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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. schedule
Schedule for the President re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/17/1999
P6/b(6)
002. email
Jonathan Young to Devorah Adler re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/14/1999
P6/b(6)
003. list
re: People Not on the Invitation List (2 pages)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
004. email
Jonathan Young to Devorah Adler et al. re: Contact in Northern
12/14/1999
P6/b(6)
Virginia (partial) (1 page)
005. list
re: people for round table (1 page)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
006. letter
Becky Ogle to Chris (partial) (1 page)
12/13/1999
P6/b(6)
007. schedule
Schedule for the President re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/17/1999
P6/b(6)
008. letter
re: People Not on the Invitation List (1 page)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
009. email
Lee to Karin Kullman re: personal medical (1 page)
12/14/1999
P6/b(6)
010. article
re: phone numbers (partial) (10 pages)
ca. 1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords - Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIAJ
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. schedule
Schedule for the President re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/17/1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Friday, December 17, 1999
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1999
Draft Schedule
SCHEDULING DIRECTOR:
STEPHANIE STREETT
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
[001]
OFFICE:
202-456-2823
WHCA PAGER:
4824
PRESS DESK:
KAREN BURCHARD
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-7193
WHCA PAGER:
4769
EVENT COORDINATOR:
JULIE EDDY
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-5330
WHCA PAGER:
4560
EVENT COORDINATOR:
TIMOTHY EMRICH
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-5306
WHCA PAGER:
4161
WEATHER:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
December 14, 1999 (2:21 PM)
vetting - qerhrke
Friday, December 17, 1999
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1999
Draft Schedule
at the
most 20 for
9:00
am-
BRIEFING
9:15
am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Mary Beth Cahill, Bruce Reed
press
9:20
am
THE PRESIDENT departs The White House via motorcade en route
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
[drive time: 5 minutes]
9:25
am
THE PRESIDENT arrives Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
9:30
am-
JEFFORDS/KENNEDY BILL SIGNING
10:15
am
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
(MELLON AUDITORIUM - RAIN SITE)
the Roosvelt
greeting is
830 CALL TIME
Remarks:
family
Staff Contact: Mary Beth Cahill, Bruce Reed
845 VIPs
Event Coordinator: Laura Graham
OPEN PRESS
need to walk
3 disabled up
@signing
Note: There will be approximately Stage.
then tbd guests crowd in attendance. to get to
--
Off-stage announcement of Secretary Donna Shalala, Secretary Alexis
Herman, and Administrator Kenneth Apfel.
most 10 members
--
Off-stage announcement of the President, accompanied by Senator
IgA - 5
Edward Kennedy, Senator James Jeffords, and Real Person TBD.
Leg - 50
--
Senator Edward Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces Senator
James Jeffords.
OPL. 220
--
Senator James Jeffords makes brief remarks and introduces Real Person
TBD.
Cabinet - 30
--
Person TBD makes brief remarks and introduces the President.
--
The President makes remarks and invites Members of Congress to
wide Shot
stage for the legislation signing.
FOR in
--
The President works a ropeline and departs.
chair
December 14, 1999 (2:21 PM)
Friday, December 17, 1999
10:40
am-
BRIEFING
11:00
am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
11:00
am-
US-EU SUMMIT
12:30
pm
LOCATION TBD
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
12:30
pm-
PHONE AND OFFICE TIME
1:30
pm
OVAL OFFICE
1:30
pm-
HOLD FOR BRIEFING AND DGA STRATEGY SESSION
3:00
pm
LOCATION TBD AND YELLOW OVAL ROOM
Staff Contact: Capricia Marshall, Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator: Laura Schwartz
CLOSED PRESS
Note: There will be approximately tbd guests in attendance.
3:30
pm-
MEETING
3:40
pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Stephanie Streett
3:45
pm-
BUDGET MEETING
4:45
pm
CABINET ROOM
Staff Contact: Gene Sperling, Jack Lew
4:45
pm-
PHONE AND OFFICE TIME
5:45
pm
RESIDENCE/OVAL OFFICE DINING ROOM
5:45
pm-
BRIEFING
6:00
pm
OVAL OFFICE DINING ROOM
Staff Contact: Joe Lockhart
6:00
pm-
INTERVIEW WITH KATIE COURIC
6:30
pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Joe Lockhart
6:45
pm
THE PRESIDENT departs The White House via motorcade en route
Private Residence
[drive time: tbd]
December 14, 1999 (2:21 PM)
Friday, December 17, 1999
7:00
pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives Private Residence
Greeters:
Terry McAuliffe
Dorothy McAuliffe
7:05
pm-
PHOTO RECEIVING LINE
7:25
pm
ROOM TBD
Private Residence
Staff Contact: Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator:
CLOSED PRESS
Note: There will be approximately 80 guests in attendance.
7:30
pm-
DCCC DINNER
8:25
pm
ROOM TBD
Private Residence
Staff Contact: Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator:
PRESS TBD
Note: There will be approximately 80 guests in attendance.
--
The President proceeds to seat.
--
Dinner is served.
--
Terry McAuliffe makes brief welcoming remarks and introduces
Representative Patrick Kennedy.
--
Representative Patrick Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces
Representative Richard Gephardt.
--
Representative Richard Gephardt makes brief remarks and introduces
the President.
I
The President makes remarks and departs.
8:30
pm
THE PRESIDENT departs Private Residence via motorcade en route The
White House
[drive time: tbd]
8:45
pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives The White House
BC/HRC RON
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
December 14, 1999 (2:21 PM)
DEC 13 1999 17:21 FR US DEPT LABUR
202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.01/11
PRESIDENTIAL
200 Constitution A
ue, NW
on Employment
TASK FORCE ON
Room S-2220
EMPLOYMENT
Washington, DC 20210
OF ADULTS
Main: 202-693-4939
.
Fax: 202-693-4929
10 Adults X with Disabilition
WITH
TTY: 202-693-4920
DISABILITIES
www.dol.gov
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL FORM
Date:
Total Pages: 11
To: Chris Jennings
From: Backy Ogle
Tel#:
Fax#: 456-5557
Subj:
Org/Ofc:
Distribution:
(202)256 7208
Normal
202)693 4929
X
Urgent/Hand Carry or Telephone
***
Pepent K
Confidential
Comments:
Put Ability to Work!
DEL 13 1999 17:21 FR US DEPT LABOR
202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.02/11
12/13/1999 17:43
3019017854
OVERVIEW
If Not Now, When?
The Courage to Question
the Federal Government. Nor does it rest solely with
the Presidential Task Force, although the Task Force
rejudicial treatment, individual and societal
P
is charged with creating strategies and mobilizing
avoidance, segregation, isolation, poverty.
action for change. It does not rest solely with
Relationships built on obligation and pity.
Congress or with the Courts, although each has a
How do we change this history of treatment of
critical role. It does not rest solely with Governors
people with disabilities? How do we create a
and other State and local leaders, although their role
different future?
in implementing change is crucial. It does not rest
solely on the shoulders of the media, although their
The foundation for our nation's policy related to
power to shape, change and influence national
people with disabilities was solidified through
dialogue should not be underestimated. And the
enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act
responsibility does not fall solely on people with
(ADA). But do public policies, in and of themselves,
disabilities or their families. It will take all of us,
create equal and meaningful opportunity for
working together, to create a more just and equal
participation in all the benefits of citizenship in the
society for all people. All are responsible.
United States of America?
This year, through the exemplary leadership of
Questions prompt discussion. They lead to exami-
President Clinton, Vice President Gore and senior
nation of the status quo, which leads to more
members of their Administration, the beginnings of
questions, deeper examination, and identification of
a revolutionary strategy for eliminating barriers to
strategies for change. When questions result in
employment for adults with disabilities is emerging
controversy, the ensuing debate is ultimately healthy
This strategy is based on the belief that inclusion,
for our nation if we are serious about change.
economic independence, choice, and opportunities
Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities
for meaningful participation - and careers - must
Act, or the Rehabilitation Act, or the Individuals with
be afforded to all people in our nation. It is based
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) cannot change
on the recognition that this has been denied to
history and does not automatically produce needed
people with disabilities. To change this fact requires
change. Instead, public policy lays a framework for
that we examine the depths of our own beliefs
action. As we look back over twenty-five years of
about people with disabilities as workers, as
the implementation of IDEA, and ten years after
colleagues, as business owners. It requires that we
enactment of the ADA, we must recognize that the
ask the difficult questions, have the difficult debates,
responsibility for change does not rest solely wich
recognize and act on the needed change.
4
The Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities
DEC 13 1999 16:43
3019517854
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DEC 13 1999 17:22 FR US DEPT LABOR
202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.03/11
12/13/1955
If Not Now, When? documents that difficult
resources attached. Much of public policy and its
questions are being raised, debates are ensuing and
implementation is devolving to States, providing an
strategies for change are emerging. Task Force
increase in control and power to State and local
members are proud of what has been accomplished
government over its design and implementation.
in a short time, as reflected in this second report.
This is not bad, but it is a change - and one that
Each member recognizes that eliminating barriers
must be lived with and within as we continue to
will require profound, systemic change, and is
fulfill the mandate of the Executive Order to bring
thinking strategically and acting to bring about that
employment of adults with disabilities as close as
change.
possible to that of the general population.
It is clear that only a massive and sustained effort,
As part of this transformation our nation is
continuing into the next century and involving all
experiencing the strongest economy in a genera-
of us, will accomplish the task at hand. It requires
tion. There are new and expanded opportunities for
our willingness to raise difficult and controversial
employment and economic prosperity as scientific
questions about our priorities as a nation. It
and technological advances result in industries and
requires the courage to question, confront,
occupations unheard of only a few decades ago.
challenge and change policies and practices, actions
Unemployment is at an all time low. Employers
and beliefs. It requires the elimination of enormous
across the nation are struggling daily to find
disparities born of decades of erroneous societal
qualified workers. Yet, people with disabilities
thinking about, and stereotypes of, people with
remain unemployed at stunning levels.
disabilities. It requires profound. top to bottom and
side to side change. It requires thinking "outside the
Opportunity is on our side. We must leverage this
box" but not in isolation. And it requires working
transformation to open the door to economic
together and collaborating on a cross-disability,
independence and employment for people with
cross-agency, and cross-cultural basis.
disabilities. For example, The Workforce Investment
Act (WIA), passed by Congress in 1998, is a salient
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the Task
example of fundamentally changing how we view
Force applauds your unquestionable and unwaver-
workforce development policy in a way that is good
ing dedication to this mission, your willingness to
for workers and good for business. This law codifies
lead this debate, and your determination to lead our
many of the reforms that States and local
nation into the next millennium with this critical
communities had already begun to enact. WIA is
charge.
meant to streamline, to cut red tape, and to provide
services that are truly customized. The foundation
The Urgency of Time
of WIA workforce reform rests on four corner-
stones: choice; integration: accountability; and a
We must not lose the opportunity that faces us as
local focus. The intent is that all people, including
we enter the 21st Century. Our nation is under-
people with disabilities, are customers of this new
going a sweeping transformation that is impacting
system. The bottom line? An outcome-driven
all parts of society. The increasing diversity of our
system, responsive both to employers and people
population, the impact of technology on our lives,
seeking jobs, empowering people with information
the globalization of our economy - these and
and control, and resulting in employment.
other changes are dramatically shifting the organiza-
tion of our systems and how we participate as
The implementation of WIA is currently underway,
workers in our world.
and all States must have their workforce system in
place by July 1, 2000. It is critically important that
This transformation is resulting in monumental
the One-Stop Carcer Center system have the
change in how our Government operates. Gone are
capacity to serve all of its customers. This system
the days that Congress or the Federal Government
will be the foundation for workforce services
mandates a farreaching change without State and
during the early decades of the 21st Century, and
local cooperation and, most of all, financial
Second Report
5
DEC 13 1999 16:44
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202 219 1198 TO 94565557
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12/13/1995
"Freedom is bammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate."
-Hubert H. Humphrey
there is dramatic potential for increasing
SSDI recipients who return to work for an
employment for people with disabilities as the
additional four-and-a-half years beyond the three
system is put into place. But there is also great
years provided under current law.
danger that patterns and practices of the past will
be repeated - and that the needs of people with
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, these are
disabilities will be an afterthought.
critical health care options for people with
disabilities that will assist significantly in expanding
The Department of Labor in consultation with other
employment possibilities, and your invaluable
Federal partners, particularly the Rehabilitation
leadership to champion this legislation to passage
Services Administration, has been working Intensive-
goes without question. However, these provisions
ly to promulgate regulations and other policy
do not, in and of themselves, solve the enormous
guidance regarding workforce development and
barrier to securing health care for people with
people with disabilities. President Clinron and Vice
disabilities seeking work. States must elect to
President Gore, the Task Force values your leader-
implement these provisions, and we must ensure
ship in securing $20 million of the $27 million
that they do sa We have a decisive and timely
requested in the Administration's FY 2000 budget
opportunity, right now, to ensure that they do so
for Work Incentives Grants to foster interdisciplinary
through the continued efforts of the Department of
consortia and service integration at the State and
Health and Human Services to provide technical
local level - and thus promote coordination and
assistance and advice to States in implementing the
integration of employment related services for
WILA. Equally important are the provisions within
people with disabilities through One-Stop Career
WILA that include $150 million infrastructure grants
Center Systems. The Task Force agencies and
for States, as well as the five-year, $250 million
department members are eager to begin work on
demonstration program that allows participating
this critical project, and look forward to providing
States to provide Medicaid-equivalent services to
updates on our progress.
workers with disabilities that, without health care
access, would become significant enough to qualify
The foundation of choice, integration, accounta-
them for SSDI or SSI. It is imperative that these
bility, and local focus is equally relevant to the
funds be made available as soon as possible to
recently passed legislation, the Ticket-To-Work and
maximize implementation of WILA across the
Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIIA) of 1999.
country.
WIIA is intended to provide increased choice and
control for Social Security Disability Insurance
The Social Security Administration has taken the
(SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
lead in coordinating with the Departments of
beneficiaries through the newly created Ticket-to-
Health and Human Services, Education and Labor
Work and Self-Sufficiency program. One-Stop
and the Task Force to host a series of public forums
Career Center Systems are identified as potential
to provide information and opportunity for
members of the eligible provider nerworks for SSDI
discussion on the following topics: SSA customer
and SSI beneficiaries seeking or returning to work
service and work incentives initiatives; State health
under this program.
care systems and models; employment initiatives of
the Departments of Education, Labor and Health
WILA also allows States to offer a Medicaid "buy-in"
and Human Services; and an update on the
for people receiving SSDI and SSI benefits who are
Administration's plans for implementation of WILA.
starting or returning to work and, by working,
These forums are yet another example of
would lose their health care eligibility. In addition,
government operating with a new focus- the
WIIA extends premium-free Medicare coverage for
customers. They are also indicative of the
6
The Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities
DEC 13 1999 16:45
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202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.05/11
recognition by Task Force members that individuals
Recognizing this, the Federal Government can lead
with disabilities are essential partners in ensuring
the way by modeling exemplary practice in
successful implementation of the Ticket-to-Work and
recruitment and hiring, accommodating and
Work Incentives Improvement Act and the
promoting people with the full range of disabilities.
Workforce Investment Act.
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the Task
Force commends the recent release of Accessing
These policy shifts and other opportunities are
Opportunity: The Plan for Employment of People
forcing us to re-organize how we do business
with Disabilities in the Federal Government by the
across the nation. The mainstream infrastructure
Office of Personnel Management in October. This
of our communities are where the future of
action plan will ensure that more people with
services and supports must rest People with
disabilities are recruited for positions at all levels of
disabilities across the nation are asking for
government; provide opportunities for students
inclusion in these mainstream services and systems,
with disabilities; collect and maintain data to
which lay the foundation for their community
monitor the success of people with disabilities in
participation. The program and service structures
the Federal workforce; and provide reasonable
of the past which caregorized and separated
accommodations for applicants and employees with
children, young people and adults with disabilities,
disabilities. The successful implementation and
although with good intention, must partner
enforcement of Accessing Opportunity will provide
with these mainstream services, and in that
the private sector an example to follow.
process refashion a new way of working for
themselves.
We must recognize that our existing laws
prohibiting discrimination, such as the ADA and
The Opportunity to Lead
Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, will
be our foundation for creating change in both the
As previously outlined, our nation is undergoing
public and private sector. We must leverage the
dramatic shifts in how it operates as we enter the
existence of these laws, combined with the
next millennium. The sweeping legislative agendas
leadership of our Federal Government, to create
of the past are the past. Gone are the days that the
change. For example, Federal contractors employ
Congress or the Federal Government mandates a
approximately 26 million people, or nearly 22
far-reaching change without State and local
percent of the total civilian workforce. This is a
cooperation and, most of all, financial resources
critical area for leveraging the influence of the
attached. Big government spending days are over
Federal Government for increasing employment
and fiscal responsibility and accountability are
and changing practices about employment of
primary themes driving development and delivery
people with disabilities. More information on
of policy and services. This is not bad, but it is a
Section 503 compliance and best practices is
change. It is a change that must be lived with and
needed to inform Federal contractors about
within as we continue to fulfill the mandate of the
effective hiring strategies.
