DNC Chairman McAuliffe Calls for
"Real Freedom, Not Just New Freedom" for Americans with Disabilities
(May 14, 2002)
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.
� 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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