. cuts) in major entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Those recommendations would have to be voted up or down by the Congress, without amendments.
Announcements
ODEP Listening Session & Talking Points
The DPC has prepared talking points for advocates to participate in the Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) series of listening sessions on improving employment for people with disabilities. Beginning on January 21 in Dallas, Texas and continuing through March 3 in Boston, Massachusetts, ODEP and its federal partners will hold a series of six disability employment Listening Sessions. Sessions are also scheduled for Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. To learn more about the Listening Sessions and how to register and comment, see:
The DPC has prepared talking points for advocates to participate in the Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) series of listening sessions on improving employment for people with disabilities. Beginning on January 21 in Dallas, Texas and continuing through March 3 in Boston, Massachusetts, ODEP and its federal partners will hold a series of six disability employment Listening Sessions. Sessions are also scheduled for Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. To learn more about the Listening Sessions and how to register and comment, see:
To read the DPC's talking points and supporting data, see:
Disability Data
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, recently released a compendium of disability statistics for 2009. The Annual Disability Compendium brings together in one place disability statistics published by various federal agencies. It may be useful when individuals or organizations needs disability statistics for press or public information activities, advocacy materials, grant writing or other matters relating to persons with disabilities. See: www.DisabilityCompendium.org
Employment Training Event
A federal government-wide hiring event for people with disabilities is scheduled for April 26, 2010. In preparation for this event, several federal agencies have developed a "Call to Action: Hiring People with Disabilities" event on February 9, 2010 to train human resource officials, hiring managers and other federal personnel to develop an improved pipeline and process for hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Interested federal personnel must register by February 3 by emailing their full name, title, agency and email address to Michael.Aguenza.Ctr@tma.osd.mil
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Please note that you can view previous issues of the Capitol Insider, at thearc.org anytime by choosing "Capitol Insider" under "Public Policy."
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:
mailto:acosta@thedpc.org
mailto:acosta@thedpc.org
Sincerely,
Annie Acosta
Director of Communications and Grassroots Advocacy
Disability Policy Collaboration
Director of Communications and Grassroots Advocacy
Disability Policy Collaboration
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health Care Reform Information
President Obama is trying to alleviate the fears being spread about health care reform by debunking the myths at a new website
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Want information on Federal mental health grants, publications, meetings, policies, programs and other useful material for mental health consumers? Join the CMHS Consumer Affairs Listserv at: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/listserv/
The Center for Mental Health Services values your feedback. Please click on the following link to complete a brief customer survey: http://cmhssurvey.samhsa.gov
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Want information on Federal mental health grants, publications, meetings, policies, programs and other useful material for mental health consumers? Join the CMHS Consumer Affairs Listserv at: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/listserv/
The Center for Mental Health Services values your feedback. Please click on the following link to complete a brief customer survey: http://cmhssurvey.samhsa.gov
‘First New Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century’
Obama Directs U.S. to Sign ‘First New Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century’
Monday, July 27, 2009
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor
(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama on Friday announced that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that elevates disability beyond a health and social welfare issue to a human rights issue.
"Disability rights aren't just civil rights to be enforced here at home. They are universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world," the president said at a White House ceremony. All treaties require Senate ratification.
Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2006, the lengthy treaty describes the human rights of persons with disabilities, including the right to equality under the law; the right to live in the community; the right to education, health, and work; and the right to participate in political, public and cultural life.
The treaty also discusses disabled people's "right" to health care, saying that parties to the treaty "recognize that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability."
Countries signing on to the treaty agree to:
-- Provide the disabled with the same “range, quality and standard of free or affordable health care” as provided to other people, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health;
-- Provide health services needed by the disabled specifically because of their disabilities, including early identification and intervention as well as services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities;
-- Provide health services as close as possible to people's own communities, including in rural areas;
-- Require health professionals to provide the same quality of care to the disabled as to others;
-- Prohibit discrimination against the disabled in the provision of health insurance and life insurance, "which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner";
-- Prevent "discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability."
Obama's announcement that he will direct U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice to sign the treaty this week came on the 19th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.N. treaty was inspired by the ADA and will "incorporate principles of empowerment and integration into international law."
According to the treaty's text, its goal is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity."
The treaty defines persons with disabilities as those with have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which -- in conjunction with various barriers -- may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Among other things, signatories to the treaty agree to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programs; outlaw discrimination against the disabled; promote research and development of "universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities...to meet the specific needs of a person with disabilities"; and promote "research and development of new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at an affordable cost."
Women, torture, reproductive services
Article 6 singles out women with disabilities. "State Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Article 15 grants disabled people "freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Article 23 guarantees the right of disabled people to marry -- and "to found a family." It says disabled people have the right to decide on the number and spacing of their children -- "and to have access to age-appropriate information, reproductive and family planning education."
It also says nations signing the treaty "shall render appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities."
The treaty "ensures equal access by persons with disabilities to clean water service"; and it ensure access -- particularly for women, girls and the elderly -- to social protection and poverty reduction programs.
Article 30 deals with participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. It says nations signing the treaty must take "appropriate measures" to ensure that the disabled enjoy access to television programs, films, theatre and other cultural activities "in accessible formats"; and enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.
States must encourage and promote the participation of disabled people, to the fullest extent possible, in mainstream sporting activities at all levels. It says children with disabilities must have equal access to participate in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system.
The treaty establishes a "Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," initially consisting of 12 "experts," who will receive reports submitted by nations that sign the treaty. Nations will be required to submit report at least every four years, or whenever the committee asks them to do so.
"Each report shall be considered by the Committee, which shall make such suggestions and general recommendations on the report as it may consider appropriate and shall forward these to the State Party concerned."