Executive Order to bring employment of adults
with disabilities as close as possible to that of the
general population.
"The last group of people in this country who could keep the economy
going for all of us, with low inflation, are Americans with disabilities -
who want to work, who can work, and who are not in the workforce.
Every American citizen should have a selfish interest in the pursuit of this
goal in the most aggressive possible way."
-President Clinton, June 4, 1999
Second Report
7
DEC 13 1999 16:45
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P.06/11
The enforcement agencies also should explore
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act provides a
methods to strengthen their investigation processes.
critical opportunity that can be leveraged both for
For example, the Department of Labor, through the
procuring accessible technology and equipment,
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
and for increasing employment of adults with
(OFCCP), should utilize compliance evaluation
disabilities through the availability of such
procedures that allow the agency to focus on
equipment. As the largest purchaser of technology
systemic barriers to the employment of individuals
and equipment, the Federal Government's procure-
with disabilities. The Equal Employment
ment practices must be leveraged to promote
Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in coordination
development of technology that is accessible to and
with the Department of Justice and the Department
useable by people with disabilities. In addition. the
of Labor, should explore enhancing data collection
recently promulgated regulations governing Section
efforts with respect to the employment and the
255 of the Telecommunications Act include provi-
availability of persons with disabilities in the
sions to influence development of communication
workforce, possibly through new regulations.
technologies for the future that are accessible to
Consistent with their complementary responsi-
people with disabilities. These regulations,
bilitics for enforcement, the EEOC and OFCCP
providing for an information highway infrastructure
should explore joint enforcement strategies.
that is accessible, creare opportunities for expanded
employment for people with disabilities.
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the Task
Force recommends that the Department of Justice,
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, as a
Department of Labor and the Equal Employment
nation we must make a significant investment of
Opportunity Commission be provided increased
our resources targeted specifically to ensuring
resources to collaborate in exploring methods for
access to accessible and affordable information,
strengtbening enforcement of employment-related
communication and assistive technology for
nondiscrimination provisions of the Americans
people with disabilities As we enter a new
with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation ACE
century. we must ensure through our actions today
All efforts shall provide a clear and unequivocal
that the workers of tomorrow are prepared with
message that expanded employment opportunities
skills and training, and equipped with the tools
for individuals with disabilities are a bigh priority
necessary to succeed.
of the Administration The efforts of the
Department of Labor and the Equal Employment
The year 2000 marks the Tenth Anniversary of
Opportunity Commission should include
enactment of the ADA. As WC prepare to celebrate
providing increased technical assistance to
the anniversary of this landmark civil rights law, we
employers, strengtbening compliance evaluations,
must leverage the leadership of the Federal
and enhancing data collection as appropriate.
Government through vigorous enforcement of civil
rights laws and oversight of critical regulatory
There are multiple additional ways that we can
requirements. The Federal Government can also
reach our desired goal for increasing employment.
demonstrate, through its own exemplary practice,
The February 2000 release of standards governing
effective strategies as a model employer
"
Improving opportunities for people with disabilities is a win-win situa-
tion for everyone. For people with disabilities, it means inclusion, free-
dom, and empowerment. For business, it means more customers, higher
profits, and additional qualified workers. For taxpayers, it means mil-
lions more people contributing to the system, and fewer people dependent
on it. We know it won't be easy
"
-Vice President Al Gore, 1999
8
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The Power and Responsibility to
reaching out to key stakeholders across the nation to
Participate
involve them in the debate about change. During
this year, numerous Town Hall meetings were held to
Ours is a government of the people,for the people,
provide a forum for interested persons to discuss
by the people individual voices shaping our
their thoughts, concerns and experiences about
collective future as a nation. Each person has the
employment for people with disabilities. The first
power - and the responsibility - to participate.
Town Hall meeting, held in Los Angeles on June 3,
Our democracy affords each person a voice. More
1999, focused on two key areas expanding
and more people with disabilities are using their
employment opportunities for young people with
personal power in this participatory democracy -
disabilities and expanding self-employment and
making their voices heard - thereby influencing
entrepreneurial opportunities.
the ways that programs and policies are designed
and delivered.
At this first Town Hall meeting individuals with
disabilities, parents, educators and other interested
Every day in communities across the nation there
people provided in-depth testimony about issues,
are new opportunities to take part in the democratic
specifically relating to young people, such as
process, to create change that will open the door to
transition from school to work. The overwhelming
employment and full participation for people with
majority of voices implored Task Force members to
disabilities. The Clinton-Gore administration has
make young people with disabilities a priority when
taken the lead in reliventing government and much
developing future projects and examining public
of the impetus for this change came from the voices
policy. Task Force members heard firsthand
of the people. One example of reinventing govern-
accounts from young people about the lack of
ment services is the "Access America for Seniors," an
options available for employment and economic
Internet site providing information on a wide range
independence. These young people with disabilities
of government services. Vice President Gore
very eloquently outlined multiple barriers that they
described this as "an excellent example of our
face while in school and as they attempt to
efforts to reinvent government to provide services
transition into the workplace. Some of these
that American people need and care about."
barriers included the following: lack of adequate
educational accomplishment; low expectation by
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the Task
their family, the education system, service providers
Force commends the steadfast commitment of the
and societal expectation in general; their own low
Administration to ensure that opportunities of the
self-estcem; and confusing governmental programs
Information Age are available to all Americans, and
with baffling eligibility criteria and goals.
especially to children who are our future. The Task
Force respectfully requests consideration of
Each year, about 40,000 eighteen-year-olds are
additional resources to establish a new Web site
subject to an ellgibility review for SSI benefits, but
specifically addressing Federal Government
only 25,000 are determined eligible for such
programs and policies for people with disabilities.
assistance. On average, the young adults
Access America for People with Disabilities will
determined eligible will remain on SSI for 27 years,
link persons with disabilities and other interested
while those not determined eligible are likely to live
individuals with comprebensive information so
in poverty. As we prepare to celebrate the twenty-
that they can effectively navigate their worlds and
fifth anniversary of one of the most comprehensive
ultimately more effectively participate in their
civil rights laws for young people with disabilities,
communities and the workforce.
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, It is
imperative that aggressive efforts be taken to
The Task Force, led by Secretary of Labor and Chair
examine the disconnect that seems to be occurring
Alexis M. Herman and Vice Chair Tony Coelho, is
in the lives of young people with disabilities.
taking the lead in reshaping Federal employment
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the
policies for people with disabilities by actively
Task Force recommends that the Departments of
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"In many ways, the workplace of tomorrow will be determined by the work
we do today . - the policies we pursue, the partnerships we forge, the chal-
lenges we meet... And if we continue to meet that challenge, we won't just
mark the end of the American century, we will embrace with all its potential
and possibilities the beginning of a new one."
-Alexis M. Herman, Labor Day 1999
Labor, Education, Health and Human Services,
The second Town Hall meeting, held in Birming-
the Social Security Administration and other
ham, Alabama, on October 25, 1999, focused on
appropriate Task Force member agencies
civil rights laws such as the Americans with
construct, coordinate and implement a Youth-to-
Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Work Initiative to address this critical area of
Act. The testimony from women and minority
need.
participants at this meeting was of particular
interest to Task Force members, and proved to be an
At this first Town Hall meeting Task Force members
invaluable resource for further development of
also learned from participants about their growing
initiatives to eliminate barriers to employment for
interest in and concerns about entrepreneurial
adults with disabilities. The major themes garnered
opportunities and provision of personal assistance
from the many individuals who provided eloquent
services. People with disabilities at the meeting said
testimony concerned the barriers that lack of
they often call for, but seldom receive, consumer-
transportation and housing create for people with
driven personal assistance that is, the ability to
disabilities, especially those living in rural areas.
manage, direct and, in many cases, hire their own
personal assistants through some sort of voucher
Task Force members heard over and over again that
payment. Providing personal assistance to an
lack of available public transportation is a major
estimated seven to ten million Americans with
employment barrier for persons with disabilities.
disabilities with a variery of everyday living tasks is
According to the Department of Transportation's
fast becoming a multibillion dollar "growth"
report to the Task Force in November 1998,
industry. Moreover, it is one financed primarily
"Persons with disabilities tend to be more depen-
through Federal Medicaid and Medicare payments.
dent on transit service than the general public, and
Between three and six billion dollars in Federal and
the prevailing transportation patterns in the U.S. -
State dollars are estimated to be spent on such
dominated by sprawling development patterns
services annually.
and highly dependent on highways and private
automobiles - pur all dependent populations
Additionally, the Task Force learned that recent
at a disadvantage."
research indicates that, on average, agency personal
assistance providers cost nearly twice 25 much as
Individuals testifying at the Town Hall meeting
individual providers ($10.20 versus $5.25 per hour).
expressed frustration with the lack of planning
More than half of this difference is not the result of
and coordination of public and human service
paying individual providers less, but the administra-
transportation providers. Many living in rural areas
tive costs built into the home health care business.
said that lack of adequate transportation has been a
The Federal Government, therefore, has a strong
long standing problem. and they did not hold much
human and economic interest in helping to
hope for a brighter future. President Clinton and
generate competition in this field. The resounding
Vice President Gore, the Task Force recommends
message from this Town Hall meeting was the need
that immediate steps be taken to develop a
to explore initiatives to spur the development of
comprehensive plan of action to address the
small businesses and micro enterprises owned and
lack of transportation services and systems for
controlled by individuals with disabilities in the
persons with disabilities, espectally those living
delivery of personal assistance services.
in rural areas.
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The Task Force would be remiss if this report failed
eliminate the barriers to employment for adults
to document the need for immediate action in the
with disabilities. The Task Force appreciates the
area of housing for individuals with disabilities.
willingness of each participant to share their
Many participants at the Town Hall meeting shared
opinions and expertise and hopes that each will
with Task Force members the direct relationship of
see that it was not in vain. More Town Hall
restrictive housing eligibility criteria and the ability
meetings are planned throughout the year 2000.
to find and keep meaningful work. In addition to
concerns about maintaining health care, people
The Task Force also convened numerous meetings
with disabilities are increasingly worried that if they
throughout the year, including summits on welfare-
go to work they will losc their eligibility for housing
to-work, youth leadership, and ongoing State and
subsidies. The need to explore avenues for
local systems change initiatives, as well as outreach
increasing home ownership by people with
to groups who experience particularly high
disabilities is also paramount.
unemployment, such as Native Americans. A
Research Roundtable brought together Federal
Despite the Department of Housing and Urban
agencies conducting research to begin to identify
Development's support for increasing services
gaps and needed areas for future focus of Federal
available to low income and special needs
discretionary dollars. The goal of these meetings
populations and passage of the "Quality Housing
was to identify specific policy-related actions for
and Work Responsibility Act of 1998," testimony
Task Force consideration.
provided at this meeting showed that much more
needs to be done. Participants pointed out to Task
These meetings began what will bc an ongoing
Force members that many benefits of the 1998 ACT
process for ensuring access to cutting-edge, real-
are not available to them because they are not part
world, policy-related information and recommenda-
of a public housing authority program. As of
tions by the Task Force and its staff. They reflect
October 1, 1999, a provision within the new Act
our determination to ensure that the debate about
establishes a mandatory disregard of 100 percent of
change is open to all. Combined with communica-
earned income for a period of 12 months. This is
tion through technology established through the
followed by a rent increase of only 50 percent of
Task Force Web site, no one is left out of the
the amount it otherwise would have been increased
dialogue.
without the disregard. President Clinton and Vice
President Gore, the Task Force recommends that
Despite the efforts from the Task Force to reach out
the Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
to all stakeholders across the nation to involve them
ment explore steps needed to establish an earned
in the debate about change needed to eliminate the
income disregard for tenants with disabilities
barriers to employment, one voice has remained
living in otherthan-PHA bousing who return to
Icss than front and center where it is desperately
work; and a provision which exempts any
needed. President Clinton and Vice President Gore,
disability related expenses incurred when a
the Task Force requests your assistance in forging an
tenant goes to work from the countable income
alliance with business leaders in the public and
used to determine rents.
private sectors. The Task Force recommends that
there be a White House conference on employment
As previously stated, ours is a government of
of adults with disabilities that will include
the people, for the people, by the people -
representatives from the Administration, Congress,
individual voices shaping our collective future as a
elected officials from State and local governments,
nation. Each person has the power - and the
small and large businesses, the disability
responsibility - to participate. People with
community and other related entities regarding
disabilities, parents of individuals with disabilities
employment of people with disabilities.
and other interested persons embraced these
principles and provided the Task Force with
invaluable input into the overall mission to
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A revolution of values will soon call us to question the fairness of many of
our past and present policies. True compassion is more than flinging coins
to a beggar. an edifice that produces beggars needs restructuring..
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
THE NEXT MILLENNIUM:
proposed new office will not be to replicate service
Equity, Responsibility, Freedom,
delivery systems currently provided through other
Justice and Employment for All
parts of the department or Federal Government, but
to provide the programmatic infrastructure for
The Task Force is looking into the next millennium
needed employment policy direction, best practice
recognizing the crucial and timely nature of its
leadership, information dissemination and technical
charge to develop a coordinated and aggressive
assistance. The Office will ensure the ongoing
national strategy. This year it became clear that
efforts to integrate people with disabilities into the
additional Task Force members are needed in order
mainstream employment and training programs of
to ensure that all policies and practices are viewed
the Department of Labor as they are implemented
from a disability perspective. The Task Force
across the nation. It is 2 critical next step to
requested the addition of the Federal
implement the strategy being developed by the Task
Communications Commission, Chaired by William E.
Force.
Kennard, to the Task Force. This was accomplished
in April 1999. The Task Force will request that the
As the Task Force continues its work toward the
Attorney General of the Department of Justice, and
goals set forth in Executive Order 13078, the
the Secretaries of the Departments of Housing and
foundation of our redesign must be based on
Urban Development, Agriculture and the Interior be
increased choice and control for all people in
added for Fiscal Year 2000, so that their important
getting the services and supports they need to
jurisdictions can become a part of the overall
participate in a meaningful and effective way in
mission and actions undertaken through Task Force
their communities and the workforce. Federal
activities.
dollars must be used as investments in the Hves of
people with disabilities so that they can get the
Meanwhile, the Task Force has identified the need
supports they need to live, meaningfully participate
for a major realignment of resources and programs
in and contribute to their community. This redesign
to ensure that a strategy for eliminating barriers to
will require examining how the resources of
employment for adults with disabilities is 2 theme
existing Federal funding streams are used. It will
of the next millennium. The structures and
most likely necessitate modifying those policies that
practices of our public systems have taken decades
promote dependence and segregation so that
to evolve, have become cemented in their way of
people with even significant disabilities have not
doing business, have become very familiar and
only the opportunity to get a job, but to achieve
comfortable to many people both inside the Federal
economic independence, and control over their
Government and outside. Altering these structures
lives.
in a deep, substantive way will be difficult. and long-
term success will require a continuing mandate for
Recognizing the urgency of attacking this critical
change in order to prevent the patterns and
issue, the Task Force will convene a Summit in
practices of the past from persisting.
January 2000 called "Beyond Theory and Discussion:
Supported Employment Strategies for the 21st
President Clinton and Vice President Gore, the
Century." This venue will provide an opportunity to
Task Force respectfully recommends the establish-
probe multiple issues, including those relating to
ment of an Office for disability employment policy
increasing wages, community-based employment,
to be headed by an Assistant Secretary at the
choice and control. among others. "Despite a lot of
Department of Labor. The purpose of the
theory and discussion about educational best
12
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practices, despite talk of inclusion and equal
entitles, to eliminate the erroneous beliefs, the
opportunity, there is the reality that many of our
stigma that permeates all parts of American
young people are sitting at home or in group homes
society regarding disability.
doing close to nothing after they leave high school
There is an untapped potential out here, just
The Task Force is committed to the challenges
waiting for the opportunity," said Mrs. Gaye Avery-
outlined in this second report, and knows that as
Grubbs, parent of Tamara who has significant
challenges are confronted there will naturally be
disabilities. The Task Force is committed to tapping
conflict and controversy - born of fear, of lack of
into the potential of every person
information, of lack of understanding. President
with 2 disability.
Clinton and Vice
President Gore, the Task
Finally, it is alarming that, as
Force believes this debate
we move toward the 21st
is past due, and must
Century, the persistence of
occur. Task Force
negative and erroneous
members recognize that
stereofypes and attitudinal
there will be doubters;
barriers remain one of the
there will be cynics. But
most difficult barriers to
it is an established fact
address. Decades of erro-
that with the continued
neous societal thinking
support of the Clinton-
about disability have
Gore administration and
demonstrated that they
members of Congress, this
will not be eliminated over-
debate can result in
night. An understanding
systemic redesign of our
that disability is a natural
policies so that no one is
part of life, an
left behind in the next
appreciation of the
October 13, 1999
millennium.
benefits of people with
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
disabilities as employers.
