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Staartsäit / Albumen / Washington DC, Spring 2002 29
Publikatiounsdatum / 2020 / Woch47
ADAPT (1377)
SEIU Stronger Together [left margin names. titles illegible] ANDREW L STERN ANNA BURGER PATRICIA ANN FORD EUSEO MEDINA TOM WOODRUFF SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION AFL-00 CLC 1313 L Street NW. Washington D.C. 20005 202.899.3200 TDD: 702.898.3481 [letter begins] September 12, 2002 Dear SEIU Leader: I am writing to you to share our recent discussions with ADAPT (Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) and other members of the disability rights movement around changes in home care and the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act (MICASSA) legislation in particular. In an effort to strengthen alliances with consumers of services for people with disabilities and to broaden support for increased federal and state funding of consumer-directed personal attendant services, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has endorsed MiCASSA (S.12981H.R.3612), for the following reasons. SEIU worked closely with consumers to develop its public authority model, pioneered In Califomia and now underway in Washington and Oregon. The public authority is a model for states looking to address workforce issues in a manner that links consumer direction with a voice at work for personal attendants. Our endorsement of MICASSA shows our sincere interest in working with ADAPT and other disability rights organizations at the national level as we have at the stale level on numerous occasions to pursue an agenda that promotes consumer choice and improves working conditions for personal assistants. We believe this goal is best accomplished through a consumer-oriented long-term care financing system that recognizes the rights of workers to organize. The current Medicaid system lacks a clear directive in Hs .policies and procedures that give consumers who need personal care a choice of long-term services and supports. Some call this "Institutional bias,- arguing that the greater share of Medicaid funding is apportioned to institutional services rather than to home and community-based services. Finally, as our nation ages, the baby boom generation will bring numbers and additional poidical influence to the consumer movement in long-term care. ADAPT and other consumer advocacy organizations are well positioned to mobilize consumers and to contribute the kind of grassroots leadership that will make change happen. In addition to 250,000 home care members, our union includes working families who will continue to confront disability and aging issues. As the nation's largest home care union as well as the largest health care union, SEIU has taken the lead in building a system that provides workers with better pay, benefits and more secure jobs. In partnership, workers and consumers are uniquely positioned to create a system that expands publicly funded home and community-based services and puts consumer interests ahead of provider profits in long-term care. The legislative changes included in MICASSA provide an opportunity for Medicaid-eligible consumers to choose between institutional services and home and community-based services and supports to meet their personal care needs. As an incentive to make these changes, stales that adopt the consumer-directed model of community-based services and supports specified in the bill would receive an enhanced Medicaid match for up to five years. A "hold harmless" clause in the legislation prevents reduction of Medicaid funding for existing home and community based supports. There is also some competitive grant funding for states to use to make improvements to consumer-directed personal assistance programs. We have much to gain from working cooperatively with the disability rights community. Both labor and disability rights groups have a proud history of struggle against formidable odds. In this spirit, I am asking that you make the MiCASSA legislation a topic of discussion with your officers, staff and members. Please consider joining ADAPTs national and stale efforts to bring changes to the long-term care system that help us build a partnership between consumers of home care services and working families. For more Information, please contact the SEIU Home Care Division at 202-89B-3275. In Solidarity, [signed] Andrew S. Stein [typed] Andrew S. Stein International President
ADAPT (1378)
AFSCME American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO 1625 L Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20036-5687 Telephone: (202) 429-1000 Fax (202) 429-1293 TDD: (202) 659-0446 Website: http://www afscme.org [left margin] Gerald W. McEntee President William Lucy Secretary-Treasurer Vice Presidents Ronald C. Alexander Columbus, OH Linda Ard Indianapolis, IN Henry L. Bayer Chicago, IL Peter J. Benner St Paul, MN George Boncoragllo New York NY James H. Butler New York. NY Anthony Case Boston, MA Jan Cordertnan Des Moines, IA Danny Donohue Albany, NY Chris Dugovich Everett WA Michael Ferrucci, Jr. New Britain, CT David R. Fillman Plymouth Meeting PA Albert Garrett Devon. MI Sherryl Gordon Trenton, NJ Helen Greene New York, NY Edward J. Keller Harrisburg, PA Josephine LeBeau New York, NY Roberta Lynch Chicago, IL Glenard S. Middleton Sr. Baltimore, MD Patricia A. Moss Worthington, OH Michael D. Murphy Maclison, WI Henry Nicholas Philadelphia, PA Russell K. Okata Honolulu, HI George E. Popyack Oakland. CA Greg Powell Austin, TX Lawrence A. Roehrig Lansing, MI Joseph R Rugola Columbus, OH Kathy J. Sackman Pomona, CA Mary E. Sullivan Albany, NY Garland W. Webb Baton Rouge, LA Jeanette D. Wynn Quincy, FL [letter begins] May 14, 2002 To Whom It May Concern: Members of ADAPT COMMITTEE As discussed in today's meeting, within 15 days, I will broker A meeting with the President John Sweeney (AFL-CIO) and President Andy Stern (SEIU) to discuss issues related to MiCasa. [signed] GERALD W. McENTEE [typed] GERALD W. McENTE International President
