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Major Recent Events
House Passes $2.2 Trillion COVID Relief Bill
The House of Representatives passed Heroes 2.0, a compromise piece of COVID-19 relief legislation, late last week by a narrow margin 214-207. The legislation included many of The Arc’s top priorities, including dedicated funding for Medicaid HCBS, a general FMAP increase, removal of barriers for stimulus payments, and paid leave provisions that include all types of family caregivers. The path in the Senate is unclear.
We urge you to continue contacting your Senators here.
Short Term FY 21 Funding Bill Enacted
On September 30, the Senate passed and the President signed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government. The measure, H.R. 8319, provides funding for most programs from 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. The measure also includes $1.5 billion to conduct the 2020 Census.
COVID-Related IDEA Funding Bill Introduced
On October 2, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced the Supporting Children With Disabilities During COVID Act (H.R. 8523). This bill provides an additional $12 billion in Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding, including $11 billion in state grants, $900 million for preschool and early intervention, and $300 million for personnel development. Furthermore, it provides $55 million for Assistive Technology Act programs. The Arc supports this bill.
Representatives Introduce Bill Prohibiting Corporal Punishment in Schools
On September 30, Representatives Don McEachin (D-VA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced the Protect Our Students in Schools Act (H.R. 8460). This bill prohibits corporal punishment in any school receiving federal funding. Additionally, it provides for enforcement and establishes a grant program for developing interventions such as positive behavioral interventions and supports, implicit bias training, and trauma-informed care. The Arc supports this bill.
Volunteer Caregiver Bill Introduced
Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Care Corps Demonstration Act (S. 4682 / H.R. 8511) on September 24. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program through which qualified volunteers provide care, companionship, and other services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Volunteers would receive health insurance and other benefits as well as money to pay for education or student loans. The Arc supports this bill.
Announcements
National Academy of Medicine Releases Consensus Report on Vaccine Allocation
Last week, the National Academy of Medicine released a consensus report titled “Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine.” The report recommends allocating a potential COVID-19 vaccine in the following four phases.
Phase 1a:
- Health care workers and first responders
Phase 1b:
- People with two or more conditions that put them at significantly higher risk
- Older adults in congregate or overcrowded settings
Phase 2:
- K-12 teachers, school staff, and child care workers
- Critical workers in high-risk settings
- People with at least one condition that puts them at significantly higher risk
- People living in homeless shelters and staff
- People with disabilities, including IDD, living in group homes and staff
- Staff and incarcerated individuals in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar settings
Phase 3
- Young adults
- Children
- Workers in industries important to the functioning of society and at increased risk not included in phases 1 or 2
Phase 4
- All people residing in the United States not included in phases 1 through 3
Furthermore, the report recommends that the vaccine be provided without any out-of-pocket costs. See the summary here.
Education Department Creates School Spending Data Tool
In September, the Education Department created a tool that allows people to easily view school spending data online. The tool uses data required under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which requires states to report total federal, state, and local funding per student. This tool can be found at https://studentspending.ed.gov.
Education Department Office for Civil Rights Creates Guidance on COVID
On September 28, the Education Department Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released guidance on civil rights during COVID. The guidance document addresses obligations of schools under the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. However, the document does not cover obligations under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) because the IDEA is outside OCR’s jurisdiction. The document discusses issues related to distance learning, reopening, and mask requirements.
New Vote by Mail Resources (Plain Language)
Voting by mail is a great way to vote safely and early! But how does it work? Check out these new plain language resources from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on voting by mail.
Are you registered to vote? Election Day is almost here, but many states have options for voting early! Visit The Arc’s Civic Action Center to register, find your polling location, and more.
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.