On June 19, the House of Representatives approved H.R.2740 with a vote of 226-203. It contained four appropriations bills, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies (L-HHS-Ed) bill. The package is not expected to pass the Senate as written due to the cost and controversial policy language. The White House has threatened to veto it.
Monthly Archives: June 2019
Tax: Representatives Introduce New Tax Legislation
On June 18, Representatives Richard Neal (D-MA) and Michael San Nicolas (D-GU) introduced the Economic Mobility Act of 2019 (H.R.3300). This bill makes various improvements to the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependent care assistance, most of which last for two years. Additionally, it repeals a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that imposes a tax on non-profit organizations that provide transportation benefits to their employees.
Education: GAO Report Finds Significant Underreporting of Restraint and Seclusion
On June 18, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report detailing the underreporting of restraint and seclusion in public schools. According to the report, 70 percent of the nation’s school districts reported zero incidents of restraint or seclusion during the 2015-2016 school year. However, closer analysis found many school districts are recording zero when data is not collected or is collected improperly. The report concludes with recommendations for the Department of Education to improve accuracy in data collection and reporting.
Education: Bill to Improve Access to Accommodations in College Introduced in the House
On June 4, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act (H.R.3086). The Senate version, S.1585, was introduced in late May. This bill would require institutions of higher education to accept a student’s individualized education plan (IEP), 504 plan, or prior evaluation as sufficient proof of disability. Additionally, it requires institutions to provide transparent information regarding the process of determining eligibility for disability services and to disseminate the information in an accessible format. It also requires institutions to report information on the number of students with disabilities served, their outcomes, and the accommodations provided. The Arc supports this legislation.
Employment: DOL Seeks Comments on Subminimum Wage; Deadline Extended to Thursday
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has created a national online dialogue on the use of subminimum wages under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DOL is specifically seeking comments from people with disabilities, their families, providers, disability organizations, employers, researchers, and other stakeholders. The Arc supports building infrastructure and supports to increase opportunities for competitive integrated employment and has created sample comments for chapters and advocates. Comments can be submitted here by June 20.
Technology: Assistive Technology Act Reauthorization Introduced in the Senate
On June 13, Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act (S.1835). This bill reauthorizes the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which was passed to increase awareness and access to assistive technology. The proposed reauthorization clarifies that the program serves all people with disabilities, including those who develop disabilities later in life, and increases funding for programs serving rural areas. The Arc supports the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.
Technology: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Bill Introduced in the Senate
On June 13, Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the Access to Free Speech for All Act (S.1836). This bill seeks to ensure that all individuals with significant disabilities affecting communication have access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, services, and supports. It would create five training, technical assistance, and research centers focused on AAC. The Arc supports the Access to Free Speech for All Act.
Education: SPLC Report Highlights Disproportionate Use of Corporal Punishment on Students of Color and Students with Disabilities
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has released a report on the continued use of corporal punishment in public schools. The report found that over half of schools that still use corporal punishment use it disproportionately on students with disabilities. Furthermore, the report found that black boys were almost twice as likely as white boys to be subject to corporal punishment and black girls were nearly three times as likely as white girls. Recommendations include banning corporal punishment in public schools and replacing it with evidence-based practices such as positive behavioral supports.
LTSS: HCBS Business Acumen Center to Host Webinar on Stabilizing Business Operations
On June 20, the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Business Acumen Center will host a webinar titled “Holding the Course: Stabilizing Business Operations.” Panelists will be Chip Dodd, President and CEO of Support Services of Virginia, Inc; and Laura Vegas, Managed Care Organizations Business Acumen Director at the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services. The webinar will take place from 12:30-1:30 p.m. EDT. Register here.
Employment: Representatives Introduce CAPABILITY Act
On June 3, Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced the Customized Approaches to Providing and Building Independent Lives of Inclusion for Transition-aged Youth (CAPABILITY) Act of 2019 (H.R.3070). This bill creates competitive grants for six states to develop pre-employment transition services for people with I/DD that comply with requirements for competitive integrated employment. The Arc supports H.R.3070.