Tell Congress the Families First Act is a good first step but more must be done immediately to support people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Now is the time for Congress to act to protect people with disabilities, who are particularly at risk as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Late yesterday, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and President Trump signed it into law. The bill is an important first step, with increased Medicaid funding, emergency paid leave, increased funding for food assistance, and free coronavirus testing. But more must be done to support people with disabilities throughout this crisis.
We need to make our voices heard NOW to ensure future legislation already in the works responding to the COVID-19 crisis addresses the needs of people with disabilities.
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, of which CPR is a co-chair, sent a letter in support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and identifying further areas where legislation is needed. Legislative efforts in the coming days must meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Priorities include providing more funding for Medicaid home and community-based services and more inclusive paid leave than were provided in the Families First Act, access to medical supplies and 90 day supplies of medications, emergency income relief with increased asset limits for Medicaid and other means-tested programs, and protections for the rights of people with disabilities.
The Families First Act provides a start to addressing some of these priorities, but it alone is not enough. Given the fast-moving nature of this crisis, it’s crucial that Congress work quickly to pass legislation that recognizes the outsized impact this is having and will continue to have on disabled people. Please call your members of Congress now and ask them to ensure that future legislation related to the pandemic addresses the needs of people with disabilities.
CALL TODAY! More information and a call in script are included below.
For updates and additional resources on COVID-19 and its impact on people with disabilities, visit our webpage.