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.

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• 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.

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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

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