LEGISLATION WATCH
Health Care Vote Delayed
United States House of Representatives leaders postponed today's scheduled American Health Care Act (AHCA) vote. Since the initial roll out of the AHCA, the Autism Society has been vocal in our opposition to drastic cuts and structural changes to Medicaid proposed in the bill. The bill in its current form fundamentally restructures the Medicaid system and jeopardizes the well-being of millions of people with disabilities. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill cuts $880 billion from Medicaid by 2026 and leaves 14 million people without access to critical long-term services and supports that enable families to work and live independently. Medicaid is a lifeline for individuals and families living with autism. We will provide updates on the new vote date once announced. In the meantime, please continue to reach out to your elected officials and share how Medicaid improves your life and the lives of those you love.
Congress Overturns Education Oversight Regulations
The Senate voted earlier this month to approve H.J. Res. 57, a congressional resolution aimed at overturning the Department of Education’s accountability regulations, essential for Every Student Succeeds Act’s (ESSA’s) implementation at the state level. The resolution removes Department of Education oversight of core requirements put in place to ensure all students, including students with autism, are held to high expectations and given every chance to access a quality education.
IN THE DISTRICT - STATE AND LOCAL ADVOCACY
Autism Society TexasAutism Society Texas along with statewide disability advocacy organizations will host Texas Autism Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Stakeholders, parents, and concerned advocates will come together to meet with members of the state legislature in Austin, Texas to advocate for the needs of children and adults with autism, and their families.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES
The Autism Society applauds the unanimous Supreme Court ruling in the Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District case reinforcing the right of all students, including those with disabilities, to receive a meaningful and appropriate education. We signed on to an amicus brief in support of Endrew’s case. In siding with Endrew F., the court determined schools must go beyond basic requirements and provide maximum opportunities for students with disabilities to obtain the same standard of education as non-disabled peers. The decision ensures all students can receive sufficient and equitable access to a fair and appropriate education (FAPE) as guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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. To learn more about IAAC HERE.
ADVOCACY TIP
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Interested in connecting with individuals and families impacted by autism where you live? Click HERE to learn more about the Autism Society network and to find your state or local affiliate.
For more advocacy tips, email advocacy@autism-society.org or follow us on Twitter @Ignite4Autism and use hashtag #Ignite4Autism.
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