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Congressional in Session
Congress returns to Washington this week following the Memorial Day District Work Period (May 24-31).
Action Steps:
Reach out to their offices this week. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 (voice); 202 224-3091 (TTY)
- If your Senators or Representative held a public event, thank them.
- If you attended, tell them and share what issues you came to speak about.
- If they didn't have an event, express your interest in a future event.
- Share what issues you are following
These types of engagement are about building relationships between you and your lawmakers and are essential to making sure your voice is heard in our democracy.
Autism CARES 2019
The Autism CARES Act - which has expanded research and coordination, increased public awareness and surveillance, and expanded interdisciplinary health professional training, including LENDs, to identify and support children and youth with Autism and their families - will sunset (expire) on September 30, 2019, without a successful reauthorization. Bills to reauthorize the Act have been introduced and need co-sponsors (HR. 1058, S. 427). Currently 22 Senators and 100 Representatives have joined as co-sponsors.
Action Steps:
- Contact your Congressional delegation and make sure they are engaged in the reauthorization.
- Check the House List and if your Representative has not yet co-sponsored call them and ask them to do so. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121; (voice) 202 224-3091 (TTY)
Sample Script: "I am [Name] from [State]. I have seen the impact of Autism CARES and the lives changed because of this important legislation. I urge you to support and co-sponsor H.R: 1058."
- Check the Senate List and if one or both of your Senators has not yet co-sponsored call them and ask them to do so. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121; (voice) 202 224-3091 (TTY)
Sample Script: "I am [Name] from [City]. I have seen the impact of Autism CARES and the lives changed because of this important legislation. I urge you to support and co-sponsor S.427"
If you are in Maine or in a district where you members are already co-sponsors, educate members of your social circle who live in other areas and ask them to call. Your story and ask can help others become engaged.
Section 14(c)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is hosting a national online dialogue until June 14th to gather perspectives on Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act authorizes employers who hold a certificate from the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) to pay wages that are less than the federal minimum wage to workers who have disabilities for the work being performed.
Action Step:
Share your thoughts via this site before June 14th. Please consider:
- Sharing your individual stories about employment in all settings for people with disabilities.
- Sharing your thoughts on supports needed to increase work force participation of people the disabilities.
- Sharing your experience as an employer.
Electronic Visit Verification
Section 12006(a) of the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) mandates that states implement electronic visit verification (EVV) for all Medicaid personal care services by January 1, 2020, and for all Medicaid home health care services by January 1, 2023, or otherwise be subject to incremental federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) reductions. The Cures Act includes a provision that allows states to delay implementation of EVV for up to one year if they can demonstrate they have made a good faith effort to comply and have encountered unavoidable delays. The process for applying for the extension is now pubic.
Tuesdays with Liz: Andy Arias on Diversity in the Disability Movement
Liz chats with Andy Arias, Actor-advocate, about his different identities and the importance of diversity in leadership in the disability movement.
For more from AUCD, follow @AUCDNews and like AUCD on Facebook
For updates from our Executive Director Andy Imparato, follow @AndyAUCD.
For definitions of terms used in In Brief, please see AUCD's Glossary of Legislative Terms
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