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SUBJECT/TITLE
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001. profiles
Phone No.'s (Partial) (4 pages)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
002. statement
Address (Partial); Phone No. (Partial) (1 page)
n.d.
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003. letter
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n.d.
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COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20147
FOLDER TITLE:
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2008-1238-F
jm535
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 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.
December 16, 1999
Bill Signing Ceremony for H.R. 1180, The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999
Date:
December 17, 1999
Location:
FDR Memorial
Time:
9:30AM-10:15AM
From:
Chuck Brain
Mary Beth Cahill
Bruce Reed
Chris Jennings
I.
PURPOSE
To sign into law H.R. 1180, the Ticket to Work and the Work Incentives Improvement
Act of 1999.
II.
BACKGROUND
H.R. 1180 improves health care options and enhances the employment services system
for people with disabilities. The Conference Report to H.R. 1180 passed (418-2) the
House on November 18, and passed (95-1) the Senate on November 19. The bill was
introduced in the Senate as S. 331, by Senator Jim Jeffords (R-VT) and Senator Edward
Kennedy (D-MA). Representative Rick Lazio (R-NY) introduced H.R. 1180 as the
House companion bill.
As part of your effort to address barriers to employment for people with disabilities, your
Administration has been working for years to create new options that would ensure that
individuals with disabilities can go to work without losing health insurance coverage. In
the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, the Administration worked successfully for the creation
of a new option for states to allow individuals to retain their Medicaid coverage and go
back to work. In 1988, Senator Jeffords and Senator Kennedy introduced legislation to
accelerate state interest in this option, as well as to ensure that all beneficiaries in all
states had at least one option to retain health care coverage. That legislation provided
grant incentives to states to take up the new BBA option, provided demonstration dollars
to permit states to study the feasibility and advisability of extending coverage to
individuals earlier in the onset of their disability, and permitted disabled Medicare
beneficiaries to retain Medicare coverage when they go back to work. The disability
community considers this legislation of similar historical significance as The Americans
with Disabilities Act. You indicated your support for this legislation in 1998 and included
it in your FY 2000 budget. The disability community considers your constant support for
this initiative critical to its eventual passage late this year.
It is important to note that Senator Roth (R-DE) and Senator Moynihan (D-NY) believe
the legislation would not have passed without their efforts in the Finance Committee. In
addition, Representatives Lazio (R-NY), Waxman (D-CA), Bliley (R-VA), Dingell (D-
MI), and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) take pride of authorship. Earlier this year, a number of
Republicans, including Representative Lazio, criticized the Administration for its lack of
creative financing offsets for this legislation. When it appeared the legislation might die,
the Administration came up with new offsets that made the difference in passing and
adequately funding this legislation. The disability community and most of the leaders on
this issue in Congress acknowledge the role that your Administration played in forging
this compromise and are extremely pleased that this legislation is being enacted into law.
The legislation improves health care options for people with disabilities by removing
limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. First, it allows states
to remove the income limit of 250 percent of poverty (about $21,000). Second, it creates
the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid coverage even though their
medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage. This Act also provides
$150 million over five years in health care infrastructure grants to states to support people
with disabilities who return to work.
This Act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the effectiveness of
providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet deteriorated enough
to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of deterioration. The
legislation also extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security
disability insurance who return to work for an additional four and a half years.
The legislation enhances the employment services system by creating a "Ticket to Work
Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI beneficiaries to obtain vocational
rehabilitation and employment services from their choice of participating public or
private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves substantial earnings,
providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved. In addition the legislation
authorizes grants through SSA to public, private and non-profit organizations to provide
benefits planning and assistance in returning to work people with disabilities.
The Conference Report on H.R. 1180 was used as the vehicle for passage of the "Tax
Relief Extension Act of 1999." Among other provisions, this tax extenders package
extends the research and experimentation tax credit through 2004, allows tax payers to
take full advantage of personal tax credits without the limitation of the alternative
minimum tax for three additional years, extends the tax-free construction bonds for
public school improvement until 2001, and extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and
the Welfare-to-Work Credit for 30 months. The package costs $18.4 billion over ten
years and is currently paid for only through part of 2001.
Finally, the bill contains a 90 day delay for final implementation of a Department of
Health and Human Services rule that would revise the nation's organ transplant policy to
base allocation decisions on medical need nationwide rather than on the location of the
donor. Your Administration strongly opposes this provision.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
Pre-brief
YOU
John Podesta
Steve Ricchetti
Chuck Brain
Mary Beth Cahill
Bruce Reed
Joel Johnson
Gene Sperling
Chris Jennings
Jeanne Lambrew
Greeters
YOU
James Roosevelt
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Senator James Jeffords (R-VT)
Arnold Goldstein, Superintendent, National Capitol Park Central
Stage Participants
Justin Dart, Co-Chair Justice For All
Donna McNamee, Cleveland, OH
Donna is a 40-year-old woman with brittle bone disease who has been
unemployed for the past 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in financial
management that she has never used because she would not be able to work
without losing her health insurance coverage. She is covered under Medicare and
needs Medicaid attendant services. Donna would like to return to work as soon as
possible, and is very excited about the Medicaid buy-in option under Jeffords-
Kennedy, which will allow her to do so.
Paul Marshall, Wheaton, MD
Paul, 42, became partially quadriplegic after being shot in the neck during an
attempted robbery. Through a rehabilitation program Paul took computer
training, and has been working part-time for 9 years. He believes that working
gives him a better sense of self-esteem, and wishes that he could work more.
However, just by working part-time he has lost his Medicaid benefits, and if he
worked full-time he would lose the Medicare and personal attendant benefits he
currently receives. Paul's son was also paralyzed during an accidental shooting
incident. Paul is currently employed at Disabled Sports USA in Rockville, MD.
Wesley Vinner, Riverdale, MD
Wesley is 51-years-old and is a person with mental retardation. He has recently
moved from DC to Prince George's County with the help of a HUD assisted
housing program. He lived for 21 years in Forest Haven, which was a large
institution-serving people with mental retardation in Washington, D.C. and was
closed by court order ten years ago. He was able to leave that institution in large
part because of his own advocacy. He is currently unemployed, a Board Member
of the American Association of People with Disabilities, a Board Member of The
Arc of the United States, and a leading active advocate for people with mental
retardation. He very much wants to work, become a tax-paying citizen and
improve the lives of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities
from around the country.
Speaking Program
YOU
Senator Jim Jeffords (R-VT)
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
James Sullivan, Hudson, NH
James is a C6 quadriplegic (partial use of his arms) who is in his mid thirties. Two
days before he turned 18, he broke his back diving into a wave. James is from a
family of pilots and had planned to work as a mechanic, but his disability prevents
that. He is currently unemployed and insured under Medicaid. For a while, he was
employed through a work incentives program run by the state of New Hampshire
that allowed him to keep his Medicaid coverage, but when the company
downsized and he lost his job, he could not re-qualify for the program. James has
done a lot of volunteer work to keep busy, including serving as chairman of the
school board, volunteering at the high school, and serving on the New Hampshire
Rehabilitation Council. He is willing to give up his SSDI check if he could go
back to work and keep his personal attendant services. If his state takes the
Medicaid buy in option, Jeffords-Kennedy will allow him to do just that. He
would like to get a job in the telecommunications industry.
IV.
PRESS PLAN
Open Press
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
-- YOU arrive at the FDR Memorial
-- YOU greet members James Roosevelt, Senators Jeffords and Kennedy, and Arnold
Goldstein
-- Secretary Donna Shalala, Secretary Alexis Herman, Secretary Lawrence Summers, and
Commissioner Kenneth Apfel are announced to front row
--Off stage announcement of YOU, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator Jim Jeffords, and
James Sullivan
--Senator Edward Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces Senator Jim Jeffords
--Senator Jeffords makes brief remarks and introduces James Sullivan
-- James Sullivan makes brief remarks and introduces YOU
--YOU make remarks and then invite Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Congress on
stage for the legislation signing
-- YOU sign the bill.
--YOU work a rope line and depart
VI.
REMARKS
Speechwriting
VII. ATTACHMENTS
Members of Congress attending the event.
REMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN
INTRODUCTION
Thank you, Senator Jeffords.
Good morning, Mr. President, Senator Kennedy, and other distinguished guests.
It's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here care much. We have been waiting
for so long to see this bill signed - to watch as this Administration, together with the
overwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress, opens the door to employment for
individuals with disabilities all over America.
Personally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very long time.
PERSONAL STORY
Nature of injury
My life immediately before the accident
How I have adapted to life following the accident - "same person in a new body"
Community contributions
Still have a strong desire to work, but was unable to because of fear of losing health benefits
What I want to give and have been giving to the community; my work on the school board
WHY THIS LEGISLATION IS IMPORTANT
Irrational current system
The current system presents barriers to entering the workforce for people with disabilities
Thousands of people with disabilities who want to join the workforce and help pay into the
system that helps finance their care, but cannot
Irony of people trusting me to spend money but not wanting to let me earn money
This legislation will end this system
This legislation will ensure critical health care services for individuals with disabilities
returning to the workforce
I would like to praise all the members of Congress and the disability community who worked
on it for passing a piece of legislation that will make a difference in real people's lives
CONCLUSION
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to introduce a man who has done more than
anyone else to protect the rights and further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the
President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.
DRAFT: REMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN
Thank you, Senator Jeffords.
Good morning, Mr. President and other distinguished guests.
It's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here care much. We have been waiting
for so long to see this bill signed - to watch as this Administration, together with the
overwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress, opens the door to employment for
individuals with disabilities all over America.
Personally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very long time.
When I was 17, I was basically an average kid. I rode motorcycles, snow skied, and was
generally pretty active. I had a family that loved me, and a good group of friends. And I had an
idea - albeit somewhat hazy - of what I was going to do with the rest of my life.
I come from a family of pilots - my dad, my sister, and my brother all fly for a living. I was
going to be a aviation mechanic. I was going to make sure from the ground that they were safe in
the sky.
I was really excited about my future, like most teenagers are. I felt like I could do anything as
long as I worked hard enough.
My disability is linked to one of those random accidents - I was at the beach and I dove into a
wave, hit it the wrong way, and broke my neck.
And my whole life changed.
I was the same person, with the same goals and desires - I was just in a new body. I still wanted
to be independent. I still wanted to work for a living.
But in order to actually get out of bed in the morning and get ready to work, I needed a personal
attendant's help. Because I wasn't working, I qualified for personal attendant services under
Medicaid. And once I started to earn some money, I'd lose the Medicaid benefits. Even if I got a
really good job, there's no way I would be able to earn enough to live on and pay for my
attendant services out of pocket. I was stuck.
Even if I couldn't be paid for working without losing my benefits, there was still plenty of work
to be done in my community. I volunteer as a tutor at the high school, was elected Chairman of
the local school board for two years, and am a member of Governor Shaheen's State
Rehabilitation Committee. Just because I'm not employed doesn't mean that I sit at home with
my hands in my lap, and I have to say that I am very proud of the way that I've been able to give
back to the community that I grew up in.
But this system - which basically pays people to stay at home and punishes them when they try
to work - is a crazy one. It's not good for the economy, and it's not good for people with
disabilities. There is an untapped population of Americans with disabilities who are dying to go
to work, fully capable of working in hundreds of thousands of jobs - and until today, there was
no way that we could.
But today, thanks to the leadership of this President, and to the efforts of members of Congress
on both sides of the aisle, that will change.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce a man who has done more than anyone else
to protect the rights and further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the President of the
United States, William Jefferson Clinton.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. profiles
Phone No.'s (Partial) (4 pages)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20147
FOLDER TITLE:
Devorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords Kennedy]
2008-1238-F
jm535
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - 15 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 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.
REAL PEOPLE STORIES FOR JEFFORDS-KENNEDY
ATTENDING BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
James Sullivan
James is a C6 quadriplegic (partial use of his arms) who is in his mid thirties. Two days before
he turned 18, he broke his back diving into a wave. James is from a family of pilots and had
planned to work as a mechanic, but his disability prevents that. He is currently unemployed and
insured under Medicaid. For a while, he was employed through a work incentives program run
by the state of New Hampshire that allowed him to keep his Medicaid coverage, but when the
company downsized and he lost his job, he could not re-qualify for the program. James has done
a lot of volunteer work to keep busy, including serving as chairman of the school board,
volunteering at the high school, and serving on the New Hampshire Rehabilitation Council. He is
willing to give up his SSDI check if he could go back to work and keep his personal attendant
services. If his state takes the Medicaid buy in option, Jeffords-Kennedy will allow him to do just
[ 001]
that. He would like to get a job in the telecommunications industry.
PHONE:
P6/(b)(6),
He is comfortable giving his phone number directly to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
Hudson, NH
NOTES:
James will introduce the President.
Nancy Becker Kennedy
Nancy is a 48 year old quadriplegic woman who was injured in a diving accident her junior year
of college. When she graduated from college and graduate school, she became a producer for
PBS. Although she made a good salary at that job, she lived at the poverty level because she was
forced to pay the cost associated with her attendant care out of pocket. Unfortunately, Nancy
became extremely ill and was forced to leave that job. After she recovered, she could not find
another job that would allow her to make enough money to cover the cost of her attendant
services, and she went on Medicaid to cover these costs. She has worked intermittently as an
actress over the years, and believes she may soon have another job opportunity. Nancy has stated
that she will not turn this job down, even at the risk of losing her benefits, because she cannot
stand living an unproductive life. Under Jeffords-Kennedy - if her state took the Medicaid buy-
in option - she would be able to buy into the Medicaid program, retain her coverage and
attendant services, and take advantage of her job offers.
PHONE:
P6/(b)(6),
She would prefer that her number not be given directly to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
Los Angeles, CA
NOTES:
She is a college friend of John Podesta's who testified in support of
Jeffords-Kennedy for the Senate Finance Committee. She has appeared on
60 Minutes within the last year to discuss disability issues.
Donna McNamee
Donna is a 40 year old woman with brittle bone disease who has been unemployed for the past
20 years. She has a bachelors degree in financial management that she has never used because
she would not be able to work without losing her health insurance coverage. She is covered
under Medicare and needs Medicaid attendant services. Donna would like to return to work as
soon as possible, and is very excited about the Medicaid buy-in option under Jeffords-Kennedy
which will allow her to do so.
PHONE:
Donna is staying at the Embassy Suites 202 857 3388 tomorrow and
Friday. She would prefer to have her press calls taken through us.
HOMETOWN:
Cleveland, OH
NOTES:
Donna will be seated on the stage.
Michael Knowlen
Michael is a man in his forties who suffers from bipolar disorder. He is currently in school at
SUNY Morrisville to learn about wood-products technology and furniture making. Michael is
insured by Medicare and pays his prescription drug costs out of pocket. When he graduates in
2002, he wants to start his own furniture business, but because of his pre-existing conditions,
Medicare and Medicaid are the only way he will be able to get health insurance. Under Jeffords-
Kennedy, he will be able to retain his Medicare coverage for an extended period of time. In
addition - if his state takes the Medicaid buy-in option - he will be able to buy into the Medicaid
program and ensure coverage for his prescription drugs.
PHONE:
He would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
Oriskany Falls, NY
NOTES:
His speech is slightly slurred.
David Robar
David is a 34-year-old native of New Hampshire who sustained a spinal cord injury in 1990
which resulted in permanent quadriplegia. Before his accident, he was a world class ski jumper
and a potential candidate for the 1988 Olympic Ski Team. At the time of his injury, he returned
to school to study business at New England College. After his accident, Mr. Robar returned to
school and obtained his B.A. in 1992. He has been on SS disability benefits since 1990, and now
works part-time in communications for the Granite State Independent Living Center. Currently,
the personal attendant benefits he receives through the Medicaid program are what makes it
possible for him to work. If he were to work full time, he would make too much to be eligible for
Medicaid and lose his personal attendant benefits. Mr. Robar estimates that if he were to have to
pay for his personal attendant services out of pocket, it would cost him over $40,000 a year,
more than he would make working full time. He is frustrated because he feels that he is unable to
really use the college education that he worked hard to get.
