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Welcome to the January 2008 issue of the Real Choice Newsletter In this Issue
Upcoming Events About REAL CHOICE The Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois is people with disabilities organizing for freedom and choice. We are a grassroots, citizen action organization consisting of people with disabilities and their supporters. For more on the Campaign, go to realchoiceinillinois.org Pass it on Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once. |
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The Community Choice Act - A Challenge and an Opportunity It’s hard to believe, but a 2008 is upon us. The New Year will undoubtedly bring new challenges as well as new opportunities for the Illinois disability community. This issue of the Real Choice Newsletter offers you both - a challenge and an opportunity. Last year the Community Choice Act (H.R. 1621) was introduced in the House of Representatives. This federal legislation would allow people with disabilities who are eligible for Medicaid funded institutions and nursing homes to choose to live more independently with freedom and dignity. (See a summary of the Act below.) Our New Year’s challenge is to get all of our federal Representatives from Illinois to sign on to the bill. Five have already done so and we need take this opportunity to encourage the rest of them to co-sponsor the Community Choice Act. Below, you will find links to all of the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois. Click on the link next to your Representative and send them an email message in support of freedom and choice. For your convenience we have included a sample message that you can use should you so desire. Don’t miss this opportunity! Take five minutes to stand up for freedom and choice for People with Disabilities! The Community Choice Act (H.R. 1621) is federal legislation that would allow people eligible for Medicaid funded assisted living to choose to live at home or in non-familial residential homes with attendant services if certain criteria are met. This means that attendants would assist with the practical needs of the individual, while at the same time allowing the individual to remain more independent than if she or he were in an institutional setting. Individuals could continue to be functioning members of their communities, feel valued and important, and the community would have the benefit of their contributions. Click here to read the full text of the Act. Please email your Representative today and ask him/her to sign on to the Community Choice Act! Representative contact information and a sample email are below. Representative Contact Information These Representatives have not signed on to the Community Choice Act. If you live in their district, please email them and ask them to co-sponsor this bill. • 1st District: Bobby L. Rush Email Rep Rush These Representatives have signed on to the Community Choice Act. If you live in their district, please thank them and encourage them to continue to support this important piece of legislation.
Sample Community Choice Act email Honorable Representative ___________, I am writing to encourage you to support freedom and choice for people with disabilities and become a co-sponsor the Community Choice Act (H.R. 1621). This bill would provide people with disabilities and seniors with the option of receiving home support services rather than having to go into nursing homes or institutions. The Community Choice Act would also provide a way to provide services at significant savings to the American taxpayer. Please sign on to this bill. Americans with disabilities should be able to choose the support services that best meet their needs. Sincererly, _______________ |
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