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Major Recent Events
Senate Rejects “Skinny” COVID Relief Bill
On September 10, Senate Republicans failed to get enough votes to advance their pared-down version of the COVID-19 relief bill they introduced last month. This bill included a $300 unemployment benefit bonus; additional Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses experiencing substantial revenue drops; additional education funding (including for private school scholarships); additional funding for development and distribution of vaccines, drugs, and other medical supplies; liability protections; and an expanded charitable tax deduction. This $650 billion bill did not include any of The Arc’s top priorities, which are:
- Increased federal funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) under Medicaid
- Increased access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct support professionals
- Expanded eligibility for economic impact payments to adult dependents and another round of payments
- Paid leave eligibility for family caregivers of adults with disabilities, including siblings and grandparents
We urge you to continue contacting your Senators here.
Short Term FY 21 Funding Bill Released
Today the House released the text of H.R. 8319 to fund the federal government from the start of fiscal year (FY) 2021 on October 1 through December 11. The vast majority of agencies and programs are level funded and several other provisions are included in the measure. These include extensions of the Medicaid Money Follows the Person program and Spousal Impoverishment Protections program to December 11. The measure also includes $1.5 billion to conduct the 2020 Census but it does not include $30 billion for farm aid that the White House had sought. A vote is expected in the House this week. Both parties have indicated they want to pass a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown just weeks before the election.
Announcements
The Arc Mourns the Loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
On September 18, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away. Justice Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court for 27 years. She authored the majority opinion in the landmark case Olmstead v. L.C. in which the court ruled that people with disabilities have a right to be free from inappropriate institutionalization and to be served in the “most integrated setting appropriate to the needs.” See The Arc’s statement.
USCCR Recommends Phase-Out of Subminimum Wage
On September 17, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) released a report in which they recommended a phase-out of subminimum wages under Section 14 (c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The report highlighted “persistent failures” in oversight of the program. Furthermore, the report notes that people with IDD who earn subminimum wage “are not categorically different in level of disability” from people with IDD who work in competitive integrated employment. In recommending a planned phase-out, the report emphasizes that “[t]he phased repeal of 14(c) must not reflect a retreat in federal investments and support for employment success of persons with disabilities but rather a reconceptualization of the way in which the federal government can enhance the possibilities for success and growth for people with disabilities.” The Arc supports building infrastructure and supports needed to phase out the issuance of subminimum wage certificates, increasing opportunities for competitive integrated employment, and putting in place safeguards to protect the interests of any people affected by this shift.
Tuesday, September 22 is National Voter Registration Day!
Are you registered? Register, update your registration, find your polling location and other key information at The Arc’s Civic Action Center: thearc.org/registertovote.
Town Hall: The Arc’s Response to COVID-19 and Plans for the Future
Help spread the word for our October 7 Town Hall designed specifically for self-advocates, family members, caregivers, and service providers. Board President Fred Misilo and Chief Executive Officer Peter Berns will lead a panel discussion on The Arc’s response to the pandemic, the progress we have made, and the threats that remain – and they will also share the new Strategic Framework for the Future of The Arc. Register today!
The Arc is fighting for the human and civil rights of people with I/DD, and their right to live and be included in their communities. Our success depends on support from advocates like you. Donate today!
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
