legislative

Committee Description: The purpose of the Legislative Committee is to educate the public, members, and legislators on autism-related public policy issues, as well as to foster communication between policy makers and our supporters.

Funding of this Medicaid Waiver would provide new flexibility in services for families caring for their adult with a developmental disability at home. It would provide more choice in day services, and provide a set amount to families to spend on selected services to produce the best outcomes for their adult. This year, ASD has formed the Delaware Advocacy Coalition for the Family Support Waiver (DACFSW) with eight other disability organizations to push for the inclusion of funding in the FY2008 state budget. The other members of DACFSW are: the ARC of Delaware, CERTS (Collaborative Effort to Reinforce Transition Success), Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, Easter Seals of Delaware, Family Voices of Delaware, Lower Delaware Autism Foundation, Parent Information Center of Delaware, and United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware.

Funding of the Medicaid Buy-In program would enable people with disabilities who want to work but fear losing their benefits to purchase Medicaid coverage on a sliding scale if they start or increase work hours as long as they meet certain income standards. This would enable many people with disabilities to join the workforce. See talking points here. (Coming soon)

These legislative campaigns encourage learning and support of ASD issues among state legislators. Past campaigns have focused on the Family Support Waiver and funding for adult services. At Valentine's Day, customized valentines are available for supporters to send, and in April, supporters are encouraged to come to Legislative Hall to deliver packages of cookies to thank legislators for being "smart cookies" by supporting polices that would benefit people with autism and their families.

1.) Address letter to: The Honorable John Doe, State Representative or State Senator.
Salutation: Dear Rep./Sen. Doe:

2.) Be sure that the legislator is in your district. (If unsure, call your county's department of elections.
3.) Be as brief as possible (no more than one page). Be clear and complete.

4.) State your view in the first paragraph and also tell the legislator who you are and how he/she can contact you.

5.) Explain how the issue you are writing about affects (or will affect) your child or your family. Give facts and examples. Explain your situation. Legislators usually don't know all the issues. Be positive whenever you can. Do not threaten to withdraw your vote if he or she will not support your view. Instead, try again at another time.

6.) Make sure to include your address and telephone number.

7.) Close by asking for a written response.

and always....

8.) THANK YOUR LEGISLATOR IF HE/SHE HAS SUPPORTED YOUR ISSUE!

Information provided by the Parent Information Center of DE, Inc.

The United Way of Delaware Designation Number 9234 Southeastern PA Designation Number 12598
ASD is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization

The State of Delaware Homepage	Senator Joseph R. Biden
Governor Ruth Ann Minner	Senator Thomas R. Carper
144st Delaware General Assembly	Representative Mike Castle
Delaware House of Representatives	ASA Advocacy Page
Delaware State Senators	Find Your State Legislator