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Appropriations
Last week, the House of Representatives and Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R.2471). President Biden also signed, House Joint Resolution 75, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 a short-term continuing resolution through March 15, 2022 to prevent a government shutdown. Differences are being resolved and President Biden is expected to sign H.R. 2471 by tomorrow’s deadline.
Appropriations is the act of setting aside money for a specific program. These programs are critical to ensuring people with disabilities receive a quality education, can be employed, and receive services and supports in the community. H.R. 2471 combines all twelve appropriations bills into one omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2022. Funding for AUCD programs and most programs that impact people with disabilities are included in the Labor, Health, Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill. Funding for AUCD’s priority programs can be viewed in this chart (scroll to bottom of web page).
Plain Language:
Congress has finalized funding for federal government programs for the rest of this year.
What It Means For You:
Federal government programs have been funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act)
On Thursday March 10, 2022, the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act) was introduced by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Ranking Member, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).
The PREVENT Pandemics Act works to create a stronger public health preparedness and response system. Some key components include improving the strategy and coordination among our public health preparedness agencies; strengthening supply chain and government stockpiles of medical products, such as masks, drugs, vaccines, and tests; responding to disparities that make public health emergencies harder on at-risk populations and communities; and improving public health communication and addressing misinformation. AUCD submitted comments to the discussion draft of the PREVENT Pandemics Act and is supporting the bill.
Plain Language:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging and difficult time. We need new policies that make sure the U.S. is prepared for all future public health emergencies.
What It Means For You:
There is work being done to improve our public health emergency preparedness system. The PREVENT Pandemics Act applies lessons learned during the pandemic and looks to address the need for better policies to keep people safe and healthy.
Action Steps:
Read the section-by-section PREVENT Pandemics Act or the full-text of the PREVENT Pandemics Act. Watch the mark-up on Tuesday March 15, 2022 at 10 am on the HELP Committee website.
Submit Comments on the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Public Charge Rule
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a request for public comment on the Public Charge Rule. DHS is soliciting public comment to inform the development of the proposed rule until April 25, 2022. The Rule will define the criteria used to determine whether a person likely to become a “public charge,” or primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, for purposes of determining eligibility for a visa and/or legal residency. Learn more in this ACL blog.
Plain Language:
The federal government is creating a new rule to determine who may not be allowed to come into the United States because they use certain public benefits.
What Does This Mean For You:
Public comments provide an opportunity for you to make sure that the needs of people with disabilities are accounted for in the determination that a person may be a public charge.
Action Steps:
Read the request for public comment. Submit your public comments through regulations.gov by April 25, 2022. (Document # USCIS-2021-0013-0198).
Submit Comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Request for Information (RFI) on Access to Coverage and Care in Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program
On February 1, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a RFI to gather information to assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive access strategy for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS will set forth a multifaceted approach to help ensure equitable access to health care for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries across all care delivery systems using regulations and guidance, along with other tools. The RFI is one of the first steps that CMS is taking to develop its comprehensive access strategy. CMS is soliciting public comments on the RFI until April 18, 2022.
Plain Language:
The federal government is creating a plan to ensure people with disabilities can get Medicaid and CHIP.
What Does This Mean For You:
Public comments provide an opportunity for you to make sure that the needs of people with disabilities are accounted for comprehensive access strategy for Medicaid and CHIP.
Action Steps:
Read the announcement of the request for comments and the Request for Information Questions. Submit your public comments through the submission website by April 18, 2022.
Inaugural Meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters and the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters
On March 30, 2022, the National Advisory Committee on Seniors (NACSD) and Disasters and the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters (NACIDD) will conduct its inaugural virtual joint public meeting. The Advisory Committees’ members will be sworn in and a presentation and discussion of challenges, opportunities, and priorities for national public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery, specific to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities in disasters will occur. On April 1, 2022, the NACIDD will hold a second public meeting session dedicated to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
The NACSD and NACIDD are inviting key stakeholder groups to address the Committees and share their ideas on issues related to meeting the unique health needs of people with disabilities and/or seniors during and after disasters and emergencies.
The Committees are inviting those who are involved in or represent academia, professional groups, advocacy organizations, or U.S. state, tribal, territorial, or local government to request up to four minutes to address the committees via Zoom. Requests to provide remarks during the public meetings must be sent via email to the NACSD ([email protected]) or the NACIDD ([email protected]) at least 15 days prior to the meeting along with the name of the speaker, organization, and a full explanation of the intended comments. If accepted, ASPR staff will contact you with additional instructions.
Plain Language:
The federal government is looking at how it can better meet the needs of people with disabilities and/or seniors during and after emergencies and disasters.
What Does This Mean For You:
You have the opportunity to learn more about how the government responds to people with disabilities and/or seniors during and after disasters and emergencies and provide input.
Action Steps:
Learn more about the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters and the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters, then Register and attend the meeting.
Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice Launched a New Website for Youth Alternatives to Guardianship
The Administration of Community Living’s (ACL) Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice (CYVYC) launched its new website for youth with disabilities. The CYVYC promotes the use of alternatives to guardianship through research, self-advocacy, outreach, coalition building and education. A few resources on the new website include:
Plain Language:
“Alternatives to guardianship” are other ways you can get support in life to make difficult decisions and keep your rights.
What Does This Mean For You:
There are resources to learn more about what other tools and options are available to support you to make decisions in life and retain your rights.
Action Steps:
Visit the CYVYC’s website to explore its resources on alternatives to guardianship, including plain language explainers.
AUCD 2022 Policy Priorities
AUCD supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. AUCD's mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, and social and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision.
With this vision, AUCD’s 2022 Policy Priorities focus on:
- Protecting Civil Rights and Promoting Social Justice
- Ensuring a Quality Life in the Community
- Guaranteeing Opportunities in Employment
- Ensuring Equity in Healthcare
- Ensuring a Quality Inclusive Education
- Ensuring Sufficient Funding for AUCD Centers
Plain Language:
In 2022, AUCD is working to improve federal policies that impact people with disabilities focused on civil rights, education, employment, housing, healthcare, and funding for programs.
What Does This Mean For You:
AUCD’s 2022 Policy Priorities summarize what AUCD is focused on this year.
Action Steps:
Read AUCD’s 2022 Policy Priorities
Disability Policy Seminar 2022
We’re getting excited for this year’s Disability Policy Seminar (DPS)! The DPS is a three-day event, where advocates, persons with disabilities, and professionals come together and learn about key federal issues that affect them. The DPS will take place from March 28-30, 2022. This year, there are options to participate either virtually or in-person in Washington, D.C. Registration costs will be the same for both options. Registration is open.
Plain Language:
DPS is a three-day event that takes place every year. People who attend DPS can learn about the issues that impact them.
What Does This Mean For You:
DPS is an opportunity to learn. This year will have virtual and in-person options, so people can choose how best to participate.
Action Steps:
Save the date! Register! Schedule Your Hill Visits....DPS is March 28-30, 2022.
 Tuesdays with Liz
Did you know that Liz has a YouTube Channel?
'Tuesdays with Liz' is a weekly video series highlighting current issues in disability policy. It is hosted by Liz Weintraub, a long-time disability advocate, and produced by AUCD.
You can help spread her message by:
- Subscribing to the Tuesdays with Liz YouTube Channel!
- Liking videos on the channel
- Making comments on the channel
 
For more from AUCD, follow @AUCDNews and like AUCD on Facebook
For definitions of terms, please see AUCD's List of Policy Definitions
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