The Arc (for people with intellectual and development disabilities) may not have huge financial resources, but it's not fun for politicians to oppose them."
-Thomas F. Burke and Jeb Barnes, The Washington Post
The Arc has influence and respect among lawmakers, but only because of grassroots advocates like you.
Our federal government is in a period of transition. Next year, we will have a new President and many new Members of Congress. Already, President-Elect Trump and some Congressional leaders have vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act as soon as possible in 2017, and news reports suggest that deep cuts may be on the table for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other lifelines for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Despite the obstacles we face, it's important to remember that Members of Congress base their votes on their own experiences, interactions, and beliefs, and that hearing directly from their constituents can make all the difference.
The outcomes of the upcoming battles to protect our lifeline programs will be determined by the strength of our advocacy - and that includes you.
Right now, we need you to help grow the movement
- to help us achieve our goals of protecting our lifeline, ensuring community living for all, and protecting the civil rights of people with I/DD.
Take Action
Help us grow our movement: Invite 5 friends to join The Arc's Disability Advocacy Network!
Email 5 friends with message below.
You can cut and paste the message into your email, along with the link to the sign-up page on The Arc's web site. If you have time, you can personalize the message to share why being part of The Arc's Disability Advocacy Network is important to you and your family.
Message
:
I hope you can join me in an important effort! Next year, we'll have a new President and many new Members of Congress. Members of Congress base their votes on their own experiences, interactions, and beliefs - and hearing directly from their constituents can make all the difference. Programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are a lifeline for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I'm working with The Arc to educate my U.S. Senators and Representatives about Medicaid and other lifeline programs, and to do rapid response to any proposed cuts. Please join me by signing up for The Arc's Disability Advocacy Network, to get timely updates and action alerts. You can sign up at:
http://cqrcengage.com/thearc/app/register?0&m=10985
Thank you!
