As we head into the holiday weekend, it's a great time to remind Members of Congress that people with disabilities and the direct supports service system are essential and need to be included in the next COVID-19 relief package!

Tell Congress to address the critical needs of people with disabilities in the next COVID-19 relief package!

The House of Representatives recently passed the HEROES Act (HR 6800), which includes several important provisions that we need to remain in the final package. We now need the Senate to take action and to understand that #WeAreEssential.

Tell your Senators that we need the following to be included in Package 4:

  • Additional FMAP bump to assist states in meeting the needs of Medicaid eligible citizens
  • Dedicated Medicaid funding for HCBS services, including employment services
  • Hazard pay, overtime pay, shift differential pay and access to personal protective equipment for DSPs, including job coaches and job developers
  • State education stabilization fund that includes a requirement for no waivers to IDEA

What can I do?

It is especially important to reach out to the following Members of Congress.

So, if you see your state listed below, please take action today!
Senate and House Leadership (CA, NY, KY)

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee (AL, CT, FL, IN, KS, LA, MO, OK, OR, RI, SC, TN, WA, WI)

Senate HELP Committee Republicans (AK, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, NC, SC, UT, WY)

Senate Aging Committee Republicans (AZ, FL, IN, ME, MO, NC, SC)

"Vulnerable” Senators up for reelection

 

What do I say?

email12

Sample Email

Hello, this is [Name]. I’m a resident of [Town, State].
 
I am writing to [Senator's or Representative's Name] because I believe it is critical that any legislation passed in response to COVID-19 meets the needs of the millions of people in this country with disabilities, who are among those most affected by this crisis. The House’s new bill, the HEROES Act, addresses many of those needs that were unmet by previous legislation, and I urge you to please make sure those important provisions remain in the final bill.
 
Some of the most critical provisions include:
  • Increased FMAP bump to support Medicaid services and supports in state.
  • Funding for home and community based services (HCBS), to help people with disabilities and older adults remain living and working in their communities.
  • Hazard pay and access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct care workers, who are on the front lines of this crisis.
  • State education stabilization fund that includes requirement for no IDEA waivers
 
Thank you!
[Please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your email is tallied]
twitter_icon11

Sample Tweets

  • People with disabilities and older adults use home & community based services to work, and live in their homes and communities. During times of crisis, funding these services becomes even more critical. #WeAreEssential
  • People with disabilities and the workforce that cares for them are essential. It’s time Congress recognized that. #WeAreEssential
  • Disabled workers are more likely to be in essential service jobs. Congress must include essential workers in emergency paid leave provisions. #WeAreEssential
  • Uninterrupted access to personal protective equipment is critical for frontline workers, direct support professionals, and people with disabilities. #WeAreEssential
 
Don't forget to tag @NationalAPSE!

Uncertain who your Members of Congress are? Find out here:

Find Your Representative
Find Your Senator

APSE is the only national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to Employment First, a vision that all people with disabilities have a right to competitive employment in an inclusive workforce.

Posted in Action Alerts, APSE News, Employment First, Legislative News, Policy & Advocacy