Donna Sbalala addresses participants at IDEAS '99
The Task Force acknow-
employees, neighbors and
(Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Sbowcase),
ledges that there has
friends. and the awareness
beld as DHHS in Washington, D.C.
never before been such a
that presence of a disabi-
Also pictured from left to right.John J. Callaban,
mandate or oppor-
lity does not define the
Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, DHHS;
runity for change as
person must be created in
Michael V. Durm, Under Secretary for Marketing and
the one created through
the American public.
Regulatory Programs, USDA; and Rebecca L Ogle,
Executive Order 13078.
Only through such
Executive Director of the Presidential Tash Force on
The Task Force will
Employment of Adults with Disabilities
awareness can we hope
constantly push for bold.
to make climinating
courageous strategies for
barriers to employment for people with disabilities
change that reach to the roots of our policies. The
the mainstream policy interest that it deserves.
choices are ours as a nation. We must not be afraid
of new ideas. The debate that has begun must
The need for Immediate leadership in this area is
continue, and it must be elevated. As we close the
essential to the success of any strategy to increase
20th century and look to the future, the challenges
employment and economic independence for
that remain require our willingness to raise difficult
people with disabilities. President Clinton and
and sometimes controversial questions about
Vice President Gore, there is an immediate
existing social policies, practices and arritudes.
need to launch 0 massive public awareness
They require 2 raging debate that results in deep,
campaign, in partnership with the disability
substantive change. The time for action is now.
community, businesses and other influential
If Not Now, When?
Second Report
13
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DOCUMENT NO.
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002. email
Jonathan Young to Devorah Adler re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/14/1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
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Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
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2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
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Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA)
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Jonathan M. Young
12/14/99 10:44:02 AM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Devorah R. Adier/OPD/EOP@EOP, Karin Kullman/OPD/EOP@EOP, Jeanne Lambrew/OPD/EOP@EOP,
Sarah A. Bianchi/OVP@OVP
CC:
Subject: HEre are three from Albany area
[002]
Maxcine Johnson,
P6/(b)(6)
at town hall meeting with Gore in February
Debbie Hamilton, working part time at the RPI polytechnic institute, can't work full time
because of risk of losing health benefits,
P6/(b)(6)
office, 5 18-276-2746;
clif perez, also not working full time for fear of lost benefits, participated in White House SS
conference last December,
P6/(b)(6)
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n.d.
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COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA|
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA)
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells J(b)(9) of the FOIA)
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
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DOCUMENT NO.
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004. email
Jonathan Young to Devorah Adler et al. re: Contact in Northern
12/14/1999
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Virginia (partial) (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords - Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA|
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Jonathan M. Young
12/14/99 11:01:15 AM
Record Type: Record
To:
Devorah R. Adler/OPD/EOP@EOP, Sarah A. Bianchi/OVP@OVP, Jeanne Lambrew/OPD/EOP@EOP,
Karin Kullman/OPD/EOP@EOP
cc:
Subject: Contact in Northern Virginia
Feel free to follow-up with Michael Cooper at the Endependence Center of Northern Virginia, one of the
best IL centers in the metro DC area. I've already talked to him and he will begin identifying folks. His
phone numbers are: office, (703) 525-3268, home,
P6/(b)(6)
[004]
I spoke to David Robar, who said devorah had already spoken with him, and he's working to identify
additional folks. The challenge is press savvy people but he will work on some more.
For the West Coast, try Michael Collins, head of the State Independent Living Council for California,
P6/(b)(6)
I have a message in to anne Marie Hughey at the National Council on independent Living, which
represents the IL centers around the country.
P6/(b)(6)
The parent network can be tapped through Patty McGill Smith, ED,
P6/(b)(6)
or Linda Shepard,
President,
P6/(b)(6)
I also have a message into Tony Young, prominent DC advocate, who works from home at
P6/(b)(6)
P6/(b)(6)
Barbara Otto, 312-223-9600, x18, for contacts in the Chicago area. One suggestion from her is Ron
Cluck, has done some local media, uses a message board, but Barbara needs to confirm with him.
I have a message into Jean-Michelle Brevelle at NAPWA,
P6/(b)(6)
For Arizona try Susan Webb, head of an IL center there.
P6/(b)(6)
Joyce Bender could be of great help in Pittsburgh, helped on mentoring day and received President's
Award in June,
P6/(b)(6)
Lee Miller in Georgia, runs a great program called High School high Tech in Georgia, brought some folks
in her from mentoring day, number is
P6/(b)(6)
I'll get more contacts later.
Joyce Bender in
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Devorah Adler
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FOLDER TITLE:
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2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - 144 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA)
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information ((a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
DEC 13 1999 15:02 FR US DEPT LABOR
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PRESIDENTIAL
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
or Employment
TASK FORCE ON
Room S-2220
EMPLOYMENT
Washington, DC 20210
OF ADULTS
Main: 202-693-4939
Fax: 202-693-4929
OF Adults m with
WITH
TTY: 202-693-4920
DISABILITIES
www.dol.gov
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL FORM
Date:
Total Pages: 7
To: Chris Janing
From:
Becky Ogle
Tel#: 693-4939
lsss Lsss-ash Fax#:
Subj:
Org/Ofc:
Distribution:
Normal
X
Urgent/Hand Carry or Telephone
Confidential
Comments:
Put Ability to Work!
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
006. letter
Becky Ogle to Chris (partial) (1 page)
12/13/1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA|
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
DEC 13 1999 15:02 FR US DEPT LABOR
202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.02/07
456-5231
Chris
Thanks for taking the time to review this and to see whether or not we can provide Secretary
Herman the opportunity to present it on Friday. It is significant in the fact that the first report to
the President recommended passage of the WIIA and now he is signing it and accepting the
second report that lays out implementation plans, as well as other recommendations that are very
important to the employment of people with disabilities. There is nothing controversial in the
[006]
report, and according to
P6/(b)(6)
(P6/(b)(6)
1 ne significance of the Task Force is it's ability to work in a cross-agency way on issues such as
implementation. We were going to put a directive or recommendation in the report that called on
the President to direct Donna Shalala to expedite the grant and infrastructure funds to the states,
but Jeanne asked us not to. We had also intended to ask that the WIIA be revisited to bring it to
where we were w/Medicare, but I think OMB objected or someone did so it got taken out too.
Anyhow, I have enclosed for your review highlights of the Task Force report to the President,
especially the parts of the Health Care and Income Committee report where they talk about the
implementation of the WIIA. This is working so I would suggest not creating another entity to
do this, in fact, I beg of you not to create another entity. It is difficult enough getting them to all
work together in this arena without asking them to step into another. Turf has been established
and I think everyone is comfortable with the boundaries.
Let me know what you think I really want to hand this report over to the President and get it out
the door. We are way past due.
Thanks,
Becky B.O Ogle
DEC 13 1999 15:02 FR US DEPT LABOR
202 219 1198 TO 94565557
P.03/07
for an extended period, if the prognosis for improvement continues. Access
to return to work services will also be provided to assist beneficiaries to
move from the rolls to economic independence. The demonstration is
scheduled to run for five years.
3.
Preparing for Implementation of Work Incentives Improvement Act
(WIIA) - SSA and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) are
actively working toward implementation of the Work Incentives Improvement
Act of 1999 (WIIA). SSA has developed language for notices with HCFA
input pertaining to the section of the Act that applies to continuation of
Medicare coverage and has entered into an agreement with HCFA staff for
expedited notice clearance upon passage of the WIIA. Since portions of the
WIIA are effective on the first day of the month following enactment,
preliminary action is necessary for effective implementation.
4.
Internet Information Sources - SSA's Office of Employment Support
Programs website (www.ssa.gov/work) has a link to HCFA's site and has
recently added a section entitled "Health Care for People with Disabilities."
B.
Departmental Efforts
1.
Research Agenda - HHS has a solid research agenda which is underway
to review the evidence that supports the proposition that people do not seek
work because they fear losing health coverage. While there are few empirical
studies to date, it is clear from the data we have that health care access is
an important factor in the decision to seek work.
Currently, a study is underway to look at labor force participation and
earnings levels of people with disabilities before and after substantial
Medicaid expansions in Tennessee and Oregon. In addition, HHS is
analyzing data from the National Health Interview Survey on people with
disabilities, the first comprehensive survey of Americans with disabilities.
This survey will provide information and data needed to gain a better
understanding about earnings, barriers, accommodations and health care
spending and utilization. Lastly, CMHS is conducting the Employment
Intervention Demonstration Program (EIDP) which is a 5-year demonstration
being carried out in 8 sites to identify and evaluate the types of supports
most effective for helping people with psychiatric disabilities find and
maintain employment. The effects of employment on the use of mental
health services and public entitlements is being measured.
2.
Patient's Bill of Rights Legislative Effort - There are few populations in
this country who will benefit more than people with disabilities from the
passage of the Administration's Patient Bill of Rights. Ensuring continuity of
9
DEC 13 1999 15:02 FR US DEPT LABOR
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RECOMMENDATIONS
The Health Care Work Group has identified the following issues related to the improvement
of employment outcomes for people with disabilities and made preliminary
recommendations for addressing these issues and barriers.
Issue: Congress changed the Medicaid eligibility rules for working individuals with
disabilities when it passed section 4733 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, allowing
states to offer a buy-in to Medicaid to individuals whose income is below 250% of the
federal poverty level. To date, six states have implemented the Balanced Budget Act
provisions.
Recommendation: More states need to be encouraged to implement the Balanced
Budget Act Medicaid buy-in provisions:
HCFA will continue to provide technical assistance and advice to states
interested in implementing the current Medicaid buy-in provision.
HCFA, the Social Security Administration, and the Rehabilitation Services
Administration will work together to interest states already undertaking work
incentives demonstrations sponsored by these agencies to take up the BBA
Medicaid buy-in. HCFA will build on this experience to ensure the effective
implementation of the Work Incentives Improvement Act once it becomes
law.
HCFA will identify key individuals from states that have successfully
developed BBA state plan options and other work incentive programs and
encourage those individuals to provide technical assistance to other states.
The technical assistance provided by HCFA and its state partners will be
mindful of the cultural preferences of the beneficiaries in different regions of
the country.
The Task Force will work with HCFA to investigate issues related to state
participation in the buy-in option.
Issue: Current limitations in work incentives programs related to income limits and
continuation of benefits are addressed in the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.
These limitations include an income ceiling for beneficiaries eligible for Medicaid and the
termination of Medicare benefits following an extended period of eligibility. Implementation
of WIIA will challenge the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the
health care provisions expanding eligibility criteria and extending benefits are effective.
Cooperation in implementation across agencies will increase the likelihood of success.
11
DEC 13 1999 15:03 FR US DEPT LABOR
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Recommendation: The Department of Health and Human Services will develop a
comprehensive blueprint of implementation activities to be submitted, after the Work
Incentives Improvement Act is signed by President Clinton, to the Presidential Task Force
on Employment of Adults with Disabilities for review.
The Administration participated in developing and fully supported the Work Incentives
Improvement Act of 1999, passed by both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
in November 1999. The Work Incentives Improvement Act includes the following
provisions related to health care for people with disabilities who start or return to work:
Health insurance through Medicaid by providing states with an option to offer
a buy-in to people with disabilities by lifting federal eligibility limits on assets
and earned and unearned income.
An option for states to continue coverage (on a buy-in basis) for working
individuals with disabilities whose medical conditions remain, but who would
otherwise lose eligibility due to medical improvement.
Health insurance through Medicare by extending lifetime coverage under
Medicare Part A to any individual who loses Social Security due to their
ability to work and earn a living during a specified time period following
enactment of the legislation.
Infrastructure grants for states that take advantage of the Medicaid buy-in for
the working disabled and offer personal assistance services (PAS). These
grants would be used to assist in developing infrastructures that facilitate
return to work and for outreach campaigns to connect individuals with
services.
$250 million for a 5-year demonstration program would allow participating
states to provide Medicaid-equivalent services to individuals with health
conditions that have not yet rendered them blind or disabled, but that can be
expected to cause the level of disability required to qualify for SSI/SSDI.
The implementation plan will include technical assistance efforts, research and evaluation
projects, data linking activities, outreach and enrollment activities, and issuance of state
guidance on both the new legislation and existing work incentives programs. A goal of
each of these activities will be to ensure that all materials developed are culturally sensitive
and respectful of the preferences of our beneficiaries.
The plan will coordinate with the efforts of other federal agencies such as the Department
of Education, the Department of Labor, and the Social Security Administration. HCFA will
make concerted efforts - in consultation with the states, the disability community and other
Federal agencies to ensure the effective and widespread implementation of the Medicaid
buy-in and infrastructure development grant provisions of the Work Incentives
12
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Improvement Act once it is enacted into law. In particular, HCFA will: (1) begin to provide
information on the Act's major health care access provisions to states and disability groups,
e.g., through correspondences with the Governors, State Medicaid Directors and via the
Web; (2) provide technical assistance and support to states wishing to take up the
Medicaid buy-in and demonstration provisions of the new law; and (3) expeditiously award
infrastructure development grants to states which participate in the Medicaid buy-in.
Issue: Both the SSDI and SSI programs offer work incentives that enable beneficiaries
to continue receiving income supports and health care coverage after returning to work.
Participation rates in these work incentives are very low and should be increased though
outreach, public education, and technical assistance activities. In addition, the federal
government should engage in longer term planning to develop a single set of messages
from all agencies, that can be clearly understood by all constituencies.
Recommendation: HHS, DOL, SSA and RSA will form an interagency workgroup to
develop a consumer outreach campaign to raise awareness around work incentives and
facilitate individual participation in work incentive programs (such as 1619 and the Program
for Achieving Self-Support or PASS.) This work group will coordinate state outreach and
consumer education efforts, examine knowledge and attitudinal barriers to consumer
participation in work incentive programs, and make recommendations on current and future
programmatic and budget efforts related to consumer education of work incentive
programs.
In the short term, HHS, DOL, SSA, and RSA will work together to develop more user-
friendly resources and consumer resource guides synthesizing existing health and income
related work incentive programs, benefits and demonstrations at the Federal and state
levels. These Resource Guides will provide technical assistance to people with disabilities
and the disability community about the health and income-related resources currently
available which will enable individuals to succeed in the workforce.
In the next 12 months, the workgroup will identify joint technical assistance, outreach,
education and coordination activities they can undertake to promote the increased use of
existing work incentives such as those available under Section 1619 of the Social Security
Act particularly by young people with disabilities, ages 16 to 25. In order to ensure that a
broad audience is exposed to information about work incentives, HCFA will participate
along with other federal partners in SSA's (300+) targeted public education events for
consumers, advocates, state officials, providers, and any other interested parties over the
next fiscal year. Topics for such events will include: (1) SSA - Field Office Employment
Initiatives; (2) Customer Service Improvements; (3) Health Care Initiatives and Options; (4)
WIIA Update; (5) Best practices from the states; and (6) other local issues.
13
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Finally, SSA will develop and begin implementation of a customer service improvement
plan in FY 2000 which will focus on providing more timely and accurate information at the
Field Office level to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries who pursue employment or return-to-work.
Issue: Medicaid, as virtually the only public payor of long-term supports, offers states a
great deal of flexibility in structuring and delivering consumer responsive long-term support
and personal assistance services programs. States need information and incentives to
maximize this flexibility.
Recommendation: The Department of Health and Human Services will promote and
expand its technical assistance to states -- supporting states in developing and improving
consumer responsive home and community based services systems. Such systems will
be critical for many people with disabilities who work. HHS will ensure that the employment
aspect of this work is highlighted. As the focal point for these activities in FY 2000, the
agency is developing a resource center for states, advocacy groups, and consumers to use
in order to promote home and community-based alternatives in their states. In addition,
HHS will be completing its Medicaid Primer, a synthesis of information that will explain in
clear language what flexibilities states have under Medicaid to deliver home and
community based supports and provide examples of what a number of states have done
in this regard. HHS will ensure that people involved in employment services and supports
have access to the Primer, so there is an accurate, common understanding of Medicaid
provisions.
Issue: People with disabilities have a number of concerns related to the design and
delivery of health care services. Issues include access to facilities, access to specialists,
quality of care, and appeals. The issues become even more prominent for people with
disabilities who work. Medicare and Medicaid should be studied and improved to assure
that these concerns are addressed, both in managed care and fee-for-service contexts.
Recommendation: The Department of Health and Human Services has undertaken a
research agenda focusing on health care and people with disabilities. Projects include
qualitative and quantitative analyses of Medicaid managed care, care coordination and
single point of access. A critical factor in providing quality health care to Medicaid
beneficiaries is service coordination both in managed care and fee for service
environments. HCFA will research care coordination for Medicaid services in both fee-for-
service and managed care delivery systems, in order to share with all state Medicaid
agencies a composite summary of care coordination models used by states that enhance
access to health care services that may be critical for employment by beneficiaries with
disabilities. In addition, HCFA will develop new policies and initiatives to reduce identified
barriers to service coordination for working people with disabilities.
