ADA ANNIVERSARY
This month, advocates across the country have been celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law July 26, 1990. The ADA bans discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of employment, public accommodation, public services, transportation and telecommunications.
In the wake of the ADA Anniversary, two important pieces of legislation were passed in the house. Read on to learn more!
Current Federal Legislation on MFOFC’s Watchlist
Raise the Wage Act
This important legislation was passed in the house this month. (Details at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2019/07/19/house-votes-to-end-subminimum-wage/26924/)
This federal minimum wage bill makes clear that EVERYONE deserves a fair and living wage; it would eliminate subminimum wages to people with disabilities under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is the first time a chamber of Congress has voted for equal wages for people with disabilities!
Get more information on the Act and other important policies by following the Center for Public Representation on Facebook.
AUTISM CARES ACT
The Autism CARES Act passed the House on July 26, 2019.. A noteworthy change to the current program is that its focus is extended to include people with autism across the lifespan. Learn more at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2019/07/25/house-passes-autism-act/26950/
Now it’s time to urge the Senate to act! Contact your U.S. Senator and let them know you support this important legislation!!
FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT & LIFESPAN RESPITE PROGRAM
Besides the Autism CARES Act, the House also approved a renewal of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2035, by a voice vote on July 26, 2019. This bill would provide $200 million over five years to improve respite care services across the country.
Now it’s time to urge the Senate to act! For details and talking points, visit https://archrespite.org/national-respite-coalition/reauthorize-lifespan-respite
DISABILITY INTEGRATION ACT
Groups had hoped to secure passage of the bill known as the Disability Integration Act in the U.S. House of Representatives before the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act last Friday. Instead, they say it’s languishing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, awaiting a hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Get the scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2019/07/29/push-expand-access-community-living-hits-roadblock/26961/
RAISE FAMILY CAREGIVERS ACT
Last year, Congress passed the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (S. 1028/H.R. 3759) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop, maintain and update a strategy to recognize and support family caregivers. The Act required the formation of an advisory council. The council’s meetings will be open to the public, and there will be opportunities for public input. The council appointees have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for further updates!