The Arc/UCP Public Policy Collaboration
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-2229
July 20, 2004
ACTION ALERT
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URGE CONGRESS TO COMPLETE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT -- AND –
TO FULLY FUND IT FOR FY 2005 NOW!
Background:
The Assistive Technology Act has stood for 15 years to help people with disabilities to obtain the technologies and devices they need to go to school and to work and to participate in community life. This act has served thousands upon thousands of people throughout the U.S., with programs in every state and territory. The Act is now up for reauthorization and for FY 2005 appropriations.
Status:
Reauthorization -- The House has unanimously passed a bi-partisan reauthorization bill, H.R. 4278. A bi-partisan bill, S. 2595, has also been introduced in the Senate. With Congress scheduled to recess in October, and the month of August off, there are very few working days left for legislative activity. Nonetheless, a compromise is well within reach that will get this bill passed and to the President for signing before this Congress adjourns.
Appropriations -- The President’s proposed budget and the House Appropriations Committee Labor/HHS/Education appropriations bill propose no funds for the crucial State Grant Projects under the Tech Act. The primary reason is that the current legislation contains a sunset provision that would mean phasing out the State Grant Projects. With a reauthorization close at hand that does not contain a sunset provision, however, Congress has recognized an ongoing role for the Federal government in this program, and it makes no sense not to fund them for FY 2005.
Action To Be Taken:
Contact your Members of Congress and tell them that it is urgent that the House and Senate create a compromise bill NOW that can be adopted by both bodies before the Congress adjourns.
Also tell them that it is also urgent that the final Labor/HHS Appropriations bill provide at least $26 million for the State Grant Projects of the Assistive Technology Act, and language to waive the sunset provision, to ensure the continuation of these vital programs.
Use the letter below to tell your Members of Congress:
Ø Legislation to reauthorize the Assistive Technology Act must be enacted this year, including a provision to waive the sunset for the State Grant Projects. Add information about the impact on you, your family and/or the Tech Act Program in your state if the act is not reauthorized.
Ø The final appropriations bill for Labor/HHS/Education must include at least $26 million for the State Grant Projects of the Assistive Technology Act and a provision to waive the sunset. Tell them what the impact will be if the Tech Act program in your state is eliminated.
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Sample Letter
As your constituent and a supporter of The Arc, I urge you to complete reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act and to fully fund it for FY 2005. The Assistive Technology Act has stood for 15 years to help people with disabilities to obtain the technologies and devices they need to go to school and to work and to participate in community life. This act has served thousands upon thousands of people throughout the US, with programs in every state and territory.
Now this vital program is up for reauthorization.
The House has passed a bi-partisan bill, HR 4278, and a bi-partisan bill, S. 2595, has been introduced in the Senate.
It is urgent that the House and Senate work quickly to create a compromise bill that can be adopted by both bodies before the Congress adjourns. Please support this crucial legislation. A compromise is well within reach in the very near term.
Also, please support FY 2005 appropriations at least equal to the FY 2004 amount of $26 million for the State Grant Projects under the Act. It is urgent that you insist on funding that will keep these programs afloat to serve the people with disabilities that depend on them. Please work to see that funding is in the final Labor/HHS/Education appropriations bill.
Thank you.