14
** TOTAL PAGE. 07 **
114
bEg bot
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Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
007. schedule
Schedule for the President re: phone number (partial) (1 page)
12/17/1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords - Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy ((a)(6) of the PRA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Friday, December 17, 1999
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1999
Draft Schedule
SCHEDULING DIRECTOR:
STEPHANIE STREETT
[007]
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-2823
WHCA PAGER:
4824
PRESS DESK:
KAREN BURCHARD
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-7193
WHCA PAGER:
4769
EVENT COORDINATOR:
JULIE EDDY
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-5330
WHCA PAGER:
4560
EVENT COORDINATOR:
TIMOTHY EMRICH
HOME:
P6/(b)(6)
OFFICE:
202-456-5306
WHCA PAGER:
4161
WEATHER:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
December 15, 1999 (2:39 PM)
Friday, December 17, 1999
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1999
Draft Schedule
9:00
am-
BRIEFING
9:15
am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Mary Beth Cahill, Bruce Reed
9:20
am
THE PRESIDENT departs The White House via motorcade en route
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
[drive time: 5 minutes]
9:25
am
THE PRESIDENT arrives Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Greeters:
Roosevelt Family
December 15, 1999 (2:39 PM)
Friday, December 17, 1999
9:30
am-
JEFFORDS/KENNEDY BILL SIGNING
10:15
am
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
(RAIN SITE TBD)
Remarks: Sam Afridi
Staff Contact: Mary Beth Cahill, Bruce Reed
Event Coordinator: Laura Graham
OPEN PRESS
8stage +
Note: There will be approximately 300 guests in attendance.
POTUS
--
Off-stage announcement of Secretary Donna Shalala, Secretary Alexis
Herman, Administrator Kenneth Apfel, and 3 Real People TBD.
Kennedy
--
Off-stage announcement of the President, accompanied by Senator
Edward Kennedy, Senator James Jeffords, and Real Person TBD.
jeffords
--
Senator Edward Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces Senator
Justin Person Real Person
James Jeffords.
--
Senator James Jeffords makes brief remarks and introduces Real Person
TBD.
+3
--
Person TBD makes brief remarks and introduces the President.
--
The President makes remarks and invites Members of Congress to
stage for the legislation signing.
--
The President works a ropeline and departs.
members Roth
10:40
am-
BRIEFING
11:00
am
OVAL OFFICE
Lazio
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
for ceremony
11:00
am-
US-EU SUMMIT
12:30
pm
LOCATION TBD
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
18 pending
12:30
pm-
BUDGET MEETING
1:30
pm
CABINET ROOM
Staff Contact: Gene Sperling, Jack Lew
10 press
IRMA - to reserve
Janelle
seats ahead of time
5 19A
cost is
50 Leg
December 15, 1999 (2:39 PM)
40 Cabinet
$35,000
200 OPL
Friday, December 17, 1999
1:30
pm-
DGA STRATEGY SESSION
3:00
pm
YELLOW OVAL ROOM
Staff Contact: Capricia Marshall, Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator: Laura Schwartz
CLOSED PRESS
Note: There will be approximately tbd guests in attendance.
3:15
pm-
PHONE AND OFFICE TIME
5:30
pm
OVAL OFFICE DINING ROOM
5:30
pm-
MEETING
5:40
pm
OVAL OFFICE DINING ROOM
Staff Contact: Stephanie Streett
5:45
pm-
BRIEFING
6:15
pm
OVAL OFFICE DINING ROOM
Staff Contact: Joe Lockhart
6:15
pm-
INTERVIEW WITH KATIE COURIC
6:45
pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Joe Lockhart
7:00
pm
THE PRESIDENT departs The White House via motorcade en route
Private Residence
[drive time: tbd]
7:15
pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives Private Residence
Greeters:
Terry McAuliffe
Dorothy McAuliffe
7:20
pm-
PHOTO RECEIVING LINE
7:50
pm
LIVING ROOM
Private Residence
Staff Contact: Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator: Heather Davis
CLOSED PRESS
Note: There will be approximately 80 guests in attendance.
December 15, 1999 (2:39 PM)
Friday, December 17, 1999
7:55
pm-
DCCC DINNER
8:40
pm
DINING ROM
Private Residence
Staff Contact: Minyon Moore
Event Coordinator: Heather Davis
PRINT REPORTER (REMARKS ONLY)
Note: There will be approximately 80 guests in attendance.
--
Terry McAuliffe makes brief welcoming remarks and introduces
Representative Patrick Kennedy.
--
Representative Patrick Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces
Representative Richard Gephardt.
-
Representative Richard Gephardt makes brief remarks and introduces
the President.
-
The President makes remarks and departs.
8:45
pm
THE PRESIDENT departs Private Residence via motorcade en route The
White House
[drive time: tbd]
9:00
pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives The White House
BC/HRC RON
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
December 15, 1999 (2:39 PM)
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DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
008. letter
re: People Not on the Invitation List (1 page)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - 144 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
009. email
Lee to Karin Kullman re: personal medical (1 page)
12/14/1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords - Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIAJ
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA)
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
010. article
re: phone numbers (partial) (10 pages)
ca. 1999
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20146
FOLDER TITLE:
Jeffords - Kennedy
2012-0463-S
rc773
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute ((a)(3) of the PRA
an agency ((b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors. or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
PAGE
66
TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Devorah
216 OEOB
pyright 1999 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Wisconsin State Journal
P6/(b)(6)
[010]
October 9, 1999, Saturday, ALL EDITIONS
SECTION Opinion,
GUEST COLUMN
LENGTH: 464 words
P6/(b)(6)
HEADLINE: WORK IN
WOULD IMPROVE LIFE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
P6/(b)(6)
BYLINE: Dorothy Valentine
BODY:
I urge everyone to write to their congressmen asking them to vote for the
Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999.
Every individual should have the opportunity to lead a full, productive life
while participating in and contributing to the community at large. Enactment of
the Work Incentive Improvement Act will go a long way toward achieving this
goal.
While the country is seeing unprecedented low unemployment rates, the
just
unemployment rate among working-aged individuals with disabilities is nearly 75
percent. A 1998 Harris poll found that 72 percent of people with disabilities
turned
who are not employed wish to work.
Fear of losing health insurance is the reason cited most often for not
joining the work force. Think about it. If, a person cannot get out of bed
without help in the morning, how is he/she going to get to work? If they loose
old 50 years
health benefits, they lose attendant care, meaning they are not able to get out
of bed to get to work.
Many, many want to work. This bill will not give them anything they don't
Ms @
already have. It would allow them to become tax-paying citizens with the ability
to live a full life, like everyone else.
Qdarghter25
I have both a personal and a professional interest in this bill.
Personally, I am a person with multiple sclerosis who is about to finish
graduate school in rehabilitation psychology. I very much want to work. For me
single paint 5
to do so successfully, I need to know my medical benefits will continue. I also
since
need to know I have the ability to go back on Social Security should I have an
MS attack that stops me from being able to work.
9 years
I am not able to start the ''disability process'' all over again. What would
I live on while waiting the year it takes to get back on Social Security?
old
Multiple sclerosis is an ever-changing disease. In my case, which is a
relapsing/remitting form of the illness, I can be healthy one day and have an
she became
attack the next that precludes my ability to do almost anything. This relapse
can happen at any time, without warning. Then it can remit, leaving me somewhat
healthy again. The more attacks I have, the less chance of recovering fully.
too
sicktodo
this Sunday she's
her job athat
Matters gaduating
time - first was
Rehale psych
very ill; stayed alive
lives 0a2h floor
for her daughter
PAGE 67
Wisconsin State Journal, October 9, 1999
I need medication, which costs about $ 1,000 a month, to elongate the times
between attacks, meaning I will become less disabled over time. But, should I
have an attack, which can be mild to severe, I need to know I have the safety
net of Social Security to fall back on immediately.
While I am in a healthy mode, I can work, pay taxes, buy a house, a car and
live life to the fullest possible.
The Work Incentive Improvement Act means a chance at a full, tax-paying life
for me and everyone who wants to work but has a disability.
Every human being has the potential to become disabled, either by accident or
illness. We are all only a breath away.
NOTES:
Valentine lives in Waunakee.
LOAD-DATE: October 11, 1999
not in a chair -
had an
she is not working
now- won't be able
to work full time
needs to know bat sbecan
fael back went immediately back
if she
to work
PAGE
42
88TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Capital Times (Madison, WI.)
November 2, 1999, Tuesday, ALL EDITIONS
SECTION: Editorial, Pg. 9A
LENGTH: 482 words
HEADLINE: DISABLED PEOPLE WANT TO WORK, BUT NEED BILL APPROVED
BYLINE: Dorothy Valentine Waunakee
BODY:
Dear Editor: Every individual should have the opportunity to lead a full,
productive life while participating in and contributing to the community by
working.
Enactment of HR 1180, the Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999, will go a
long way toward achieving this goal.
While the country is seeing unprecedented low unemployment rates, the
unemployment rate among working-aged individuals with disabilities is nearly 75
percent.
A 1998 Harris poll found that 72 percent of people with disabilities who are
not employed wish to work. Fear of losing health insurance is the reason cited
most often for not joining the work force.
Think about this: If a person cannot get out of bed without attendant help in
the morning, how is he/she going to get to work? If an individual tries to work
under the current system, he/she will lose health benefits, meaning they lose
attendant care.
Without attendant care they are not able to get to work. It's a Catch-22.
Many, many want to work.
This bill will not give them anything they don't already have. It will allow
them the ability to get off of Social Security disability benefits to become
taxpaying citizens with the advantage of the ability to live a full life, like
everyone else.
It costs the taxpayers nothing and saves them a tremendous amount of money.
So what's the problem?
I have both a personal and a professional interest in this bill. I am a
person with multiple sclerosis, about to finish graduate school in
rehabilitation psychology. I very much want to work. In order for me to do so
successfully, I need to know my medical benefits will continue.
I also need to know I have the ability to go back on Social Security should I
have another MS attack, which precludes me from continuing to be able to work.
I am not in a position of being able to start the disability process all over
again. What would I live on while waiting the year it takes to get back on
PAGE
43
Capital Times (Madison, WI.), November 2, 1999
Social Security disability?
Multiple sclerosis is an ever-changing disease. In my case, which is a
relapsing remitting form of the illness, I can be healthy one day, and have an
attack that precludes my ability to do almost anything. This relapse can happen
at any time, without warning. Then it remits, leaving me somewhat healthy again.
The more attacks I have, the less chance of recovering fully.
I need costly medication in order to try and maintain my health. Should I
have an MS attack which is severe, I need to know I have the safety net of
Social Security disability to fall back on immediately. While I am in a healthy
mode, I can work, pay taxes, buy a house, a car, and live life to the fullest
possible.
Please consider writing your congressman regarding this bill. I'd like you to
consider the idea that every human being has the potential to become disabled
either by accident or illness. We are all only a breath away.
LOAD-DATE: November 3, 1999
PAGE 117
241ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.
The Fresno Bee
June 18, 1999 Friday, HOME EDITION
SECTION: METRO, Pg. B6, EDITORIALS
LENGTH: 391 words
HEADLINE: A job for Alana;
Congress needs to remove barriers that keep disabled out of work.
BODY:
Second only to their disabling condition, fear of losing government benefits
keeps severely disabled people out of the work force.
Take the case of Berkeley resident Alana Theriault, who was featured in The
New York Times the other day. She is a quadriplegic because of a condition
called spinal muscular atrophy. To work, she needs a motorized wheel chair,
expensive medication, a respirator and a personal attendant more than eight
hours a day.
Because she earns so little in her current part-time job, the government' pays
for all her medical needs. But if she gets the computer programming job for
which she's training, she could make $ 50,000 a year -- too much to qualify for
government health benefits. Her unhappy choice, is to remain poor, underemployed
and unsatisfied and keep the medical benefits she needs, or take the new job and
risk losing those health benefits, without which she cannot work. It's a tragic
choice, one no American should be forced to make.
Legislation pending in Congress offers Theriault and thousands like her what
one advocate calls "a door to the middle class." The measure -- S 331, the
Work Incentives Improvement Act -- would allow people with significant
disabilities -- quadriplegics, for example, or double amputees, those paralyzed
from the waist down or suffering from debilitating diseases -- to keep all or a
portion of their government health benefits when they go to work. Depending on
how much they make, the legislation would require some disabled workers to pay
part of their premiums on a sliding scale.
In those cases where the job includes employer-paid health insurance
benefits, under the proposed measure people with disabilities could retain
government paid services, such as personal aides, that are not typically
available with private insurance.
The measure has been rightly hailed as the most significant legislation for
the disabled since the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's stalled in the U.S.
Senate in a dispute over cost and worries about fraud. Those worries are
overblown, particularly when measured against the waste of keeping millions of
disabled people who can work unemployed or underemployed and totally dependent
on government welfare.
If Theriault is ready, able and willing to work and pay taxes, why would the
government stand in her way?
P6/(b)(6)
PAGE 123
256TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company
The New York Times
June 17, 1999, Thursday, Late Edition - Final
SECTION: Section A; Page 28; Column 4; National Desk
LENGTH: 846 words
HEADLINE: Senate Approves Health Care for Disabled
BYLINE: By ROBERT PEAR
DATELINE: WASHINGTON, June 16
BODY:
By a vote of 99 to 0, the Senate today passed a bill that would expand
Medicaid and Medicare so hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities could
retain their health benefits when they return to work.
The House is well on its way to passing similar legislation. President
Clinton hailed today's vote and prodded Congress to finish work on the bill as
quickly as possible.
The bill would be the most significant health care legislation approved by
Congress this year, and the most important measure for disabled people in nearly
a decade.
Seventy-nine senators and 179 representatives have signed up as co-sponsors
of the legislation, which has support from liberals and conservatives alike, who
see it as a way to increase work opportunities for disabled people who would
otherwise subsist on welfare.
Eight million disabled people of working age receive more than $70 billion a
year in cash benefits from Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.
Fewer than half a percent of them return to work, despite a 1990 law that
prohibits job discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Under current law, many people with disabilities must choose between working
and keeping health insurance. If they take jobs and earn any significant amounts
of money, they lose disability benefits and the insurance they receive through
Medicaid and Medicare. But without the health care, most are unable to work.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, a co-author of, the bill
who induced many Republicans to support the measure, said: "It offers a new and
better life to large numbers of our fellow citizens. We must banish the
patronizing mind-set that disabled people are unable. In fact, they have
enormous talent, and America cannot afford to waste an ounce of it."
Among the people who expect to benefit is Donna P. McNamee, 40, of
Willoughby, Ohio. "I'm thrilled," she said in a telephone interview after the
vote. "This is long overdue. I've been disabled since birth by brittle bone
disease. I'm a graduate of Ursuline College in Ohio, and I have a degree in
business administration, but I've never been able to use my education to full
potential. If I went to work and earned more than $499 a month, I would lose
PAGE 124
The New York Times, June 17, 1999
my health insurance under Medicare.
Thomas E. Lowery, an employment specialist in the Illinois Department of
Human Services, said, "For millions of people with disabilities, the biggest
obstacle to re-entering the job market is the risk of losing health insurance.
The House Commerce Committee approved a nearly identical version of the bill
on May 19. Representative Rick A. Lazio, Republican of Suffolk, was the chief
sponsor.
Two Senate committee chairmen, James M. Jeffords of Vermont and William V.
Roth Jr. of Delaware, both Republicans, and Bob Dole, the party's Presidential
nominee in 1996, championed the legislation.
The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill in March, but Republican
leaders delayed floor action. They wanted to know how the cost, $800 million
over five years, would be met, and they still do not have a clear answer. Some
conservatives were concerned that the bill would cover people with the virus
that causes AIDS. And Republican leaders said they did not want to let Mr.
Kennedy dictate their agenda.
The bill, the Work Incentives Improvement Act, would create several new
options, including these:
*People who lose eligibility for Social Security disability benefits because
they return to work would be allowed to continue their Medicare coverage.
*People with disabilities could buy Medicaid coverage even if they took jobs
and earned income that would otherwise disqualify them.
*States could allow disabled workers to buy Medicaid coverage, even if the
workers lost eligibility for cash benefits because of improvements in their
medical conditions.
*States could provide Medicaid to workers who are not actually disabled, but
have physical or mental impairments that are "reasonably expected" to become
severe disabilities in the absence of health care. This provision could help
people who have been infected with H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS, but have
not developed symptoms of the disease.
"This is a huge victory for people with H.I.V., said Daniel Zingale,
executive director of AIDS Action, an advocacy group.
The same section of the bill could also help people with Parkinson's disease,
multiple sclerosis and other chronic or degenerative conditions.
Senator Phil Gramm, Republican of Texas, blocked consideration of the bill
last month because, he said, it would have been financed by tax increases,
including a change in the foreign tax credit for some multinational
corporations. Today he said he had "always supported the policy change that will
allow disabled people to continue drawing benefits when they find jobs.'