PHONE:
P6/(5)(6)
He would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
New London, NH
NOTES:
David is staying at the Marriott (202 737 2200). He met the President at a
forum in New Hampshire last winter.
David Norcross
David is a middle-aged man with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis that forced him to stop
working three years ago. He is insured through Medicare and pays his prescription drug costs out
of pocket. Currently, he is getting skills training in preparation for going back to work, and
would like to be able to begin work in graphic design when his training is completed. Under
Jeffords-Kennedy, he will be able to retain his Medicare coverage for an extended period of
time. In addition - if his state takes the Medicaid buy-in option - he will be able to buy into the
Medicaid program and ensure coverage for his prescription drugs.
PHONE:
P6/(b)(6)
He would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
Mount Vernon, VA
Paul Marshall
Paul, 42, became partially quadraplegic after being shot in the neck during an attempted robbery.
Through a rehabilitation program Paul took computer training, and has been working part-time
for 9 years. He believes that working gives him a better sense of self-esteem, and wishes that he
could work more. However, just by working part-time he has lost his Medicaid benefits, and if
he worked full-time he would lose the Medicare and personal attendant benefits he currently
receives. Paul's son was also paralyzed during an accidental shooting incident. Paul is currently
employed at Disabled Sports USA in Rockville, MD.
PHONE:
P6/(b)(6)
HOMETOWN:
Wheaton, MD (originally from Washington, DC)
NOTES:
Paul will be seated on stage.
PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THE CEREMONY
Dan Vachon
Dan is a middle aged quadriplegic, who became disabled when he was younger because of polio.
He graduated from UNH in 1992 and has an AA in business management and a BA in social
work. He is insured through Medicare and uses Medicaid for his personal attendant services. Dan
currently works part-time at the Institute on Disability as a web master and list master. He gets
paid for 9 hours, but volunteers more time than that, and would like to be able to work more and
get paid for more hours. Under Jeffords-Kennedy - if his state took the Medicaid buy-in option -
he would be able to buy into the Medicaid program, retain his attendant services, and increase
the amount of work he does.
PHONE:
(P6/(b)(6)
He is comfortable having his phone number given to reporters.
HOMETOWN:
Somersworth, NH
Sandy Silver
Sandy, 52, suffers from multiple sclerosis. Her receives health benefits through Medicare, and
receives SSDI. She has worked part-time in various jobs, but it did not pay for her to work. If
she earned an income she would have to pay a higher spend-down rate for her Medicare, which
peaked at $600, that essentially took away all of her newly earned income. She is also the single
mother to two sons, both of whom began to work at an early age to help pay the bills. Sandy is
now the beneficiary of a law passed in Minnesota, similar to the WIIA, that allows her to earn an
income and still receive benefits. She now can buy into her medical assistance plan for only $35,
while earning an income from her part-time job as an Equipment and Financial Assistance
Coordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota.
PHONE:
(P6/(b)(6)
HOMETOWN:
Coon Rapids, MN
NOTES:
Sandy will be participating in the MS Society of Minnesota's press event
tomorrow in Minneapolis
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today, I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 1180, the "Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
Improvement Act of 1999." This landmark legislation will remove barriers that have placed
many individuals with disabilities in the untenable position of choosing between health care
coverage and work. It also improves and expands vocational rehabilitation and employment
service options for this talented, but as yet not fully tapped, work force.
This new law represents one of the most important legislative advances for people with
disabilities since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have urged its passage
for two years and was proud to include full funding for it in my FY 2000 Budget. The enactment
of this law well illustrates what we can accomplish when we work together on a bipartisan basis
to expand employment opportunities and affordable health care options.
H.R. 1180 will ensure that individuals with disabilities have a greater opportunity to
participate in the workforce and in the American Dream. It offers new ways for the Federal
Government to partner with the States and the private sector to help people with disabilities to
work and to keep their health care coverage. Most significantly, the bill:
Expands States' ability to provide a Medicaid "buy-in" to individuals with
disabilities who return to work.
Creates a new Medicaid demonstration to assess the effectiveness of providing
Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet deteriorated enough to
prevent work, but who need health care to prevent or forestall that level of
deterioration. This provision will allow States to help those individuals with
diseases such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, diabetes, and HIV.
Lengthens from four years to eight and one-half years the period for which Social
Security disability beneficiaries who return to work can continue to receive
reduced-cost Medicare coverage.
Provides grants to States to design and administer infrastructures to provide services
that support working individuals with disabilities.
Provides Social Security disability beneficiaries a choice of providers for
employment-related services.
Authorizes the Social Security Administration to test new and innovative ways to
enable individuals with disabilities to return to work and make economic
independence a reality.
Enables individuals with disabilities to reestablish eligibility for Social Security
disability benefits on an expedited basis if their attempts to return to work prove to
be unsuccessful. These individuals will be able to request reinstatement of benefits
without having to file a new disability benefits application -- thereby reducing the
risk of returning to work.
These provisions give people who want to work a chance to do so by ensuring access to
health care insurance and modernizing the employment services system for people with
disabilities. Together, these provisions affirm the basic principle manifested in the Americans
with Disabilities Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive
citizens.
-2-
H.R. 1180 also contains several provisions to extend expiring tax laws. These provisions
continue incentives for the advancement of several national priorities and reaffirm our
commitment to help American families and businesses. Most importantly, the bill extends the
research and experimentation tax credit for five years, encouraging companies to undertake new
multi-year research activities. This crucial tax credit will help innovative American companies
build on this Administration's impressive economic achievements and will lead to new products
and technologies to improve people's lives. In addition, H.R. 1180 extends for three years the
provision that allows America's middle-income taxpayers full use of important personal tax
credits -- such as the child credit, the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits, and the
child and dependent care credits -- without limitation by the alternative minimum tax. This also
will allow tens of millions more taxpayers to forgo performing complex calculations.
H.R. 1180 extends a provision that will help improve school facilities in low-income
communities by providing no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas for rehabilitation
and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training.
The bill will provide more economic opportunity to Puerto Rico by extending application
of the research and experimentation tax credit to such activity undertaken in Puerto Rico, as I
proposed. In response to another of my proposals, the bill also will provide a greater transfer of
excise tax revenue on rum not made in the States to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for two
and one-half years to provide aid that the islands urgently need.
Furthermore, H.R.1180 extends through 2001 critical tax provisions to:
Encourage employers to pay for their workers' continuing education.
Help disadvantaged people, including welfare recipients, find jobs.
-3-
Encourage businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields".
Stimulate low- and no-emission production of power.
Assist first-time home buyers in purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.
It is unfortunate, however, that the revenue losses resulting from these provisions were
not fully offset.
I am pleased that H.R. 1180 will do much to improve the lives of people with disabilities
and will extend important tax provisions. I am deeply disappointed, however, that the bill
includes a provision for a special allowance adjustment for student loans. This provision will
expose the Federal Government, rather than lenders, to substantial financial risk due to the
difference between Treasury and commercial paper borrowing rates, and will provide
unnecessary and costly new benefits to the student loan industry with no benefit whatsoever to
students.
This Administration has a deep and long-standing commitment to promote and increase
the independence of individuals with disabilities. I would like to thank each individual who has
been involved in the challenging work of developing this landmark legislation. Special thanks
should be given to the congressional leaders who have contributed so much to the passage of
H.R. 1180, particularly Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth, and Moynihan, as well as
Representatives Dingell, Archer, Rangel, Stark, Waxman, Thomas, Matsui, Bliley, Shaw,
Bilirakis, Nancy Johnson, Cardin, Sherrod Brown, and Lazio. I also want to acknowledge the
efforts of Alexis Herman, Secretary of Labor; Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social
Security; and Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services; as well as Tony Coelho
and other members of my Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. These
-4-
individuals, as well as many others throughout the Administration, worked tirelessly to bring this
legislation forward.
Many individuals with disabilities want to work and become independent, and many can
work if they receive the critical support they need. For too long, the fear of losing health and
cash benefits and the inability to obtain rehabilitation and employment services has prevented
such individuals' work efforts. As a Nation, we are best served when all our citizens have the
opportunity to contribute their talents, energy, and ideas to the workplace. I am pleased to sign
into law today this important step to empower more Americans with disabilities to take their
rightful places in our Nation's workforce.
-5-
REMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN
INTRODUCTION
Thank you, Senator Jeffords.
Good morning, Mr. President, Senator Kennedy, and other
distinguished guests.
It's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here
care much. We have been waiting for so long to see this bill
signed - to watch as this Administration, together with the
overwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress,
opens the door to employment for individuals with disabilities
all over America.
Personally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very
long time.
PERSONAL STORY
Nature of injury
My life immediately before the accident
How I have adapted to life following the accident - "same
person in a new body"
Community contributions
Still have a strong desire to work, but was unable to because
of fear of losing health benefits
What I want to give and have been giving to the community;
my work on the school board
WHY THIS LEGISLATION IS IMPORTANT
Irrational current system
The current system presents barriers to entering the workforce
for people with disabilities
Thousands of people with disabilities who want to join the
workforce and help pay into the system that helps finance
their care, but cannot
Irony of people trusting me to spend money but not wanting
to let me earn money
This legislation will end this system
This legislation will ensure critical health care services for
individuals with disabilities returning to the workforce
I would like to praise all the members of Congress and the
disability community who worked on it for passing a piece of
legislation that will make a difference in real people's lives
CONCLUSION
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to introduce
a man who has done more than anyone else to protect the rights
and further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the
President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.
Lake County
THURSDAY
JUNE 3. 1999
B
THE PLAIN DEALER
It is a trap that ensnares mil-
lions of disabled Americans, who
have nearly a 75 percent unem-
ployment rate. McNamee longed
for independence, but was forced
to remain tethered to her parents,
and still lives at home with them.
The logic of maintaining such
an impossibly low income ceiling
escapes her. According to one es-
timate, nearly half the 7.5 million
adults receiving disability bene-
fits could work, but do not be-
cause to do so would cost them
their health insurance.
McNamee volunteered herself
as Exhibit A.
Joe Dirck
"I'm going to sit here for the
next 30 years collecting cash ben-
efits and health insurance," she
Disabled inch closer
said. "If the government is going
to pay anyway, why not let me
r
to toppling barriers
work so I can send a few tax dol-
J
lars back? I don't like being de-
1
This wasn't exactly the career
pendent on other people, includ-
Donna McNamee envisioned
ing my government."
when she graduated from Ursu-
The bill, which has generated
p
line College in 1984 with a degree
little public attention but which
0
in business administration.
McNamee considers the most sig-
th
"People I knew would say, 'Oh,
nificant legislation dealing with
you graduated? So what are you
the disabled since the landmark
th
doing now?' McNamee said. "I'd
Americans with Disabilities Act,
P.
has wide bipartisan support in the
L:
tell them, 'Harassing my con-
gressman.
Senate, with 79 co-sponsors. Con-
at
Do anything long enough and
servatives like the self-reliance
19
you get pretty good at it. McNa-
aspect; liberals support the mea-
th
sure because it helps the disabled
H
mee, a 40-year-old disabled resi-
dent of Willoughby, has been
population.
ac
writing letters, making phone
But McNamee is taking nothing
calls and generally raising hell
for granted. A version last year
CO
for 15 years now, and finally, fi-
was looking good for a while
be
nally, a barrier that prevents her
there, too, then got lost in the im-
fr
and millions of disabled Ameri-
peachment frenzy and withered
pa
on the vine.
wl
cans from working may soon be
coming down.
Her passion for the issue did
sta
Senate leaders last week
not wane. She recently became
did
reached agreement on a bill al-
outraged when a Senate staffer
sy:
lowing the disabled to work while
told her that one reason for oppo-
ye:
still retaining their government-
sition to the bill was that "people
"fc
paid health benefits, increasing
like Larry Flynt would be able to
the likelihood the measure may
benefit." As far as McNamee is
CO
pass later this year. Under the
concerned, that's taking the cul-
w)
current system, a recipient such
ture war a little too far.
sa
as McNamee can earn no more
"I was incredulous," she said.
than $499 a month (before taxes)
"I was so incensed after I got off
and still be eligible. For the disa-
the phone, I could have
bled, therefore, the choice often
screamed."
comes down to health benefits or
If the law gets changed, McNa-
H
a job.
mee is under no illusions about
Hello, cruel world. McNamee
what it might mean for her per-
learned the cold hard reality as
sonally. The clock has been tick-
bu
soon as she entered the job mar-
ing all these years. It's not like
ket, dreaming of a future in finan-
she's over the hill or anything, but
pe
cia
cial planning.
still, time marches on. She can
tot
She uses a wheelchair as a re-
only wonder what kind of career
she might have had if no barriers
au
sult of a brittle bone disease, and
soon discovered how reluctant
had been placed in her path.
employers are to offer health in-
But that just makes the struggle
a
surance to potential high risks.
more important.
wa
Her only offer was for a job with-
"There are millions of [disa-
bled) kids out there, and ] cringe
in
out benefits, which she dared not
at the thought of another
rej
accept, even though her overall
health is good and she has not
generation having to choose be-
de
been hospitalized in more than 20
tween health care and work.
ul'
Messages for Dirck may be left
as
years.
"With my brittle bones, a car
at (216) 999-4818.
accident could be catastrophic,"
she said.
*4-B NI
THE PLAIN DEALER
FRIDAY. JULY 9. 1999
Pickingjobs
over benefits
Disabled workers observe scene
as Congress debates expanded program
By EBONY REED
different medical expenses, in-
PLAIN DEALER REPORTER
cluding doctor services, medical
Like many self-employed in-
supplies and nursing facilities.
dividuals, Donna McNamee so-
McNamee, 40, said many peo-
licits work with an eye on her
ple with disabilities depend on
bottom line.
Medicare and Medicaid because
it is hard to get health care in-
Hers is drawn very strictly:
surance when they do find jobs.
Her monthly salary cannot ex-
Insurance companies consider
ceed $699.
medical history when deciding
Just one dollar more and she
if they should insure an individ-
risks losing the free medical in-
ual.
surance her life depends on.
"Too often, people with disa-
McNamee, like 54 million
bilities are forced to choose be-
Americans, has a disability. The
tween work and health care ben-
Work Incentives Improvement
efits because private insurance
Act that the U.S. Senate passed
companies will not cover them,"
last month could give her some
McNamee said. "As a result,
relief. The bill proposes to allow
people who are disabled are
people with disabilities to con-
forced into poverty. Nearly 75
tinue receiving government
percent of people with severe
health care benefits while work-
disabilities are unemployed. If
ing. However, the bill still needs
this was a problem with the gen-
to make it through the House,
eral population, people wouldn't
stand for it."
and no one is sure exactly how
long that could take.
People are considered se-
verely disabled if they are
For nearly two decades,
limited from advancing, main-
McNamee, who lives in Will-
taining or obtaining employ-
oughby with her parents, has
ment because of a significant
had to decide if she should work
physical or mental impairment.
full time, supporting herself
CH. PETE COPELAND PLAIN DEALER PHOTOGRAPHER
while receiving no health care
Like McNamee, Lionel Smith
benefits; stay at home; or work
will have to limit his work hours
Donna McNamee of Willoughby is an advocate for people with
part time while collecting Medi-
to keep his health care benefits.
disabilities. McNamee said the Work Incentives Improvement
care for her disability.
In one week, he will begin work
Act could allow people with disabilities to work and receive
as a peer counselor and recep-
health care benefits.