One hundred and forty nations already have signed the treaty.
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51614
Monday, July 27, 2009
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor
(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama on Friday announced that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that elevates disability beyond a health and social welfare issue to a human rights issue.
"Disability rights aren't just civil rights to be enforced here at home. They are universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world," the president said at a White House ceremony. All treaties require Senate ratification.
Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2006, the lengthy treaty describes the human rights of persons with disabilities, including the right to equality under the law; the right to live in the community; the right to education, health, and work; and the right to participate in political, public and cultural life.
The treaty also discusses disabled people's "right" to health care, saying that parties to the treaty "recognize that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability."
Countries signing on to the treaty agree to:
-- Provide the disabled with the same “range, quality and standard of free or affordable health care” as provided to other people, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health;
-- Provide health services needed by the disabled specifically because of their disabilities, including early identification and intervention as well as services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities;
-- Provide health services as close as possible to people's own communities, including in rural areas;
-- Require health professionals to provide the same quality of care to the disabled as to others;
-- Prohibit discrimination against the disabled in the provision of health insurance and life insurance, "which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner";
-- Prevent "discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability."
Obama's announcement that he will direct U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice to sign the treaty this week came on the 19th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.N. treaty was inspired by the ADA and will "incorporate principles of empowerment and integration into international law."
According to the treaty's text, its goal is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity."
The treaty defines persons with disabilities as those with have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which -- in conjunction with various barriers -- may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Among other things, signatories to the treaty agree to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programs; outlaw discrimination against the disabled; promote research and development of "universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities...to meet the specific needs of a person with disabilities"; and promote "research and development of new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at an affordable cost."
Women, torture, reproductive services
Article 6 singles out women with disabilities. "State Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Article 15 grants disabled people "freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Article 23 guarantees the right of disabled people to marry -- and "to found a family." It says disabled people have the right to decide on the number and spacing of their children -- "and to have access to age-appropriate information, reproductive and family planning education."
It also says nations signing the treaty "shall render appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities."
The treaty "ensures equal access by persons with disabilities to clean water service"; and it ensure access -- particularly for women, girls and the elderly -- to social protection and poverty reduction programs.
Article 30 deals with participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. It says nations signing the treaty must take "appropriate measures" to ensure that the disabled enjoy access to television programs, films, theatre and other cultural activities "in accessible formats"; and enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.
States must encourage and promote the participation of disabled people, to the fullest extent possible, in mainstream sporting activities at all levels. It says children with disabilities must have equal access to participate in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system.
The treaty establishes a "Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," initially consisting of 12 "experts," who will receive reports submitted by nations that sign the treaty. Nations will be required to submit report at least every four years, or whenever the committee asks them to do so.
"Each report shall be considered by the Committee, which shall make such suggestions and general recommendations on the report as it may consider appropriate and shall forward these to the State Party concerned."
One hundred and forty nations already have signed the treaty.
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51614
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
2009 Disability Policy Seminar
The Arc of United States Disability Policy Seminar information, the Federal Legislation, Fact sheets, etc. are available Here
Take a Look!
Take a Look!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Olmsted Anniversary
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2009
President Obama Commemorates Anniversary of Olmstead and Announces New Initiatives to Assist Americans with Disabilities
On the 10th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., President Barack Obama today celebrated that anniversary and launched "The Year of Community Living," a new effort to assist Americans with disabilities.
Specifically, the President has directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements. As part of this effort, later today, Secretaries Sebelius and Donovan will announce several new initiatives including details about increased numbers of Section 8 vouchers and enhanced interagency coordination to address this critical civil rights issue. The initiative also will include listening sessions conducted by HHS across the country to hear the voices and stories of Americans and to keep the President's pledge to be as open and transparent as possible.
“The Olmstead ruling was a critical step forward for our nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights of Americans with disabilities: Having the choice to live independently,” said President Obama. “I am proud to launch this initiative to reaffirm my Administration's commitment to vigorous enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our nation.”
In the Olmstead case, the Court held that the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since that time, progress has been made. Many individuals have successfully transitioned to community settings, but waiting lists for community services have grown considerably and many individuals who would like to receive community services are not able to obtain them.
To help remedy that problem, the Obama Administration provided over $140 million in the Recovery Act funding for independent living centers across the country. The Administration acknowledges that strides have been made, and knows and accepts that there is much work to do in order to maximize the choices and opportunities for individuals to receive long-term services and supports in institutional and community settings.
The President noted that his Administration looks forward to continued engagement with the disability community to achieve these goals.
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2009
President Obama Commemorates Anniversary of Olmstead and Announces New Initiatives to Assist Americans with Disabilities
On the 10th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., President Barack Obama today celebrated that anniversary and launched "The Year of Community Living," a new effort to assist Americans with disabilities.
Specifically, the President has directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements. As part of this effort, later today, Secretaries Sebelius and Donovan will announce several new initiatives including details about increased numbers of Section 8 vouchers and enhanced interagency coordination to address this critical civil rights issue. The initiative also will include listening sessions conducted by HHS across the country to hear the voices and stories of Americans and to keep the President's pledge to be as open and transparent as possible.
“The Olmstead ruling was a critical step forward for our nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights of Americans with disabilities: Having the choice to live independently,” said President Obama. “I am proud to launch this initiative to reaffirm my Administration's commitment to vigorous enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our nation.”
In the Olmstead case, the Court held that the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since that time, progress has been made. Many individuals have successfully transitioned to community settings, but waiting lists for community services have grown considerably and many individuals who would like to receive community services are not able to obtain them.