At his insistence, Democrats agreed that the cost of the bill would be offset
by cuts in spending elsewhere in the Federal budget, not by any tax increase.
The spending cuts will be identified later.
PAGE 100
215TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Plain Dealer Publishing Co.
The Plain Dealer
July 9, 1999 Friday, FINAL / ALL
SECTION: METRO; Pg. 4B
LENGTH: 721 words
HEADLINE: PICKING JOBS OVER BENEFITS;
DISABLED WORKERS OBSERVE SCENE AS CONGRESS DEBATES EXPANDED PROGRAM
BYLINE: By EBONY REED; PLAIN DEALER REPORTER
BODY:
Like many self-employed individuals, Donna McNamee solicits work with an eye
on her bottom line.
Hers is drawn very strictly: Her monthly salary cannot exceed $699.
Just one dollar more and she risks losing the free medical insurance her life
depends on.
McNamee, like 54 million Americans, has a disability. The Work Incentives
Improvement Act that the U.S. Senate passed last month could give her some
relief. The bill proposes to allow people with disabilities to continue
receiving government health care benefits while working. However, the bill still
needs to make it through the House, and no one is sure exactly how long that
could take.
For nearly two decades, McNamee, who lives in Willoughby with her parents,
has had to decide if she should work full time, supporting herself while
receiving no health care benefits; stay at home; or work part time while
collecting Medicare for her disability.
"It's completely ridiculous that we have a policy in this country that
doesn't let people with disabilities work and continue to receive" Medicare or
Medicaid, said McNamee, who has brittle bone disease and is an advocate for
people with disabilities. "Why isn't the government saying, 'Go work and send us
some tax dollars?'
People with disabilities who receive government-financed health insurance
face income limits. The monthly income cap for a single person is $699 for
Medicare and $433 for Medicaid recipients. Before July 1, when the income limit
was increased, Medicare recipients could not earn more than $499 a month.
Medicare and Medicaid cover different medical expenses, including doctor
services, medical supplies and nursing facilities.
McNamee, 40, said many people with disabilities depend on Medicare and
Medicaid because it is hard to get health care insurance when they do find jobs.
Insurance companies consider medical history when deciding if they should insure
an individual.
PAGE 101
The Plain Dealer, July 9, 1999
"Too often, people with disabilities are forced to choose between work and
health care benefits because private insurance companies will not cover them,'
McNamee said. "As a result, people who are disabled are forced into poverty.
Nearly 75 percent of people with severe disabilities are unemployed. If this was
a problem with the general population, people wouldn't stand for it."
People are considered severely disabled if they are limited from advancing,
maintaining or obtaining employment because of a significant physical or mental
impairment.
Like McNamee, Lionel Smith will have to limit his work hours to keep his
health care benefits. In one week, he will begin work as a peer counselor and
receptionist at Health Hill Hospital for Children. Smith, 19, receives Medicaid
and lives with his mother.
"I think [the bill] is nice because before now, people who wanted to work
were being penalized,' said Smith, who graduated from Lincoln West High School
last year and has cerebral palsy.
"Every time [my wheelchair] breaks down, that would be money out of my
pocket, but Medicaid paid for it," he said.
The chair's batteries and motor broke five months ago, and Medicaid paid the
$200 bill. Smith said that his wheelchair would have remained broken without
Medicaid.
Smith's friend and mentor, Richard Barnes, said many people with disabilities
are tired of losing the health care war.
"Most people just give up because it doesn't make sense to work when they
lose,' Barnes said. "This will be a tremendous opportunity if it goes through."
Barnes is a personal care assistant at Services for Independent Living in
Euclid. Independent Living provides support, education on how to interview and
prepare resumes, advocacy and housing referrals for people with disabilities.
Although people with disabilities and their advocates rally around the bill,
one important question remains: How it will be paid for? No source of funding
has been earmarked for the program, which would cost an estimated $791 million
over six years, said Mollie Conkey, spokeswoman for Rep. Rick A. Lazio, a New
York Republican and co-sponsor for the bill.
If Lazio and others like McNamee succeed, the legislation could be historic.
"If it passes, it will be the most landmark legislation [for people with
disabilities] since the Americans with Disabilities Act," she said. "We are not
going to give up.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO BY C.H. PETE COPELAND / PLAIN DEALER PHOTOGRAPHER; Donna McNamee
of Willoughby is an advocate for people with disabilities. McNamee said the
Work Incentives Improvement Act could allow people with disabilities to work and
receive health care benefits.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PAGE
60
147TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Plain Dealer Publishing Co.
The Plain Dealer
October 14, 1999 Thursday, FINAL / ALL
SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B
LENGTH: 645 words
HEADLINE: DISCRIMINATION WITH A SMILE
BYLINE: By JOE DIRCK
BODY:
A very subtle thing, discrimination against the disabled. Everybody is always
so nice about it.
Usually, there's an element of hostility that goes along with discrimination
- racial, ethnic, sexual, whatever. Somebody not liking somebody else is
generally at the bottom of it.
But if you're disabled, they kill you with kindness. Ask Ted Kennedy Jr., who
lost a leg to bone cancer in 1973, when he was 12, and has gotten the full
treatment ever since. He has endured the "poster boy" stereotype and been
portrayed as an object of pity, and he has had people fuss over him and call him
"courageous" for doing quite ordinary things, which in some ways is even worse.
A particular pet peeve, he told an audience at Cuyahoga Community College on
Tuesday at the school's third annual Disability Awareness Day, is when
well-meaning people say something like: Gee, you would hardly even know you're
disabled.
"That's like saying to a black person, 'You're the least black person I ever
met,' said Kennedy. His audience, made up largely of people with disabilities,
laughed knowingly. Been there.
But discrimination, even the kind that comes with a smile, is just as
crippling. And for millions of disabled Americans, the biggest barriers they
face are not their physical limitations but the obstacles placed in their way by
society.
In the audience for Kennedy's speech was Donna McNamee of Willoughby, who
knows all too well the insidious effect of those barriers. I wrote about
McNamee, 40, last June. A 1984 graduate of Ursuline College with a degree in
business administration, she is a bright, engaging, talented woman.
Yet she has never had a real job, never got the opportunity to begin the
career that might have been. Employers are reluctant to offer health benefits to
McNamee, who has brittle bone disease and uses a wheelchair, and because of her
condition, she dares not accept a job without insurance. The government benefits
she depends on would be yanked if she earned more than $699 a month.
PAGE
61
The Plain Dealer, October 14, 1999
And so, like more than 70 percent of disabled adult Americans, she is
unemployed. McNamee lives at home with her parents and never had a chance to
realize her dream of independent living. By one estimate, nearly half the adults
receiving disability benefits could work, but don't because they can't risk
losing their insurance.
When last we spoke, it appeared that was about to change. For years now,
McNamee has been lobbying for legislation known in its current form as the
Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, which would remove the low income
ceilings, permitting more disabled people to seek jobs and become contributing
members of society.
The bill appeared to be on a fast track. It passed the Senate in May by a
vote of 99-0, and seemed to enjoy the same kind of bipartisan support in the
House. Conservatives liked the self-sufficiency argument; liberals were
motivated by the desire to help a disadvantaged group. Since then, however, the
legislation has bogged down in committee and suddenly faces an uncertain future.
Brian McDonald of the National Council for Independent Living said yesterday
the House Republican leadership is preparing to submit an alternate bill that
would make the funding of the Medicaid portion discretionary. Without secure
funding, he said, the bill is little more than "a piece of rhetoric." In his
speech, Kennedy called on disabled people to contact their legislators and
demand action.
"We don't want pity; we want an opportunity," he said.
McNamee needs no such encouragement. Denied a career of her choice, she has
made a career, she likes to joke, of "harassing congressmen," and she doesn't
intend to stop now. This is, she believes, the most important legislation since
the Americans with Disabilities Act. "This is my life," she said. "It's my
future. And I'm not going down without a fight."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
COLUMN: JOE DIRCK
LOAD-DATE: October 15, 1999
PAGE 143
399TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Enquirer
March 6, 1999, Saturday, EAST ZONE
SECTION: METRO, Pg. A01
LENGTH: 1116 words
HEADLINE: 'People with disabilities are an untapped labor pool.
Reforms may put disabled to work
BYLINE: MARK CURNUTTE
SOURCE: The Cincinnati Enquirer
BODY:
P6/(b)(6)
Linda Good has no use of her legs and limited use of her arms and hands, the
result of an automobile accident when she was 17.
After some 30 years of government dependence, the Hamilton woman decided to
earn her real estate license. But after reporting her first $ 500 commission,
she received a bill for $ 211 from the Butler County Department of Human
Services.
"They wanted me to pay for the personal assistant who helps me get out of bed
and bathed in the morning, Ms. Good said. "I'll pay my fair share, but it's
pointless for me to try to work if this is how it's going to be."
Help could be on the way for Ms. Good and many of the 42 million Americans
between 16 and 65 who have a disability. A Senate bill and proposed Social
Security policy changes would remove health-coverage barriers and some other
obstacles that keep as many as 72 percent of adults with disabilities
unemployed.
The U.S. unemployment rate is at 4.4 percent, making this a good time to help
people with disabilities get jobs, say many policy makers and advocates for the
disabled.
"People with disabilities are an untapped labor pool," said Mary Keegan, area
manager of the Southwest Ohio Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), a state
agency. "They want to work, but it's not uncommon for them to say they can't
afford to."
For years, many people with physical, sensory and mental disabilities have
received rehabilitation and vocational training, reaching the point where they
could work. Then many of them run into a wall. They have to choose between a job
and their Medicaid and Medicare benefits. And the job often loses.
Less than one-half of 1 percent of the nation's 8 million beneficiaries of
Social Security Administration benefits voluntarily leave the rolls.
"They make a rational decision not to work," said U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, R-
Ohio, a co-sponsor of the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.
PAGE 144
The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 6, 1999
Remove income caps
Introduced by Sens. James Jeffords, R-Vt., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. in
January, the bill primarily would eliminate income limitations for working
people with disabilities who buy into Medicaid. It was examined Thursday by the
Senate Finance Committee and could be voted on by the Senate within a few weeks.
The estimated cost of the bill is $ 17 billion over five years, a figure Sen.
DeWine disputes.
"I'm sure it's not going to be that high," he said. "You can't really get a
dollar value on it because it assumes people will not be working and paying
taxes."
The bill would ultimately fund programs like the one that helped Ms. Good
stay in the work force. She is a self-employed real-estate agent and works out
of her Hamilton home.
Project ABLE (Analyzing Benefits Leading to Employment) is a program of the
Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati that provides free legal services to people with
disabilities. It breaks down confusing regulations and helps people understand
how going to work will affect their other benefits, ranging from Social Security
Income and Medicare - Medicaid to food stamps and housing subsidies. The program
also helps people with disabilities implement the work incentive plan of their
choosing.
The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, which paid for Ms. Good's schooling,
personal assistant and transportation, contracts with Legal Aid to provide
services to its clients.
A Legal Aid attorney convinced Butler County Human Services officials that
Ms. Good's start-up business expenses - professional fees, computer programs,
business cards, etc. - should allow her to maintain her disability benefits.
But long-term dependence is not in Ms. Good's plans. She wants to contribute
to society as a full participating citizen. She wants to work. She worked for
five years in the Hamilton office of former state Rep. Mike Fox but wouldn't
accept a salary for fear of losing her government medical coverage.
"For so long, everything said, 'Don't work, don't work, " she said. "I look
forward to paying taxes. My goal is to be as self-sufficient as I possibly can.
Easing the transition,
Legal Aid's Project ABLE has also helped a Price Hill man who is deaf earn a
bachelor's degree from Cincinnati Bible College, which in turn allowed him to
become an ordained minister and full-time teacher at St. Rita School for the
Deaf.
When the Rev. Robert Ringle went to work, the Social Security Administration
stopped his PASS payments (Plans for Achieving Self- Sufficiency).
"That was part of my income that I needed to make the transition to
employment,' said the Rev. Mr. Ringle, 36, a minister at the Christ Church for
the Deaf at the Western Hills Church of Christ, Covedale.
PAGE 145
The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 6, 1999
"Legal Aid took care of the misunderstandings, he said. "I could keep moving
forward.
The Rev. Mr. Ringle wears hearing aids in both ears and reads lips, but
because he didn't lose his hearing until he was 9, he can still speak. He
appreciates the government assistance he has received and wants to give back,
both as a taxpayer and in service to other people.
"I've been getting all this stuff (benefits), which has helped me get where I
am today," he said at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute of Christian
Education in Price Hill, where he also works part time. "People tell me I do too
much, that I work too much.
"I used to be one of those people (with a disability) who said, 'Give it all
to me, and there are people like that out there. I used to think there were two
worlds, the deaf world and the other world. Now I know there is one world. I
want to be in that one world."
Legal Aid can help
Trey Daly is the Legal Aid attorney who oversees Project ABLE.
"The whole idea is to help people with disabilities see that, yes, they 'can
work, and they re better off working,' he said. "Most people with disabilities
don't have access to attorneys, and they have gotten bad advice from Social
Security, or the cooperation that's supposed to happen between Social Security
and Medicaid isn't happening.'
People with disabilities also could receive a boost if a Clinton
Administration proposal is approved by Social Security Administration
Commissioner Kenneth Apfel.
The president wants to increase the amount of money a person can earn each
month, from $ 500 to $ 700, without losing critical cash and medical benefits
from Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
checks.
"This will help a person who is trying to work," said Susan M. Daniels,
Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security with the Social Security
Administration in Baltimore, Md. "It has been nine years since it was raised,
and it has penalized people for even the smallest effort."
GRAPHIC: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Steven M. Herppich; Linda Good, of Hamilton,
a quadriplegic since she was 17, is a real-estate agent who works out of her
home.
LOAD-DATE: March 11, 1999
PAGE
80
194TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Star Tribune
Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
August 12, 1999, Thursday, Metro Edition
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 21A
LENGTH: 463 words
HEADLINE: By hiring folks with disabilities, our state can help self
BYLINE: Wendy S. Brower
BODY:
Over and over I hear that Minnesota's businesses are having a hard time
finding workers. Employers are continually grumbling, "We just can't find good
help."
First, the good news: Minnesota's labor shortage is due to a record-low
unemployment rate. The latest statistics report that Minnesota's unemployment
rate is 2.6 percent statewide; 2 percent in the metro area. Minnesota has the
lowest unemployment rate in the nation.
Now, the bad news: It is projected that we'll need a million new workers
in the next seven years. Where will Minnesota get all the new workers it needs?
The facts are these:
- Minnesota has a total population of only 4.5 million people.
- Practically everyone of working age is working already.
- Birthrates are falling.
With our future economy at stake, there's no time for finger-pointing.
Instead, we need to find solutions.
One solid solution is to hire people with disabilities.
Studies show that the vast majority of people with disabilities want to
work, yet more than 70 percent are unemployed. At one time we presumed that a
disability meant a lifetime of dependence. But no more. This is outdated
thinking, especially when considering modern advances in medicine, technology
and today's "information age." Most employers are looking for brains, not brawn.
Government rules and policies are outdated too. They need to catch up.
Congress must pass legislation that will provide work incentives which include
new health care options and assistance so that people with disabilities can
work.
The 1999 Minnesota Legislature did its part by passing common-sense
legislation that makes working economically feasible for its citizens with
disabilities. But federal legislation is necessary, too.
In June, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 99-0, the U.S. Senate
passed a work incentives bill for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the
PAGE 81
Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) August 12, 1999, Thursday, Metro Edition
full House has yet to act.
Along with 225 others, seven of Minnesota's congressmen have signed on
to its key bill, H.R. 1180. Leading support comes from Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn.
He states, "Preventing people from working runs counter to the American
spirit. Creating work incentives for people with disabilities is not just the
right thing to do; it's also the cost-effective thing to do."
If Congress fails to pass the Work Incentives Improvement Act, we will
be missing an exceptional opportunity for both people with disabilities and the
state of Minnesota. We will be ignoring the potential of a growing population,
people with disabilities, to lead independent lives and contribute to our
economic well-being.
Wendy S. Brower is executive director of the Disability Institute, Hopkins.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: August 12, 1999
PAGE 148
418TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
February 10, 1999, Wednesday, AM cycle
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 409 words
HEADLINE: New program allows disabled to work full-time and get Medicaid
DATELINE: SALEM, Ore.
BODY:
A new program that allows disabled Oregonians to hold down a full time job
and still get full Medicaid benefits has prompted a flood of phone calls to the
state Senior and Disabled Services Division.
Since January, when word of the employment initiative program got out,
division officials say they fielded about 100 calls from the curious.
"What's the catch?" they want to know.
To avoid losing Medicaid coverage, the disabled typically walk a fine line of
working fewer hours or accepting lower pay than their able-bodied colleagues. If
they make more than $ 500 a month, the checks stop coming.
The Oregon program, implemented on Feb. 1, reverses that course through an
amendment to the state's Medicaid plan. It allows disabled Oregonians to earn
more than $ 500 a month and keep their Medicaid coverage.