"It's completely ridiculous
tionist at Health Hill Hospital
that we have a policy in this
for Children. Smith, 19, receives
Smith's friend and mentor,
question remains: How it will be
country that doesn't let people
Medicaid and lives with his
Richard Barnes, said many peo-
paid for? No source of funding
with disabilities work and con-
mother.
ple with disabilities are tired of
has been earmarked for the pro-
tinue to receive" Medicare or
"I think [the bill] is nice be-
losing the health care war.
gram, which would cost an esti-
Medicaid, said McNamee, who
cause before now, people who
mated $791 million over six
has brittle bone disease and is
"Most people just give up be-
wanted to work were being pe-
years, said Mollie Conkey.
an advocate for people with dis-
cause it doesn't make sense to
nalized," said Smith, who gradu-
spokeswoman for Rep. Rick A.
abilities. "Why isn't the govern-
work when they lose," Barnes
ment saying, 'Go work and send
ated from Lincoln West High
Lazio, a New York Republican
said. "This will be a tremendous
us some tax dollars?'
School last year and has cere-
and co-sponsor for the bill.
opportunity if it goes through."
bral palsy.
Barnes is a personal care assist-
If Lazio and others like McNa-
People with disabilities who
ant at Services for Independent
receive government-financed
"Every time [my wheelchair]
mee succeed, the legislation
health insurance face income
breaks down, that would be
Living in Euclid. Independent
could be historic.
limits. The monthly income cap
money out of my pocket, but
Living provides support, educa-
for a single person is $699 for
Medicaid paid for it," he said.
tion on how to interview and
"If it passes, it will be the
Medicare and $433 for Medicaid
The chair's batteries and mo-
prepare resumes, advocacy and
most landmark legislation [for
recipients. Before July 1, when
tor broke five months ago, and
housing referrals for people
people with disabilities since
with disabilities.
the Americans with Disabilities
the income limit was increased,
Medicaid paid the $200 bill.
Act," she said. "We are not
Medicare recipients could not
Smith said that his wheelchair
Although people with disabili-
going to give up."
earn more than $499 a month.
would have remained broken
ties and their advocates rally
Phone: (216) 999-4604
Medicare and Medicaid cover
without Medicaid.
around the bill, one important
e-mail: [email protected]
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL THURSDAY, JUNE 17. 1999
Senate Approves Health Care for Disabled
By ROBERT PEAR
author of the bill who induced many
was the chief sponsor.
WASHINGTON, June 16 - By a
Republicans to support the measure,
Two Senate committee chairmen.
vote of 99 to 0, the Senate today
said: "It offers a new and better life
James M. Jeffords of Vermont and
passed a bill that would expand Med-
to large numbers of our fellow citi-
William V. Roth Jr. of Delaware.
icaid and Medicare so hundreds of
zens. We must banish the patronizing
both Republicans, and Bob Dole, the
thousands of people with disabilities
mind-set that disabled people are
party's Presidential nominee in 1996.
could retain their health benefits
unable. In fact, they have enormous
championed the legislation.
when they return to work.
talent, and America cannot afford to
The Senate Finance Committee
The House is well on its way to
waste an ounce of it."
approved the bill in March, but Re-
passing similar legislation. Presi
Among the people who expect to
publican leaders delayed floor ac-
dent Clinton hailed today's vote and
benefit is Donna P. McNamee, 40, of
tion. They wanted to know how the
prodded Congress to finish work on
Willoughby, Ohio. "I'm thrilled," she
cost, $800 million over five years,
the bill as quickly as possible.
would be met, and they still do not
said in a telephone interview after
have a clear answer. Some conserva-
The bill would be the most signifi-
tives were concerned that the bill
cant health care legislation approved
by Congress this year, and the most
would cover people with the virus
important measure for disabled peo-
Aiding workers
that causes AIDS. And Republican
ple in nearly a decade.
leaders said they did not want to let
Seventy-nine senators and 179 rep-
with Medicare
Mr. Kennedy dictate their agenda.
The bill, the Work Incentives Im-
resentatives have signed up as co-
sponsors of the legislation, which has
and Medicaid.
provement Act, would create several
support from liberals and conserva-
new options, including these:
tives alike, who see it as a way to
"People who lose eligibility for So-
increase work opportunities for dis-
cial Security disability benefits be-
abled people who would otherwise
cause they return to work would be
the vote. "This is long overdue. I've
allowed to continue their Medicare
subsist on welfare.
been disabled since birth by brittle
coverage.
About eight million disabled peo-
bone disease. I'm a graduate of Ur-
4People with disabilities could buy
ple of working age receive more than
suline College in Ohio, and I have a
Medicaid coverage even if they took
$70 billion a year in Federal cash
degree in business administration,
jobs and earned income that would
benefits. Fewer than half a percent
but I've never been able to use my
otherwise disqualify them.
of them return to work, despite a
education to full potential. If I went
IStates could allow disabled work-
1990 law that prohibits job discrimi-
to work and earned more than $499 a
ers to buy Medicaid coverage, even if
nation against qualified individuals
month, I would lose my health insur-
the workers lost eligibility for cash
with disabilities.
ance under Medicare."
Senate Bill Expands
benefits because of improvements in
Under current law, many people
Thomas E. Lowery, an employ-
their medical conditions.
with disabilities must choose be-
Benefits for Disabled
ment specialist in the Illinois Depart-
States could provide Medicaid to
tween working and keeping health
ment of Human Services, said, "For
workers who are not actually dis-
insurance. If they take jobs and earn
millions of people with disabilities,
abled, but have physical or mental
any significant amounts of money,
the biggest obstacle to re-entering
With the goal of increasing work
impairments that are "reasonably
they lose disability benefits and the
the job market is the risk of losing
opportunities for disabled people, the
expected" to become severe disabili-
insurance they receive through Med-
health insurance."
Senate unanimously passed a bill to
ties in the absence of health care.
icaid and Medicare. But without the
The House Commerce Committee
expand Medicaid and Medicare so
This provision could help people who
health care, most are unable to work.
approved a nearly identical version
that hundreds of thousands of them
have been infected with H.I.V., the
Senator Edward M. Kennedy,
of the bill on May 19. Representative
could retain health benefits if they go
virus that causes AIDS, but have not
Democrat of Massachusetts, a co-
Rick A. Lazio, Republican of Suffolk,
10 work.
developed symptoms of the disease.
Under current law, about eight
"This is a huge victory for people
million disabled people of working
with H.I.V.," said Daniel Zingale.
age receive more than $70 billion a
executive director of AIDS Action, an
year in Federal cash benefits, but
advocacy group.
fewer than one-half of 1 percent of
The same section of the bill could
them work, because they would lose
also help people with Parkinson's
their benefits.
disease, multiple sclerosis and other
Liberals and conservatives alike
chronic or degenerative conditions.
support the measure, which would be
Senator Phil Gramm, Republican
of Texas, blocked consideration of
the most significant health care
legislation approved this year and
the bill last month because, he said, It
the most important measure for dis-
would have been financed by tax
abled people in nearly a decade. The
increases, including a change in the
House is well on its way to passing
foreign tax credit for some multina-
legislation similar to the Senate's,
tional corporations. Today Mr
and President Clinton, who hailed the
Gramm said he had "always sup-
Senate vote. urged Congress to finish
ported the policy change that will
work on the bill quickly.
allow disabled people to continue
drawing benefits when they find
jobs."
Article, page A26.
At his insistence, Democrats
agreed that the cost of the bill would
be offset by cuts in spending else-
where in the Federal budget. not by
any tax increase. The spending cuts
will be identified later
THE PLAIN DEALER
Lake County
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 McNa-
mee, who has brittle bone disease
and uses a wheelchair, and be-
cause of her condition, she dares
not accept a job without insur-
ance. The government benefits
she depends on would be yanked
if she earned more than $699 a
month.
Joe Dirck
And so, like more than 70 per-
cent of disabled adult Americans,
Discrimination
she is unemployed. McNamee
lives at home with her parents
with a smile
and never had a chance to realize
her dream of independent living.
A very subtle thing, discrimi-
By one estimate, nearly half the
nation against the disabled. Ev-
adults receiving disability bene-
erybody is always so nice about it.
fits could work, but don't because
Usually, there's an element of
they can't risk losing their insur-
hostility that goes along with dis-
ance.
crimination - racial, ethnic, sex-
When last we spoke, it ap-
ual, whatever. Somebody not lik-
peared that was about to change.
ing somebody else is generally at
For years now, McNamee has
the bottom of it.
been lobbying for legislation
But if you're disabled, they kill
known in its current form as the
you with kindness. Ask Ted Ken-
Work Incentives Improvement
nedy Jr., who lost a leg to bone
Act of 1999, which would remove
cancer in 1973 when he was 12
the low income ceilings, permit-
and has gotten the full treatment
ting more disabled people to seek
ever since. He has endured the
jobs and become contributing
"poster boy" stereotype and been
members of society.
portrayed as an object of pity, and
The bill appeared to be on a fast
he has had people fuss over him
track. It passed the Senate in May
and call him "courageous" for
by a vote of 99-0, and seemed to
doing quite ordinary things,
enjoy the same kind of bipartisan
which in some ways is even
support in the House. Conserva-
tives liked the self-sufficiency ar-
worse. A particular pet peeve, he told
gument; liberals were motivated
an audience at Cuyahoga Com-
by the desire to help a disadvan-
munity College on Tuesday at the
taged group. Since then, however,
school's third annual Disability
the legislation has bogged down
Awareness Day, is when well-
in committee and suddenly faces
meaning people say something
an uncertain future.
like: Gee, you would hardly even
Brian McDonald of the National
know you're disabled.
Council for Independent Living
"That's like saying to a black
said yesterday the House Repub-
person, 'You're the least black
lican leadership is preparing to
submit an alternate bill that
person I ever met,' said Ken-
nedy. His audience, made up
would make the funding of the
largely of people with disabilities,
Medicaid portion discretionary.
laughed knowingly. Been there.
Without secure funding, he said,
But discrimination, even the
the bill is little more than "a piece
kind that comes with a smile, is
of rhetoric." In his speech, Ken-
just as crippling. And for millions
nedy called on disabled people to
of disabled Americans, the big-
contact their legislators and de-
mand action.
gest barriers they face are not
"We don't want pity; we want
their physical limitations but the
obstacles placed in their way by
an opportunity," he said.
McNamee needs no such en-
society. In the audience for Kennedy's
couragement. Denied a career of
her choice, she has made a ca-
speech was Donna McNamee of
reer, she likes to joke, of "harass-
Willoughby, who knows all too
well the insidious effect of those
ing congressmen," and she
doesn't intend to stop now. This
barriers. I wrote about McNamee,
is, she believes, the most impor-
40, last June. A 1984 graduate of
tant legislation since the Ameri-
Ursuline College with a degree in
cans with Disabilities Act. "This
business administration, she is a
is my life," she said. "It's my fu-
bright, engaging, talented
ture. And I'm not going down
woman.
without a fight."
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (216) 999-4818
Hello? I am an American too
By Donna P. McNamee
People with disabilities are following legislative news that could change their lives.
Obscured in the halls of the United States Senate, unknown to many but those whose lives most
depend upon it, is Senate Bill 331, "The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999." Simply
stated, S. 331 will allow Americans with disabilities to live just like everybody else. No longer
will a person with a disability have to choose between health care and a job. This legislation will
allow people with disabilities the opportunity to work to contribute to their own support and have
health insurance coverage, just like the able-bodied population. It sounds like sensible
legislation to support. Indeed, 75% of the United States Senate thinks SO. In what has been a
nonpartisan effort, the US Senate is ready and waiting to bring this bill to a floor vote for
passage. But there's a problem.
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) is blocking a vote on this much needed bill.
According to Senator Lott, this bill is "too wide open." He also contends it will allow
millionaires to qualify. However, he has yet to back up this assertion with hard evidence.
Instead, he is squelching the dreams of millions of Americans with disabilities who merely want
to work. Yes, millions.
US Department of Labor Statistics confirm and Senator Lott is aware that nearly three-
fourths of people with disabilities are unemployed. Annually, that translates into billions of
dollars in disability cash payments. Yet many people with disabilities are capable of working to
contribute to -- if not fully sustain their own support. Polls show they want to work -- but
cannot. Why? Lack of health insurance. For most people with disabilities employment would
not pay enough to cover health care costs if Medicare or Medicaid benefits were eliminated.
Private health insurance for people with disabilities is impossible to obtain. The health insurance
industry's litany of preexisting condition exclusions has seen to that. So millions of people with
disabilities are forced to make the choice between health care and a job. When one's life depends
upon receiving competent medical care, it is easy to understand why the choice of work over
health care is a risk few can take.
I understand that risk. These are choices I have been forced to make. I am a forty-year-old
woman who has been disabled since birth due to a brittle bone disease. However, I am more
disabled by regulatory restrictions and the attitudes of people like Senator Lott than I am by my
medical diagnosis.
I hold a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ursuline College. But when I
graduated I confronted the greatest shock of my life: I am not allowed to use my education to my
fullest potential because there is NO way for me to obtain necessary health care if I give up my
Medicare coverage. To keep it, I must not earn more than $499.00 a month. With these
circumstances in mind, I am incensed by Senator Lott's assertions. So much so, I recently placed
a long-distance phone call to his office to inquire what the problem is in bringing this bill to a
floor vote.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
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n.d.
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Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20147
FOLDER TITLE:
Devorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]
2008-1238-F
jm535
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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 PRAJ
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.
His young sounding staff person repeated the Senator's concerns. Attempting to explain my own
situation as a person with a disability did little to make her listen. Rather, she informed me that
if this legislation was passed, then "people like Larry Flint who is totally disabled and uses a
wheelchair would be able to benefit."
"Millionaires would qualify." Very few people with disabilities are millionaires. In this country,
the fact is disability equals poverty. It's darn hard to become a millionaire when you don't even
have a job to pay for a roof over your head. However, based on Senator Lott's implied
assumption that millionaires should not be entitled to government health care benefits, is he
prepared to dump millionaire retirees off Social Security and Medicare just because they have
too much money? Or what about US Senators and Representatives who are millionaires--is the
Senator willing to force them to give up their government-paid health insurance? Not likely.
"Larry Flint would benefit." Whether or not one is a fan of Larry Flint's views and lifestyle
should not be the point in a discussion about people with disabilities and what we need to live.
But Senator Lott's office has chosen to make it one. I for one resent the implication. Just because
some people in this country do not like Larry Flint (or Christopher Reeves, who I am told Lott's
office picked on in this context last week -- until Reeve himself got wind of it) does that mean I
am not allowed to live to my fullest potential as an American citizen, in the land of opportunity?
Must I continue to choose between health care and life itself or productive work, self-sufficiency
and independence as a taxpayer? Will I be penalized for the rest of my life?
Inclusive of Senator Lott's staff comments, who are these people and what language do they
speak? With forked tongue, it seems to me. Millionaires with disabilities who use wheelchairs
have nothing to do with Senator Lott's real concerns - whatever they are. This is decent
legislation designed for the impoverished 71% of Americans with disabilities who don't have
jobs and must choose between employment and health care. To suggest otherwise is an insult to
ordinary Americans with disabilities.
For nearly five years we have been told by the Republican Congressional majority they want to
remove government's regulatory influence in our lives thereby making it easier for Americans to
live their own lives. Hello? I am an American too. An American with a disability, one of
millions who has struggled my entire life to survive within the boundaries society and
government policy has placed on me. Now that 75% of the United States Senate finally
understands and is willing to take this giant step toward bringing Americans with disabilities into
the mainstream, one man is standing in the way. If Senator Lott kills or guts this bill because of
his simple-minded arrogance, he is going to have a lot of explaining to do to the disability
community. Yes, that's right. Americans with disabilities also vote. And we are listening to this
nonsense.
Donna P. McNamee
P6/(b)(6)
[ 002]
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
003. letter
Addresses (Partial); Phone No.'s (Partial) (3 pages)
n.d.
