TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director
Governmental Affairs
DATE: April 4, 2008

Update on Kennedy-Brownback Bill

On February 26, 2008 the Kennedy-Brownback bill, S.1810 was reported out of the Senate Health Education Labor Pensions (HELP) committee. This version of the bill provides funding to “eligible entities” to improve information and support. The current version is not yet available on Library of Congress website ( http://thomas.loc.gov) to which we usually refer readers, but if you would like a PDF copy, contact sue@ndsccenter.org.

The current bill differs from earlier versions in the following ways:

There is no language that requires healthcare providers (or their designee) to provide information on Down syndrome (or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions) or referral to support service providers.
The requirements for data collection have been removed.

This bill was a compromise worked out by the Democrats and Republicans so that a bill could be advanced. This bill is likely to be attached to broader legislation to facilitate passage. If the bill passes the Senate, the House of Representatives probably will pass the same bill.

It is important to remember that many variables can affect the course of legislation. Additionally, it is unlikely that this is the final version of the bill. It was a significant accomplishment to get this bill reported out of committee. NDSC and NDSS will continue to participate in, closely monitor and keep our members informed of all activity.

Any questions? Contact Susan Goodman at susang1961@aol.com.

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Crossing Tahoe: A Swimmer’s Dream

You can support the NDSC with a purchase of the amazing new video about Karen Gaffney’s swim across Lake Tahoe. Produced by Will Schermerhorn’s Blueberry Shoes Productions, “Crossing Tahoe: A Swimmer’s Dream” is available on DVD for $24.99, with $5.00 going to the NDSC. For more details, including a 7 minute clip of the film, go to http://www.blueberryshoes.com/crossing-tahoe/ndsc/.

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The NDSC’s Governmental Affairs Newsline is an excellent resource and one we encourage you to share with your parent group affiliate, or personal, listserv. (If you no longer wish to receive these email updates, please go to our website, and click on “Contact Us”.)

Support Our Advocacy Work!

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How to Join the NDSC

Founded in 1972, the NDSC is the oldest national organization for persons with Down syndrome, their parents, siblings and the professionals who work with them. The Congress is known for its advocacy, its encouragement of self-advocate empowerment and leadership, as well as its many services, including Down Syndrome News, the Governmental Affairs Newsline, hosting the nation’s largest DS convention (July 11-13, 2008 in Boston, MA) and its toll-free information and resource hotline.

Annual dues are just $25, and may be paid online at www.ndsccenter.org; over the phone at 800/232-6372; or by mail at 1370 Center Drive, Suite 102; Atlanta, GA 30338.

Please join us as we continue “Making a difference, one family at a time”!