All too often, people with disabilities are told we aren’t worth investing in—but we know that our community deserves the supports and services we need to live safely in our communities. Last month, President Biden confirmed his support for the largest federal investment yet to expand home- and community-based services (HCBS). HCBS funding has a direct impact on the disability community throughout the entire country—the Senate must not negotiate away this critical investment! If you’ve ever thought about reaching out to your Senators about HCBS, this is the moment to do so. Make a call today to speak up, make some noise, and get this funding past the finish line!
Here’s how you can take action:
- Contact your Senators! Urge them to invest in this critical funding for people with disabilities across the country
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- Provide personal stories about how HCBS helps you, your family, and your state
- Dial 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your Senators
- Try a virtual Hill visit! Our new guide walks you through meeting with your Senators’ staff one-on-one even if you can’t visit their office.
You can use our script:
Hello! My name is [your full name], and I am from [city]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to make sure the Senate includes at least $150 billion for Medicaid home- and community-based services in the reconciliation package. Home and community-based services funded by Medicaid allow people with disabilities like [me/ my family member/ my friends/ my neighbor/ etc.] to continue living safely at home. These services keep people with disabilities out of institutions. The House has already included this funding. We just need the Senate to include it too. This funding is a life and death issue for disabled [residents of your state]. Can I count on Senator [Name] to stand up for people with disabilities by getting the Senate bill over the finish line quickly?
Once you’ve called your members of Congress, keep up the pressure! You can also email or tweet and let them know you’re watching. You can use our email tool below:
Wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. Unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Check out our Proxy Calling System here. Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller.
Every day, we fight as a community to have our voices heard by our elected officials. The time to act for HCBS is now — call your Senators today!