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Devorah Adler
OA/Box Number: 20147
FOLDER TITLE:
Devorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]
2008-1238-F
jm535
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 l(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 PRAJ
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.
OP-ED IN SEARCH OF A PUBLISHER
Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from
here?
by Donna P. McNamee
My parents were born during the Great Depression and have worked hard at everything
they have accomplished. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and the ideals that through
hard work and education the American Dream was accessible to everyone. They meant everyone
- including myself, born with a significant disability.
My siblings and I graduated from college with bachelor's degrees. We all began college
with dreams of self-sufficiency and independence. When I graduated the parallels abruptly
ended. Unlike their experiences, at age 40, my goals are not realized. However, it was not my
disability that stopped me.
Despite the uncertainty of repeated fractures due to a brittle bone disease, my parents'
strength and tenacity made my childhood as normal as possible. In 1984, I earned a degree in
business administration from Ursuline College. After graduation, I discovered I was not allowed
to use my education to my potential because there was no way for me to replace the necessary
health care coverage I had if I joined the workforce. My dreams of independence have not been
realized due to health care policy in this wealthy country.
From that time forward, a spiraling maze of government regulation and preexisting
condition clauses in private health care policies has ruled my life. My world became not unlike
Alice's precarious reality when she slipped Down-the-Rabbit-Hole into Wonderland. Her
question to the Cheshire Cat, "Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?"
His reply, "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to..." summed up my quandary.
P6/(b)(6)
[E00]
My first priority has had to be health care. For me, unlike most able-bodied Americans,
employment has not helped. Getting a job forces me off the health care coverage I must have to
live and work independently.
As long as my father was employed, I was covered under the family health insurance plan
- but only so long as I did not earn more than $1000 a year (IRS dependency rule). When he
retired my only access to essential health insurance coverage was through the Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI) program via his Social Security earnings record. With SSDI comes
my access to Medicare - and with it my life's catch-22. My earned income is limited by statute
to $699 a month. If I cross that line, I risk having no health insurance at all. Like Alice, for
years I searched for a way out of this topsy-turvy, backward world.
Two years ago I learned about the Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIIA) still
pending in Congress. Simply stated, WIIA is designed to allow Americans with disabilities the
ability to live just like everybody else. Fully implemented as written today, an individual with a
disability will no longer have to choose between health care and a job. This legislation will
allow people with disabilities the opportunity to work to contribute to their own support -- and
retain the health insurance coverage they need to live and work.
On June 16, 1999, I was one of many Americans with disabilities thrilled to watch
C-SPAN as four US Senators -- Kennedy, Jeffords, Roth, and Moynihan -- rose to the podium to
give eloquent speeches in support of the Senate's version. The Senators spoke with competence
and understanding. I was amazed at their awareness of the problems people with disabilities face
everyday while trying to live within the confusing poverty level confines of current law. When
the roll call vote was tallied, it numbered 99-0 in favor of the bill! On that day, with over 150
P6/(b)(6)
cosponsors for the House version, I thought we were well on our way to WIIA's enactment into
law. Finally my life would change.
Three months later, millions of people with disabilities are still waiting for Congress to
pass WIIA. Despite hundreds of phone calls, letters, visits and general begging of
Representatives to act, no work incentive legislation has passed the House. Cosponsors of the
House version, H.R. 1180, have grown to 240 Republicans and Democrats. This bill is
recognized as the only important bipartisan activity taking place in Washington this year. Then
why is the House Leadership not scheduling this bill for a vote?
As written, WIIA is sound legislation that will make it possible for increased numbers of
people with disabilities to work, take responsibility for their lives, and escape the stagnation of a
71% unemployment rate that plagues this talented group of Americans. Without work AND
health care coverage, millions of people with disabilities literally have their lives "on hold."
What is going on in the House? Why is the leadership not bringing this bill to the floor
for a vote? People with disabilities do not understand their inaction. With each passing day our
fear grows stronger that this bill will die, buried among other failed initiatives.
As Americans, why should people with disabilities be compelled to choose between
health care and life itself, and productive work and self-sufficiency? Will we continue to be
penalized for having disabilities for the rest of our lives? Or - will this Congress act to give us
the freedom to achieve independence and the opportunity to work enjoyed by other Americans?
- END -
Donna P. McNamee is a writer and disability rights activist based in Cleveland, Ohio
P6/(b)(6)
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
December 17, 1999
Today, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign
into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark
legislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce
without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the
employment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a
major achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.
The President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth
and Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this
historic legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American
economy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.
But the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75
percent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American
workforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current
law, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,
putting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.
THIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT
CLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these
barriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.
The President today will:
Highlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This
landmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for
workers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this
option; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose
disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an
additional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to
work; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the
new "Ticket to Work" Program.
Direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President
Clinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA
Administrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers
nationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective
collaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies
overseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.
Encourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this
legislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to
offer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people
with disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will
encourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether
early medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will
enable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes to stay healthier and keep working.
Commend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with
Disabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid
the foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the
President will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and
accept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.
THE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO
INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and
Vice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to
more people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:
creating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase
employment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion
initiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to
invest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work
Incentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for
people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical
benefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to
hire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring
opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to
increase employment of individuals with disabilities.
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax-Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17,1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other] mportant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17, 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other I'm portant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17. 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17,1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax-Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Im provement
December 1 . 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
TaxIncentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17.1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other portant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives improvement Act
December 17, 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
Tax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17. 1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
axIncentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:
Other Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act
December 17,1999
Extending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.
In addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan
Work Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax
provisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage
employers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage
businesses to clean up polluted "brownfields," stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families
continue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:
Extending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the
research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation
that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the
R&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit
through 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year
research activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The
credit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the
latter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four
preceding years.
Providing for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through
2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on
rehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs
have been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a
charter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to
establish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.
Ensuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees
that no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax
credit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax
(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax
credits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if
so, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals
belonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include
disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare
recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an
individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and
the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Extending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain
certain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of
wages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to
extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass
energy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.
The biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.
Producing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and
decreases our reliance on imported oil.
Cleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the
cost of cleaning up polluted "brownfields" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the
redevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more
livable.
Tax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by
Section 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and
paid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker
education, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers
to adapt to new technologies.
Encouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through
2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the
District of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the
Capital City.
-2-
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
November 18, 1999
Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and
fully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by
removing the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with
disabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with
disabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities
Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.
IMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:
Removing limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act
creates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President
Clinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of
250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned
income, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid
when their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health
insurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid
coverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.
This act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states
to support people with disabilities who return to work.
Creating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too
disabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the
effectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet
deteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of
deterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or
diabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such
health care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to
qualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would
provide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping
people with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.
Extending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act
extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability
insurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference
between a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A
and B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription
drugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available
nationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.
ENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:
Creating a "Ticket to Work Program." This new system will enable SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice
of participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves
substantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.
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"ocrText": "FOIA Number:\n2008-1238-F\nFOIA\nMARKER\nThis is not a textual record. This is used as an\nadministrative marker by the William J. Clinton\nPresidential Library Staff.\nCollection/Record Group:\nClinton Presidential Records\nSubgroup/Office of Origin:\nDomestic Policy Council\nSeries/Staff Member:\nDevorah Adler\nSubseries:\nOA/ID Number:\n20147\nFolderID:\nFolder Title:\nDevorah Jeff- Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]\nStack:\nRow:\nSection:\nShelf:\nPosition:\nS\n97\n2\n7\n1\nWithdrawal/Redaction Sheet\nClinton Library\nDOCUMENT NO.\nSUBJECT/TITLE\nDATE\nRESTRICTION\nAND TYPE\n001. profiles\nPhone No.'s (Partial) (4 pages)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\n002. statement\nAddress (Partial); Phone No. (Partial) (1 page)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\n003. letter\nAddresses (Partial); Phone No.'s (Partial) (3 pages)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\nCOLLECTION:\nClinton Presidential Records\nDomestic Policy Council\nDevorah Adler\nOA/Box Number: 20147\nFOLDER TITLE:\nDevorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]\n2008-1238-F\njm535\nRESTRICTION CODES\nPresidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]\nFreedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)|\nPI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]\nb(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]\nP2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]\nb(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of\nP3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]\nan agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]\nP4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or\nb(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA|\nfinancial information ((a)(4) of the PRA]\nb(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial\nP5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President\ninformation |(b)(4) of the FOIA]\nand his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]\nb(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\nP6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\npersonal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]\npersonal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]\nb(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement\npurposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]\nC. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed\nb(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of\nof gift.\nfinancial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]\nPRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.\nb(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information\n2201(3).\nconcerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]\nRR. Document will be reviewed upon request.\nDecember 16, 1999\nBill Signing Ceremony for H.R. 1180, The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999\nDate:\nDecember 17, 1999\nLocation:\nFDR Memorial\nTime:\n9:30AM-10:15AM\nFrom:\nChuck Brain\nMary Beth Cahill\nBruce Reed\nChris Jennings\nI.\nPURPOSE\nTo sign into law H.R. 1180, the Ticket to Work and the Work Incentives Improvement\nAct of 1999.\nII.\nBACKGROUND\nH.R. 1180 improves health care options and enhances the employment services system\nfor people with disabilities. The Conference Report to H.R. 1180 passed (418-2) the\nHouse on November 18, and passed (95-1) the Senate on November 19. The bill was\nintroduced in the Senate as S. 331, by Senator Jim Jeffords (R-VT) and Senator Edward\nKennedy (D-MA). Representative Rick Lazio (R-NY) introduced H.R. 1180 as the\nHouse companion bill.\nAs part of your effort to address barriers to employment for people with disabilities, your\nAdministration has been working for years to create new options that would ensure that\nindividuals with disabilities can go to work without losing health insurance coverage. In\nthe 1997 Balanced Budget Act, the Administration worked successfully for the creation\nof a new option for states to allow individuals to retain their Medicaid coverage and go\nback to work. In 1988, Senator Jeffords and Senator Kennedy introduced legislation to\naccelerate state interest in this option, as well as to ensure that all beneficiaries in all\nstates had at least one option to retain health care coverage. That legislation provided\ngrant incentives to states to take up the new BBA option, provided demonstration dollars\nto permit states to study the feasibility and advisability of extending coverage to\nindividuals earlier in the onset of their disability, and permitted disabled Medicare\nbeneficiaries to retain Medicare coverage when they go back to work. The disability\ncommunity considers this legislation of similar historical significance as The Americans\nwith Disabilities Act. You indicated your support for this legislation in 1998 and included\nit in your FY 2000 budget. The disability community considers your constant support for\nthis initiative critical to its eventual passage late this year.