Legislative Advocacy Center Easter Seals actively supports people with disabilities and their families by appealing to Congress and federal agencies in Washington, D.C. to create and support programs that help people with disabilities gain greater independence.

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Easter Seals Responds to President’s Budget Proposal
On April 9, 2013, President Obama released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2014, which begins in October 2013. The budget does not have the force of law and is a mixed bag for people with disabilities.  It offsets detrimental cuts caused by sequestration. It also places a priority on early intervention, early childhood education, mental health services and brain science. It also keeps the safety net provided by Medicaid in place for people with disabilities.

However, the budget does raise some areas of concerns: A change in the way cost of living increases are calculated for Social Security and other programs could still result in decreased support for people with disabilities.  There are also significant cuts to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and housing programs for people with disabilities.  Two other areas of concern as cuts to Medicare and a change in the tax treatment of charitable contributions should not be altered in any way that might discourage giving. 

Easter Seals Office of Public Affairs staff sent a letter to the President reacting to all of these proposals.

Easter Seals continues to monitor the on-going FY2014 budget process, debt reduction debate and continuing effects of the sequester and is working to guarantee funding for programs and services that support people with disabilities, service members and veterans, their families and all Americans.

• TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to reduce the deficit without hurting people with disabilities!