To help remedy that problem, the Obama Administration provided over $140 million in the Recovery Act funding for independent living centers across the country. The Administration acknowledges that strides have been made, and knows and accepts that there is much work to do in order to maximize the choices and opportunities for individuals to receive long-term services and supports in institutional and community settings.
The President noted that his Administration looks forward to continued engagement with the disability community to achieve these goals.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Washinton Stimulus Information
Click HERE for The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act: Washington State Program Summary.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Economic Recovery Bill Includes Billions to Help Get our State Working Again
Excerpt from Washington View. To subscribe click HERE
The following is a list of some of the investments, tax cuts and grant programs that will benefit Washington state in the bill: (All figures are for Washington state unless otherwise noted.)
TAX CUTS
INCOME TAX CUT: Includes income tax cut of up to $800 for Washington workers and their families. This means that shortly after this bill is enacted over 2.4 million Washington state workers will begin to see a tax cut in their paychecks. Workers would begin to see this tax cut in their paychecks roughly 90 days after enactment of the bill. Workers would receive the full value of the cut after a full year.
AMT: Includes protection for working families across the state from the Alternative Minimum Tax, representing thousands of dollars in additional income taxes. According to the Congressional Research Service, 348,000 Washingtonians would be protected from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2009.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT: This bill includes an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase their homes between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. Under the provision, fist-time buyers would not be required to pay the government back for this credit. The credit is available for buyers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
SALES TAX DEDUCTION FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES: The bill provides most taxpayers with a deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light truck, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles through 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS: Includes nearly $500 million to improve Washington state roads, highways, and bridges and create jobs. Also includes $1.5 billion for nationwide competitive grant program for projects of major national or regional importance.
TRANSIT: Includes nearly $180 million in new transit funding for Washington state to keep residents moving and create jobs.
FERRIES: Includes a $60 million nationwide grant program to fund ferry and ferry terminal upgrades.
SMALL SHIPYARDS: Includes a $100 million nationwide grant program to improve small shipyards, create jobs and ensure that our shipyards have the tools to compete in the global economy.
HELPING THOSE HURT BY RECESSION
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Will give an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers in Washington. Will provide extended unemployment benefits to many more laid-off workers. Unemployment will be extended for a total of 33 weeks.
WORKER TRAINING: Includes more than $66 million to train unemployed Washington state workers and get them the skills needed to embark on new careers.
ONE-TIME PAYMENT: This bill will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Washington state Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving pensions, and low-income people receiving Supplemental Security Income payments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The bill includes over $100 million to prevent homelessness, and create and preserve affordable housing for Washington’s most vulnerable families.
FOODSTAMPS: Will provide $380 million in additional support for struggling Washington state families to afford food. This is an immediate stimulus for our economy and moral obligation in these difficult times.
COBRA: The bill includes $21 billion nationwide to help many laid-off workers keep their health insurance under the COBRA program. The funding would allow laid off workers to continue to receive health insurance from their previous employer but would make that care affordable by providing a 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.
WASHINGTON STATE VICTORIES
HANFORD: Includes $6 billion for Environmental Management (EM) nationwide. Historically, Hanford Nuclear Reservation receives a significant portion of EM funding. This funding would help save or create jobs at Hanford, would accelerate cleanup efforts, and would save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. Estimates are that Hanford would receive nearly $2 billion in funding.
BPA: Includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority so that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can modernize the region’s power grid and bring alternative energy sources online. BPA is the largest marketer of wholesale electricity in the Pacific Northwest. This funding will mean that BPA can improve their aging transmission lines so that new sources of energy can be made available to customers and new green jobs can be created throughout the state.
MEDICAID: The bill includes $2.06 billion for Washington state to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. This payment will help Washington state sustain Medicaid help to families—at a time when they need it most – and it will help the state during a time of strained budgets and decreased revenue.
EDUCATION
STATE STABILIZATION FUND: This bill includes $812 million for Washington state from the State Stabilization Fund. Most of this funding will go directly to the state to be used for education priorities. These funds will help the state avoid cutbacks and protect against job cuts. Gov. Gregoire has also discussed using these funds for reducing class sizes and ensuring that districts with low property values get their fair share of education funding. Portions of this funding will be used by the state for bonus grants to districts that meet key performance measures. An additional portion will be allotted to the state to be used at their discretion for any public service needs.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: The bill includes over $13.1 million for Washington state in the Education Technology funding to purchase up-to-date classroom computers and software, and to provide professional development to ensure the technology is used effectively in the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: The bill includes over $220 million in special education grant funding to Washington to help local school districts fund educational services for those with disabilities. This funding will help prevent these rising mandatory state costs from forcing the state to cut other areas of education.
HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN: The bill includes over $176 million to help disadvantaged students in Washington state reach high academic standards and to ensure that in this period of tight state and local budgets we continue to serve these children.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: This bill increases the higher education tax credit for Washington state students to a maximum of $2,500 a year and will allow more low-income students in our state to qualify. This bill will also increase Pell Grants by $500 for eligible students in our state.
HEAD START AND EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANTS: This bill contains over $33 million in child care funding and $10.5 million for Head Start and Early Head Start for Washington state. These funds will help more Washingtonians access critical child care, pre-school, and family support services, allowing parents to work and provide their children with the tools needed to succeed.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WATER PROGRAMS
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM: This bill includes over $60 million for Washington state to address their energy priorities, including the expansion of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
WEATHERIZATION: Includes $60.7 million to help weatherize homes and businesses throughout our state, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
WATER RESOURCE NEEDS: Washington state will receive $42.1 million through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs and $69.2 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of clean water infrastructure needs
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH/IT: Will provide $19 billion nationwide to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology systems by doctors and hospitals in order to save money, reduce medical errors and improve overall health care quality. Health IT systems will save billions through cutting waste and eliminating the need to repeat medical tests.
