Washington, DC – Following House passage of a bipartisan two year budget deal that
raises the debt ceiling, increases discretionary spending that benefits people with
disabilities (I/DD), and avoids a cut to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
benefits, The Arc released the following statement:
“We commend the House for passage of the compromise Bipartisan Budget Act to
keep the government open, prevent default, provide sequester relief for many
programs that help people with disabilities and their families, and avoid the imminent,
harmful cut to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. With so much at
stake, our nation cannot afford more stalling on these critical issues.
“Remedying the uncertainty caused by inaction on federal funding and the impending
debt limit crisis is good for all Americans, including people with disabilities. While
recognizing that the bill is a result of numerous compromises to reach agreement, we
are deeply disappointed that the solvency of the SSDI program, a lifeline for people
with disabilities, is not extended to 2034.
However, we encourage the Senate to move forward with this overall package,” said
Marty Ford, Senior Executive Officer for Public Policy, The Arc.
The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (I/DD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of more than
665 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people
with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community
throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.
Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC
and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.
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.org30
