Action Alert: COVID-19
March 20, 2020
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The latest congressional COVID-19 response does NOT include the needs of people with disabilities. Staff NEED to hear from YOU! Members of Congress - EVERYONE in the House and Senate - need to hear from you immediately. This is the time to communicate - call, email, and social media. Take 5 minutes today, Saturday and Sunday to flood Congress with the needs of people with disabilities in legislation.
Take Action Today!
Contact your Congressional Delegation:
- Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 (voice) or (202) 224-3091 (tty) and ask to be connected to your member.
- You can use this easy tool to find your members of Congress.
- Tip: Most Hill offices now have some or all of their staff working from home. If you can email the staff member that handles disability or health policy directly you can have the greatest impact. If you need assistance finding that email, please send a request for help to [email protected].
Ask that all emergency relief action includes the needs of people with disabilities. Use the following in your calls or emails:
Hello, this is [Name]. I'm a resident of [Town, State].
I am [calling/writing] to ask [Senator's or Representative's Name] to insist (or urge) that legislation for the COVID-19 response includes the needs of people with disabilities. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or CARES Act) does not meet the urgent needs of people with disabilities, who are especially impacted by this crisis. This and future legislation must include:
- An additional $20 billion to meet emergency needs for Home and Community Based Services
- Students' civil rights under IDEA must not be waived and there should be increased funding for IDEA to support access to virtual education for students with disabilities
- Ensure people can access an emergency supply of medication
- Include people with disabilities in economic stimulus payment while protecting their eligibility for critical programs
- Increase in SNAP and Meals on Wheels funding and expansion of eligibility to include people with disabilities.
Congressional efforts:
Bill |
Status |
What is means for People with Disabilities |
|
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 |
Became Law on |
The bill requires that agencies "pay back" money that was moved from programs like NIDLR and emergency heat funding to start to respond to the crisis |
|
Families First Coronavirus |
Became law on March 19, 2020 |
Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. Increased paid leave. Enhanced Unemployment Insurance to people unable to work. Increased funding for food security programs. |
|
Package 3 |
Introduced in Senate |
Your voices are needed to make sure the needs of people with disabilities are addressed. |
|
Package 4 and beyond |
Almost certainly needed |
Social Media
Contact your Congressional Delegation:
Congress has NOT included the needs of people with disabilities in COVID-19 legislation. Members of Congress - EVERYONE in the House and Senate - need to hear from you immediately. #WhatWeNeed
Take 5 minutes today, Saturday and Sunday to flood Congress' phones, emails and social media to include the needs of people with disabilities.