\nIt is important to note that Senator Roth (R-DE) and Senator Moynihan (D-NY) believe\nthe legislation would not have passed without their efforts in the Finance Committee. In\naddition, Representatives Lazio (R-NY), Waxman (D-CA), Bliley (R-VA), Dingell (D-\nMI), and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) take pride of authorship. Earlier this year, a number of\nRepublicans, including Representative Lazio, criticized the Administration for its lack of\ncreative financing offsets for this legislation. When it appeared the legislation might die,\nthe Administration came up with new offsets that made the difference in passing and\nadequately funding this legislation. The disability community and most of the leaders on\nthis issue in Congress acknowledge the role that your Administration played in forging\nthis compromise and are extremely pleased that this legislation is being enacted into law.\nThe legislation improves health care options for people with disabilities by removing\nlimits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. First, it allows states\nto remove the income limit of 250 percent of poverty (about $21,000). Second, it creates\nthe option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid coverage even though their\nmedical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage. This Act also provides\n$150 million over five years in health care infrastructure grants to states to support people\nwith disabilities who return to work.\nThis Act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the effectiveness of\nproviding Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet deteriorated enough\nto prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of deterioration. The\nlegislation also extends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security\ndisability insurance who return to work for an additional four and a half years.\nThe legislation enhances the employment services system by creating a \"Ticket to Work\nProgram.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI beneficiaries to obtain vocational\nrehabilitation and employment services from their choice of participating public or\nprivate providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves substantial earnings,\nproviders would be paid a portion of the benefits saved. In addition the legislation\nauthorizes grants through SSA to public, private and non-profit organizations to provide\nbenefits planning and assistance in returning to work people with disabilities.\nThe Conference Report on H.R. 1180 was used as the vehicle for passage of the \"Tax\nRelief Extension Act of 1999.\" Among other provisions, this tax extenders package\nextends the research and experimentation tax credit through 2004, allows tax payers to\ntake full advantage of personal tax credits without the limitation of the alternative\nminimum tax for three additional years, extends the tax-free construction bonds for\npublic school improvement until 2001, and extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and\nthe Welfare-to-Work Credit for 30 months. The package costs $18.4 billion over ten\nyears and is currently paid for only through part of 2001.\nFinally, the bill contains a 90 day delay for final implementation of a Department of\nHealth and Human Services rule that would revise the nation's organ transplant policy to\nbase allocation decisions on medical need nationwide rather than on the location of the\ndonor. Your Administration strongly opposes this provision.\nIII.\nPARTICIPANTS\nPre-brief\nYOU\nJohn Podesta\nSteve Ricchetti\nChuck Brain\nMary Beth Cahill\nBruce Reed\nJoel Johnson\nGene Sperling\nChris Jennings\nJeanne Lambrew\nGreeters\nYOU\nJames Roosevelt\nSenator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)\nSenator James Jeffords (R-VT)\nArnold Goldstein, Superintendent, National Capitol Park Central\nStage Participants\nJustin Dart, Co-Chair Justice For All\nDonna McNamee, Cleveland, OH\nDonna is a 40-year-old woman with brittle bone disease who has been\nunemployed for the past 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in financial\nmanagement that she has never used because she would not be able to work\nwithout losing her health insurance coverage. She is covered under Medicare and\nneeds Medicaid attendant services. Donna would like to return to work as soon as\npossible, and is very excited about the Medicaid buy-in option under Jeffords-\nKennedy, which will allow her to do so.\nPaul Marshall, Wheaton, MD\nPaul, 42, became partially quadriplegic after being shot in the neck during an\nattempted robbery. Through a rehabilitation program Paul took computer\ntraining, and has been working part-time for 9 years. He believes that working\ngives him a better sense of self-esteem, and wishes that he could work more.\nHowever, just by working part-time he has lost his Medicaid benefits, and if he\nworked full-time he would lose the Medicare and personal attendant benefits he\ncurrently receives. Paul's son was also paralyzed during an accidental shooting\nincident. Paul is currently employed at Disabled Sports USA in Rockville, MD.\nWesley Vinner, Riverdale, MD\nWesley is 51-years-old and is a person with mental retardation. He has recently\nmoved from DC to Prince George's County with the help of a HUD assisted\nhousing program. He lived for 21 years in Forest Haven, which was a large\ninstitution-serving people with mental retardation in Washington, D.C. and was\nclosed by court order ten years ago. He was able to leave that institution in large\npart because of his own advocacy. He is currently unemployed, a Board Member\nof the American Association of People with Disabilities, a Board Member of The\nArc of the United States, and a leading active advocate for people with mental\nretardation. He very much wants to work, become a tax-paying citizen and\nimprove the lives of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities\nfrom around the country.\nSpeaking Program\nYOU\nSenator Jim Jeffords (R-VT)\nSenator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)\nJames Sullivan, Hudson, NH\nJames is a C6 quadriplegic (partial use of his arms) who is in his mid thirties. Two\ndays before he turned 18, he broke his back diving into a wave. James is from a\nfamily of pilots and had planned to work as a mechanic, but his disability prevents\nthat. He is currently unemployed and insured under Medicaid. For a while, he was\nemployed through a work incentives program run by the state of New Hampshire\nthat allowed him to keep his Medicaid coverage, but when the company\ndownsized and he lost his job, he could not re-qualify for the program. James has\ndone a lot of volunteer work to keep busy, including serving as chairman of the\nschool board, volunteering at the high school, and serving on the New Hampshire\nRehabilitation Council. He is willing to give up his SSDI check if he could go\nback to work and keep his personal attendant services. If his state takes the\nMedicaid buy in option, Jeffords-Kennedy will allow him to do just that. He\nwould like to get a job in the telecommunications industry.\nIV.\nPRESS PLAN\nOpen Press\nV.\nSEQUENCE OF EVENTS\n-- YOU arrive at the FDR Memorial\n-- YOU greet members James Roosevelt, Senators Jeffords and Kennedy, and Arnold\nGoldstein\n-- Secretary Donna Shalala, Secretary Alexis Herman, Secretary Lawrence Summers, and\nCommissioner Kenneth Apfel are announced to front row\n--Off stage announcement of YOU, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator Jim Jeffords, and\nJames Sullivan\n--Senator Edward Kennedy makes brief remarks and introduces Senator Jim Jeffords\n--Senator Jeffords makes brief remarks and introduces James Sullivan\n-- James Sullivan makes brief remarks and introduces YOU\n--YOU make remarks and then invite Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Congress on\nstage for the legislation signing\n-- YOU sign the bill.\n--YOU work a rope line and depart\nVI.\nREMARKS\nSpeechwriting\nVII. ATTACHMENTS\nMembers of Congress attending the event.\nREMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN\nINTRODUCTION\nThank you, Senator Jeffords.\nGood morning, Mr. President, Senator Kennedy, and other distinguished guests.\nIt's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here care much. We have been waiting\nfor so long to see this bill signed - to watch as this Administration, together with the\noverwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress, opens the door to employment for\nindividuals with disabilities all over America.\nPersonally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very long time.\nPERSONAL STORY\nNature of injury\nMy life immediately before the accident\nHow I have adapted to life following the accident - \"same person in a new body\"\nCommunity contributions\nStill have a strong desire to work, but was unable to because of fear of losing health benefits\nWhat I want to give and have been giving to the community; my work on the school board\nWHY THIS LEGISLATION IS IMPORTANT\nIrrational current system\nThe current system presents barriers to entering the workforce for people with disabilities\nThousands of people with disabilities who want to join the workforce and help pay into the\nsystem that helps finance their care, but cannot\nIrony of people trusting me to spend money but not wanting to let me earn money\nThis legislation will end this system\nThis legislation will ensure critical health care services for individuals with disabilities\nreturning to the workforce\nI would like to praise all the members of Congress and the disability community who worked\non it for passing a piece of legislation that will make a difference in real people's lives\nCONCLUSION\nLadies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to introduce a man who has done more than\nanyone else to protect the rights and further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the\nPresident of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.\nDRAFT: REMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN\nThank you, Senator Jeffords.\nGood morning, Mr. President and other distinguished guests.\nIt's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here care much. We have been waiting\nfor so long to see this bill signed - to watch as this Administration, together with the\noverwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress, opens the door to employment for\nindividuals with disabilities all over America.\nPersonally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very long time.\nWhen I was 17, I was basically an average kid. I rode motorcycles, snow skied, and was\ngenerally pretty active. I had a family that loved me, and a good group of friends. And I had an\nidea - albeit somewhat hazy - of what I was going to do with the rest of my life.\nI come from a family of pilots - my dad, my sister, and my brother all fly for a living. I was\ngoing to be a aviation mechanic. I was going to make sure from the ground that they were safe in\nthe sky.\nI was really excited about my future, like most teenagers are. I felt like I could do anything as\nlong as I worked hard enough.\nMy disability is linked to one of those random accidents - I was at the beach and I dove into a\nwave, hit it the wrong way, and broke my neck.\nAnd my whole life changed.\nI was the same person, with the same goals and desires - I was just in a new body. I still wanted\nto be independent. I still wanted to work for a living.\nBut in order to actually get out of bed in the morning and get ready to work, I needed a personal\nattendant's help. Because I wasn't working, I qualified for personal attendant services under\nMedicaid. And once I started to earn some money, I'd lose the Medicaid benefits. Even if I got a\nreally good job, there's no way I would be able to earn enough to live on and pay for my\nattendant services out of pocket. I was stuck.\nEven if I couldn't be paid for working without losing my benefits, there was still plenty of work\nto be done in my community. I volunteer as a tutor at the high school, was elected Chairman of\nthe local school board for two years, and am a member of Governor Shaheen's State\nRehabilitation Committee. Just because I'm not employed doesn't mean that I sit at home with\nmy hands in my lap, and I have to say that I am very proud of the way that I've been able to give\nback to the community that I grew up in.\nBut this system - which basically pays people to stay at home and punishes them when they try\nto work - is a crazy one. It's not good for the economy, and it's not good for people with\ndisabilities. There is an untapped population of Americans with disabilities who are dying to go\nto work, fully capable of working in hundreds of thousands of jobs - and until today, there was\nno way that we could.\nBut today, thanks to the leadership of this President, and to the efforts of members of Congress\non both sides of the aisle, that will change.\nLadies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce a man who has done more than anyone else\nto protect the rights and further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the President of the\nUnited States, William Jefferson Clinton.\nWithdrawal/Redaction Marker\nClinton Library\nDOCUMENT NO.\nSUBJECT/TITLE\nDATE\nRESTRICTION\nAND TYPE\n001. profiles\nPhone No.'s (Partial) (4 pages)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\nCOLLECTION:\nClinton Presidential Records\nDomestic Policy Council\nDevorah Adler\nOA/Box Number: 20147\nFOLDER TITLE:\nDevorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords Kennedy]\n2008-1238-F\njm535\nRESTRICTION CODES\nPresidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|\nFreedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]\nPI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA)\nb(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]\nP2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]\nb(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of\nP3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]\nan agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]\nP4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or\nb(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]\nfinancial information |(a)(4) of the PRAJ\nb(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial\nP5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President\ninformation |(b)(4) of the FOIA]\nand his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]\nb(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\nP6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\npersonal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]\npersonal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]\nb(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement\npurposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]\nC. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed\nb(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of\nof gift.\nfinancial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]\nPRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.\nb(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information\n2201(3).\nconcerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]\nRR. Document will be reviewed upon request.\nREAL PEOPLE STORIES FOR JEFFORDS-KENNEDY\nATTENDING BILL SIGNING CEREMONY\nJames Sullivan\nJames is a C6 quadriplegic (partial use of his arms) who is in his mid thirties. Two days before\nhe turned 18, he broke his back diving into a wave. James is from a family of pilots and had\nplanned to work as a mechanic, but his disability prevents that. He is currently unemployed and\ninsured under Medicaid. For a while, he was employed through a work incentives program run\nby the state of New Hampshire that allowed him to keep his Medicaid coverage, but when the\ncompany downsized and he lost his job, he could not re-qualify for the program. James has done\na lot of volunteer work to keep busy, including serving as chairman of the school board,\nvolunteering at the high school, and serving on the New Hampshire Rehabilitation Council. He is\nwilling to give up his SSDI check if he could go back to work and keep his personal attendant\nservices. If his state takes the Medicaid buy in option, Jeffords-Kennedy will allow him to do just\n[ 001]\nthat. He would like to get a job in the telecommunications industry.\nPHONE:\nP6/(b)(6),\nHe is comfortable giving his phone number directly to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nHudson, NH\nNOTES:\nJames will introduce the President.\nNancy Becker Kennedy\nNancy is a 48 year old quadriplegic woman who was injured in a diving accident her junior year\nof college. When she graduated from college and graduate school, she became a producer for\nPBS. Although she made a good salary at that job, she lived at the poverty level because she was\nforced to pay the cost associated with her attendant care out of pocket. Unfortunately, Nancy\nbecame extremely ill and was forced to leave that job. After she recovered, she could not find\nanother job that would allow her to make enough money to cover the cost of her attendant\nservices, and she went on Medicaid to cover these costs. She has worked intermittently as an\nactress over the years, and believes she may soon have another job opportunity. Nancy has stated\nthat she will not turn this job down, even at the risk of losing her benefits, because she cannot\nstand living an unproductive life. Under Jeffords-Kennedy - if her state took the Medicaid buy-\nin option - she would be able to buy into the Medicaid program, retain her coverage and\nattendant services, and take advantage of her job offers.\nPHONE:\nP6/(b)(6),\nShe would prefer that her number not be given directly to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nLos Angeles, CA\nNOTES:\nShe is a college friend of John Podesta's who testified in support of\nJeffords-Kennedy for the Senate Finance Committee. She has appeared on\n60 Minutes within the last year to discuss disability issues.\nDonna McNamee\nDonna is a 40 year old woman with brittle bone disease who has been unemployed for the past\n20 years. She has a bachelors degree in financial management that she has never used because\nshe would not be able to work without losing her health insurance coverage. She is covered\nunder Medicare and needs Medicaid attendant services. Donna would like to return to work as\nsoon as possible, and is very excited about the Medicaid buy-in option under Jeffords-Kennedy\nwhich will allow her to do so.\nPHONE:\nDonna is staying at the Embassy Suites 202 857 3388 tomorrow and\nFriday. She would prefer to have her press calls taken through us.\nHOMETOWN:\nCleveland, OH\nNOTES:\nDonna will be seated on the stage.\nMichael Knowlen\nMichael is a man in his forties who suffers from bipolar disorder. He is currently in school at\nSUNY Morrisville to learn about wood-products technology and furniture making. Michael is\ninsured by Medicare and pays his prescription drug costs out of pocket. When he graduates in\n2002, he wants to start his own furniture business, but because of his pre-existing conditions,\nMedicare and Medicaid are the only way he will be able to get health insurance. Under Jeffords-\nKennedy, he will be able to retain his Medicare coverage for an extended period of time. In\naddition - if his state takes the Medicaid buy-in option - he will be able to buy into the Medicaid\nprogram and ensure coverage for his prescription drugs.\nPHONE:\nHe would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nOriskany Falls, NY\nNOTES:\nHis speech is slightly slurred.\nDavid Robar\nDavid is a 34-year-old native of New Hampshire who sustained a spinal cord injury in 1990\nwhich resulted in permanent quadriplegia. Before his accident, he was a world class ski jumper\nand a potential candidate for the 1988 Olympic Ski Team. At the time of his injury, he returned\nto school to study business at New England College. After his accident, Mr. Robar returned to\nschool and obtained his B.A. in 1992. He has been on SS disability benefits since 1990, and now\nworks part-time in communications for the Granite State Independent Living Center. Currently,\nthe personal attendant benefits he receives through the Medicaid program are what makes it\npossible for him to work. If he were to work full time, he would make too much to be eligible for\nMedicaid and lose his personal attendant benefits. Mr. Robar estimates that if he were to have to\npay for his personal attendant services out of pocket, it would cost him over $40,000 a year,\nmore than he would make working full time. He is frustrated because he feels that he is unable to\nreally use the college education that he worked hard to get.\nPHONE:\nP6/(5)(6)\nHe would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nNew London, NH\nNOTES:\nDavid is staying at the Marriott (202 737 2200). He met the President at a\nforum in New Hampshire last winter.