| Dear Anna, In case you missed the email below: we still need your help to make sure that people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce are included in the pandemic relief bill that is moving through Congress right now. Advocates and staff from The Arc have been working hard, and we are glad to report that the bill being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives DOES include dedicated funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS). These funds are necessary to serve people with disabilities in their homes and communities and will also provide better wages and support for the direct support professional workforce. Access to HCBS will limit the risk of people with disabilities being put in institutions. State systems are already facing large cuts across the country, making these federal dollars more important than ever. But we need your help to keep this provision in the bill, as many competing priorities are vying for funds. Contact your Members of Congress now and urge them to include additional Medicaid funding to states for HCBS in the next round of COVID-19 legislation. Thank you for your advocacy! Peter BernsChief Executive Officer The Arc of the United States |
| Tell Congress: People With Disabilities Can’t Be Left Behind! We are almost ONE YEAR into a pandemic that has disproportionally impacted people with disabilities. Congress must include people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce in COVID-19 pandemic relief legislation. Your Members of Congress once again must hear from you so that our critical needs are included in the first COVID relief package of the new Congress. Tell Congress #WeAreEssential and that these key provisions MUST be included in the next coronavirus relief bill: Dedicated funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) Personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct support professionals Paid leave for all caregivers Economic impact payments for all people with disabilities Act Now! |
