Stavros
Advocates for Independent Living
Hot Issues
Stavros wants you to be informed and active in the issues that are important to you. As people with disabilities, we need to pay attention to what's going on in our communities, state and nation AND make sure we are heard.
When you hear about legislation or an issue that is important to you or your family, call your legislators! Your call or letter to your elected legislators really does make a difference! Please use the following links for State Legislators in western Massachusetts, or for all MA state legislators. Use the following links for info on members of US Congress representing Massachusetts, or find info for ALL federal legislators here.
Action Alerts
One of the best ways to keep informed is to join a listserve. Sign up for three of the best: "Steve Gold's Nuggets" deals with national disability issues and policy trends; the Disability Policy Consortium's (DPC) "First Advocate" action alert list which focuses on state activities. Or sign up for Families USA, a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. In addition, we will do our best to keep you updated right here.
10/14/09: Budget Cuts and the PCA Program
These are dangerous times for persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, as the state's budget crisis threatens many of the programs that provide critical supports and services for independence in the community. And this time around, not even the PCA program may be safe, as the Governor is apparently considering tightening eligibility requirements to save the state more dollars.
If you are concerned about the future of this program, I urge you to call Governor Patrick's office. Here's a quick primer:
Call 888.870.7770. Tell the person who answers the call your name and where you live (I'm John Smith, and I live in Chicopee). Then give a brief statement of the importance of the Personal Care Attendant program. (For example, "The Personal Care Attendant program is very important for persons with disabilities - it keeps them out of nursing homes. I'm asking the Governor not to make any cuts to the PCA program").
Then thank the person who answered your call, and hang up. Feel free to call any time during the day on Wednesday or Thursday.
Senator Ted Kennedy
Senator Ted Kennedy called health care for all the "cause of his life." He even managed to push health care reform at his funeral, through the words of prayers that his grandchildren spoke.
We Mourn the Loss of Our Champion, Senator Ted Kennedy
NCIL Statement
Community Choice Act
Senator Kennedy also supported the Community Choice Act (CCA) which would establish a national PCA program and address the institutional bias (right now, everyone is "entitled" to nursing home care, but they're not "entitled" to care in their own homes) in Medicaid. Learn more from ADAPT's Community Choice Act website. If you think the CCA is important, please give Senator Kerry's office a call and ask that in Ted's honor he support the CCA, and to include the Community Choice Act in national health reform legislation. Washington: 202.224.2742 or Boston: 617-565-8519. Call your other Federal legislator and ask him/her make sure the CCA becomes law this year!
ADAPT's Access Across America Proposal
ADAPT has a plan to help create more affordable and accessible housing for folks transistioning from nursing homes and other institutions. Click here for more details on Access Across America.
MassHealth Changes/Dentsits
Mass Health Dentists
Updated 12/3/07