If there is a catch, it is that they must surrender their disability
payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental
Security Income, after a year if their new income disqualifies them.
And if they earn more than $ 18,000 a year, they must pay a small amount
toward their Medicaid coverage, according to a sliding scale formula.
"This much interest shows that we're doing something right," said Scott Lay,
who coordinates the program for the state. Lay, who is himself a quadriplegic,
is earning a real salary for the first time since he broke his neck in a diving
accident 30 years ago.
A half-dozen people have signed up so far, Lay said. One, for example, is a
supervisor at a software company in Eugene who now can work as much as he is
capable and be paid adequately for it.
The state is focusing first on people with disabilities who are already
working and who have Medicaid coverage. By late spring, they will broaden to
help people who want to work for the first time, said Roger Auerbach,
administrator for the Senior and Disabled Services Division.
PAGE 149
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
States such as Maine, Ohio and New York have expressed interest in Oregon's
program. And a bill - The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 - which is
making its way through Congress, would implement and expand an Oregon-type
program on a national level.
The Oregon Employment Department estimates that 174,000 Oregonians are
prevented from working because of disabilities and of those, an estimated
125, 000 want to work. Nationally, a 1998 Harris poll found that 72 percent of
disabled persons who are not working would like to work.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 10, 1999
PAGE 150
422ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Star Tribune
Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
February 7, 1999, Metro Edition
SECTION: Pg. 22A
LENGTH: 327 words
HEADLINE: Disabled can help meet shortage of workers
BYLINE: Wendy S. Brower
BODY:
Seventy-one percent of working-age adults with disabilities are unemployed,
even though more than two-thirds report they would rather be working, according
to a 1998 Lou Harris report.
Today, there are not enough workers to meet the needs of Minnesota's
employers. And the problem is here to stay for decades to come. In just seven
years, Minnesota will need a million new workers.
Where will we get them? A winning strategy for Minnesota employers is to tap
the potential skills and talents of a new labor pool - people with disabilities.
I recall President Bush telling those of us assembled at the signing of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, "When you add together all the state, federal,
local and private funds, it costs almost $ 200 billion annually to support
people with disabilities - to keep them dependent." (Also, let's not forget the
lost revenue from uncollected income taxes.)
In order to free people from this dependency, we must untangle the web of
government programs that actually create work disincentives. If you're a person
with a disability, the biggest risk of working is losing vitally needed health
care.
An essential first step is passing the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999, which has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. It would allow people with
disabilities the opportunity to work while retaining vitally needed health care.
Sens. Paul Wellstone and Rod Grams have signed on. But it needs everyone's
support, including Minnesota's employers.
Employing people with disabilities and providing opportunities for them to
contribute to Minnesota's economy isn't just the right thing to do, it's the
smart thing to do.
Minnesota has a strong work ethic, innumerable resources and the lowest
unemployment rate in the nation. It is the ideal place to increase the
employment of people with disabilities. Let's get going.
- Wendy S. Brower, Hopkins. Executive director, the Disability Institute.
PAGE
44
90TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 PR Newswire Association, Inc.
PR Newswire
November 1, 1999, Monday
SECTION: State and Regional News
DISTRIBUTION: TO BUSINESS, MEDICAL AND STATE EDITORS
LENGTH: 232 words
HEADLINE: The Disability Institute Minnesotans with Disabilities will Become
More Self-Sufficient
DATELINE: HOPKINS, Minn., Nov. 1
BODY:
Wendy S. Brower, Executive Director, recently said, "I applaud Governor
Ventura for his guts, imagination, and willingness to find ways to help
Minnesotans with disabilities get into the work force as part of his Big Plan.
I give him credit for giving us a chance to show that we have the right stuff."
Even though the overwhelming majority of people with disabilities
are unemployed, studies repeatedly report that 7 out of 10 people
with disabilities would really prefer to work.
According to Brower, two things must happen:
-- First, it is critical that Congress enact The Work Incentives
Improvement Act, which will make earning a real paycheck economically
feasible for thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities.
-- Second, employers must assist in the design of vocational programs to
ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities are truly prepared for
competitive jobs in the marketplace of the 21st Century.
It is important to remember that all citizens in Minnesota have unique
talents, including those with disabilities who can work and those who can't.
Each and every person is a valuable asset to society in countless ways.
SOURCE The Disability Institute
CONTACT: Wendy S. Brower of The Disability Institute, 612-935-9343 office,
P6/(b)(6)
home
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 2, 1999
PAGE
2
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Boston Herald Inc.
The Boston Herald
December 12, 1999 Sunday ALL EDITIONS
SECTION: FINANCE; Pg. 043
LENGTH: 685 words
HEADLINE: Disabled workers welcome new law
P6/(b)(6)
P6/(b)(6)
BYLINE: By JENNIFER HELDT POWELL
BODY:
Karen Foran hopes to get a full-time job someday, but the threat of losing
crucial health care benefits makes that a difficult goal.
Foran, diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at an early age, relies
on personal care attendants to get out of bed and off to work in the morning. If
she earns too much money, she will lose the medical benefits that pay for the
aids.
A measure to be signed into law by President Bill Clinton this week
eliminates that fear for Foran and millions of others with disabilities.
More than 2 million people are expected to take advantage of the new Ticket
to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 that will make it easier for
those with disabilities to get jobs.
"It means independence, empowerment, a sense of being," said Foran, now
working nearly full-time as a peer counselor at the Metrowest Center for
Independent Living.
"It's enjoyable. It's a reason, if you like what you're doing, to get up and
do it."
The new bill is not the panacea advocates had wanted, but it's a good start,
they said.
"It's really a first step," said Paul Spooner, executive director of the
Metrowest Center for Independent Living. "It's not going to solve everything at
once.
About 76 percent of the 9 million working age adults who receive disability
benefits want to work, but 75 percent are unemployed. Fewer than 1 percent leave
the disability rolls to return to work.
People with disabilities getting assistance are eligible for Medicare, a
federal program for Social Security recipients, or Medicaid, a state program for
those with low incomes.
Medicare benefits are now cut off 39 months after recipients return to work.
Under the new law, they can extend that period for 15 months.
PAGE
3
The Boston Herald, December 12, 1999 Sunday
"It gives people a greater window of opportunity to work and get health
benefits," said Spooner.
Medicaid benefits are lost after a recipient's salary reaches 133 percent of
poverty, or $ 914 a month for an individual.
In Massachusetts, people with disabilities, can buy into the Medicaid program
once they no longer qualify. The new federal law expands that program to other
states.
The benefits can be an important supplement to health insurance policies
offered by employers that don't always cover expensive wheelchairs or special
counselors.
States will also be able to let working people with potentially debilitating
disabilities buy into the Medicaid. The hope is that with extra services such as
physical therapy or reconstructive surgery, they will be able to continue
working, advocates said.
Another key provision restructures payments for private vocational
rehabilitation services. Under the new plan, private agencies that help disabled
people get jobs will receive a portion of the Medicare savings.
The new programs will cost an estimated $ 1.4 billion over 10 years, but they
could save the government up to $ 10 billion a year, supporters say.
The cost would be recouped if only 70,000 people actually leave the
disability rolls, said one of the bill's lead advocates, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy
(D-Mass.) If 210,000 take jobs, he expects the government to save $ 1 billion a
year.
Disability groups figure more than 2 million people will take advantage of
the new law.
Kennedy said he considers the bill to be one of Congress' key accomplishments
this year.
"Disabled does not mean unable,' he said. "It's long past time to remove the
unfair barriers that prevent so many citizens with disabilities from working and
living independent and productive lives."
In Kennedy's view, the legislation stengthens the Americans With
Disabilities Act.
The biggest challenge in getting the new measure passed was overcoming
attitudes, Spooner said.
People had to be convinced that people with disabilities want to work and
should be given the chance, he said. Then, lawmakers had to be convinced to make
changes to Social Security.
Although Spooner hopes more will be done, he said he is glad for the boost.
"I think there will be a lot more people waiting to get back to work knowing
that there will be a safety net for them, " he said.
PAGE 4
The Boston Herald, December 12, 1999 Sunday
LOAD-DATE: December 12, 1999
PAGE
5
4TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Enquirer
December 5, 1999, Sunday, ALL EDITIONS
SECTION: TEMPO, Pg. F16
LENGTH: 624 words
HEADLINE: Measure should help disabled
Medicare, Medicaid eligibility lengthened
BYLINE: DEBORAH KENDRICK
BODY:
A piece of legislation passed by Congress last week could have as much impact
on the employment rate of people in the Tristate with disabilities as the 1990
Americans with Disabilities Act has had on access to public facilities and an
awareness of civil rights.
The Work Incentives Improvement Act, passed Nov. 18, was proposed by
President Clinton in his 1999 State of the Union address, and referenced by him
in several other public speeches, has promised real opportunity on the
employment front in a way that has disability rights activists excited.
The cost of wheelchairs, medications, medical supplies, and other
disability-related expenses is high, and for many, the only conceivable way of
covering those costs has been through Medicaid and Medicare. Most Americans
depending upon those benefits know all too well the dilemma posed by the
long-standing system. If you work, your Social Security Disability benefits
disappear - and along with them, your Medicaid or Medicare benefits as well.
Thus, many disabled Americans who want to work have been caught in the
inescapable circle of choosing between health care and employment.
The Work Incentives Improvement Act brings a number of changes to the
existing system. First, Medicaid and Medicare coverage will continue, despite
earnings limits, up to three years beyond the time that Social Security benefits
are replaced by earnings from employment. Secondly, participants will have the
option of buying in to those services for an additional 4.5 years, extending
total Medicaid or Medicare coverage to a total of 7.5 years beyond the time of
gainful employment.
Another change is the way in which employment can be obtained by people with
disabilities. Traditionally, the vocational rehabilitation system, set up
somewhat differently in each state, has provided training necessary for
employment to people with disabilities. For each person who replaces Social
Security benefits with a successful job placement, the vocational rehabilitation
agency that provided the training is reimbursed by Social Security for the cost
of that training.
Under the Work Incentives Improvement Act, private sector facilities can
become "vendors" in the job training and placement business. Where waiting lists
are long and training requirements relatively simply, this might broaden
options.
PAGE
6
The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 5, 1999
Perhaps as never before, people with disabilities need to be aware of
choices. Eric Parks, former chair and current commissioner for the Ohio
Rehabilitation Services Commission points out, for example, that, in many
instances, private agencies simply won't have the cash for extensive training to
make an individual employment ready.
"We, in Ohio,' Mr. Parks says of the state vocational rehabilitation agency,
"are second only to the state of California in the number of reimbursement
dollars received from Social Security for successful placements."
A "successful" employment is a job placement which, after completing all
necessary training, has a nine-month track record for providing a person with a
disability with the "substantial gainful employment" rate as determined by the
Social Security Administration. After that nine months is completed, the state
agency is reimbursed for the cost of the training by Social Security, the
recipient's SSI or SSDI cash benefits cease but, with the new law, Medicaid or
Medicare continues.
To read the Work Incentives Improvement Act Bill and related reports on the
Web, visit http: - - www.house.gov - jct - x-85-99.pdf.
Cincinnati writer Deborah Kendrick is a nationally recognized advocate for
people with disabilities. Write her at Cincinnati Enquirer, Tempo, 312 Elm St.
,
Cincinnati 45202. E-mail:[email protected].
LOAD-DATE: December 14, 1999
PAGE
11
9TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Journal Sentinel Inc.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November 27, 1999, Saturday Final
SECTION: Business Pg. 1
LENGTH: 818 words
HEADLINE: Bill removes barrier to work for the disabled
Senate approves legislation expanding health coverage
BYLINE: ELAINE SCHMIDT
SOURCE: Special to the Journal Sentinel
BODY:
One of the bitter ironies of the U.S. entitlement system has been that people
with disabilities are often prevented from working, or limited to a very low
income, by the fear of losing government-paid health care.
Now, Congress has passed a bill that will help them overcome that barrier.
The Work Incentives Bill passed by the Senate last week effectively expands
Medicare and Medicaid coverage for working people with disabilities. The bill
has gone to the White House, where President Clinton has indicated that he will
sign it.
Under current laws, people with disabilities are allowed to make $700 per
month and still receive full health care benefits. Exceeding the $700 mark puts
people at risk of losing health benefits, or having to pay part of their
insurance costs.
"One of the major disincentives I come across when I try to get people
gainfully employed is health insurance," said Tim Ochnikowski, the assistant
director of the Milwaukee County Executive Office for Persons with Disabilities.
"Anything we can do to bridge the gap between people on Social Security and the
health insurance that comes with private sector employment is absolutely the
right thing to do. A lot of employers do the best they can do, but sometimes an
employee has to be with an employer for a couple of years to get insurance."
Disabilities are treated as pre-existing conditions by most insurers. The
conditions are excluded entirely from coverage, or may be excluded for a period
of time or covered only up to a certain dollar limit. Some insurers will decline
to pay for therapy or treatment that allows the individual to maintain his or
her current level of function, paying only for a strategy that promises definite
improvement.
"Obviously, this is not the only barrier for persons with disabilities, said
Nan Upright-Sexton, program director at United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern
Wisconsin. "But at least (the legislation) takes away a major limitation. One of
the avenues this opens up for persons with disabilities is temporary employment.
"Often temp employment can be what works best for an individual with a
disability, depending on their situation," Upright-Sexton said. The physical
PAGE
12
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel November 27, 1999, Saturday
ups and downs of certain chronic conditions, as well as medical or surgical
interventions, can stand in the way of some individuals with disabilities
keeping a permanent job.
Ochnikowski sees another advantage to temporary work. It can give people a
chance to show their abilities, perhaps leading to a permanent job, he said.
Kathy Meisner, a benefits specialist with Independence First independent
living center in Milwaukee, is a member of the National Council on Independent
Living Centers.
"We have been advocating for the Work Incentives Improvement Act for three
years, she said. "It was quite a fight, because the disabilities community has
never been very united. People who are blind fight for their needs, people with
spinal cord injuries fight for their needs.
"This is the first time since the (Americans with Disabilities Act) that the
disabilities community has banded together."
The latest version of the bill was introduced in January 1999 by Sen. Jim
Jeffords (R-Vt.). Co-sponsors included Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.).
"People with disabilities face a variety of barriers when they seek
employment, including the loss of health care safety net benefits provided under
Medicare and Medicaid, Feingold said in a statement. "This legislation will
begin to remove some of those barriers, offering Americans with disabilities the
freedom to seek the dignity of employment without the fear of losing the vital
health benefits they need.'
For Martha Chambers, information and outreach specialist at United Cerebral
Palsy, that $700 ceiling (recently raised from $500) limited her to working
about nine hours per week. Working with a counselor at Independence First, she
was able to navigate the murky waters of Social Security, Medicare, Title 19 and
Medicaid to increase her work week to 20 hours without loss of benefits.
"This has definitely been an issue for me," Chambers said. "It is ridiculous
for someone who is willing and able to work and is trying to be independent to
be given that limit on their income. A lot of people with physical disabilities
just give up.
A 1999 Harris Survey found that while 74% of disabled Americans want to work,
75% of them are unemployed.
"This (bill) sounds wonderful to me because of all of the hoops I have had to
go through,' Chambers said. "I hope this is something that will affect "me."
Meisner of Independence First called the bill "a start."
"It isn't a fix for everything, but no piece of legislation will be, Meisner
said. "People are looking at this as the most significant thing for people with
disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act 10 years
ago.
GRAPHIC: Photo
JEFFREY PHELPS
PAGE 13
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel November 27, 1999, Saturday
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Estee Blackley, administration supporter with United Cerebral Palsy,
answers the telephone via computer. The Work Incentives Bill expands
insurance coverage for working people with disabilities.
LOAD-DATE: November 28, 1999
PAGE
19
12TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Globe Newspaper Company
The Boston Globe
November 24, 1999, Wednesday ,THIRD EDITION
SECTION: BUSINESS; Pg. D4
LENGTH: 500 words
HEADLINE: WORK BILL FOR DISABLED HAILED JOBS-ACCESS LAW INCLUDES SUPPORT,
BENEFITS RETENTION
BYLINE: By Diane E. Lewis, Globe Staff
BODY:
US Senator Edward M. Kennedy yesterday joined a group of people with
disabilities and their advocates to celebrate last week's passage by Congress of
a bill that will make it easier for disabled Americans to work.
Cosponsored by Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Vermont Republican
James Jeffords, The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act is viewed
by workplace advocates as the first bill to address the many employment concerns
of people with disabilities. It is also the most far-reaching legislation for
the disabled since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act a decade
ago. The measure, which President Clinton is expected to sign into law next
Tuesday, would award states $150 million over five years to develop programs
that offer support for disabled residents who choose to work. More important, it
will allow people with disabilities to keep their Medicaid and Medicare benefits
while they are working.
Currently, once a disabled person is accepted into the Social Security
Disability or Supplemental Security Income program, he becomes eligible for
Medicare or Medicaid but can earn no more than $700 per month. If he or she
earns more, government support is cut off.