NIH: This bill includes $10 billion nationwide for NIH-funded research at research facilities through the country as well as construction of new facilities. This will mean more high-paying research jobs. The money will enhance U. S. competitiveness in science and technology and provide funding for the training and hiring of new scientists. Investments in research will yield new drugs and technologies that will stimulate the U.S. economy. Every dollar invested in medical research can save money in health care costs and economic productivity.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIREFIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Will provide Washington state with over $36 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to support state and local law enforcement crime-fighting efforts. Will also include $1 billion nationwide for COPS grants that will help communities avoid laying off police officers throughout our state.
FIREFIGHTERS: Includes language that will allow Washington communities to take advantage of SAFER firefighter hiring grants without having to provide a local match. This will allow more communities to be able to afford to create stable, family-wage firefighting positions. It will also ensure that that firefighters and the safety of our communities don’t fall victim to state and local budget cuts. The bill also includes $210 million nationwide for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct fire stations.
VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected to receive a portion of the funding.
Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to VA extended care facilities
$150 million for hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times
ADDITIONAL INFO/ACCOUNTABILITY
There are no earmarks in this bill
Much of the formula funding in this bill is distributed to existing programs with proven track records of success and promoting financial stability.
President Obama will be establishing a website – recovery.gov – that will track how recovery funding is spent.
The programs and funding above include some of the highlights of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not a complete listing of all the programs included in the legislation.
...................................................................................................................
The following is a list of some of the investments, tax cuts and grant programs that will benefit Washington state in the bill: (All figures are for Washington state unless otherwise noted.)
TAX CUTS
INCOME TAX CUT: Includes income tax cut of up to $800 for Washington workers and their families. This means that shortly after this bill is enacted over 2.4 million Washington state workers will begin to see a tax cut in their paychecks. Workers would begin to see this tax cut in their paychecks roughly 90 days after enactment of the bill. Workers would receive the full value of the cut after a full year.
AMT: Includes protection for working families across the state from the Alternative Minimum Tax, representing thousands of dollars in additional income taxes. According to the Congressional Research Service, 348,000 Washingtonians would be protected from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2009.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT: This bill includes an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase their homes between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. Under the provision, fist-time buyers would not be required to pay the government back for this credit. The credit is available for buyers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
SALES TAX DEDUCTION FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES: The bill provides most taxpayers with a deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light truck, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles through 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS: Includes nearly $500 million to improve Washington state roads, highways, and bridges and create jobs. Also includes $1.5 billion for nationwide competitive grant program for projects of major national or regional importance.
TRANSIT: Includes nearly $180 million in new transit funding for Washington state to keep residents moving and create jobs.
FERRIES: Includes a $60 million nationwide grant program to fund ferry and ferry terminal upgrades.
SMALL SHIPYARDS: Includes a $100 million nationwide grant program to improve small shipyards, create jobs and ensure that our shipyards have the tools to compete in the global economy.
HELPING THOSE HURT BY RECESSION
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Will give an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers in Washington. Will provide extended unemployment benefits to many more laid-off workers. Unemployment will be extended for a total of 33 weeks.
WORKER TRAINING: Includes more than $66 million to train unemployed Washington state workers and get them the skills needed to embark on new careers.
ONE-TIME PAYMENT: This bill will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Washington state Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving pensions, and low-income people receiving Supplemental Security Income payments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The bill includes over $100 million to prevent homelessness, and create and preserve affordable housing for Washington’s most vulnerable families.
FOODSTAMPS: Will provide $380 million in additional support for struggling Washington state families to afford food. This is an immediate stimulus for our economy and moral obligation in these difficult times.
COBRA: The bill includes $21 billion nationwide to help many laid-off workers keep their health insurance under the COBRA program. The funding would allow laid off workers to continue to receive health insurance from their previous employer but would make that care affordable by providing a 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.
WASHINGTON STATE VICTORIES
HANFORD: Includes $6 billion for Environmental Management (EM) nationwide. Historically, Hanford Nuclear Reservation receives a significant portion of EM funding. This funding would help save or create jobs at Hanford, would accelerate cleanup efforts, and would save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. Estimates are that Hanford would receive nearly $2 billion in funding.
BPA: Includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority so that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can modernize the region’s power grid and bring alternative energy sources online. BPA is the largest marketer of wholesale electricity in the Pacific Northwest. This funding will mean that BPA can improve their aging transmission lines so that new sources of energy can be made available to customers and new green jobs can be created throughout the state.
MEDICAID: The bill includes $2.06 billion for Washington state to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. This payment will help Washington state sustain Medicaid help to families—at a time when they need it most – and it will help the state during a time of strained budgets and decreased revenue.
EDUCATION
STATE STABILIZATION FUND: This bill includes $812 million for Washington state from the State Stabilization Fund. Most of this funding will go directly to the state to be used for education priorities. These funds will help the state avoid cutbacks and protect against job cuts. Gov. Gregoire has also discussed using these funds for reducing class sizes and ensuring that districts with low property values get their fair share of education funding. Portions of this funding will be used by the state for bonus grants to districts that meet key performance measures. An additional portion will be allotted to the state to be used at their discretion for any public service needs.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: The bill includes over $13.1 million for Washington state in the Education Technology funding to purchase up-to-date classroom computers and software, and to provide professional development to ensure the technology is used effectively in the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: The bill includes over $220 million in special education grant funding to Washington to help local school districts fund educational services for those with disabilities. This funding will help prevent these rising mandatory state costs from forcing the state to cut other areas of education.
HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN: The bill includes over $176 million to help disadvantaged students in Washington state reach high academic standards and to ensure that in this period of tight state and local budgets we continue to serve these children.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: This bill increases the higher education tax credit for Washington state students to a maximum of $2,500 a year and will allow more low-income students in our state to qualify. This bill will also increase Pell Grants by $500 for eligible students in our state.
HEAD START AND EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANTS: This bill contains over $33 million in child care funding and $10.5 million for Head Start and Early Head Start for Washington state. These funds will help more Washingtonians access critical child care, pre-school, and family support services, allowing parents to work and provide their children with the tools needed to succeed.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WATER PROGRAMS
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM: This bill includes over $60 million for Washington state to address their energy priorities, including the expansion of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
WEATHERIZATION: Includes $60.7 million to help weatherize homes and businesses throughout our state, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
WATER RESOURCE NEEDS: Washington state will receive $42.1 million through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs and $69.2 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of clean water infrastructure needs
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH/IT: Will provide $19 billion nationwide to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology systems by doctors and hospitals in order to save money, reduce medical errors and improve overall health care quality. Health IT systems will save billions through cutting waste and eliminating the need to repeat medical tests.
NIH: This bill includes $10 billion nationwide for NIH-funded research at research facilities through the country as well as construction of new facilities. This will mean more high-paying research jobs. The money will enhance U. S. competitiveness in science and technology and provide funding for the training and hiring of new scientists. Investments in research will yield new drugs and technologies that will stimulate the U.S. economy. Every dollar invested in medical research can save money in health care costs and economic productivity.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIREFIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Will provide Washington state with over $36 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to support state and local law enforcement crime-fighting efforts. Will also include $1 billion nationwide for COPS grants that will help communities avoid laying off police officers throughout our state.
FIREFIGHTERS: Includes language that will allow Washington communities to take advantage of SAFER firefighter hiring grants without having to provide a local match. This will allow more communities to be able to afford to create stable, family-wage firefighting positions. It will also ensure that that firefighters and the safety of our communities don’t fall victim to state and local budget cuts. The bill also includes $210 million nationwide for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct fire stations.
VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected to receive a portion of the funding.
Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to VA extended care facilities
$150 million for hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times
ADDITIONAL INFO/ACCOUNTABILITY
There are no earmarks in this bill
Much of the formula funding in this bill is distributed to existing programs with proven track records of success and promoting financial stability.
President Obama will be establishing a website – recovery.gov – that will track how recovery funding is spent.
The programs and funding above include some of the highlights of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not a complete listing of all the programs included in the legislation.
...................................................................................................................
Special Education Stimulus Package Update
Stimulus Package Update (taken from OSPI Website)
As you know, President Obama has been working with Congress to get a stimulus package approved which could have an
impact on federal IDEA funding. The original version of the House bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009) included an increase of $13 billion in IDEA funding for Part B ($13B) over the next two years. The House bill
provided a $6 billion increase in Part B for July 1, 2009 and a $7 billion increase for July 1, 2010. The Senate version of the
bill is in the process of being debated and modified. Last week, the proposed IDEA Part B increases were still intact. In
Washington, the Part B increases are projected to be approximately $1000 per student per year for 2009 and 2010. Changes
to the overall bill will require a conference committee between the House and Senate. While most observers are optimistic
that IDEA increases in the final version of the stimulus package will remain, actual amounts and details regarding allocation
of the increased funding remain to be seen. As soon as a stimulus package is finalized and signed into law, OSPI will provide
details and proposed allocation tables. NOTE: This update was current as of 2/10/09.
As you know, President Obama has been working with Congress to get a stimulus package approved which could have an
impact on federal IDEA funding. The original version of the House bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009) included an increase of $13 billion in IDEA funding for Part B ($13B) over the next two years. The House bill
provided a $6 billion increase in Part B for July 1, 2009 and a $7 billion increase for July 1, 2010. The Senate version of the
bill is in the process of being debated and modified. Last week, the proposed IDEA Part B increases were still intact. In
Washington, the Part B increases are projected to be approximately $1000 per student per year for 2009 and 2010. Changes
to the overall bill will require a conference committee between the House and Senate. While most observers are optimistic
that IDEA increases in the final version of the stimulus package will remain, actual amounts and details regarding allocation
of the increased funding remain to be seen. As soon as a stimulus package is finalized and signed into law, OSPI will provide
details and proposed allocation tables. NOTE: This update was current as of 2/10/09.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Gregoire: State deficit could engulf federal aid
Gregoire: State deficit could engulf federal aid
The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
By Curt Woodward
The Associated Press
Details of some likely Washington state-specific spending in the federal stimulus package, as provided by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a Thursday briefing:
Highways: About $500 million for improvements to roads, highways and bridges
Transit: More than $175 million in new money for public transit projects
Ferries: A $60 million grant program for ferry systems nationally (Washington's share unclear, but the state has the nation's largest ferry system)
Unemployment: An additional $100 monthly to unemployed Washingtonians, along with extended benefits
Training: About $64 million for skills training to benefit jobless workers
Medicaid: Additional federal spending of about $2 billion on the Medicaid health-care program, which could free up state money for other uses
Nuclear cleanup: A national cleanup fund could drive about $2 billion toward efforts to clean up the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
The state also could receive about $675 million for transportation projects, spurring construction and related jobs, along with richer unemployment and training benefits to help jobless Washingtonians, Gregoire and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a joint briefing.
Overall, the stimulus could "save or create" 75,000 jobs over two years in Washington, with more than 90 percent of the work in the private sector, according to the White House.
State lawmakers are grappling with a deficit likely to top $6 billion through the 2011 fiscal year. Gregoire has proposed a no-new-taxes budget that would fill the gap with program cuts, transfers and federal aid.
