As you read this I am still in Washington D.C. because my flight was canceled yesterday due to the storms in Illinois. I hope to fly out later today, and am looking forward to seeing you at The Arc’s State Convention next week.We had a very successful Disability Policy Seminar topped off with visits to our Senators and Congresspeople on Tuesday and Wednesday. We were able to meet with Senator Durbin’s Disability Policy Staff but my visit to Senator Kirk’s office was canceled due to another suspicious letter in the Hart Senate Office Building! We were able to meet with most of the Illinois members of the Congress including: Congressmen Duckworth, Foster, Hultgren, Schneider, Cathy Hewit, Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Schakowsky and disability staff for Congressmen Quigley, Enyart and Bustos.
Our goal was to send a message that entitlements is not a dirty word! Social Security, SSI, Medicaid and Medicare are all very important lifelines for people with disabilities. Do not cut our lifeline! These entitlements enable people with disabilities the opportunity for everyone to live, work and play in their communities close to family and friends. We oppose the chained CPI. The disability system is working with early intervention, special education, employment initiatives and community living. We need you in the Senate and the Congress to protect these critical disability services from any further cuts.
We then shared our personal experiences with federal entitlements. It was a great experience and our message was loud and clear!
If you were following us on Facebook and Twitter you saw our success as it happened. Here are a few photos:
Shirley Perez, Phil, Congressman Foster, Nora Fox Handler & Tony
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@www.thearcofil.org