ADAPT (1379)
West Virginia Beacon Digest National Newspaper Publishers Associated and the Associated Press Wire Service Volume 01 Number 21 The State's Only Minority Newspaper Publication 35 Cents May 29, 2 [cut off] [Headline] Disability Rights Activists Shut Down Union Buildings Washington-On May 14th, the national disability rights group ADAPT blocked all entrances of the buildings that serve as the headquarters for three of the country's largest unions, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, and SEIU. ADAPT seeks meetings with the heads of all three unions, to get union support of legislation currently before Congress, The Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act. Also known as MiCASS A, S.1298 introduced by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and H.R. 3612 introduced by Rep. Danny Shimkus (R-I11.), this federal legislation would reform Medicaid to allow people real choice in where they receive long term care services. The current system forces people into nursing homes and other institutions, offering little or no sup-port so that people of all ages can receive the services they need to remain in their own homes, in their own communities. While ADAPT strenuously opposes persons with disabilities being held hostage to protect the institutional jobs of union members, ADAPT wants to work with union officials to assure that displaced institutional workers can perform similar jobs in the community with a liveable wage and good benefits.
ADAPT (1380)
Stronger Together ANDREW L. STERN International President ANNA BURGER International Secretary-Treasurer PATRICIA ANN FORD Executive Vice President EUSEO MEDINA Executive Vice President TOM WOODRUFF Executive Vice President SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION AFL-CIO, CLC 1313 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 202.898.3200 TDD 202.898.3481 www.SEIU.org May 21, 2002 Babs Johnson Lead Organizer, ADAPT 201 South Cherokee Denver, CO 80223 Dear Ms. Johnson: The 1.5 million member Service Employees international Union (SEIU) — including our 200,000 home and community-based workers -- endorses the MICASSA legislation (S 1298 and H.R. 3612). We join with ADAPT, as we have many times, to call on states, Congress and the Administration to expand consumer-directed attendant services that provide real choices to consumers and good jobs for attendants. In California, Illinois, Oregon, and most recently in Washington State, SEIU members have worked in partnership with ADAPT to make improvements in publicly funded consumer-directed services and supports. We pledge our continued support for efforts to improve the lives and choices of people with disabilities, and we hope to work with you and your organization in the future to expand opportunities for independent living and jobs with dignity. We look forward to meeting with you and your representatives. cc: Bob Kafka Sincerely, [signed] Andrew L. Stern [typed] Andrew L Stern International President
ADAPT (1381)
ADAPT (1382)
[logo SEIU] Stronger Together ANDREW L. STERN International President ANNA BURGER International Secretary-Treasurer PATRICIA ANN FORD Executive Vice President ELISEO MEDINA Executive Vice President TOM WOODRUFF Executive Vice President [letters begins] May 14, 2002 To concerned members and leaders of Adapt: For many years, SEIU has worked with Adapt across the country on issues of mutual concern to both organizations. The leaders of Adapt have requested to meet with President Stern to discuss federal legislation which Adapt is interested in promoting. President Stern welcomes the opportunity to meet -with the leaders of Adapt to discuss this legislation and other issues of concern to Adapt. We will meet with Adapt by July 14, 2002, at a mutually agreeable time. We will contact Babs Johnson at 303-277-9324 to set up this appointment. Sincerely, [signed] Orrin Baird [typed] Orrin Baird Associate General Counsel
ADAPT (1383)