As of Thursday, the expected federal stimulus could bring about $2 billion in Medicaid money to the state — more than twice what Gregoire predicted in her December budget plan. That could free up a large amount for other programs scheduled for cutbacks.
Congressional negotiators also plan to send states additional money to help patch cuts in education spending.
The aid will be welcome, Gregoire said, but it won't make a huge difference in the state's budget picture. Tax collections are expected to keep falling, and the drop-off easily could wipe out the roughly $2 billion in Medicaid help, for example.
"We need to be understanding that, as wonderful as this package is, it is not going to be the relief to the legislative budget-setting process," Gregoire said. "There is a lot of very difficult work to be done."
Interest groups in the state immediately pounced on the stimulus announcements to start pushing for ways to spend the money during the budget crunch.
The Washington State Hospital Association, for example, asked lawmakers to keep any freed-up state spending in the health-care sector.
Murray, the state's senior senator, also warned that the stimulus plan will not be a cure-all for the nation's economic problems. But she said it could be a significant step toward healing the crippled economy.
"All of us know this is not 'Job well done, go home,' " she said.
On transportation, Murray said the package could have nearly $500 million for improvements to Washington roads, highways and bridges — work that's intended to spur jobs.
The stimulus also would include about $175 million for transit projects, with the final decisions on precisely what to pay for left most likely at the local level, she said.
The stimulus package also could boost Washington jobless benefits by about $100 a month, and send about $64 million to the state for worker-retraining efforts. Washington's jobless rate now exceeds 7 percent.
Previously announced pots of money for major projects also remained in the bill as of Thursday's briefing: About $3.25 billion in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration to expand the Pacific Northwest power grid, and some $2 billion for cleanup work at the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
By Curt Woodward
The Associated Press
Details of some likely Washington state-specific spending in the federal stimulus package, as provided by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a Thursday briefing:
Highways: About $500 million for improvements to roads, highways and bridges
Transit: More than $175 million in new money for public transit projects
Ferries: A $60 million grant program for ferry systems nationally (Washington's share unclear, but the state has the nation's largest ferry system)
Unemployment: An additional $100 monthly to unemployed Washingtonians, along with extended benefits
Training: About $64 million for skills training to benefit jobless workers
Medicaid: Additional federal spending of about $2 billion on the Medicaid health-care program, which could free up state money for other uses
Nuclear cleanup: A national cleanup fund could drive about $2 billion toward efforts to clean up the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
The state also could receive about $675 million for transportation projects, spurring construction and related jobs, along with richer unemployment and training benefits to help jobless Washingtonians, Gregoire and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a joint briefing.
Overall, the stimulus could "save or create" 75,000 jobs over two years in Washington, with more than 90 percent of the work in the private sector, according to the White House.
State lawmakers are grappling with a deficit likely to top $6 billion through the 2011 fiscal year. Gregoire has proposed a no-new-taxes budget that would fill the gap with program cuts, transfers and federal aid.
As of Thursday, the expected federal stimulus could bring about $2 billion in Medicaid money to the state — more than twice what Gregoire predicted in her December budget plan. That could free up a large amount for other programs scheduled for cutbacks.
Congressional negotiators also plan to send states additional money to help patch cuts in education spending.
The aid will be welcome, Gregoire said, but it won't make a huge difference in the state's budget picture. Tax collections are expected to keep falling, and the drop-off easily could wipe out the roughly $2 billion in Medicaid help, for example.
"We need to be understanding that, as wonderful as this package is, it is not going to be the relief to the legislative budget-setting process," Gregoire said. "There is a lot of very difficult work to be done."
Interest groups in the state immediately pounced on the stimulus announcements to start pushing for ways to spend the money during the budget crunch.
The Washington State Hospital Association, for example, asked lawmakers to keep any freed-up state spending in the health-care sector.
Murray, the state's senior senator, also warned that the stimulus plan will not be a cure-all for the nation's economic problems. But she said it could be a significant step toward healing the crippled economy.
"All of us know this is not 'Job well done, go home,' " she said.
On transportation, Murray said the package could have nearly $500 million for improvements to Washington roads, highways and bridges — work that's intended to spur jobs.
The stimulus also would include about $175 million for transit projects, with the final decisions on precisely what to pay for left most likely at the local level, she said.
The stimulus package also could boost Washington jobless benefits by about $100 a month, and send about $64 million to the state for worker-retraining efforts. Washington's jobless rate now exceeds 7 percent.
Previously announced pots of money for major projects also remained in the bill as of Thursday's briefing: About $3.25 billion in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration to expand the Pacific Northwest power grid, and some $2 billion for cleanup work at the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Saturday, February 14, 2009
American Recovery & Investment Act
February 13, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Disability-related Provisions Contained in the Conference Agreement and What Chapters of The Arc Need to Do to Prepare
The ARRA has been moving extremely quickly through Congress. The Arc and UCP has been working hard to ensure that the economic recovery package signed into law maintains the highest funding levels for disability-related programs and provides for the best possible protections for people with disabilities. The final Bill contains $787 billion in tax cuts and program funding. Most of the funding is intended to grow and protect jobs.
What is the Status of the Legislation?
Jan 28 - passed by House by a vote of 244-188
Feb 10 - passed by Senate by a vote of 61-37
Feb 11 - the Senate - House Conference Committee resolved the differences between the two bills.
Feb 13 – the House passed the conference bill by a vote of 246-183
Feb 13 - the Senate in the process of voting on final passage.
Feb 16 - President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
What are the Major Disability-related Provisions and their Funding Levels?