The Work Incentives Improvement Act would revamp the law so that workers with
disabilities could continue to receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits, even if
they work fulltime. It also allows them to choose between state-funded
vocational rehabilitation and private programs that link them to jobs.
The bill was approved Friday by a 95-to-1 vote in the US Senate, and on
Thursday by a 418-to-2 House vote, indicating wide support from both parties.
Kennedy, who spoke at'a press conference at Bell Atlantic Corp. yesterday
afternoon, called the bill a "modern Declaration of Independence for millions of
men and women with disabilities."
Bell Atlantic, which has a history of employing people with disabilities, is
expected to increase those numbers next year.
"Disabled does not mean unable," Kennedy said. "It's long past time to remove
the unfair barriers that prevent so many citizens with disabilities from working
and living independent and productive lives."
PAGE 20
The Boston Globe, November 24, 1999
Attorney Christine Griffin, executive director of the Disability Law Center
in Boston, said: "This is the next step in the realization of access to
employment for people with disabilities since the passage of the ADA.'
"There are many talented people who could add a lot to our economy, but they
are locked out of a system that keeps them from working," said Robert Reich, the
Hexter Professor of Economics and Social Policy at Brandeis University.
"Employers need them. The system needs them.'
For many, fear of being cut off from their benefits is a strong disincentive
to work in a marketplace in which the cost of private insurance is prohibitive.
A recent poll by Louis Harris & Associates found that 76 percent of people with
disabilities want to work, but 75 percent are unemployed.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, AP PHOTO US Senator Edward Kennedy, right, talked to disabled
people yesterday in Boston after an announcement that the Work Incentives
Improvement Act would be signed into law.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 24, 1999
PAGE
21
14TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
November 23, 1999, Tuesday, PM cycle
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 571 words
HEADLINE: Kennedy comes to Boston to tout legislative victory for disabled
BYLINE: By LESLIE MILLER, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: BOSTON
BODY:
Disabled people using crutches and wheelchairs crowded into Bell Atlantic's
marble lobby to deliver an emotional "thank you" to U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy,
who last week scored an important victory by passing a bill that could allow
millions of disabled people to find jobs and keep their health insurance.
President Clinton is expected within the next two weeks to sign the Ticket to
Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, a bill that Kennedy views as one of
his most significant legislative successes during this decade - and one that may
emerge as a key accomplishment of the 106th Congress.
"As someone who's been very much in the disabled movement - my son lost his
leg to cancer, my sister Rosemary is retarded - I'm a great believer in this,"
Kennedy said Tuesday.
"It's a new Declaration of Independence for the disabled," he said. "It's
just incredibly important to them.'
For many people with disabilities, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
promised to give them independent lives. That promise has gone unfulfilled for
many who cannot work without losing their health benefits.
Medical treatment allows them to get jobs, but federal laws prevent them from
continuing to get government-financed health benefits because they would earn
too much money to qualify for the benefits.
Kennedy sought to solve that dilemma through a package of benefits,
incentives and regulatory changes costing about $800 million over five years.
The bill expands Medicare and Medicaid benefits to include disabled people while
they work, and will pay for itself if 70,000 people leave the disability benefit
rolls, Kennedy said.
Approximately 9 million working-age adults now receive disability benefits,
according to Kennedy's office. Administration officials say people with muscular
dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and AIDS are most likely to take
PAGE
22
The Associated Press State & Local Wire November 23, 1999
advantage of the program.
During his weekly radio address, Clinton called the bill the most significant
milestone for the disabled since the ADA in 1990.
The measure went to Clinton's desk for his signature Friday after passing
95-1 in the Senate and 418-2 in the House of Representatives.
Kennedy first filed the bill three years ago, but it got a boost this year
when former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, who lost the use of his right arm
in World War II, testified the bill is about "dignity and opportunity and all
the things we talk about when we talk about being an American.'
Christine Griffin, executive director of the Massachusetts Disability Law
Center, suffered a spinal cord injury in college 19 years ago.
She worried about getting a job, she said Tuesday; worried about getting
health care, worried about whether she'd be able to get important supplies, like
her wheelchair.
"Was this going to be worth it? Did it make sense to get off benefits," she
said she asked herself back then.
Kennedy's legislation has touched every disabled person in the country, she
said.
"He's been our champion. He's been our hero," Griffin said, to sustained
applause.
Kennedy, apparently touched by the tribute, gave an emotional address similar
to one he delivered on the Senate floor Friday.
Bell Atlantic was chosen for the event because the company is working with
the U.S. Department of Labor to recruit 2,000 entry-level workers from such
groups as welfare recipients, laid-off workers, the poor and disabled.
GRAPHIC: AP Photo
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 24, 1999
PAGE
73
190TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Copley News Service
Copley News Service
August 31, 1999, Tuesday 12:08 Eastern Time
SECTION: Commentary
LENGTH: 2203 words.
HEADLINE: is a pattern for people
BODY:
William G. Stothers, deputy director of The Center for an Accessible Society,
and his wife, Cynthia Jones, lead the new organization that was created to
promote the full inclusion of individuals of all ages and abilities. Previously,
the couple published Mainstream magazine from 1982 until this year. Stothers,
who contracted polio as a child, knows intimately the obstacles confronting
users of wheelchairs. His formal education includes degrees from the University
of Western Ontario and University of California at Berkeley. His journalism
career includes stints with The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star and The San
Diego Union, where he served as executive financial editor and reader's
representative. Stothers was interviewed recently by members of the San Diego
Union-Tribune's editorial board. Also participating were Jones and Patricia
Yeager of the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers.
Q. What is The Center for an Accessible Society?
A. We have embarked on a new endeavor that is called The Center for an
Accessible Society, which has been established in San Diego to get the word out
nationally on disability issues. The disabled population in this country as
estimated by the Census Bureau is 54 million, or roughly about 20 percent of the
population. Generally, issues concerning the disabled have not been covered very
well in the mass media. Our center was established to try to get that
information out for people. We've been going since October. We have a third
member of the core team, Mary Johnson, who is the editor of a magazine called
The Ragged Edge, which is published in Louisville. We are basically funded by a
five-year grant from an agency of the Department of Education that's called
NIDRR, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. It is one
of the prime sponsors of research on independent living issues, unemployment,
statistical-data gathering, those kinds of things.
Q. What are some of their findings?
A. What they found is that for at least a decade they have been paying for
a lot of research, and the research gets done, people write a report, and they
send it to Washington, and it goes on a shelf. There's a lot of good information
there that we'd like to try to get out to people. With 20 percent of the
population, that pretty much means that, if you think of families involved, in
some time in their life everybody in this country will be touched by disability.
We believe it is a natural part of life. Traditionally, we have looked at people
with disabilities in ways that I think today we call stereotypes. We have been
regarded as being dependent, being on the sidelines, not real participants in
day-to-day life. We believe that is changing.
PAGE
74
Copley News Service, August 31, 1999
Q. Yet, we sometimes tend to regard the disabled as 'different' and to
somewhat ostracize them.
A. It is kind of a thing that people with disabilities have encountered a
lot. With physical disabilities they tend to be treated, or infantilized, as
some people have said. It doesn't have
to be that way. There are doctors and lawyers with disabilities. What we can
see is that with the right kind of supports and encouragement and expectations,
people with disabilities can function and perform well in the community. That's
the message and the vision that we really need to get out there.
Q. So your organization is trying to be a kind of clearinghouse for
information. Will you be involved in advocating legislation?
A. As a government-funded project, I don't think that we can lobby. It's
sometimes hard to separate the two sides because we tend to be advocates. We
hope to be and are trying to build ourselves as a resource for primarily the
media. The disabled community is not a monolithic community, and we know that
there are differing viewpoints on all kinds of issues. I think if those are
aired
let the chips fall where they may.
Q. What are some of the issues on your mind?
A. There are three or four things that we'd like to talk about today
employment, universal design, long-term care and attitudes. I mentioned there
are 54 million people with disabilities. There are 17 million people, the census
says, with disabilities who are of working age. Of those, 30 percent are
actively employed. Seventy percent are unemployed. Most of those people would
like to be in the labor force. Health care is a real issue. If you're on
benefits, it's very difficult to get (comparable) health-care coverage in the
work place. So people are often reluctant to do that. There is a bill in
Congress, the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which passed the Senate earlier
this year 99 to 0. It is in the House and has 231 sponsors. Actually, what it
means is that you can go off benefits and maintain Medicaid coverage when you go
to work for six years.
Q. Would this also save taxpayers money?
A. It's interesting because in the Senate there is a Congressional Budget
Office report that said it was going to cost $800 million over a number of years
based on an assumption that this would be such a good deal that people would, in
effect, abuse it by quitting work and going on SSI and then getting health care.
Other studies have been done; one by Rutgers says that if a million people went
off benefits and to work, that it would add $21 billion a year in income and cut
$2 billion or $3 billion in benefit expenditures as well as almost $300 million
in food stamps.
Q. Is this legislation the sole answer?
A. The Work Incentive Act is one piece, but the larger issue is this terrible
situation where only 30 percent of the people are in the work force. And even
among those 30 percent, there are 16 percent who are unemployed. The other 70
percent have pretty much given up or never started in the first place. It's a
huge issue. If we could even get 1 million people employed, over the lifetime
PAGE
75
Copley News Service, August 31, 1999
of kids graduating from high school, for example, you would wipe out the
national debt.
Q. Is the graying of America changing attitudes on this issue?
A. I think the World War II generation really fights being identified as
having a disability. The baby boomers have sort of grown up with disabilities.
We're not as afraid of it. We see the adaptive equipment; we're not afraid to
use it. There are some broadly held negative views about what disability is, and
I have seen people who are older than I am struggle to use a cane in a shopping
center, and they would be horrified at the idea of using a scooter to get around
even though that would give them that much more freedom and energy. The whole
market for scooters arose because of people's negative attitudes about
wheelchairs. The scooter is much closer to golf carts, more spiffy, and people
really relate to that kind of stuff.
Q. Are there other market changes?
A. One manufacturer has produced a whole line of kitchen appliances with big
soft handles that are easier for anybody to grab. There are all kinds of devices
being introduced that make it easier, especially for the baby boomers who are
the target, to adapt to the changing abilities. As we go through life we have
different needs and abilities and roles. Society is beginning to recognize that
it needs to adapt to those changes in the population instead of forcing the
population to adapt to the built world. We're looking at the built world in a
different way, and I think that's what universal design is all about.
Q. What part does the Americans with Disabilities Act play in universal
design?
A. It's been promoting universal design, and a lot of work has been done in
that area. The ADA tends to establish minimums, which is a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, it says you must have X number of parking places, for instance,
or X number of wide stalls in a bathroom. The problem with that is architects
and builders then look at that and say that they have met the need. Well, with
the graying of the population, I'm not sure that the need isn't changing. I've
gone to a. lot of public places, whether it's the stadium or the airport, and
gone into a bathroom and have not been able to use the wide stall because
somebody is in there with their luggage. It seems to me that what that says is
these are popular. Therefore, why don't we make more of them? Maybe you would
have one less stall, but they would all be wide and anybody could use them.
Q. How do universal design features compare in cost?
A. I know that if universal design is incorporated from the beginning it adds
between 1 and 2 percent to the cost. If you put access in the original design,
it's cheap. When you have to go back and redo it afterward, it's enormously
expensive.
2. So while most stadiums and theaters are 'accessible,' they really are not?
A. In the stadiums the problem is you're forced to sit at the back. In the
theaters, you're forced to sit in the front. Basically, you have no choice of
where to sit. In a theater, you're looking straight up.
PAGE
76
Copley News Service, August 31, 1999
Q. How would a universal design district affect hotels?
A. Let me give you an example. Even under the ADA, a minimum number of rooms
need to be accessible. For the disabled, that can be a problem. When an abled
person calls up to make a hotel reservation, you might decide you want a smoking
or nonsmoking room. Or you want a king-size bed or double beds. Well, there are
a lot of other things that we disabled have to ask about. Bathrooms, showers,
the ability to get into a room and use it. Recently we went to Bethesda, Md. for
a conference, and we got in about 6 p.m. It was midnight before we were able to
find a room that worked for us because there was a conference going on with a
lot of people with disabilities, and there just weren't enough rooms. It makes
no sense to me.
Q. You mentioned you wanted to talk about attitudes?
A. So often part of the problem is societal, individual attitudes of which
the press helped shape, churches helped to shape. There are numbers of ways to
shape attitudes. The attitude we want to reinforce is to expect something from
people with disabilities. Expect us to participate. Expect us to take care of
ourselves as much as we can. Help us get the support we need. Not more than we
need, not less, but the support that we need to participate.
Q. Are you satisfied with the way the media portrays people with
disabilities?
A. The portrayal of people with disabilities is almost uniformly negative, in
my view. The media shows people with disabilities as 'super overachievers' or as
'bitter cripples. And the fact is I'd like to see people in the media write
about labor issues affecting people with disabilities on Labor Day, and part of
that is to try to reclaim Labor Day from what I think is a negative thing, the
portrayal of people with disabilities on the annual telethon. If you're an
employer and you watch the telethon, and you see people with disabilities on
there who are pretty much dependent, short-lived
and the next day I wheel in
for a job interview, what are you going to be thinking about?
Q. From time to time, controversy and publicity are spawned by the need to
retrofit a building to make it accessible. Is that progress?
A. We'd like to see some effort put in by people who check the building plans
and do the building code. We would like to get some effort on the beginning end
of it because taxpayers pay those persons to be checking those plans. The
disabled community doesn't want to be the enforcers at the courthouse.
Q. We tend to think of universal design in terms of cost. But as the market
grays, aren't there going to be market opportunities?
A. You're correct in that people think of it in cost terms instead of benefit
terms to them. Universal design is just a different name for good design, which
is that most things usually are designed in order to achieve a certain purpose
to be useful to somebody. If you design it to be useful to a wider number of
people, then I think everybody wins.
Q. You wanted to talk about long-term care?
PAGE
77
Copley News Service, August 31, 1999
A. The other thing I wanted to raise is this whole notion of long-term care
which I think has a possibility of being a major issue in the next election.
When we think of long-term care, we think of granny or mom getting ready to go
into a nursing home and not being able to function on her own. Yet, if you ask
people where they would like to be, they want to be at home. Most of the money
the government spends for long-term care issues is for nursing homes. Keeping
people at home can cost a fraction of that. If we think about people staying at
home not with nursing care necessarily, but with some assistive services well,
they' re the same services people with disabilities use to help them get up in
the morning and get dressed SO they can go to work. We have a housekeeper. I
have somebody who comes and looks after my yard. In much the same way, I can
hire a nanny or do things for myself. I think everybody wants to remain as
independent for as long as possible. I think we should define long-term care in
terms of what can enable people to be more in charge of their own lives. They
can do what they want. They can be in their community where they are a benefit
as opposed to
People need and deserve choices.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: September 01, 1999
PAGE
92
202ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Capital Times (Madison, WI.)
July 27, 1999, Tuesday, FIRST EDITION
SECTION: Local/State, Pg. 4A
LENGTH: 353 words
HEADLINE: BALDWIN: DISABLED NEED JOBS, BENEFITS
BYLINE: By Chris Murphy The Capital Times
BODY:
Dave Meinert is a cook at the Wilson Street Grill, and he says it would be
great if he didn't have to worry about losing his medical benefits because of
the work.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin agrees.
The Madison Democrat conducted a news conference at the downtown restaurant
Monday to call attention to the Work Incentives Improvement Act, a bill that
would make it easier for the disabled to work without losing their benefits.
Meinert told those assembled at the restaurant this morning that one bottle
of his medication would cost him $ 174.19 if not for medical assistance.
''If I lose that medical assistance, I can't go on, he said.
Meinert is a manic-depressive and a former drug addict who started working at
the Wilson Street Grill about three years ago. He now works full time at $ 7.50
an hour, but he said after the news conference that doing so puts him at risk
for exceeding the maximum allowable income before losing his Supplemental
Security Income and the attached medical benefits.
''I took a chance, but I've taken chances all my life, he said, adding that
working has been a tremendous boost for him.
The Work Incentives Improvement Act is now languishing in the House Ways and
Means Committee. But Baldwin and the rest of Wisconsin's congressional
delegation are urging committee Chairman Bill Archer to move the bill forward.
''Allowing states to permit people with disabilities to purchase Medicaid
coverage and extending the period of Medicare eligibility for Social Security
Disability Insurance beneficiaries will allow people to keep working without the
threat of losing their health care, a letter signed by the group reads.
Baldwin chose the Wilson Street Grill as the site for the news conference
because owners Nancy Christy and Andrea Craig have made a point of hiring the
disabled.
Christy ''is a model for all of us, Baldwin said. 'She proves it is
possible to have good business sense and a social conscience by employing people
with disabilities.
PAGE 93
Capital Times (Madison, WI.), July 27, 1999
Christy said aftèr the news conference that more than a third of her
employees have disabilities.