\nDavid Norcross\nDavid is a middle-aged man with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis that forced him to stop\nworking three years ago. He is insured through Medicare and pays his prescription drug costs out\nof pocket. Currently, he is getting skills training in preparation for going back to work, and\nwould like to be able to begin work in graphic design when his training is completed. Under\nJeffords-Kennedy, he will be able to retain his Medicare coverage for an extended period of\ntime. In addition - if his state takes the Medicaid buy-in option - he will be able to buy into the\nMedicaid program and ensure coverage for his prescription drugs.\nPHONE:\nP6/(b)(6)\nHe would prefer that his phone number not be given directly to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nMount Vernon, VA\nPaul Marshall\nPaul, 42, became partially quadraplegic after being shot in the neck during an attempted robbery.\nThrough a rehabilitation program Paul took computer training, and has been working part-time\nfor 9 years. He believes that working gives him a better sense of self-esteem, and wishes that he\ncould work more. However, just by working part-time he has lost his Medicaid benefits, and if\nhe worked full-time he would lose the Medicare and personal attendant benefits he currently\nreceives. Paul's son was also paralyzed during an accidental shooting incident. Paul is currently\nemployed at Disabled Sports USA in Rockville, MD.\nPHONE:\nP6/(b)(6)\nHOMETOWN:\nWheaton, MD (originally from Washington, DC)\nNOTES:\nPaul will be seated on stage.\nPEOPLE WHO WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THE CEREMONY\nDan Vachon\nDan is a middle aged quadriplegic, who became disabled when he was younger because of polio.\nHe graduated from UNH in 1992 and has an AA in business management and a BA in social\nwork. He is insured through Medicare and uses Medicaid for his personal attendant services. Dan\ncurrently works part-time at the Institute on Disability as a web master and list master. He gets\npaid for 9 hours, but volunteers more time than that, and would like to be able to work more and\nget paid for more hours. Under Jeffords-Kennedy - if his state took the Medicaid buy-in option -\nhe would be able to buy into the Medicaid program, retain his attendant services, and increase\nthe amount of work he does.\nPHONE:\n(P6/(b)(6)\nHe is comfortable having his phone number given to reporters.\nHOMETOWN:\nSomersworth, NH\nSandy Silver\nSandy, 52, suffers from multiple sclerosis. Her receives health benefits through Medicare, and\nreceives SSDI. She has worked part-time in various jobs, but it did not pay for her to work. If\nshe earned an income she would have to pay a higher spend-down rate for her Medicare, which\npeaked at $600, that essentially took away all of her newly earned income. She is also the single\nmother to two sons, both of whom began to work at an early age to help pay the bills. Sandy is\nnow the beneficiary of a law passed in Minnesota, similar to the WIIA, that allows her to earn an\nincome and still receive benefits. She now can buy into her medical assistance plan for only $35,\nwhile earning an income from her part-time job as an Equipment and Financial Assistance\nCoordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota.\nPHONE:\n(P6/(b)(6)\nHOMETOWN:\nCoon Rapids, MN\nNOTES:\nSandy will be participating in the MS Society of Minnesota's press event\ntomorrow in Minneapolis\nSTATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT\nToday, I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 1180, the \"Ticket to Work and Work Incentives\nImprovement Act of 1999.\" This landmark legislation will remove barriers that have placed\nmany individuals with disabilities in the untenable position of choosing between health care\ncoverage and work. It also improves and expands vocational rehabilitation and employment\nservice options for this talented, but as yet not fully tapped, work force.\nThis new law represents one of the most important legislative advances for people with\ndisabilities since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have urged its passage\nfor two years and was proud to include full funding for it in my FY 2000 Budget. The enactment\nof this law well illustrates what we can accomplish when we work together on a bipartisan basis\nto expand employment opportunities and affordable health care options.\nH.R. 1180 will ensure that individuals with disabilities have a greater opportunity to\nparticipate in the workforce and in the American Dream. It offers new ways for the Federal\nGovernment to partner with the States and the private sector to help people with disabilities to\nwork and to keep their health care coverage. Most significantly, the bill:\nExpands States' ability to provide a Medicaid \"buy-in\" to individuals with\ndisabilities who return to work.\nCreates a new Medicaid demonstration to assess the effectiveness of providing\nMedicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet deteriorated enough to\nprevent work, but who need health care to prevent or forestall that level of\ndeterioration. This provision will allow States to help those individuals with\ndiseases such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, diabetes, and HIV.\nLengthens from four years to eight and one-half years the period for which Social\nSecurity disability beneficiaries who return to work can continue to receive\nreduced-cost Medicare coverage.\nProvides grants to States to design and administer infrastructures to provide services\nthat support working individuals with disabilities.\nProvides Social Security disability beneficiaries a choice of providers for\nemployment-related services.\nAuthorizes the Social Security Administration to test new and innovative ways to\nenable individuals with disabilities to return to work and make economic\nindependence a reality.\nEnables individuals with disabilities to reestablish eligibility for Social Security\ndisability benefits on an expedited basis if their attempts to return to work prove to\nbe unsuccessful. These individuals will be able to request reinstatement of benefits\nwithout having to file a new disability benefits application -- thereby reducing the\nrisk of returning to work.\nThese provisions give people who want to work a chance to do so by ensuring access to\nhealth care insurance and modernizing the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. Together, these provisions affirm the basic principle manifested in the Americans\nwith Disabilities Act: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive\ncitizens.\n-2-\nH.R. 1180 also contains several provisions to extend expiring tax laws. These provisions\ncontinue incentives for the advancement of several national priorities and reaffirm our\ncommitment to help American families and businesses. Most importantly, the bill extends the\nresearch and experimentation tax credit for five years, encouraging companies to undertake new\nmulti-year research activities. This crucial tax credit will help innovative American companies\nbuild on this Administration's impressive economic achievements and will lead to new products\nand technologies to improve people's lives. In addition, H.R. 1180 extends for three years the\nprovision that allows America's middle-income taxpayers full use of important personal tax\ncredits -- such as the child credit, the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits, and the\nchild and dependent care credits -- without limitation by the alternative minimum tax. This also\nwill allow tens of millions more taxpayers to forgo performing complex calculations.\nH.R. 1180 extends a provision that will help improve school facilities in low-income\ncommunities by providing no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas for rehabilitation\nand repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training.\nThe bill will provide more economic opportunity to Puerto Rico by extending application\nof the research and experimentation tax credit to such activity undertaken in Puerto Rico, as I\nproposed. In response to another of my proposals, the bill also will provide a greater transfer of\nexcise tax revenue on rum not made in the States to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for two\nand one-half years to provide aid that the islands urgently need.\nFurthermore, H.R.1180 extends through 2001 critical tax provisions to:\nEncourage employers to pay for their workers' continuing education.\nHelp disadvantaged people, including welfare recipients, find jobs.\n-3-\nEncourage businesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields\".\nStimulate low- and no-emission production of power.\nAssist first-time home buyers in purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.\nIt is unfortunate, however, that the revenue losses resulting from these provisions were\nnot fully offset.\nI am pleased that H.R. 1180 will do much to improve the lives of people with disabilities\nand will extend important tax provisions. I am deeply disappointed, however, that the bill\nincludes a provision for a special allowance adjustment for student loans. This provision will\nexpose the Federal Government, rather than lenders, to substantial financial risk due to the\ndifference between Treasury and commercial paper borrowing rates, and will provide\nunnecessary and costly new benefits to the student loan industry with no benefit whatsoever to\nstudents.\nThis Administration has a deep and long-standing commitment to promote and increase\nthe independence of individuals with disabilities. I would like to thank each individual who has\nbeen involved in the challenging work of developing this landmark legislation. Special thanks\nshould be given to the congressional leaders who have contributed so much to the passage of\nH.R. 1180, particularly Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth, and Moynihan, as well as\nRepresentatives Dingell, Archer, Rangel, Stark, Waxman, Thomas, Matsui, Bliley, Shaw,\nBilirakis, Nancy Johnson, Cardin, Sherrod Brown, and Lazio. I also want to acknowledge the\nefforts of Alexis Herman, Secretary of Labor; Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social\nSecurity; and Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services; as well as Tony Coelho\nand other members of my Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. These\n-4-\nindividuals, as well as many others throughout the Administration, worked tirelessly to bring this\nlegislation forward.\nMany individuals with disabilities want to work and become independent, and many can\nwork if they receive the critical support they need. For too long, the fear of losing health and\ncash benefits and the inability to obtain rehabilitation and employment services has prevented\nsuch individuals' work efforts. As a Nation, we are best served when all our citizens have the\nopportunity to contribute their talents, energy, and ideas to the workplace. I am pleased to sign\ninto law today this important step to empower more Americans with disabilities to take their\nrightful places in our Nation's workforce.\n-5-\nREMARKS BY JAMES SULLIVAN\nINTRODUCTION\nThank you, Senator Jeffords.\nGood morning, Mr. President, Senator Kennedy, and other\ndistinguished guests.\nIt's a little cold this morning, but I don't think that folks here\ncare much. We have been waiting for so long to see this bill\nsigned - to watch as this Administration, together with the\noverwhelming support of bipartisan members of Congress,\nopens the door to employment for individuals with disabilities\nall over America.\nPersonally, I have been waiting for this legislation for a very\nlong time.\nPERSONAL STORY\nNature of injury\nMy life immediately before the accident\nHow I have adapted to life following the accident - \"same\nperson in a new body\"\nCommunity contributions\nStill have a strong desire to work, but was unable to because\nof fear of losing health benefits\nWhat I want to give and have been giving to the community;\nmy work on the school board\nWHY THIS LEGISLATION IS IMPORTANT\nIrrational current system\nThe current system presents barriers to entering the workforce\nfor people with disabilities\nThousands of people with disabilities who want to join the\nworkforce and help pay into the system that helps finance\ntheir care, but cannot\nIrony of people trusting me to spend money but not wanting\nto let me earn money\nThis legislation will end this system\nThis legislation will ensure critical health care services for\nindividuals with disabilities returning to the workforce\nI would like to praise all the members of Congress and the\ndisability community who worked on it for passing a piece of\nlegislation that will make a difference in real people's lives\nCONCLUSION\nLadies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to introduce\na man who has done more than anyone else to protect the rights\nand further the causes of individuals with disabilities - the\nPresident of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.\nLake County\nTHURSDAY\nJUNE 3. 1999\nB\nTHE PLAIN DEALER\nIt is a trap that ensnares mil-\nlions of disabled Americans, who\nhave nearly a 75 percent unem-\nployment rate. McNamee longed\nfor independence, but was forced\nto remain tethered to her parents,\nand still lives at home with them.\nThe logic of maintaining such\nan impossibly low income ceiling\nescapes her. According to one es-\ntimate, nearly half the 7.5 million\nadults receiving disability bene-\nfits could work, but do not be-\ncause to do so would cost them\ntheir health insurance.\nMcNamee volunteered herself\nas Exhibit A.\nJoe Dirck\n\"I'm going to sit here for the\nnext 30 years collecting cash ben-\nefits and health insurance,\" she\nDisabled inch closer\nsaid. \"If the government is going\nto pay anyway, why not let me\nr\nto toppling barriers\nwork so I can send a few tax dol-\nJ\nlars back? I don't like being de-\n1\nThis wasn't exactly the career\npendent on other people, includ-\nDonna McNamee envisioned\ning my government.\"\nwhen she graduated from Ursu-\nThe bill, which has generated\np\nline College in 1984 with a degree\nlittle public attention but which\n0\nin business administration.\nMcNamee considers the most sig-\nth\n\"People I knew would say, 'Oh,\nnificant legislation dealing with\nyou graduated? So what are you\nthe disabled since the landmark\nth\ndoing now?' McNamee said. \"I'd\nAmericans with Disabilities Act,\nP.\nhas wide bipartisan support in the\nL:\ntell them, 'Harassing my con-\ngressman.\nSenate, with 79 co-sponsors. Con-\nat\nDo anything long enough and\nservatives like the self-reliance\n19\nyou get pretty good at it. McNa-\naspect; liberals support the mea-\nth\nsure because it helps the disabled\nH\nmee, a 40-year-old disabled resi-\ndent of Willoughby, has been\npopulation.\nac\nwriting letters, making phone\nBut McNamee is taking nothing\ncalls and generally raising hell\nfor granted. A version last year\nCO\nfor 15 years now, and finally, fi-\nwas looking good for a while\nbe\nnally, a barrier that prevents her\nthere, too, then got lost in the im-\nfr\nand millions of disabled Ameri-\npeachment frenzy and withered\npa\non the vine.\nwl\ncans from working may soon be\ncoming down.\nHer passion for the issue did\nsta\nSenate leaders last week\nnot wane. She recently became\ndid\nreached agreement on a bill al-\noutraged when a Senate staffer\nsy:\nlowing the disabled to work while\ntold her that one reason for oppo-\nye:\nstill retaining their government-\nsition to the bill was that \"people\n\"fc\npaid health benefits, increasing\nlike Larry Flynt would be able to\nthe likelihood the measure may\nbenefit.\" As far as McNamee is\nCO\npass later this year. Under the\nconcerned, that's taking the cul-\nw)\ncurrent system, a recipient such\nture war a little too far.\nsa\nas McNamee can earn no more\n\"I was incredulous,\" she said.\nthan $499 a month (before taxes)\n\"I was so incensed after I got off\nand still be eligible. For the disa-\nthe phone, I could have\nbled, therefore, the choice often\nscreamed.\"\ncomes down to health benefits or\nIf the law gets changed, McNa-\nH\na job.\nmee is under no illusions about\nHello, cruel world. McNamee\nwhat it might mean for her per-\nlearned the cold hard reality as\nsonally. The clock has been tick-\nbu\nsoon as she entered the job mar-\ning all these years. It's not like\nket, dreaming of a future in finan-\nshe's over the hill or anything, but\npe\ncia\ncial planning.\nstill, time marches on. She can\ntot\nShe uses a wheelchair as a re-\nonly wonder what kind of career\nshe might have had if no barriers\nau\nsult of a brittle bone disease, and\nsoon discovered how reluctant\nhad been placed in her path.\nemployers are to offer health in-\nBut that just makes the struggle\na\nsurance to potential high risks.\nmore important.\nwa\nHer only offer was for a job with-\n\"There are millions of [disa-\nbled) kids out there, and ] cringe\nin\nout benefits, which she dared not\nat the thought of another\nrej\naccept, even though her overall\nhealth is good and she has not\ngeneration having to choose be-\nde\nbeen hospitalized in more than 20\ntween health care and work.\nul'\nMessages for Dirck may be left\nas\nyears.\n\"With my brittle bones, a car\nat (216) 999-4818.\naccident could be catastrophic,\"\nshe said.\n*4-B NI\nTHE PLAIN DEALER\nFRIDAY. JULY 9. 1999\nPickingjobs\nover benefits\nDisabled workers observe scene\nas Congress debates expanded program\nBy EBONY REED\ndifferent medical expenses, in-\nPLAIN DEALER REPORTER\ncluding doctor services, medical\nLike many self-employed in-\nsupplies and nursing facilities.\ndividuals, Donna McNamee so-\nMcNamee, 40, said many peo-\nlicits work with an eye on her\nple with disabilities depend on\nbottom line.\nMedicare and Medicaid because\nit is hard to get health care in-\nHers is drawn very strictly:\nsurance when they do find jobs.\nHer monthly salary cannot ex-\nInsurance companies consider\nceed $699.\nmedical history when deciding\nJust one dollar more and she\nif they should insure an individ-\nrisks losing the free medical in-\nual.\nsurance her life depends on.\n\"Too often, people with disa-\nMcNamee, like 54 million\nbilities are forced to choose be-\nAmericans, has a disability. The\ntween work and health care ben-\nWork Incentives Improvement\nefits because private insurance\nAct that the U.S. Senate passed\ncompanies will not cover them,\"\nlast month could give her some\nMcNamee said. \"As a result,\nrelief. The bill proposes to allow\npeople who are disabled are\npeople with disabilities to con-\nforced into poverty. Nearly 75\ntinue receiving government\npercent of people with severe\nhealth care benefits while work-\ndisabilities are unemployed. If\ning. However, the bill still needs\nthis was a problem with the gen-\nto make it through the House,\neral population, people wouldn't\nstand for it.\"\nand no one is sure exactly how\nlong that could take.\nPeople are considered se-\nverely disabled if they are\nFor nearly two decades,\nlimited from advancing, main-\nMcNamee, who lives in Will-\ntaining or obtaining employ-\noughby with her parents, has\nment because of a significant\nhad to decide if she should work\nphysical or mental impairment.\nfull time, supporting herself\nCH. PETE COPELAND PLAIN DEALER PHOTOGRAPHER\nwhile receiving no health care\nLike McNamee, Lionel Smith\nbenefits; stay at home; or work\nwill have to limit his work hours\nDonna McNamee of Willoughby is an advocate for people with\npart time while collecting Medi-\nto keep his health care benefits.\ndisabilities. McNamee said the Work Incentives Improvement\ncare for her disability.\nIn one week, he will begin work\nAct could allow people with disabilities to work and receive\nas a peer counselor and recep-\nhealth care benefits.\n\"It's completely ridiculous\ntionist at Health Hill Hospital\nthat we have a policy in this\nfor Children. Smith, 19, receives\nSmith's friend and mentor,\nquestion remains: How it will be\ncountry that doesn't let people\nMedicaid and lives with his\nRichard Barnes, said many peo-\npaid for? No source of funding\nwith disabilities work and con-\nmother.\nple with disabilities are tired of\nhas been earmarked for the pro-\ntinue to receive\" Medicare or\n\"I think [the bill] is nice be-\nlosing the health care war.\ngram, which would cost an esti-\nMedicaid, said McNamee, who\ncause before now, people who\nmated $791 million over six\nhas brittle bone disease and is\n\"Most people just give up be-\nwanted to work were being pe-\nyears, said Mollie Conkey.\nan advocate for people with dis-\ncause it doesn't make sense to\nnalized,\" said Smith, who gradu-\nspokeswoman for Rep. Rick A.\nabilities. \"Why isn't the govern-\nwork when they lose,\" Barnes\nment saying, 'Go work and send\nated from Lincoln West High\nLazio, a New York Republican\nsaid. \"This will be a tremendous\nus some tax dollars?'\nSchool last year and has cere-\nand co-sponsor for the bill.\nopportunity if it goes through.\"\nbral palsy.\nBarnes is a personal care assist-\nIf Lazio and others like McNa-\nPeople with disabilities who\nant at Services for Independent\nreceive government-financed\n\"Every time [my wheelchair]\nmee succeed, the legislation\nhealth insurance face income\nbreaks down, that would be\nLiving in Euclid. Independent\ncould be historic.\nlimits. The monthly income cap\nmoney out of my pocket, but\nLiving provides support, educa-\nfor a single person is $699 for\nMedicaid paid for it,\" he said.