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations JOHN J. SWEENEY PRESIDENT Richard L. Trumka Secretary-Treasurer Linda Chavez-Thompson Executive Vice President Vincent R. Sombrotto Frank Hanley Douglas H. Dority Patricia Friend CArroll Haynes Arturo S. Rodriguez Martin J. Maddaloni Boyd D. Young John W. Wilhelm James P. Hoffa Edwin D. Hill Clyde Rivers Leo W. Gerard Gerald W. McEntee Michael Sacco Stephen P. Yokich Michael Goodwin James La Sala Robert A. Scardelletti John M. Bowers Dennis Rivera Elizabeth Bunn Capt. Duane Woerth Joseph J. Hunt Cecil Roberts Melissa Gilbert Morton Bahr Frank Hurt Clayola Brown Joe L. Greene William Lucy Andrew L. Stern Sandra Feldman Bobby L. Harnage Sr. Michael E. Monroe Terence O'Sullivan Cheryl Johnson Edward C. Sullivan Edward J. McElroy Jr. Gene Upshaw Gloria T. Johnson M.A. "Mac" Fleming Sonny Hall Leon Lynch Edward L. Fire R. Thomas Buffenbarger Stuart Appelbaum Michael J. Sullivan Harold Schaitberger Burce Raynor William Burrus 815 Sixteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 637-5000 http://www.afIcio.org Ms. Stephanie Thomas National Organizer ADAPT of Texas 1339 Lamar Square Drive Suite 101 Austin, TX 78704 Dear Ms. Thomas: May 14, 2002 The AFL-CIO supports the effort to move care for people with disabilities into the communities where they live and work, allowing them to retain their independence, while getting care and services in the most appropriate setting. We believe that can be done in a way.that ensures a living wage and other important employment protections for the workers who assist the disabled. As you may know, we have a long history of supporting people with disabilities, including passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and currently, election reform. On these issues and others, we work closely with Disability Rights, Education and Defense Fund and American Association of People with Disabilities. On other issues, including employment, we have worked closely with the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. We have many interests of mutual concern with the disability community, including the Medicaid program. The AFL-CIO and our affiliate unions are currently working to increase federal funds for the Medicaid program and fight state efforts to use Medicaid waivers to reduce benefits and restrict eligibility for Medicaid. These issues affect all Medicaid beneficiaries, including people with disabilities. As a democratic organization, the AFL-CIO develops policy in consultation with our affiliate unions. Until we have had an opportunity to review S. 1298 and H.R. 3612 with our affiliates, we cannot take a position on the legislation. Please be assured that we will work with the bill sponsors, Senator Harkin and Representative Davis, and the disability community to pass a bill that recognizes the needs and dignity of both people with disabilities and the workers who care for them. As part of that process, we will schedule a meeting with President John Sweeney in the next 60 days. Sincerely, [signed] William Samuel [typed] William Samuel, Director Department of Legislation
ADAPT (1384)
ADAPT (1385)
5-14-02 The Columbus Dispatch [headline] Seeking help for disabled people [image] [image caption] Members of ADAPT, a national organization of disabled activists, block an intersection near the White House. The group lobbied yesterday for Medicaid funding to help disabled people live in their own homes.
ADAPT (1386)
Dear Colleague: Please join join us as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3612, the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act (MiCASSA) - long-awaited legislation that helps bring our Medicaid system into accord with the Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead decision. The Olmstead ruling called upon States to end unnecessary institutionalization for people who can remain at home with community support services. At present, Medicaid funding is biased against the financing of individual care in community and home-based settings. As a result our aging parents and hundreds of thousands of younger adults with disabilities who would prefer to receive care in more integrated settings are relegated to living in institutions. The only Medicaid long term care service currently guaranteed by Federal law in every State is nursing home care. Only 27 States have adopted the benefit option of providing personal care services under the Medicaid program. Although every State has chosen to provide certain services under home- and community-based waivers, they are unevenly distributed, have long waiting lists and reach just a small percentage of eligible individuals. We can do better. The MiCASSA bill has been put together based on what we have learned from pilot programs and best practices throughout the States. Instead of creating a new entitlement, MiCASSA makes the existing Medicaid entitlement more flexible. It amends Title 19 of the Social Security Act and creates an alternative service called Community Attendant Services and Supports. This allows individuals eligible for Nursing Facility Services or Intermediate Care Facility Services for the Mentally Retarded, regardless of age or disability, the choice to use these dollars for "Community Attendant Services and Supports." These attendant services and supports range from assisting with activities of daily living, such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing and transferring, as well as other related activities. Although such community-based services have been shown to be less costly than institutional services, the bill also allows states to limit the total amount spent on an individual's long-term care in a year to what the state would have spent on institutional services. Whether a child is born with a disability, an adult has a traumatic injury or a person becomes disabled through the aging process, we can and must do better. If you have any questions, please contact Robert Hartt in Congressma n Davis' office (ext. 6-7817) or Kelly Childress in Congressman Shirnkus' office (ext. 5-5271.) Sincerely, Danny K. Davis Member of Congress Congress John M. Shimkus Member of 9/6/02
ADAPT (1387)
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ADAPT (1389)
LABOR NOTES 7435 MICHIGAN AVE., DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48210 PHONE (313)842-6262 #280 JULY 2002 [Headline] Disability Rights Activists Get Unions' Attention ADAPT, the national disability rights group, blocked access to the headquarters of the AFL-CIO, AFSCME (right), and SEUIC May 14 to demand meetings with union leaders. ADAPT is seeking union support for a Senate bill (S. 1298) that would reform Medicaid to give people a choice of long-term care in their homes and communities rather than in institutions. ADAPT said it acted "after years of tension between the disability rights community and the nation's unions." Both ADSCME and SEIU (public employees and Services Employees, respectfully) represent nursing home workers. Linda Anthony, an ADAPT organizer from Pennsylvania, said that unions "have been a significant part of the problem, not wanting institutions to close because their members faced job loss." That position clashes with many disabled individuals' strong desire to stay out of nursing homes. The bill, dubbed MiCASSA, would allow people eligible for nursing home care under Medicaid to choose instead to receive care from personal attendants in their own homes. Unions leaders quicjly agreed to schedule meetings with ADAPT. AFL-CIO Legislative Director William Samuel assured activists that the federation "supports the effort to move care for people with disabilities into the communities where they live and work, allowing them to retain their independence while getting care and services in the most appropriate setting." ADAPT National Organizer Bob Kafka said that ADAPT "shares the unions' goal of a living wage for the workers who assist us. That only increases the chances we will get better care from more qualified assistants...What we will not accept, though, is holding people with disabilities hostage in nursing homes and institutions to protect jobs for unionized employees."
ADAPT (1390)
ADAPT (1391)
For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer Palmieri May 14, 2002 202-863-8148 DNC Chairman McAuliffe Calls for 'Real Freedom, Not Just New Freedom" for Americans with Disabilities Washington, D C.--Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Terry McAuliffe today called on Congress to enact "Real Freedom" initiatives that improve the independence, economic self-sufficiency and societal participation of Americans with Disabilities. "President Bush's so-called New Freedom Initiative falls far short of the "Real Freedom" needed by Americans with disabilities," McAuliffe said. "President Bush is failing not only to live up to the rhetoric in his New Freedom Initiative, but also the real bipartisan nature of disability policy, failing to sustain the strong Clinton Administration record, and, most of all, failing people with disabilities. • Real Freedom means knowing that our prosperous nation will strengthen and modernize Social Security for all current and future beneficiaries. • Real Freedom means real choice in which people with disabilities receive long-term services and supports. We need federal legislation, like MiCASSA, (Medicaid Community Attendant Services Act) to be enacted that offers Real Freedom for people with and without disabilities the choice of receiving long-term care services and support in their own homes in the community. • Real Freedom means assuring that seniors and people with disabilities have access to and can afford needed prescription drugs. We need a comprehensive prescription drug plan, like the one proposed by Senate Democrats, so that those living on a fixed income don't have to choose between eating and maintaining their health. --more-- • Real Freedom means being able to leave their homes without fear. We need to modify Medicare homebound rules so that people with disabilities can maintain their health and move about freely in their communities. • Real Freedom means having access to quality, affordable health care to enable people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities to go to work and contribute to our nation's economy. President Clinton signed the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act into law. Our nation now needs swift implementation of this law and passage of the Family Opportunity Act so that parents of children with disabilities will not have to impoverish themselves to get the services their children need. "We need Presidential leadership and Congressional action to enact 'Real Freedom' initiatives that improve the independence, economic self-sufficiency and societal participation of Americans with Disabilities Democrats will continue to fight on the issues that will give people with disabilities more than just rhetoric. We will fight to give them real freedom," McAuliffe said. ### For more information go to: www.democrats.org Democratic National Committee Pres Office 430 South Capitol Street SE Washington, DC 20003 Phone - 202/863-8148 Fax - 202/863-7194 E-mail: dnc_press_office@dnc.democrats.org URL: wwvv.democrats.org