The following is a list of disability specific programs and the amount of increased spending they will receive from the time the bill is enacted through 2010:HEALTH
Medicaid: An $87 million increase in the Federal government's share of Medicaid spending (FMAP) which runs from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Sixty-five per cent of the funds will be given to all states. Thirty-five per cent will be used for additional payments (in the form of a decrease in a state's match) for states with high unemployment rates. Each state will receive a "base" 6.2% increase. A state specific analysis can be accessed at http://www.cbpp.org/2-13-09sfp.htm.
There is a "maintenance of effort" requirement which prohibits states from changing eligibility. However there is NO maintenance of effort provision for benefits or services. Therefore it is critical for affiliates and chapters to meet with their State MR/DD and Medicaid agencies, their Governor's office, and State Legislature immediately to urge them to use this increased funding for disability services.
The Act extends a moratoria on Medicaid regulations which are in "final" form (i.e. the school based services/transportation, the targeted case management, and the outpatient rules) from April 1 through June 30, 2009. The bill also contains a "Sense of the Congress" that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall not publish any pending Medicaid rule (including the rehabilitative services option proposed rule) in final form.
COBRA: 65% premium subsidy for 9 months.
Health Information Technology: $19 billion to jumpstart computerized health records.
Prevention and Wellness: $1 billion to prevent chronic diseases and to increase immunization programs.
Lead-Based Paint Removal: $100 million - competitive grants to localities and nonprofits to remove lead paint in low income housing
NIH Biomedical Research: $10 billion for increased research.
EDUCATION
Special Education: $11.3 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $500 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program. $400 million for the pre-school program.
SOCIAL SECURITY
SSI: A one-time emergency payment of $250 to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, disabled veterans, and other selected benefits.
SSA Disability Backlog and Claims: $500 million to help the Social Security Administration reduce the processing time for claims and appeals decisions
SSA Modernization: $500 million to replace the antiquated NationalComputerCenter.
EMPLOYMENT
Vocational Rehabilitation: $540 million for VR State Grant.
Unemployment Insurance: Funding is provided to modernize the unemployment compensation program, to add $25 to the weekly benefit, to continue the current up to 33 weeks of extended benefits through December 31, 2009 and to temporarily suspend federal income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits per recipient for 2009.
Job Training: $500 million for adult, $1.2 billion for youth services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Centers for Independent Living: $140 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities.
HOUSING
Public Housing Capital Fund: $4 billion for building repair and modernization
$250 million for a new program to fund energy retrofits of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Section 202 for the Elderly and Project Based Section 8 units to make them for energy efficient. HUD will publish a Notice of Funding Availability shortly announcing details of the program.
HOME Investment Partnerships: $2.25 billion with $2 billion targeted to fill gaps in approved Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects and jump start these stalled projects.
Community Development Block Grant: $1 billion to support housing and services to help hard pressed localities.
Community Services Block Grant: $1 billion for housing, food, employment and healthcare to serve areas hardest hit by the recession.
Low-Income Energy Assistance: Not Funded.
Neighborhood Stabilization: $2 billion for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties to create more affordable housing.
Home Weatherization: $5 billion to weatherize homes of low income households to reduce energy costs.
CHILD CARE and HEAD START
Child Care Development Block Grant: $2 billion to serve an additional 300,000 children in low income working families. $93.6 million is targeted to improve infant and toddler care.
Head Start: $2.1 billion to provide services to 110,000 additional children.
For more information, click the links below (note: each of these documents are extremely legthly):
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Conference report 111-16
The DPC will develop more materials on the ARRA. Many questions remain, such as when will the funding be released and how much of the new funding will be subject to regulation or other procedures. UCP affiliates and chapters of The Arc should begin immediately to work their Governors, Mayors, Medicaid Agency, School Systems, and other entities to assure that our constituents and service agencies receive a fair share of this emergency funding.
© 2009 The Arc. All Rights Reserved
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Disability-related Provisions Contained in the Conference Agreement and What Chapters of The Arc Need to Do to Prepare
The ARRA has been moving extremely quickly through Congress. The Arc and UCP has been working hard to ensure that the economic recovery package signed into law maintains the highest funding levels for disability-related programs and provides for the best possible protections for people with disabilities. The final Bill contains $787 billion in tax cuts and program funding. Most of the funding is intended to grow and protect jobs.
What is the Status of the Legislation?
Jan 28 - passed by House by a vote of 244-188
Feb 10 - passed by Senate by a vote of 61-37
Feb 11 - the Senate - House Conference Committee resolved the differences between the two bills.
Feb 13 – the House passed the conference bill by a vote of 246-183
Feb 13 - the Senate in the process of voting on final passage.
Feb 16 - President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
What are the Major Disability-related Provisions and their Funding Levels?
The following is a list of disability specific programs and the amount of increased spending they will receive from the time the bill is enacted through 2010:HEALTH
Medicaid: An $87 million increase in the Federal government's share of Medicaid spending (FMAP) which runs from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Sixty-five per cent of the funds will be given to all states. Thirty-five per cent will be used for additional payments (in the form of a decrease in a state's match) for states with high unemployment rates. Each state will receive a "base" 6.2% increase. A state specific analysis can be accessed at http://www.cbpp.org/2-13-09sfp.htm.
There is a "maintenance of effort" requirement which prohibits states from changing eligibility. However there is NO maintenance of effort provision for benefits or services. Therefore it is critical for affiliates and chapters to meet with their State MR/DD and Medicaid agencies, their Governor's office, and State Legislature immediately to urge them to use this increased funding for disability services.
The Act extends a moratoria on Medicaid regulations which are in "final" form (i.e. the school based services/transportation, the targeted case management, and the outpatient rules) from April 1 through June 30, 2009. The bill also contains a "Sense of the Congress" that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall not publish any pending Medicaid rule (including the rehabilitative services option proposed rule) in final form.
