If you would like to talk through these topics to better understand them, please give me a call 404-319-0560 -Beth
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Background and Need to Talk to Federal Representatives and Senators about DD Council Funding
In the build up to the November elections during this Congressional recess, is an especially important time to make personal connections with our US Senators and Representatives and their staff.
The future of all state DD Councils depends upon Members of Congress having a feel for and understanding the value of our DD Council's work. You can contact their home office(s) to make appointments with them and find out when/where your Member will be speaking in public or holding town hall meetings.
Here is what you may want to share with your NC Senators and Representatives:
We respectfully request that for FY 2013, Congress appropriate $75,000,000 for the Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils), the amount appropriated in FY 2012, included in the President's FY 2013 Budget and approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee in June 2012.
***Very important to remember: - NACDD may and does ask for support for certain appropriations levels for the Councils.
- DD Council members may ask for support for appropriations for the Councils. We are hoping to hold even with FY 2012 at $75 million for all 56 state and territorial DD Councils. See attachment.
- DD Council employees may and should describe the good work that Councils do but must not ask specifically for federal financial support.
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Talking Points and Contacts
It is important to share your experience and goals as a North Carolina DD Council member. A general Fact Sheet about the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities may be a good resource to leave with their staff members.
Your Senators and Representatives should know how the federal dollars have led to systems change in North Carolina. Please share information on funded initiatives such as Beyond Academics, College of Direct Support, Adult Developmental Medicine Curricula, Partners in Policymaking. Please refer to these NCCDD Talking Points for more details you may want to share.
In this climate, it is also important to share the work North Carolina is doing specifically with Employment. Remind them that when individuals with DD become employed, they become taxpayers. Share the North Carolina Employment First Position Paper.
WHO TO CONTACT:
To contact your Senator go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
To contact your Representative go to http://www.house.gov/
At top right corner, enter your zip code.
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