\ntion on how to interview and\n\"If it passes, it will be the\nMedicare and $433 for Medicaid\nThe chair's batteries and mo-\nprepare resumes, advocacy and\nmost landmark legislation [for\nrecipients. Before July 1, when\ntor broke five months ago, and\nhousing referrals for people\npeople with disabilities since\nwith disabilities.\nthe Americans with Disabilities\nthe income limit was increased,\nMedicaid paid the $200 bill.\nAct,\" she said. \"We are not\nMedicare recipients could not\nSmith said that his wheelchair\nAlthough people with disabili-\ngoing to give up.\"\nearn more than $499 a month.\nwould have remained broken\nties and their advocates rally\nPhone: (216) 999-4604\nMedicare and Medicaid cover\nwithout Medicaid.\naround the bill, one important\ne-mail: [email protected]\nTHE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL THURSDAY, JUNE 17. 1999\nSenate Approves Health Care for Disabled\nBy ROBERT PEAR\nauthor of the bill who induced many\nwas the chief sponsor.\nWASHINGTON, June 16 - By a\nRepublicans to support the measure,\nTwo Senate committee chairmen.\nvote of 99 to 0, the Senate today\nsaid: \"It offers a new and better life\nJames M. Jeffords of Vermont and\npassed a bill that would expand Med-\nto large numbers of our fellow citi-\nWilliam V. Roth Jr. of Delaware.\nicaid and Medicare so hundreds of\nzens. We must banish the patronizing\nboth Republicans, and Bob Dole, the\nthousands of people with disabilities\nmind-set that disabled people are\nparty's Presidential nominee in 1996.\ncould retain their health benefits\nunable. In fact, they have enormous\nchampioned the legislation.\nwhen they return to work.\ntalent, and America cannot afford to\nThe Senate Finance Committee\nThe House is well on its way to\nwaste an ounce of it.\"\napproved the bill in March, but Re-\npassing similar legislation. Presi\nAmong the people who expect to\npublican leaders delayed floor ac-\ndent Clinton hailed today's vote and\nbenefit is Donna P. McNamee, 40, of\ntion. They wanted to know how the\nprodded Congress to finish work on\nWilloughby, Ohio. \"I'm thrilled,\" she\ncost, $800 million over five years,\nthe bill as quickly as possible.\nwould be met, and they still do not\nsaid in a telephone interview after\nhave a clear answer. Some conserva-\nThe bill would be the most signifi-\ntives were concerned that the bill\ncant health care legislation approved\nby Congress this year, and the most\nwould cover people with the virus\nimportant measure for disabled peo-\nAiding workers\nthat causes AIDS. And Republican\nple in nearly a decade.\nleaders said they did not want to let\nSeventy-nine senators and 179 rep-\nwith Medicare\nMr. Kennedy dictate their agenda.\nThe bill, the Work Incentives Im-\nresentatives have signed up as co-\nsponsors of the legislation, which has\nand Medicaid.\nprovement Act, would create several\nsupport from liberals and conserva-\nnew options, including these:\ntives alike, who see it as a way to\n\"People who lose eligibility for So-\nincrease work opportunities for dis-\ncial Security disability benefits be-\nabled people who would otherwise\ncause they return to work would be\nthe vote. \"This is long overdue. I've\nallowed to continue their Medicare\nsubsist on welfare.\nbeen disabled since birth by brittle\ncoverage.\nAbout eight million disabled peo-\nbone disease. I'm a graduate of Ur-\n4People with disabilities could buy\nple of working age receive more than\nsuline College in Ohio, and I have a\nMedicaid coverage even if they took\n$70 billion a year in Federal cash\ndegree in business administration,\njobs and earned income that would\nbenefits. Fewer than half a percent\nbut I've never been able to use my\notherwise disqualify them.\nof them return to work, despite a\neducation to full potential. If I went\nIStates could allow disabled work-\n1990 law that prohibits job discrimi-\nto work and earned more than $499 a\ners to buy Medicaid coverage, even if\nnation against qualified individuals\nmonth, I would lose my health insur-\nthe workers lost eligibility for cash\nwith disabilities.\nance under Medicare.\"\nSenate Bill Expands\nbenefits because of improvements in\nUnder current law, many people\nThomas E. Lowery, an employ-\ntheir medical conditions.\nwith disabilities must choose be-\nBenefits for Disabled\nment specialist in the Illinois Depart-\nStates could provide Medicaid to\ntween working and keeping health\nment of Human Services, said, \"For\nworkers who are not actually dis-\ninsurance. If they take jobs and earn\nmillions of people with disabilities,\nabled, but have physical or mental\nany significant amounts of money,\nthe biggest obstacle to re-entering\nWith the goal of increasing work\nimpairments that are \"reasonably\nthey lose disability benefits and the\nthe job market is the risk of losing\nopportunities for disabled people, the\nexpected\" to become severe disabili-\ninsurance they receive through Med-\nhealth insurance.\"\nSenate unanimously passed a bill to\nties in the absence of health care.\nicaid and Medicare. But without the\nThe House Commerce Committee\nexpand Medicaid and Medicare so\nThis provision could help people who\nhealth care, most are unable to work.\napproved a nearly identical version\nthat hundreds of thousands of them\nhave been infected with H.I.V., the\nSenator Edward M. Kennedy,\nof the bill on May 19. Representative\ncould retain health benefits if they go\nvirus that causes AIDS, but have not\nDemocrat of Massachusetts, a co-\nRick A. Lazio, Republican of Suffolk,\n10 work.\ndeveloped symptoms of the disease.\nUnder current law, about eight\n\"This is a huge victory for people\nmillion disabled people of working\nwith H.I.V.,\" said Daniel Zingale.\nage receive more than $70 billion a\nexecutive director of AIDS Action, an\nyear in Federal cash benefits, but\nadvocacy group.\nfewer than one-half of 1 percent of\nThe same section of the bill could\nthem work, because they would lose\nalso help people with Parkinson's\ntheir benefits.\ndisease, multiple sclerosis and other\nLiberals and conservatives alike\nchronic or degenerative conditions.\nsupport the measure, which would be\nSenator Phil Gramm, Republican\nof Texas, blocked consideration of\nthe most significant health care\nlegislation approved this year and\nthe bill last month because, he said, It\nthe most important measure for dis-\nwould have been financed by tax\nabled people in nearly a decade. The\nincreases, including a change in the\nHouse is well on its way to passing\nforeign tax credit for some multina-\nlegislation similar to the Senate's,\ntional corporations. Today Mr\nand President Clinton, who hailed the\nGramm said he had \"always sup-\nSenate vote. urged Congress to finish\nported the policy change that will\nwork on the bill quickly.\nallow disabled people to continue\ndrawing benefits when they find\njobs.\"\nArticle, page A26.\nAt his insistence, Democrats\nagreed that the cost of the bill would\nbe offset by cuts in spending else-\nwhere in the Federal budget. not by\nany tax increase. The spending cuts\nwill be identified later\nTHE PLAIN DEALER\nLake County\nYet she has never had a real\njob, never got the opportunity to\nbegin the career that might have\nbeen. Employers are reluctant to\noffer health benefits to McNa-\nmee, who has brittle bone disease\nand uses a wheelchair, and be-\ncause of her condition, she dares\nnot accept a job without insur-\nance. The government benefits\nshe depends on would be yanked\nif she earned more than $699 a\nmonth.\nJoe Dirck\nAnd so, like more than 70 per-\ncent of disabled adult Americans,\nDiscrimination\nshe is unemployed. McNamee\nlives at home with her parents\nwith a smile\nand never had a chance to realize\nher dream of independent living.\nA very subtle thing, discrimi-\nBy one estimate, nearly half the\nnation against the disabled. Ev-\nadults receiving disability bene-\nerybody is always so nice about it.\nfits could work, but don't because\nUsually, there's an element of\nthey can't risk losing their insur-\nhostility that goes along with dis-\nance.\ncrimination - racial, ethnic, sex-\nWhen last we spoke, it ap-\nual, whatever. Somebody not lik-\npeared that was about to change.\ning somebody else is generally at\nFor years now, McNamee has\nthe bottom of it.\nbeen lobbying for legislation\nBut if you're disabled, they kill\nknown in its current form as the\nyou with kindness. Ask Ted Ken-\nWork Incentives Improvement\nnedy Jr., who lost a leg to bone\nAct of 1999, which would remove\ncancer in 1973 when he was 12\nthe low income ceilings, permit-\nand has gotten the full treatment\nting more disabled people to seek\never since. He has endured the\njobs and become contributing\n\"poster boy\" stereotype and been\nmembers of society.\nportrayed as an object of pity, and\nThe bill appeared to be on a fast\nhe has had people fuss over him\ntrack. It passed the Senate in May\nand call him \"courageous\" for\nby a vote of 99-0, and seemed to\ndoing quite ordinary things,\nenjoy the same kind of bipartisan\nwhich in some ways is even\nsupport in the House. Conserva-\ntives liked the self-sufficiency ar-\nworse. A particular pet peeve, he told\ngument; liberals were motivated\nan audience at Cuyahoga Com-\nby the desire to help a disadvan-\nmunity College on Tuesday at the\ntaged group. Since then, however,\nschool's third annual Disability\nthe legislation has bogged down\nAwareness Day, is when well-\nin committee and suddenly faces\nmeaning people say something\nan uncertain future.\nlike: Gee, you would hardly even\nBrian McDonald of the National\nknow you're disabled.\nCouncil for Independent Living\n\"That's like saying to a black\nsaid yesterday the House Repub-\nperson, 'You're the least black\nlican leadership is preparing to\nsubmit an alternate bill that\nperson I ever met,' said Ken-\nnedy. His audience, made up\nwould make the funding of the\nlargely of people with disabilities,\nMedicaid portion discretionary.\nlaughed knowingly. Been there.\nWithout secure funding, he said,\nBut discrimination, even the\nthe bill is little more than \"a piece\nkind that comes with a smile, is\nof rhetoric.\" In his speech, Ken-\njust as crippling. And for millions\nnedy called on disabled people to\nof disabled Americans, the big-\ncontact their legislators and de-\nmand action.\ngest barriers they face are not\n\"We don't want pity; we want\ntheir physical limitations but the\nobstacles placed in their way by\nan opportunity,\" he said.\nMcNamee needs no such en-\nsociety. In the audience for Kennedy's\ncouragement. Denied a career of\nher choice, she has made a ca-\nspeech was Donna McNamee of\nreer, she likes to joke, of \"harass-\nWilloughby, who knows all too\nwell the insidious effect of those\ning congressmen,\" and she\ndoesn't intend to stop now. This\nbarriers. I wrote about McNamee,\nis, she believes, the most impor-\n40, last June. A 1984 graduate of\ntant legislation since the Ameri-\nUrsuline College with a degree in\ncans with Disabilities Act. \"This\nbusiness administration, she is a\nis my life,\" she said. \"It's my fu-\nbright, engaging, talented\nture. And I'm not going down\nwoman.\nwithout a fight.\"\nE-mail: [email protected]\nPhone: (216) 999-4818\nHello? I am an American too\nBy Donna P. McNamee\nPeople with disabilities are following legislative news that could change their lives.\nObscured in the halls of the United States Senate, unknown to many but those whose lives most\ndepend upon it, is Senate Bill 331, \"The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.\" Simply\nstated, S. 331 will allow Americans with disabilities to live just like everybody else. No longer\nwill a person with a disability have to choose between health care and a job. This legislation will\nallow people with disabilities the opportunity to work to contribute to their own support and have\nhealth insurance coverage, just like the able-bodied population. It sounds like sensible\nlegislation to support. Indeed, 75% of the United States Senate thinks SO. In what has been a\nnonpartisan effort, the US Senate is ready and waiting to bring this bill to a floor vote for\npassage. But there's a problem.\nSenate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) is blocking a vote on this much needed bill.\nAccording to Senator Lott, this bill is \"too wide open.\" He also contends it will allow\nmillionaires to qualify. However, he has yet to back up this assertion with hard evidence.\nInstead, he is squelching the dreams of millions of Americans with disabilities who merely want\nto work. Yes, millions.\nUS Department of Labor Statistics confirm and Senator Lott is aware that nearly three-\nfourths of people with disabilities are unemployed. Annually, that translates into billions of\ndollars in disability cash payments. Yet many people with disabilities are capable of working to\ncontribute to -- if not fully sustain their own support. Polls show they want to work -- but\ncannot. Why? Lack of health insurance. For most people with disabilities employment would\nnot pay enough to cover health care costs if Medicare or Medicaid benefits were eliminated.\nPrivate health insurance for people with disabilities is impossible to obtain. The health insurance\nindustry's litany of preexisting condition exclusions has seen to that. So millions of people with\ndisabilities are forced to make the choice between health care and a job. When one's life depends\nupon receiving competent medical care, it is easy to understand why the choice of work over\nhealth care is a risk few can take.\nI understand that risk. These are choices I have been forced to make. I am a forty-year-old\nwoman who has been disabled since birth due to a brittle bone disease. However, I am more\ndisabled by regulatory restrictions and the attitudes of people like Senator Lott than I am by my\nmedical diagnosis.\nI hold a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ursuline College. But when I\ngraduated I confronted the greatest shock of my life: I am not allowed to use my education to my\nfullest potential because there is NO way for me to obtain necessary health care if I give up my\nMedicare coverage. To keep it, I must not earn more than $499.00 a month. With these\ncircumstances in mind, I am incensed by Senator Lott's assertions. So much so, I recently placed\na long-distance phone call to his office to inquire what the problem is in bringing this bill to a\nfloor vote.\nWithdrawal/Redaction Marker\nClinton Library\nDOCUMENT NO.\nSUBJECT/TITLE\nDATE\nRESTRICTION\nAND TYPE\n002. statement\nAddress (Partial); Phone No. (Partial) (1 page)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\nCOLLECTION:\nClinton Presidential Records\nDomestic Policy Council\nDevorah Adler\nOA/Box Number: 20147\nFOLDER TITLE:\nDevorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]\n2008-1238-F\njm535\nRESTRICTION CODES\nPresidential Records Act |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]\nFreedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]\nPI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]\nb(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]\nP2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]\nb(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of\nP3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA)\nan agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]\nP4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or\nh(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA]\nfinancial information |(a)(4) of the PRA|\nb(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial\nP5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President\ninformation [(b)(4) of the FOIA]\nand his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRAJ\nb(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\nP6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\npersonal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]\npersonal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRAJ\nb(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement\npurposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]\nC. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed\nb(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of\nof gift.\nfinancial institutions ((b)(8) of the FOIA]\nPRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.\nb(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information\n2201(3).\nconcerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]\nRR. Document will be reviewed upon request.\nHis young sounding staff person repeated the Senator's concerns. Attempting to explain my own\nsituation as a person with a disability did little to make her listen. Rather, she informed me that\nif this legislation was passed, then \"people like Larry Flint who is totally disabled and uses a\nwheelchair would be able to benefit.\"\n\"Millionaires would qualify.\" Very few people with disabilities are millionaires. In this country,\nthe fact is disability equals poverty. It's darn hard to become a millionaire when you don't even\nhave a job to pay for a roof over your head. However, based on Senator Lott's implied\nassumption that millionaires should not be entitled to government health care benefits, is he\nprepared to dump millionaire retirees off Social Security and Medicare just because they have\ntoo much money? Or what about US Senators and Representatives who are millionaires--is the\nSenator willing to force them to give up their government-paid health insurance? Not likely.\n\"Larry Flint would benefit.\" Whether or not one is a fan of Larry Flint's views and lifestyle\nshould not be the point in a discussion about people with disabilities and what we need to live.\nBut Senator Lott's office has chosen to make it one. I for one resent the implication. Just because\nsome people in this country do not like Larry Flint (or Christopher Reeves, who I am told Lott's\noffice picked on in this context last week -- until Reeve himself got wind of it) does that mean I\nam not allowed to live to my fullest potential as an American citizen, in the land of opportunity?\nMust I continue to choose between health care and life itself or productive work, self-sufficiency\nand independence as a taxpayer? Will I be penalized for the rest of my life?\nInclusive of Senator Lott's staff comments, who are these people and what language do they\nspeak? With forked tongue, it seems to me. Millionaires with disabilities who use wheelchairs\nhave nothing to do with Senator Lott's real concerns - whatever they are. This is decent\nlegislation designed for the impoverished 71% of Americans with disabilities who don't have\njobs and must choose between employment and health care. To suggest otherwise is an insult to\nordinary Americans with disabilities.\nFor nearly five years we have been told by the Republican Congressional majority they want to\nremove government's regulatory influence in our lives thereby making it easier for Americans to\nlive their own lives. Hello? I am an American too. An American with a disability, one of\nmillions who has struggled my entire life to survive within the boundaries society and\ngovernment policy has placed on me. Now that 75% of the United States Senate finally\nunderstands and is willing to take this giant step toward bringing Americans with disabilities into\nthe mainstream, one man is standing in the way. If Senator Lott kills or guts this bill because of\nhis simple-minded arrogance, he is going to have a lot of explaining to do to the disability\ncommunity. Yes, that's right. Americans with disabilities also vote. And we are listening to this\nnonsense.\nDonna P. McNamee\nP6/(b)(6)\n[ 002]\nWithdrawal/Redaction Marker\nClinton Library\nDOCUMENT NO.\nSUBJECT/TITLE\nDATE\nRESTRICTION\nAND TYPE\n003. letter\nAddresses (Partial); Phone No.'s (Partial) (3 pages)\nn.d.\nP6/b(6)\nCOLLECTION:\nClinton Presidential Records\nDomestic Policy Council\nDevorah Adler\nOA/Box Number: 20147\nFOLDER TITLE:\nDevorah Jeff - Kenn [Jeffords - Kennedy]\n2008-1238-F\njm535\nRESTRICTION CODES\nPresidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]\nFreedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)|\nP1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]\nb(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]\nP2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office l(a)(2) of the PRA|\nb(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of\nP3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRAJ\nan agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]\nP4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or\nb(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]\nfinancial information |(a)(4) of the PRAJ\nb(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial\nP5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President\ninformation |(b)(4) of the FOIA]\nand his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|\nb(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\nP6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of\npersonal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]\npersonal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA\nb(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement\npurposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA)\nC. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed\nb(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of\nof gift.\nfinancial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]\nPRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.