GRAPHIC: Photo of Tammy Baldwin
Sarah, Jamie, Chris and Holly Truitt listen to Gov. Tommy Thompson speak at
an annual event honoring families of organ donors. The Truitts donated the
organs of one of their children.
Gladys Penne, who gave the organs of her 26-year-old daughter, speaks Monday
on behalf of the donors.
LOAD-DATE: July 28, 1999
PAGE 137
366TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Federal Information Systems Corporation
Federal News Service
MARCH 23, 1999, TUESDAY
SECTION: IN THE NEWS
LENGTH: 1248 words
HEADLINE: PREPARED TESTIMONY OF
T. JEFF BANGSBERG
MINNESOTA
BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE
MN chapter
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
SUBJECT - THE WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
(H.R. 1180)
BODY:
My name is Jeff Bangsberg and I'm here on behalf of Minnesotans with
disabilities. I represent Courage Center, a rehabilitation center headquartered
in Minneapolis. I also serve as co-chair of the Work Incentives Committee of the
Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (known as Minnesota CCD).
It is no exaggeration to say that the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 is
as significant as the Americans with Disabilities Act (Al)A). Thanks to the
Al) A, many people with disabilities are being offered jobs, but they cannot take
advantage of those jobs because barriers remain in their way.
First and foremost is the loss of health coverage. For some, employer- based
coverage is unavailable because they are self-employed or because their
disabilities prevent them from working full-time. For others, coverage may be
unaffordable due to co-pays or co-insurance for repeated, ongoing treatments.
For those who have affordable employer insurance, coverage is often inadequate.
Although employer- based insurance pays for acute and primary care, it generally
does not cover specialized medications, equipment and supplies, personal
assistance services and other long term health needs.
Last spring, Minnesota CCD and the Minnesota Work Incentives Coalition conducted
a survey on health care barriers to employment of people with disabilities.
Almost twelve hundred persons with disabilities completed the survey. The
majority of respondents indicated they would go to work or increase their
employment if their health care benefits would not be affected.
In addition to worrying about health care, people with disabilities often face
the prospect of losing cash assistance before they can earn enough to make up
for the benefits they lose. In particular, the SSDI program's "all or nothing"
approach leaves many people who go to work with less money than when they were
unemployed. After a nine-month trial work period, someone who has an $800 SSDI
check will lose their whole check as soon as they earn $501 dollars per month.
The ability to deduct work-related expenses may cushion the blow, but for many,
the figures simply don't compute.
Now let's talk about the complexity of the system as it exists today. People
with disabilities who want to work are faced with a maze of complicated,
government rules and regulations, as well as a barrage of acronyms and
incomprehensible terms. You've got your' TWP, your EPE, your SGA, your FBR and
your IRWE's. Then, you've got your MA spenddowns, your 1619 (b) thresholds,
PAGE 138
Federal News Service, MARCH 23, 1999
your Pickles and your Iamarino's. Many people with disabilities have college
degrees--some of them are even rocket scientists--but nothing can prepare them
for trying to find their way through the bureaucracy.
The beauty of the Work Incentives Improvement Act is that it takes a
comprehensive approach in addressing all of these problems. I'd like to tell you
about a few of the people in Minnesota who would be helped by this legislation:
Tom is a young man in his early thirties who is paralyzed from the chest down
like I am. Tom was a pipefitter prior to his accident. His employer is willing
to re-train him to do computer-aided drafting or dispatching. Tom cannot accept
this offer because he needs costly personal assistance services that are only
available through the Medicaid program. Current regulations require him to
impoverish himself to retain Medicaid. The more he earns, the more he has to
give back to the government.
Tom lives in an apartment building for the elderly and hates being on public
assistance, but he has no choice under the current system. According to Tom:
"Being able to go back to work and make a living as I was before my injury would
be the best medicine ever out there.' A woman named Deb is faced with the same
issues. Deb works and has been offered raises, but is unable to accept them. In
Deb's words: "If my wages increased, my Medicaid spenddown, which is based on
gross income, would increase. My rent which is also based on gross income, would
increase. After taxes, you end up with less to live on than before your
raise
I had been taught growing up that the American Dream was to work hard,
get ahead, and make a better life for yourself. But the financial disincentives
for working people with disabilities make that impossible. I cannot strive for
what everyone else wants out of life. I cannot afford to have a house of my own.
I live in subsidized housing because I cannot afford market rate rent. I drive a
1979 van that I cannot afford to replace. I couldn't afford car payments or an
increase in automobile insurance. Because of my Medicaid spenddown and the $3000
asset limit, I cannot participate in the matched savings retirement plan
available through my employer. I want financial security for my retirement
years.
Then, there's Charles, a man with severe cerebral palsy who developed an
accounting partnership with another disabled individual. They landed a
significant contract with a local school district, but can't keep much of what
they earn. Charles asks: "I was under the impression that the state wanted
everyone to work their way off of assistance. But, how can one do so, when the
laws are this way, and by the time all of the bills are paid, we are so broke we
barely have enough to buy groceries? I would be more than happy to pay my share
as long as it remains a reasonable and livable amount a month."
On a personal level, I was only able to work my way off of Medicaid because I
married a woman who is able to provide most of the personal care assistance I
need. Not everybody is that fortunate. Paying out of pocket for my caregiving
would cost over $30,000 per year. If my wife hurts her back or becomes ill, we
would have to divorce and I would once again have to impoverish myself to
qualify for Medicaid.
Passage of the Work Incentives Improvement Act is both the right thing to do and
the fiscally responsible thing to do. It is important to remember that most
people with severe disabilities who want to return to work already receive
Medicaid and Medicare, so these costs are already being incurred.
Here are a few examples of potential savings to the government if more people
with disabilities are able to work:
- Acute and primary care costs will be reduced for every individual on Medicaid
or Medicare who gains employer-based insurance.
- Social Security cash payments to persons with disabilities will also decrease,
as individuals work their way off those benefits.
PAGE 139
Federal News Service, MARCH 23, 1999
- Other federal expenditures will decline as people with disabilities move off
of programs such as Food Stamps and HUD-subsidized housing.
Everyone benefits from removing policy barriers to employment. People with
disabilities will no longer be forced into poverty to secure the long term
health coverage they need. Employers also benefit from an expanded pool of
employees in a shrinking labor market. Under the Work Incentives Improvement
Act, employers would not be expected to pick up more health care costs than they
do for non-disabled employees.
Finally, taxpayers benefit as people with disabilities reduce their dependence
on government programs. More people with disabilities will become taxpayers
themselves.
People with disabilities across the country are anxiously awaiting the passage
of the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 so they can go to work. Congress
can't afford not to pass the Work Incentives Improvement Act this year. Thank
you.
END
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: March 25, 1999
PAGE 146
413TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 The Hartford Courant Company
THE HARTFORD COURANT
February 16, 1999 Tuesday, 2 WEST CENTRAL
SECTION: TOWN NEWS; Pg. B1
LENGTH: 582 words
HEADLINE: RIDING THE PENDULUM OF DISABILITY
BYLINE: BARBARA THOMAS; Courant Staff Writer
BODY:
For Guylaine Bolduc, life is a vicious cycle.
Bolduc, 35, wants to work, but the New Britain resident sometimes gets sick
from the mental illnesses that have afflicted her since she was 21, when she was
first treated for post traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.
When Bolduc is able to work she can't earn more than $500 a month or she'll
lose the federal benefits she needs for the times she can't work.
"I want to work so I feel I'm contributing and so I don't feel so isolated,"
Bolduc said Monday.
A member of the vocational services program at Community Mental Health
Affiliates (CMHA) in New Britain, Bolduc is just one of the millions of disabled
Americans who want to work, but are afraid of losing their benefits if they do.
That's why she supports legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson that
would help end the vicious cycle.
Called the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, the legislation allows
for continuation of federal benefits when a person with disabilities goes to
work. When a disabled person who receives Social Security Disability Income
(SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gets a job and earns even one
dollar more than $500 a month, income benefits are lost. Medicare and Medicaid
health coverage also end.
That income cap is what's keeping another CMHA client from changing jobs.
"I'd like to work in a record store," said Kevin, who asked that his last name
not be used to protect his privacy.
Kevin, 30, works for a janitorial service part-time at minimum wage but he
loves music and dreams of one day being a disc jockey.
Lyn Lawrence, a job developer for CMHA, said she's looked into record shop
jobs for Kevin, but most retailers want employees with the flexibility to work
more hours, and that's something Kevin can't do and keep his benefits.
One part of the proposed legislation would establish outreach and assistance
programs to provide accurate information on work incentives to persons with
disabilities. Of more than 8 million Americans who receive federal disability
benefits, fewer than one- half of 1 percent secure a job, although a 1998 Harris
survey found that 72 percent of them want to work.
PAGE 147
THE HARTFORD COURANT, February 16, 1999
"Many people won't take the first step because of fear and misinformation,"
Lawrence said. "If they could just call someone to help them, it might make a
difference."
The proposed bill would also allow states to offer disabled people the chance
to buy affordable health insurance through Medicaid, even if their income or
medical improvement makes them otherwise ineligible. This provision is crucial
to people, such as Bolduc, Lawrence said. A provision in the legislation would
extend the period of time SSDI beneficiaries can continue to receive Medicare
after returning to work, from 39 months to 10 years.
"The way things are now for disabled persons, if their treatment is working,
and they go back to work, they get cut off after 39 months. Then they no longer
have access to the things that made them get better," Lawrence said. "It would
be great if they could continue to be covered for 10 more years, and if they
could buy into Medicaid."
Bolduc pays her own secondary insurance at'a rate of $184.26 per month to pay
for her medications, which cost more than $350 a month. She has Medicare
benefits, which cover 80 percent of her counseling and doctor visits. But the
SSDI stipend she receives, based on her past work history, is high enough to
make her ineligible for Medicaid.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO: 1 (color) SHANA SURECK-MEI / THE HARTFORD COURANT; GUYLAINE
BOLDUC PLANS TO TESTIFY before Congress on behalf of legislation that could ease
restrictions on her disability benefits. Bolduc is a client of Community Mental
Health Affiliates, of New Britain. The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999
would allow for continuation of federal benefits when a person with disabilities
goes to work.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 17, 1999
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
boys Checkert -
had spinal cord
P6/(b)(6)
injury 1977- MV accident
Medicare health insurance
SSIXI income - 1979 qualifies for medicaid
he's all overthe place.
spendown- -
doesn't evel work - didn'want to
mediator civic affairs - helping
criminalize it — 5 years volunteer
implement the AMA disability
independance day
PAGE 155
437TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Gannett Company, Inc.
Gannett News Service
February 4, 1999, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: Pg. ARC
LENGTH: 591 words
HEADLINE: Senate urged to help disabled go to work
BYLINE: CARL WEISER; Gannett News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
WASHINGTON -- Most disabled Delawareans want to work, but federal
laws encourage them to stay home and collect government checks,
a Claymont advocate for the disabled told the Senate Finance Committee
Thursday.
Larry Henderson, executive director of Wilmington-based Independent
Resources Inc., urged. the committee to pass the Work Incentives
Improvement Act.
Sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bill Roth, R-Del.,
and backed by President Clinton, the bill would allow disabled
people who get jobs to continue receiving Medicaid, which can
pay for much-needed and expensive health benefits like $ 15-and-hour
personal aides or prescription drugs.
Now, Henderson said, "People with disabilities are in a Catch-22
situation. They want to work, but if they work they'll lose the
medication or attendant services they need to let them work."
Henderson's testimony was echoed by other disability advocates
at the hearing, including Bob Dole, the former presidential candidate
and former senator from Kansas.
"This is about people going to work. It's about dignity," Dole,
who was wounded in World War II and lost effective use of one
arm, told his former colleagues. "Nothing costs the government
more than keeping creative, intelligent people from doing what
they want to do."
Roth's bill has already attracted almost half the Senate as sponsors,
including both liberals and conservatives. Clinton endorsed the
bill last month, saying "Americans should never have to choose
between the dignity of work and the health care they need."
Also under the bill:
-- Disabled people who return to work could get Medicare coverage
for up to 10 years if private insurance is not available or affordable.
Currently, that Medicare coverage is available only for four years.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
P6/(b)(6)
CPsne is in a Chair -
- she has twin boys- - was
born with it - she has
lived with it all her life -
she works at Sam's club -
Medicare- - Part As no Part B
make too much money for
both - eversive
she married Joe (12 years)
lose MC if she works for much -
lot of ding not duy Costs- -
his brace
—
cooridinator - She would
Q year - worked a havings
line to WOR more hours
them need the $ of
PAGE 156
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE, February 4, 1999
Some states would be able to gradually reduce disability benefits
to people who enter the work force, rather than abruptly ending
benefits, a "cliff" that now discourages people from looking
for jobs.
Sliding scales for health coverage and Social Security disability
benefits would help create a "no fear" transition, said Henderson,
48, who was stricken with polio as an infant and uses a wheelchair.
According to census figures, 24 percent of Delawareans have some
kind of disability, but only 3.5 percent are so disabled they
can't work.
Henderson's six-year-old federally funded group offers training
in independent living, counseling and support groups. Its three
offices, in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown, served 140 people
last year, he said, adding that most faced losing their benefits
if they went to work.
"A mere 5 percent chose to take the risk," he said.
Many others chose to volunteer, in order to keep their benefits.
While volunteer work is fine, he said, "nothing builds self-esteem
like a paycheck.
Extending health benefits to the working disabled could cost taxpayers
$ 1.2 billion over the next five years. Roth has not said how to
pay for his legislation.
Henderson and other advocates, including Sen. Jim Jeffords, R-Vt.,
also a sponsor of the bill, said it would help pay for itself
as more disabled people begin paying taxes on their wages.
"Most of the individuals we work with want no more than the rest
of us do: an opportunity to lead a productive life and be gainfully
employed," Henderson said. "Putting people to work, where they
can pay taxes and contribute to the community would be a much
better use of our tax dollars."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 05, 1999
PHOTOCOPY
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PAGE 157
450TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 States News Service
States News Service
February 4, 1999, Thursday
LENGTH: 606 words
HEADLINE:- WISCONSIN OFFICIAL ASKS SENATETO HELP HANDICAPPED RETURN TO WORK
BYLINE: By Elizabeth Hurt, States News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON, Feb. 4
BODY:
Wisconsin needs a federal law that would make it easier for disabled people
to become working taxpayers, a Wisconsin government official told a Senate
subcommittee Thursday.
Joe Leean, secretary of the state's Department of Health and Family Services,
was joined by former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kansas, and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.,
to promote the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which Leean said would be a boon
for the Badger State's Pathways to Independence program.
Pathways is a program initiated by Gov. Tommy Thompson to increase the
employment of people with disabilities in Wisconsin by finding ways for them to
retain their health care coverage when their income goes up, Leean said.
Current regulations regarding Medicare and Medicaid coverage mean that
Wisconsin cannot do it without federal legislation, Leean said.
"Most people with permanent disabilities want to work,' Leean said. "Newdrug
regimens, new adaptive aids
and advances in (technology) make employment
more feasible than ever before. A booming economy and the vast, untapped,
well-educated talent pool of people make it even more important that we act to
remove employment barriers now."
However, according to a General Accounting Office report, less than 1 percent
of recipients of Social Security disability insurance and Supplemental Security
Income leave those programs each year as a result of paid employment. Of those
who leave, about one-third return within three years.
Leean said this is a direct result of federal rules set up in the 1950s,
which jeopardize a disabled person's access to Medicare or Medicaid if they earn
more than $ 500 a, month for more than nine months. Therefore, many disabled
people are not willing to take the risk of losing their much-needed medical
coverage by taking a job, Leean said.
The proposed legislation, which was introduced by Finance Committee Chairman
Sen. WilliamRoth, R-Del., and has 40 co-sponsors, would create voluntary state
Medicaid options that would allow people that qualify for disability payments to
buy into Medicaid.
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PAGE 158
"The simple fact is that people with disabilities are often presented with a
Catch-22 between working and losing their Medicaid or Medicare, Roth said.
"This is a choice they should not have to make. But even modest earnings can
result in a loss of eligibility."
Joann Elliot backed up this statement. After 20 years in the workplace,
Elliot suffered a stroke and is confined to a wheelchair where she relies on the
help of special equipment and personal assistants to perform daily tasks. She
has not returned to work.
Without a job, she qualified for Medicaid.
"For me, Medicaid was a god-send, " Elliot said. "I don't like staying at
home. I want to get out and be productive. As much as I want to work, I am too
scared of losing my Medicaid. What would I do without those services? The
irony is I need Medicaid to work, but if I wok I lose Medicaid. It's a sad
circle."
Leean said the entire community could benefit if the barriers that discourage
disabled people from entering the workforce were removed.
"As more people work, they will pay taxes, climb the economic ladder, and
reduce dependency on government programs," Leean said. "If those taxes and
savings to all government programs could be taken into account, it is likely
that few fiscal offsets would be needed.
We at the state level therefore
need your help as we try to enable more people with disabilities to become
employed.'
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 5, 1999
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
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