LEGISLATION WATCH
Much has unfolded in the eleven days since Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States and the Autism Society planning for what is in store. We continue to monitor confirmation hearings for the president’s Cabinet picks. Betsy Devos' nomination for Secretary of Education received Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee approval this morning. Devos now awaits a full Senate vote. After a series of hearings, Rep. Tom Price's confirmation vote for Health and Human Services Secretary remains on hold due to a delay by some members of the Senate Finance Committee. The HELP Committee will announce a new hearing date for Secretary of Labor nominee Andrew Pudzer in the coming days.
Following nearly a year-long vacancy, President Trump will announce his selection to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia in the United States Supreme Court later today.
IN THE DISTRICT - STATE AND LOCAL ADVOCACY
Autism Society Howard County (Md.) joined with advocates and disability organizations last month to host a Legislative Breakfast for elected officials in the county. The event served as an opportunity to educate county officials about the critical issues impacting the disability community and ways in which leveraging key partnerships can help increase positive outcomes for people and families in need of support and services.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) will hold its full committee meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The Autism Society's immediate past national board chairman, Dr. Jim Ball represents the Autism Society on this critical federal advisory committee for issues related to the Department of Health and Human Services' autism initiatives. Learn more about IAAC HERE.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
North Carolina Launches ABLE Program
Hiring Freeze Could Impact Disability Case Backlog
Addressing Poverty Among The Disability Community — One Policy At A Time
49th Annual Autism Society National Conference and Exposition – July 12-15, 2017
Growing Number of Students Seeking Accommodations for SAT
State Recognized for Increasing Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Disability Policy Seminar - March 20-22, 2017
Key Budget Deadlines Will Drive Congressional Calendar
ADVOCACY TIP
Did you know every state has a Council on Developmental Disabilities? The role of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) is to serve as a voice for individuals with disabilities in each state and territory. DD Councils provide training and technical support, engage in public policy, and empower people with disabilities to become effective self-advocates. Click here to find your DD Council program contact.
For more advocacy tips, email advocacy@autism-society.org or follow us on Twitter @Ignite4Autism and use hashtag #Ignite4Autism.
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