\nb(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information\n2201(3).\nconcerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]\nRR. Document will be reviewed upon request.\nOP-ED IN SEARCH OF A PUBLISHER\nWould you tell me please, which way I ought to go from\nhere?\nby Donna P. McNamee\nMy parents were born during the Great Depression and have worked hard at everything\nthey have accomplished. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and the ideals that through\nhard work and education the American Dream was accessible to everyone. They meant everyone\n- including myself, born with a significant disability.\nMy siblings and I graduated from college with bachelor's degrees. We all began college\nwith dreams of self-sufficiency and independence. When I graduated the parallels abruptly\nended. Unlike their experiences, at age 40, my goals are not realized. However, it was not my\ndisability that stopped me.\nDespite the uncertainty of repeated fractures due to a brittle bone disease, my parents'\nstrength and tenacity made my childhood as normal as possible. In 1984, I earned a degree in\nbusiness administration from Ursuline College. After graduation, I discovered I was not allowed\nto use my education to my potential because there was no way for me to replace the necessary\nhealth care coverage I had if I joined the workforce. My dreams of independence have not been\nrealized due to health care policy in this wealthy country.\nFrom that time forward, a spiraling maze of government regulation and preexisting\ncondition clauses in private health care policies has ruled my life. My world became not unlike\nAlice's precarious reality when she slipped Down-the-Rabbit-Hole into Wonderland. Her\nquestion to the Cheshire Cat, \"Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?\"\nHis reply, \"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to...\" summed up my quandary.\nP6/(b)(6)\n[E00]\nMy first priority has had to be health care. For me, unlike most able-bodied Americans,\nemployment has not helped. Getting a job forces me off the health care coverage I must have to\nlive and work independently.\nAs long as my father was employed, I was covered under the family health insurance plan\n- but only so long as I did not earn more than $1000 a year (IRS dependency rule). When he\nretired my only access to essential health insurance coverage was through the Social Security\nDisability Insurance (SSDI) program via his Social Security earnings record. With SSDI comes\nmy access to Medicare - and with it my life's catch-22. My earned income is limited by statute\nto $699 a month. If I cross that line, I risk having no health insurance at all. Like Alice, for\nyears I searched for a way out of this topsy-turvy, backward world.\nTwo years ago I learned about the Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIIA) still\npending in Congress. Simply stated, WIIA is designed to allow Americans with disabilities the\nability to live just like everybody else. Fully implemented as written today, an individual with a\ndisability will no longer have to choose between health care and a job. This legislation will\nallow people with disabilities the opportunity to work to contribute to their own support -- and\nretain the health insurance coverage they need to live and work.\nOn June 16, 1999, I was one of many Americans with disabilities thrilled to watch\nC-SPAN as four US Senators -- Kennedy, Jeffords, Roth, and Moynihan -- rose to the podium to\ngive eloquent speeches in support of the Senate's version. The Senators spoke with competence\nand understanding. I was amazed at their awareness of the problems people with disabilities face\neveryday while trying to live within the confusing poverty level confines of current law. When\nthe roll call vote was tallied, it numbered 99-0 in favor of the bill! On that day, with over 150\nP6/(b)(6)\ncosponsors for the House version, I thought we were well on our way to WIIA's enactment into\nlaw. Finally my life would change.\nThree months later, millions of people with disabilities are still waiting for Congress to\npass WIIA. Despite hundreds of phone calls, letters, visits and general begging of\nRepresentatives to act, no work incentive legislation has passed the House. Cosponsors of the\nHouse version, H.R. 1180, have grown to 240 Republicans and Democrats. This bill is\nrecognized as the only important bipartisan activity taking place in Washington this year. Then\nwhy is the House Leadership not scheduling this bill for a vote?\nAs written, WIIA is sound legislation that will make it possible for increased numbers of\npeople with disabilities to work, take responsibility for their lives, and escape the stagnation of a\n71% unemployment rate that plagues this talented group of Americans. Without work AND\nhealth care coverage, millions of people with disabilities literally have their lives \"on hold.\"\nWhat is going on in the House? Why is the leadership not bringing this bill to the floor\nfor a vote? People with disabilities do not understand their inaction. With each passing day our\nfear grows stronger that this bill will die, buried among other failed initiatives.\nAs Americans, why should people with disabilities be compelled to choose between\nhealth care and life itself, and productive work and self-sufficiency? Will we continue to be\npenalized for having disabilities for the rest of our lives? Or - will this Congress act to give us\nthe freedom to achieve independence and the opportunity to work enjoyed by other Americans?\n- END -\nDonna P. McNamee is a writer and disability rights activist based in Cleveland, Ohio\nP6/(b)(6)\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nPRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BOOST THE\nEMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES\nDecember 17, 1999\nToday, in a ceremony at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, President Clinton will sign\ninto law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This landmark\nlegislation will make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce\nwithout fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It will also modernize the\nemployment services system for people with disabilities. The enactment of this legislation is a\nmajor achievement for president Clinton, who championed the proposal in last year's budget.\nThe President today will praise the strong bipartisan efforts of Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth\nand Moynihan, as well as Congressmen Lazio, Waxman, Bliley and Dingell, in passing this\nhistoric legislation. Finally, he will direct his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement the Act.\nMILLIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES FACE BARRIERS TO\nEMPLOYMENT. Since President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office, the American\neconomy has added over 20 million new jobs. Unemployment is at a 29-year low of 4.1 percent.\nBut the unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75\npercent. While people with disabilities bring tremendous energy and talent to the American\nworkforce, outdated institutional barriers often limit their opportunities to work. Under current\nlaw, people with disabilities often become ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare if they work,\nputting them in the untenable position of choosing between health care coverage and work.\nTHIS NEW LAW HELPS BRING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS, AND PRESIDENT\nCLINTON PLEDGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION. As the President will describe today,\nthe Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 will break down these\nbarriers and help the nation tap the full talents of the millions of Americans who are disabled.\nThe President today will:\nHighlight the important provisions of the Work Incentives Improvement Act. This\nlandmark new legislation creates two new options for states to offer the Medicaid buy-in for\nworkers with disabilities and provides $150 million in grants to encourage states to take this\noption; creates a new $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose\ndisability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; extends Medicare coverage for an\nadditional 4-and-a-half years for people in the disability insurance system who return to\nwork; and enhances employment-related services for individuals with disabilities through the\nnew \"Ticket to Work\" Program.\nDirect his Cabinet to move swiftly to implement this legislation. Today, President\nClinton will instruct Secretary Herman, Secretary Shalala, Secretary Riley, and SSA\nAdministrator Kenneth Apfel to work with states, providers, advocates and employers\nnationwide to implement this important legislation rapidly. He will call for effective\ncollaboration to ensure that the Medicaid and Medicare programs work closely with agencies\noverseeing worker retraining and rehabilitation services.\nEncourage states to take advantage of the new health care coverage options under this\nlegislation. The President will challenge states to take advantage of these new options to\noffer Medicaid to individuals who are not eligible under existing options, including people\nwith disabilities who take advantage of the options provided under the new law. He also will\nencourage states to apply for the new $250 million demonstration program that tests whether\nearly medical intervention, made possible through an affordable Medicaid benefit, will\nenable people with early symptoms of HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes to stay healthier and keep working.\nCommend the work of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with\nDisabilities. The first report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults laid\nthe foundation for the Work Incentives Improvement Act legislation. At the ceremony, the\nPresident will thank the Task Force for all its work on this issue over the past two years and\naccept the Task Force's second report, which will be transmitted to him today.\nTHE CLINTON-GORE ADMINISTRATION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO\nINCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. President Clinton and\nVice President Gore have a longstanding commitment to opening the doors of the workplace to\nmore people with disabilities. The Administration has taken a number of actions, including:\ncreating the Task Force two years ago to coordinate national policy efforts to increase\nemployment of people with disabilities; including in last year's budget a historic $2 billion\ninitiative to provide a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities, to\ninvest in technology to help more people with disabilities work, and to fully fund the Work\nIncentives Improvement Act; putting in place new regulations in February to make work pay for\npeople with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental\nSecurity Income (SSI), by allowing them to earn more and still receive critical cash and medical\nbenefits; directing the federal government - the nation's largest employer - to take new steps to\nhire more people with disabilities; issuing an executive order in June expanding hiring\nopportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities; and directing all federal agencies to\nincrease employment of individuals with disabilities.\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax-Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17,1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther] mportant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17, 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther I'm portant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17. 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17,1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax-Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Im provement\nDecember 1 . 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTaxIncentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17.1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther portant Provisions Attached to Work Incentives improvement Act\nDecember 17, 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nTax Incentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17. 1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\naxIncentives for Working Families, Education, Environment, Research:\nOther Important Provisions Attached to Work Incentives Improvement Act\nDecember 17,1999\nExtending Tax Provisions for Working Families, Education, the Environment, and Scientific Research.\nIn addition to helping people with disabilities return to work, the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy-Roth-Moynihan\nWork Incentives Improvement Act, which the President will sign today, extends several important tax\nprovisions that promote research and development, improve school facilities in poor communities, encourage\nemployers to pay for their workers' continuing education, help people move from welfare to work, encourage\nbusinesses to clean up polluted \"brownfields,\" stimulate clean energy, and ensure that American families\ncontinue to benefit from important tax credits. Some of these provisions include:\nExtending the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit: President Clinton proposed to extend the\nresearch tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation\nthat can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. In the past, the\nR&E tax credit was usually extended for only one year at a time. This bill extends the R&E tax credit\nthrough 2004 - the longest extension ever. It will encourage companies to undertake new multi-year\nresearch activities, secure in the knowledge that the 20 percent tax credit will continue to be available. The\ncredit applies to the amount by which a firm's research expenses in a taxable year exceed a base amount, the\nlatter determined by a number of factors, including the average of the firm's gross receipts for the four\npreceding years.\nProviding for School Construction: The bill extends Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) through\n2001. QZABs provide no-interest loans to school districts in needy areas to fund certain expenditures on\nrehabilitation and repairs, educational equipment, curriculum development, and teacher training. QZABs\nhave been used to purchase computers and develop technology-based curricula, renovate and repair a\ncharter school, purchase computer software and hardware to develop literacy programs, and even to\nestablish the first public secondary military academy in the nation.\nEnsuring That American Families Continue to Benefit From Tax Credits: This provision guarantees\nthat no taxpayer will have personal tax credits-such as the child credit, the child and dependent care tax\ncredit, and the Hope scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits-limited by the alternative minimum tax\n(AMT). Besides lowering people's tax bills, it will save the millions of taxpayers who claim personal tax\ncredits from the complex calculations necessary to determine if their credits are limited by the AMT and, if\nso, by how much. The bill extends these rules for the alternative minimum tax through 2001.\nExtending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals\nbelonging to groups that have traditionally had a hard time securing jobs. Targeted groups include\ndisadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare\nrecipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer can reach 40 percent of an\nindividual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and\nthe bill includes an extension through 2001.\nExtending the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit: This tax credit encourages employers to hire and retain\ncertain long-term assistance recipients. The maximum credit to an employer is as much as 50 percent of\nwages, with a maximum credit of $8,500 per qualified employee over two years. The President proposed to\nextend this credit in his FY 2000 budget and the bill includes an extension through 2001.\nEncouraging Energy Efficiency: This bill extends through 2001 the tax credits for wind and biomass\nenergy production. These tax credits encourage no- (wind) and low- (biomass) emission energy production.\nThe biomass tax credit encourages farmers to grow certain materials that can be burned to produce energy.\nProducing energy from wind and biomass preserves scarce energy resources, reduces pollution and\ndecreases our reliance on imported oil.\nCleaning Up Brownfields: The budget extends the tax provision that allows businesses to fully deduct the\ncost of cleaning up polluted \"brownfields\" in targeted areas through 2001. This provision encourages the\nredevelopment of blighted properties, which improves the environment and makes communities more\nlivable.\nTax Relief to Encourage Worker Training: The bill extends through 2001 the tax relief provided by\nSection 127 of the Tax Code, which allows educational courses taken at degree-granting institutions and\npaid for by an employer to be treated as a tax-free fringe benefit by the employee. By encouraging worker\neducation, it helps employers expand the skills of their work force and expands the opportunities of workers\nto adapt to new technologies.\nEncouraging First-Time Homeowners in the District of Columbia: The legislation extends through\n2001 the $5,000 tax credit for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who purchase homes in the\nDistrict of Columbia. This tax credit encourages homeownership and strengthens neighborhoods in the\nCapital City.\n-2-\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved.\nWORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999\nNovember 18, 1999\nToday, the House of Representatives will vote on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of\n1999. The President challenged Congress to pass this bill in his State of the Union address, and\nfully funded it in his 2000 budget. It gives people who want to work a chance to do so by\nremoving the out-dated rules that end Medicaid and Medicare coverage when people with\ndisabilities return to work. It modernizes the employment services system for people with\ndisabilities. And, it affirms the basic principle manifested in the Americans with Disabilities\nAct: that all Americans should have the same opportunity to be productive citizens.\nIMPROVES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY:\nRemoving limits on the Medicaid buy-in option for workers with disabilities. This act\ncreates two new options for states that build on a Medicaid buy-in, created by President\nClinton in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. First, it lets states remove the income limit of\n250 percent of poverty (about $21,000), allowing them to set higher income, unearned\nincome, and resource limits. This important change allows people to buy into Medicaid\nwhen their jobs pay more than low wages but may not have access to private health\ninsurance. Second, it creates the option to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicaid\ncoverage even though their medical condition has improved as a result of medical coverage.\nThis act also provides $150 million over 5 years in health care infrastructure grants to states\nto support people with disabilities who return to work.\nCreating a new Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people who are not yet too\ndisabled to work. This act provides $250 million to states for a demonstration to assess the\neffectiveness of providing Medicaid coverage to people whose condition has not yet\ndeteriorated enough to prevent work but who need health care to prevent that level of\ndeterioration. For example, a person with muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, or\ndiabetes may be able to function and continue to work with appropriate health care, but such\nhealth care may only be available once their conditions have become severe enough to\nqualify them for SSI or SSDI and thus Medicaid or Medicare. This demonstration would\nprovide new information on the cost effectiveness of early health care intervention in keeping\npeople with disabilities from becoming too disabled to work.\nExtending Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. This act\nextends Medicare Part A premium coverage for people on Social Security disability\ninsurance who return to work for another four and a half years. This means the difference\nbetween a monthly premium of nearly $350 (which is about the cost of purchasing Part A\nand B coverage) and $45.50. Although Medicare does not currently provide prescription\ndrugs which are essential to people with disabilities, this assistance will be available\nnationwide, even in states that do not take the Medicaid options.\nENHANCES THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SYSTEM BY:\nCreating a \"Ticket to Work Program.\" This new system will enable SSI or SSDI\nbeneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation and employment services from their choice\nof participating public or private providers. If the beneficiary goes to work and achieves\nsubstantial earnings, providers would be paid a portion of the benefits saved."
}