Capitol Insider
Action Alerts
Act Now! Tell Congress to Fully Fund Social Security’s Operating Budget
It’s Time to Stop Playing Politics. Congress Needs to Pass an Emergency Zika Funding Bill
Please Ask Your Representative to Support Kevin and Avonte’s Law
Tell Congress: Support Our Caregivers
Major Event Last Week
Budget & Appropriations/Prevention – Congress Back in Session; Focus is on Spending Bills
Members of Congress returned to Washington last week after a 7-week recess, facing a tight schedule to keep the federal government funded after the start of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 that begins on October 1 and to fund efforts to combat the Zika virus outbreak. Neither priority advanced last week as the Senate again blocked an FY 2017 spending package that funds several agencies and includes Zika funding. Opposition from some members was due to the package’s policy riders, low allocations, and a lack of parity between defense and nondefense programs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) stated they are working to negotiate a deal on a short term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government past Sept. 30 and provide needed supplemental Zika funding. Enactment of a CR could allow for Congress to adjourn before their planned October 7 date so members facing re-election can return to the campaign trail.
Major Event Next Week
Social Security – Senate to Hold Hearing on Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Aging will hold a hearing on “Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits: What You Need to Know.” Visit the Committee web site for more information or to access live video the day of the hearing.
Announcements
Housing – New Opportunities for State and Local Advocates
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force has published a new fact sheet highlighting two important new opportunities for state and local disability housing advocates: the National Housing Trust Fund and the new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing planning process. View the fact sheet to learn more about how to get involved in these new initiatives to increase affordable, accessible, integrated housing in the community for people with disabilities.
Miscellaneous – Marchand Internship Application for Spring 2017 Session Due Oct. 1
The Paul Marchand Internship Fund will provide $3,000 per semester or summer session to assist interns interested in pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). For 38 years, Paul Marchand was a dedicated disability policy advocate and recognized leader working on behalf of people I/DD and the larger disability community. Upon his retirement in 2011, The Arc, with substantial contributions from United Cerebral Palsy, other organizations, and individuals with whom Paul worked during his decades in Washington, established an internship to honor Paul and to continue to cultivate disability policy advocates. See more information here.
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org