The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the dangers of institutionalization. Expanding home- and community-based services (HCBS) would ensure that disabled people can live in our communities while also getting the services and supports we need to thrive. To expand HCBS, we need funding -- to make more services available, address long waiting lists, and increase the pay and benefits of direct support workers. We can make this happen by calling and emailing our members of Congress [[link removed]] and urging them to include the Better Care, Better Jobs Act (BCBJA) in the next COVID relief package.

The BCBJA will provide $400 billion in funding for HCBS, expanding services, wages, and jobs. It’s past time to fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act, expanding services and supports for disabled people and providing a living wage to those who provide them.

Join our Facebook event [[link removed]] for updates, scripts and tips on how to contact your elected officials, and more. Learn more about the BCBJA with a webinar at 6pm Eastern, this Wednesday the 28th [[link removed]] .

Then join us for a call-in day on Thursday the 29th. [[link removed]]

*
Contact
your
Members
of
Congress
in
the
House
and
Senate!
Urge
them
to
include
and
prioritize
the
full
$400
billion
investment
in
the
infrastructure
of
Medicaid
home
and
community-based
services
(HCBS)
as
they
negotiate
the
current
budget
reconciliation
package.
They
must
not
negotiate
away
this
important
investment!
*
Provide
personal
stories
about
how
HCBS
helps
you,
your
family,
and
your
state.
*
Dial
202-224-3121
and
ask
to
be
connected
with
your
member
of
Congress.

You can use our script:

My name is [your full name] , and I am from [city] . I’m [calling/writing] to ask Senator/Representative [Name] to make sure that the Better Care Better Jobs Act becomes law, and is included in the upcoming budget reconciliation. This bill would provide a critical investment in home-and community-based services for people with disabilities and aging adults as well as the workforce that provides those supports. Many people with disabilities and aging adults rely on home- and community-based services to do things like get dressed, take care of our families, work, and participate in our communities. Today, too many people are stuck on waiting lists, relying on unpaid caregivers, or forced to live in institutions, where COVID-19 killed thousands. We need a big investment to make this system work for everyone who needs it. The $400 billion investment in Medicaid proposed in the Better Care Better Jobs Act is long overdue. Can I count on the Senator/Representative’s support?

Once you’ve called your members of Congress, keep up the pressure ! You can also email [[link removed]] or tweet [[link removed]] and let them know you’re watching.

Have call anxiety, or wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. [[link removed]]

People with disabilities have been told all too often that we are not worth investing in, but we know that all of us deserve to get the support and services we need to live in our community safely. We’ve shown that our voices can make a difference — so join us this week, and let’s keep speaking out together!



Autistic Self Advocacy Network
PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035
United States

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