COBRA: 65% premium subsidy for 9 months.
Health Information Technology: $19 billion to jumpstart computerized health records.
Prevention and Wellness: $1 billion to prevent chronic diseases and to increase immunization programs.
Lead-Based Paint Removal: $100 million - competitive grants to localities and nonprofits to remove lead paint in low income housing
NIH Biomedical Research: $10 billion for increased research.
EDUCATION
Special Education: $11.3 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $500 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program. $400 million for the pre-school program.
SOCIAL SECURITY
SSI: A one-time emergency payment of $250 to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, disabled veterans, and other selected benefits.
SSA Disability Backlog and Claims: $500 million to help the Social Security Administration reduce the processing time for claims and appeals decisions
SSA Modernization: $500 million to replace the antiquated NationalComputerCenter.
EMPLOYMENT
Vocational Rehabilitation: $540 million for VR State Grant.
Unemployment Insurance: Funding is provided to modernize the unemployment compensation program, to add $25 to the weekly benefit, to continue the current up to 33 weeks of extended benefits through December 31, 2009 and to temporarily suspend federal income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits per recipient for 2009.
Job Training: $500 million for adult, $1.2 billion for youth services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Centers for Independent Living: $140 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities.
HOUSING
Public Housing Capital Fund: $4 billion for building repair and modernization
$250 million for a new program to fund energy retrofits of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Section 202 for the Elderly and Project Based Section 8 units to make them for energy efficient. HUD will publish a Notice of Funding Availability shortly announcing details of the program.
HOME Investment Partnerships: $2.25 billion with $2 billion targeted to fill gaps in approved Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects and jump start these stalled projects.
Community Development Block Grant: $1 billion to support housing and services to help hard pressed localities.
Community Services Block Grant: $1 billion for housing, food, employment and healthcare to serve areas hardest hit by the recession.
Low-Income Energy Assistance: Not Funded.
Neighborhood Stabilization: $2 billion for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties to create more affordable housing.
Home Weatherization: $5 billion to weatherize homes of low income households to reduce energy costs.
CHILD CARE and HEAD START
Child Care Development Block Grant: $2 billion to serve an additional 300,000 children in low income working families. $93.6 million is targeted to improve infant and toddler care.
Head Start: $2.1 billion to provide services to 110,000 additional children.
For more information, click the links below (note: each of these documents are extremely legthly):
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Conference report 111-16
The DPC will develop more materials on the ARRA. Many questions remain, such as when will the funding be released and how much of the new funding will be subject to regulation or other procedures. UCP affiliates and chapters of The Arc should begin immediately to work their Governors, Mayors, Medicaid Agency, School Systems, and other entities to assure that our constituents and service agencies receive a fair share of this emergency funding.
© 2009 The Arc. All Rights Reserved
Friday, February 6, 2009
* Updated DPC Action Alert - Economic Recovery
From the Disability Policy Collaboration
Call Your Senators TODAY to Support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Take Action!
Final Vote Could Occur Today, Feb 6 or This Weekend.
Background
The Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the floor this week. This bill will reduce economic hardships, effectively stimulate our ailing economy, and help those most in need. Several of the Act's provisions will assist states, localities, and school systems to support people with disabilities.The Senate bill contains a number of important provisions for people with disabilities, including:* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA * Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
Many forces are working to cut some or all of this funding out of the bill. Several amendments will likely be proposed that could jeopardize investments in health care, state Medicaid relief, and education. Senate moderates are proposing an approximate $90 billion reduction package. Key disability programs are, unfortunately, part of this package:
PROGRAM
LEVEL OF CUT
% OF CUT
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant
$500 million
100%
Independent Living
$100 million
100%
IDEA State Grant
$6.75 billion
50%
SSA IT improvements
$140 million
100%
Local School Systems Stabilization
$24.8 billion
100%
President Obama's recovery plan needs your support now! Therefore, it is imperative to reach out to Democrats and moderate Republicans and ask them to pass the bill without cutting disability programs. Your call can make a real difference.
For more information, see the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' report on the impact of some of the bill's provisions on individual states: http://www.cbpp.org/1-22-09bud.htm
Take Action
* Call TOLL FREE 1-800-473-6711 and ask for your Senators' offices.
* Use the talking points provided when you click on the"Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window.
Call Your Senators TODAY to Support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Take Action!
Final Vote Could Occur Today, Feb 6 or This Weekend.
Background
The Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the floor this week. This bill will reduce economic hardships, effectively stimulate our ailing economy, and help those most in need. Several of the Act's provisions will assist states, localities, and school systems to support people with disabilities.The Senate bill contains a number of important provisions for people with disabilities, including:* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA * Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
Many forces are working to cut some or all of this funding out of the bill. Several amendments will likely be proposed that could jeopardize investments in health care, state Medicaid relief, and education. Senate moderates are proposing an approximate $90 billion reduction package. Key disability programs are, unfortunately, part of this package:
PROGRAM
LEVEL OF CUT
% OF CUT
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant
$500 million
100%
Independent Living
$100 million
100%
IDEA State Grant
$6.75 billion
50%
SSA IT improvements
$140 million
100%
Local School Systems Stabilization
$24.8 billion
100%
President Obama's recovery plan needs your support now! Therefore, it is imperative to reach out to Democrats and moderate Republicans and ask them to pass the bill without cutting disability programs. Your call can make a real difference.
For more information, see the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' report on the impact of some of the bill's provisions on individual states: http://www.cbpp.org/1-22-09bud.htm
Take Action
* Call TOLL FREE 1-800-473-6711 and ask for your Senators' offices.
* Use the talking points provided when you click on the"Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Obama's To-Do List article
Disabilities Front And Center On Obama’s To-Do List
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
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