TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director, Governmental Affairs
DATE: January 6, 2006

Last Chance to Stop Damaging Medicaid Cuts

On December 21, 2005, the Senate approved the Budget Reconciliation Act. The vote was 51-50 with Vice President Cheney casting the tie-breaking vote. If this Act becomes law, services for people with disabilities will be in jeopardy. The Budget Reconciliation Act cuts human services spending by $40 billion over 5 years. These cuts will not reduce the deficit because Congress has passed legislating cutting taxes by $70 billion.

The good news is that advocates have another chance to defeat this damaging legislation. Because of a technicality, the Act must go back to the House of Representatives for another vote. This vote will take place on February 1st.

While it is not clear where the Medicaid savings will come from, all Medicaid beneficiaries are at risk for cost-sharing provisions and cuts in important services. Virtually all people with Down syndrome who receive adult services are Medicaid beneficiaries. Children receiving Medicaid will also face a loss of services if this Act becomes law.

Because of strong efforts of all advocates, the House passed the Act the first time by a slim margin, 212-206. This means that we still have a chance to defeat this damaging legislation. All House Democrats voted against this legislation so our advocacy efforts must be directed toward House Republicans.

Congress is not in session this month which means that most House members are in their home districts. Your contacts with them have made a difference in the past! Please call, write or visit their districts offices. If they are holding a town hall meeting, go to that meeting with as many friends, neighbors and relatives as possible.

The message is "Oppose the Budget Reconciliation Conference Report because it will result in loss of vital services for people with disabilities." If your child receives Medicaid services, tell your Representative about the importance to you personally.

To get your Congressman's contact information, go to www.congress.org and click on U.S. Congress. You can access the information by entering your zip code.

Your calls and letters have made a difference and can do so again! Please do not miss this opportunity to save the most important source of services for our children.

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If you have questions or comments about the Newsline, please contact Susan Goodman at Susang1961@aol.com.