We’ve been writing and calling, but Congress continues to consider legislation that could enact deep cuts to Medicaid! The House passed a budget resolution requiring at least $880 billion in cuts—the majority of which would come from Medicaid. Now, the Senate is considering whether it will also adopt the House’s framework. If passed, this legislation would have devastating consequences for people with disabilities and the provider network that supports them. It would:

• Shift Medicaid costs to states, forcing them to consider cuts to provider rates and reductions to essential services.
• Threaten home and community-based services, leading to longer waitlists and higher rates of institutionalization.
• Put individuals with I/DD at risk of losing critical supports that allow them to live independently.

The Trump administration is also gutting the Department of Education which would destroy programs and protections that guarantee educational opportunities for all students, whether funding for schools or support for students with ADHD, autism, and more.  This would have a devastating impact on PACC’s Transition Services Department.   Implications of the plan include:

• Larger class sizes and less one-on-one attention for students in public schools;
• Fewer resources and basic rights for students with disabilities;
• Less access to programs, such as Upward Bound and TRIO, that encourage lower income students and students with disabilities to attend college; and
• Cuts to afterschool and summer programs that augment in-school learning and skill-building.

The Department of Education was founded to help provide all students, no matter their ability, where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family makes, with a quality public school.  Let’s fight to keep it that way!

Congress must hear from you now. Tell your Congressional members:

1) Reject Medicaid cuts;

2) Protect the Department of Education; and

3) Protect Section 504. 

Studies show that direct outreach from constituents is the most effective way to influence legislators—your voice truly makes a difference. Take Action here.