Advocacy in Action: Voice Your Concerns regarding Proposed COVID-19 Relief Packages
Currently, the national government is working to provide relief packages to the country in an effort to cope with COVID-19 pandemic. These packages should not overlook persons with disabilities or the non-profit organizations who are carrying on to help unmet needs.
Now is the time to let your voice be heard with your representative about the impact these relief packages will have on you and the non-profits working towards inclusion and independence continuing during these trying times.
Connect with your representative today to tell them how any package that does not consider the disability community or those serving the disability community will impact you, their constituent.
Specific talking points for your representative include:
- Protections for the civil rights of people with disabilities, including ensuring they are not forced into institutional settings (where they are also at higher risk) or discriminated against in access to care and treatment
- Students’ civil rights under IDEA must not be waived and there should be increased funding for IDEA to support access to virtual education for students with disabilities
- Increased federal reimbursement for state Medicaid programs to help states respond to the crisis
- Include an additional $20 billion to support access to Home and Community Based Services
- Ensure people can access an emergency supply of medication
- Expand nutrition assistance – increased funding and expanded eligible food items
- Workforce support, including paid sick leave and paid leave for all workers, and paid family leave for caregivers of adults with disabilities and seniors whose programs have closed
- Support to make sure that online and other learning is accessible and meets the needs of students with disabilities
- Inclusion of all people with disabilities in emergency income relief, waiving of any asset and program limits that would be impacted
More information about contacting your lawmakers:
GA Senators – Senator David Perdue, Senator Kelly Loeffler
SC Senators – Senator Tim Scott, Senator Lindsey Graham
Find Your Senator’s contact info at https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
GA Representatives – Rep. Jody Hice, Rep. Rick Allen
SC Representatives – Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep James Clyburn
Find your Representative’s contact info at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
If you need additional Advocacy support, we are here to offer guidance. Call any of our offices for more information.