Advocacy

Update on COVID-19 Relief Bills

With the election just weeks away, the Senate is unlikely to pass another broad COVID-19 relief package in the near future. On October 1, the House passed the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill known as HEROES 2.0 Act, which included many of NDSC’s top priorities, including dedicated funding for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Negotiations around another COVID-19 relief bill have been on and off, but it is unlikely that an additional, comprehensive plan like HEROES 2.0 will to progress in the Senate. It is most likely that any future COVID-19 relief will come as Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) pushes for a very limited and targeted smaller “skinny” COVID-19 bill to assist small businesses. Such a “skinny” COVID-19 relief bill would likely not address most priorities of the disability community. To see a comparison of the various proposed COVID-19 relief bills, as they relate to disability priorities, you can visit the Center for Public Representation website.

Update on COVID-19 Relief Bills

Congressional negotiations in the Senate on the next major COVID-19 relief package have hit a standstill, but we are hopeful that increased pressure from the White House on the House leadership to move on a COVID-19 bill will reinvigorate the discussions. As the days pass, the chances for a standalone COVID-19 Relief bill grow slimmer.

In May, the House passed its 4th COVID-19 Relief Package and the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R.6800), which contained many positive provisions for people with disabilities, but the Senate has not taken up this bill. In late July, the Senate proposed its own COVID-19 relief package known as the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act.

Next COVID-19 Relief Package Stalled

Congressional negotiations on the next major COVID-19 relief package have stalled, and we do not expect them to resume until September. Senate Republicans have just released a new “skinny” COVID-19 relief proposal, the Delivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act, which fails to address the disability community’s most urgent priorities.

We Need Your Advocacy Help for 4th COVID-19 Relief Package

After passing three large packages and several smaller bills to address the Coronavirus pandemic, the Senate is negotiating terms for the fourth COVID-19 relief bill. The House passed its 4th COVID-19 Relief Package in May, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R.6800), which contained many positive provisions for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the HEROES Act is considered by the Senate majority to be a very partisan bill, so the Senate will be drafting its own COVID-19 Relief Bill instead of taking up the HEROES Act as a starting point for negotiations.

Addressing Systemic Racism
In response to the killing of George Floyd and other black individuals in recent weeks and the impact of systemic racism on our society, NDSC released a statement that condemns systemic racism and recognizes that as an organization, we need to do more.  The statement was followed by a video from Executive Director, David Tolleson pledging NDSC’s support of the Black community, stating our commitment to stand by all who are calling for an end to systemic racism in our society, our re-commitment to serve all families that need us, and for our leadership to reflect our community.

Invitation to Attend NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp

NDSC’s virtual Convention from Your Couch has begun, but there is still time to register and receive all of the workshop recordings. NDSC’s Policy & Advocacy Team invites you to attend the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp, a free event for all Convention from Your Couch registrants. Aimed at beginner advocates this two-hour LIVE session, to be held on Saturday, June 27, from 1:00 PM ET – 3:00 PM ET will feature presentations from effective self-advocates, parent advocates, and the expert NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team. Learn what advocacy is, the basics of the legislative process, how to engage and build relationships with elected officials, and how to utilize social media in your advocacy efforts.  You will also receive other important resources and tips all from the comfort of your own home. We hope to “see” you there!

Federal Coronavirus Legislation Update

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has upended everyone’s lives in many ways, but it appears that the disability community has been disproportionately impacted. Congress has passed three significant bills to address this crisis, yet many priorities of the disability community have not been adequately addressed. NDSC is working with our partners in the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities to advocate for these priorities. We have also joined over 200 disability, civil rights, faith-based, and health advocacy organizations led by the American Association for People with Disabilities in sending a letter to Congress outlining our priorities and imploring Congress to include them in the next COVID-19 bill.

Inclusion of People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Coronavirus Policy and Plans

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic not only threatens the health of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities; it threatens their rights and independence across many areas, such as education, independent living, employment, transportation, housing, and even basic day-to-day activities. NDSC, through the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and our other partnerships and alliances, has been working with legislators on Capitol Hill to make sure that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are included in any legislation addressing the current public health crisis and future crises.

President’s Budget for FY 2021 Released

President Trump has released his Budget Request for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021). This is the first step in the complex process of funding the federal government and is indicative of the Administration’s policy priorities. The House and Senate budget committees will review the budget and create their own versions, which will need to be passed by all relevant committees and through both chambers of Congress before becoming law. T