ADAPT accomplishments for the week
I’ll let Chris sum up the week…
So – What DID we GET?
Throughout the day Wednesday, as all of ADAPT did Congressional visits, a few members went back to visit the staff of Chairman John Dingell. Through the course of this meeting, which was not the most pleasant meeting ever, we did secure EXACTLY what we were asking for on Monday – a COMMITMENT to have a congressional hearing on the Community Choice Act during the fall of 2007!
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania ADAPTers met with CCA sponsor Arlen Specter and got him to send a letter to the Senate Finance Committee requesting a hearing on the CCA in the Senate. That evening, ADAPT received word that the Senate Finance Committee chair had agreed as well! A Senate hearing on the CCA to take place in the fall of 2007!
HUD Secretary Alfonso Jackson agreed to find a way within HUD to reclaim vouchers that are supposed to be used specifically to transition people OUT of nursing facilities, but are currently being used as part of the general Section 8 pool. Also, Secretary Jackson’s commitment to arrange a meeting between himself, ADAPT, and the House and Senate chairs of the committees overseeing accessible, affordable, integrated housing! That meeting could be huge!
A commitment from the American Hospital Association to meet with ADAPT to discuss discharge procedures that will lead to people going HOME, instead of being forced into nursing facilities!
And, at least one of our local Congressional Representatives committing to becoming a cosponsor of the Community Choice Act!
A week of A LOT of WORK – and A LOT of ACCOMPLISHMENT!
Here is a link to Arlen Specter’s letter:
