Fwd: Comparison of positions of the Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities

September 23, 2008

Hello all,

I don't favor either presidential candidate, but all of the pro-Palin

rhetoric about having a child with DS might obscure who has actually

voted for what...Might be helpful, who knows. If not, just delete it :-)

/Switzerland

--

with Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS

(Lemon flavored Codliver Oil, highly dosed CoenzymeQ10, Vit. A, buffered Vit. C + natural Vit. E, Raspberry flavored Folic Acid + B12, Selenium, Zinc, Probiotic, Ginkgo Biloba, Prilosec, Thyroxine)

From:

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 9:18 PM

To: Dlorman

Subject: [ADA Expertise] Comparison of Positions

of the Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Sunday, September 21, 2008

This information is set forth in an effort to provide the reader with

information about the Presidential candidates’ positions concerning

people with disabilities. It is not intended as an endorsement of

either candidate, and is posted in my private capacity.

Watch what they do (and did), not just what they say.

Vote for the candidate of your choice, but vote.

Please feel free to share this email and add it to your blogs.

Marc

As

we near November 4th, it is increasingly important that voters

concerned about people with disabilities are well-informed about the

candidates’ positions. Each Presidential candidate has put forth

positions on issues on their respective websites:

McCain/Palen: www.johnmccain.

com/informing/ issues < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/informing /issues >

Obama/Biden:

www.barackobama. com/issues

<

http://www.barackob ama.com/issues >

Please take a look at each of the websites to learn where the

candidates really stand.

A review of their respective records in the Senate is also revealing:

OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Barack

Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs,

and expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities.

Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA. [sCR

1, Senate Vote #94, 3/22/07]

Obama

will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention, educational and

developmental programs for children between zero and five. His

plan will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more

children with disabilities. His plan also will encourage states

to

expand programs for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [

Obama Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities <

http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf

> ]

Obama

supports increasing opportunities for college students with

disabilities. He also will provide more support for these college

students. Obama was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill

to

reauthorize the Higher Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly

expands opportunities and supports for individuals with disabilities to

attend college and graduate programs. [s.1642, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims

he supports full funding of it.

McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education.

Ø McCain repeatedly voted against funding

increases for the IDEA. [H.R.4577, Senate Vote

#170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote #103, 3/26/03]

Ø McCain has chosen tax cuts for the

wealthy over education funding for students with disabilities. Specifically, McCain

voted against increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10

years for the IDEA. McCain also voted against an amendment that

would

create a reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding. The

spending

would have been made possible by reducing tax cuts. [sCR 23,

Senate

Vote #103, 3/26/03; SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]

McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act

(S. 1642). He

also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of the Higher

Education Act in the 110th Congress. [s.1642, 110th Congress; S. 1642,

Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07]

OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007. Obama

believes that individuals should be able to make their own choices for

their living arrangements and live independently in their communities.

[s.799, 110th Congress]

Obama is a co-sponsor of the

Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act Of 2007.

This bill would help individuals with functional impairments pay

for

services that they need to maximize their independence.

[s.1758, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act. Asked

about the Community Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said

“The Community Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I

support.” [ McCain Town Hall <

http://www.washingt onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/

07/07/AR20080707 01672_5.html > , 7/7/08]

OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

Obama opposes a freeze on social services spending for people with

disabilities.

Obama

voted against capping non-defense spending which means that social

service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet

their needs. In 2005, Obama voted against

the Inhofe

amendment that would cap non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [s.1932,

Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]

MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

McCain

promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one year,

meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will

be capped as well.

McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In

2005, McCain voted for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense

and non-trust fund spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]

McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as

illustrated when he said, “As

president, I will also order a prompt and thorough review of the

budgets of every federal program, department, and agency. While that

top-to-bottom review is underway, we will institute a one-year pause in

discretionary spending increases with the necessary exemption of

military spending and veterans’ benefits.” [McCain Remarks on the

Economy at Carnegie Mellon University, 4/15/08 <

http://www.johnmcca in.com/Informing /News/Speeches/ 9bb4e69a-

36cc-4ca3- b40d-0cdd41a1b81 2.htm > ]

OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama

will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first term

in office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health

Insurance Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs for people with

disabilities, children, and veterans.

Under

Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance companies

will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage even if they

have pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Obama’s

plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private

health coverage through a national health insurance exchange.

Obama’s

plan would make health care more affordable and accessible to all

Americans, particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in

the private market due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [

Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities <

http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf >

]

Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007

(S.2102). Before

they can get Medicare coverage, people with disabilities must first

receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.

Due

to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated 400,000 Americans

with disabilities are uninsured and many more are underinsured at a

time in their lives when they need health coverage the most.

During

this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary conditions,

their health status worsens and many die. Obama supports

legislation

that would phase out this harmful waiting period and provide

individuals with health insurance. [s.2102, 110th Congress]

Obama supported expanded health insurance for children. In

2007, Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five

years. Two children who live with a single parent who makes

$51,510

would have access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP. The

bill

would provide $100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and

enrollment efforts and allocate $49 million for a demonstration project

to streamline the enrollment process for low-income children already

eligible for coverage. [hr 976, Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07]

Obama

supported assuring accessible health care to people with disabilities

by co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with

Disabilities Act (S.1050)The bill would require the U.S. Access

Board to establish access standards for all diagnostic equipment

(examination tables, x-ray, mammography and other radiological

equipment, etc.). It also educates physicians and dentists by

requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their residency

programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in

providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with

intellectual disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds.

Finally, it establishes a national wellness grant program which

will

authorize funding for programs or activities for smoking cessation,

weight control, nutrition or fitness that are tailored to the needs of

individuals with disabilities and authorize funding for preventive

health screening programs for individuals with disabilities to reduce

the incidence of secondary conditions. [s.1050, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against

individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities. McCain’s

healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for

employer-sponsored health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all

Americans as an incentive to purchase health insurance. However,

many

individuals with disabilities are denied coverage or unable to afford

coverage in the private market due to pre-existing conditions and

disabilities. While McCain’s plan would work with states to

develop

best practice models in expanding coverage to individuals who have been

denied coverage, it would not prohibit discrimination. [

Washington Post, 4/30/08 <

http://www.washingt onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/

04/29/AR20080429 02706.html > ]

McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions

of uninsured children. According to

Knight Ridder , “The [2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to

3.2 million” uninsured children and renew coverage for the 6 million

children already covered by the program. The legislation passed

68-31.

[H.R. 976 , Vote #307 <

http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_

vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 110 & session=1 & vote=00307 > ,

8/2/07; Knight Ridder , 8/2/07]

VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES:

Obama:

The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006. [Project

Vote Smart]

Obama supported expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In

2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million per year for

the next five years for mental health services for veterans. [s.2020,

Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding

$430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for

veterans. Nearly

half of the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and

Afghanistan will require health care services for the physical and

psychological traumas of war, yet the Bush administration and

Republican-led Congress have underfunded the Veterans Administration’ s

medical services by at least $1.2 billion for 2007 alone. And,

this

was the second consecutive year they had done so. [H.R.4939,

Senate

Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget for Veterans by

Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]

Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve

imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current

technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631,

S.

Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

McCain:

McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In

2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500 million per

year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans.

[s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In

2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against adding $430

million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for

veterans. Amendment passed 84-16.

[H.R.4939, Vote #98 <

http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_

vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 109 & session=2 & vote=00098 > ,

4/26/06]

Ø McCain voted against $2 million of

funding for research of traumatic brain injuries. McCain

rejected legislation that would help improve imaging for traumatic

brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain

injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote

#222,

8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

Ø McCain voted with the Disabled American

Veterans 20% of the time. Factcheck.org

“However, he is correct in that McCain doesn’t have a perfect score

with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a group of 1.3 million disabled

veterans that supports more funding for veterans health care. McCain

has a 20 percent record of voting the way DAV would like him to in

2006…Senators were evaluated on five votes for amendments that would

have increased funding for veterans’ health care.” [Factcheck.org <

http://www.factchec k.org/askfactche ck/does_mccain_ have_a_perfect_

voting_record. html > ]

OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama

strongly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration

Act. Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Senate

version of the ADA Restoration Act. [s.1050, 110th Congress]

Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with

disabilities. “Barack

Obama will appoint judges and justices who respect Congress’ role

as a

co-equal, democratically elected branch of government and who exhibit

empathy with what it means to be an American with a

disability” [ Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With Disabilities <

http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf

> ]

MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

While

McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has promised

to appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA narrowly and

deprived millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights. McCain

said that as president, he would “appoint strict constructionist

judges.” [AP, 8/7/07] “In an address at Wake Forest

University,

McCain pledged to nominate jurists who believe ‘there are clear limits

to the scope of judicial power’…By way of example, McCain said he would

look for people in the cast of Chief Justice G. Jr. and

Justice A. Alito Jr., and his friend the late Chief Justice

H. Rehnquist. He called them ‘jurists of the highest caliber

who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference.’”

[ Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08 <

http://www.latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ politics/ la-na-mccain7-

2008may07, 0,3233304. story > ]

OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for

beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually.

Obama voted against the Ensign Amendment that would require

Medicare

prescription drugs beneficiaries with annual incomes over $80,000 and

couples with annual incomes over $160,000 to pay a larger share of

their Medicare Part D premium.[sCR 21, Senate Vote #93, 3/22/07]

Obama opposed means testing for Medicare.

In response to a NCPSSM questionnaire, Obama said, “The bill

added

‘means testing’ to Part B of Medicare, requiring individuals with

incomes over $80,000 to pay gradually higher premiums. This undermines

the basic premise of Medicare as an insurance program for all Americans

and could cause wealthier and healthier people to leave the Medicare

program.” [NCPSSM Questionnaire; Citizen Action Illinois

Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire]

MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In

1997, McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for

receiving Medicare from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in

between 2003 and 2027. The motion passed 62-38. [s 947,

Vote #112 <

http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_

vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 105 & session=1 & vote=00112 > ,

6/24/97]

OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY

Obama

is a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation, having

passed the Illinois Mental Health Parity Law. He also

co-sponsored the

Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. Obama co-sponsored a bill

to

amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the

Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides

both medical and surgical benefits and mental health benefits to ensure

that: (1) the financial requirements applicable to such mental health

benefits are no more restrictive than those of substantially all

medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including

deductibles and copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations

applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than

those applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits

covered by the plan, including limits on the frequency of treatments or

similar limits on the scope or duration of treatment. The bill

prohibited the plan from establishing separate cost sharing

requirements that are applicable only with respect to mental health

benefits. [110th, S.558, Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report, 4/11/07]

Obama

co-sponsored and voted for a mental health parity bill that requires

coverage for serious mental illnesses to be provided on the same

terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases. [92nd

GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185 ]

MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY McCain’s

health care plan would eliminate the mental health parity requirements

in 45 states. [Wall Street Journal,

10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State Legislatures

(

http://www.ncsl. org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm <

http://www.ncsl. org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm > ),

accessed 7/30/07; Council for Affordable Health Insurance, accessed

7/30/07 (

http://www.cahi. org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf

<

http://www.cahi. org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf

> )]

OBAMA ON AUTISM Obama will increase

federal funding for outreach and support

services for people on the autism spectrum. Specifically,

“Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research,

treatment, screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1

billion annually by the end of his first term in office. Obama

will

also continue to work with parents, physicians, providers, researchers,

and schools to create opportunities and effective solutions for people

with ASD.” [Obama Plan Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum

Disorders <

http://origin. barackobama. com/pdf/AutismSp ectrumDisorders. pdf

> ] Obama is a co-sponsor of the Expanding

the Promise to Individuals

with Autism Act (S.937) which would improve services and supports for

individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It

would build upon programs within the Developmental Disabilities Act to

increase interdisciplinary training of professionals, development and

dissemination of evidence-based autism treatments, interventions,

supports and services for children and adults, and protection and

advocacy. [s.937, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON AUTISM McCain has not

taken a leading role to expand services and supports for people with

autism. McCain has not co-sponsored the

Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937). [s.937,

110th Congress] McCain says he will work to

advance federal autism research. “As

President, McCain will work to advance federal research into

autism, promote early screening, and identify better treatment options,

while providing support for children with autism so that they may reach

their full potential.” [McCain Statement on Combating Autism in America

<

http://www.johnmcca in.com/content/ ?guid=24dc9c37- e739-4aa3-

8a88-ebae650a2f1 1 > ]

OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so

that we can ensure all polling places are accessible. His

administration would also assure better enforcement of federal

disability rights laws – from HAVA to the Voting Accessibility for the

Elderly and Handicapped Act to the ADA – to make sure the right of

Americans with disabilities to vote is fully protected. [Obama Plan to

Empower Individuals with Disabilities <

http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf

> ]

MCCAIN ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

In 2002, McCain voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act, which

was offered to correct problems in the election system and impose

detailed voting-procedure requirements on the states. McCain

voted for

final passage of the bill. [s.565, Senate]

Please visit our Advocacy Blog, at www.cilsflablog. org .

"People with disabilities seek nothing more than an equal opportunity

at justice, and should accept nothing less."

September 24, 2008

Of course I'm trying to exert my vile influence over you all!!!

:-)

Kathy Ratkiewicz schrieb:

Wow…are you guys voting for our Pres in Switzerland, too?;-)

Or just trying to influence us?

From: DownSyndromeInfoExc

hange@yahoogroup s.com

[mailto:DownSyndrom eInfoExchange@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of

Müller

Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:32 PM

To: DSInfoEx

Subject: [DownSyndromeInfoEx change] Fwd: Comparison of

positions of the

Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Hello all,

I don't favor either presidential candidate, but all of the pro-Palin

rhetoric

about having a child with DS might obscure who has actually voted for

what...Might be helpful, who knows. If not, just delete it :-)

/Switzerland

--

with Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS

(Lemon flavored Codliver Oil, highly dosed CoenzymeQ10, Vit. A, buffered Vit. C + natural Vit. E, Raspberry flavored Folic Acid + B12, Selenium, Zinc, Probiotic, Ginkgo Biloba, Prilosec, Thyroxine)

From:

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 9:18 PM

To: Dlorman

Subject: [ADA Expertise] Comparison of Positions of the

Presidential

Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Sunday, September 21, 2008

This information is set forth in an effort to provide the reader with

information

about the Presidential candidates’ positions concerning people with

disabilities. It is not intended as an endorsement of either candidate,

and is

posted in my private capacity.

Watch what they do (and did), not just what they say.

Vote for the candidate of your choice, but vote.

Please feel free to share this email and add it to your blogs.

Marc

As we near November 4th, it is increasingly important that voters

concerned

about people with disabilities are well-informed about the candidates’

positions. Each Presidential candidate has put forth positions on

issues on

their respective websites:

McCain/Palen: www.johnmccain.

com/informing/ issues < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/informing /issues >

Obama/Biden: www.barackobama.

com/issues < http://www.barackob

ama.com/issues >

Please take a look at each of the websites to learn where the

candidates really

stand.

A review of their respective records in the Senate is also revealing:

OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Barack Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs,

and

expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities.

Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA. [sCR 1,

Senate Vote #94, 3/22/07]

Obama will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention,

educational and

developmental programs for children between zero and five. His

plan will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more

children

with disabilities. His plan also will encourage states to expand

programs

for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [ Obama Plan to

Empower Americans with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

Obama supports increasing opportunities for college students with

disabilities.

He also will provide more support for these college students. Obama

was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill to reauthorize the Higher

Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly expands opportunities and

supports

for individuals with disabilities to attend college and graduate

programs.

[s.1642, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims

he

supports full funding of it.

McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education.

Ø McCain repeatedly voted against funding increases for the

IDEA. [H.R.4577, Senate Vote #170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote

#103,

3/26/03]

Ø McCain has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy over education

funding for students with disabilities. Specifically, McCain

voted against increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10

years

for the IDEA. McCain also voted against an amendment that would create

a

reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding. The spending would have

been

made possible by reducing tax cuts. [sCR 23, Senate Vote #103,

3/26/03;

SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]

McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act

(S.

1642). He also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of

the Higher Education Act in the 110th Congress. [s.1642, 110th

Congress; S.

1642, Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07]

OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007. Obama

believes that individuals should be able to make their own choices for

their

living arrangements and live independently in their communities.

[s.799,

110th Congress]

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Living Assistance Services and

Support

(CLASS) Act Of 2007. This bill would help individuals with functional

impairments pay for services that they need to maximize their

independence.

[s.1758, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act. Asked about the

Community Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said “The

Community

Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I support.” [ McCain Town

Hall < http://www.washingt

onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 07/07/AR20080707 01672_5.html

>

, 7/7/08]

OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

Obama opposes a freeze on social services spending for people with

disabilities.

Obama voted against capping non-defense spending which means that

social

service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet

their

needs. In 2005, Obama voted against the Inhofe amendment that

would cap non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote

#286,

11/3/05]

MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

McCain promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one

year,

meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will

be

capped as well.

McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In 2005,

McCain

voted for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense and non-trust

fund

spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]

McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as illustrated

when

he said, “As president, I will also order a

prompt and thorough review of the budgets of every federal program,

department,

and agency. While that top-to-bottom review is underway, we will

institute a

one-year pause in discretionary spending increases with the necessary

exemption

of military spending and veterans’ benefits.” [McCain Remarks on

the Economy at Carnegie Mellon University, 4/15/08 < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/Informing /News/Speeches/ 9bb4e69a- 36cc-4ca3- b40d-0cdd41a1b81

2.htm >

]

OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first

term in

office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health

Insurance

Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs for people with

disabilities,

children, and veterans.

Under Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance

companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage

even if

they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Obama’s

plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private

health

coverage through a national health insurance exchange. Obama’s plan

would make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans,

particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in the private

market

due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [ Obama Plan to Empower

Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007

(S.2102). Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with

disabilities must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance

(SSDI) for

24 months. Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated

400,000 Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are

underinsured at a time in their lives when they need health coverage

the most.

During this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary

conditions, their health status worsens and many die. Obama supports

legislation that would phase out this harmful waiting period and

provide

individuals with health insurance. [s.2102, 110th Congress]

Obama supported expanded health insurance for children. In 2007,

Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five

years.

Two children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would

have

access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP. The bill would

provide

$100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment

efforts and

allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the

enrollment

process for low-income children already eligible for coverage. [hr

976,

Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07]

Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with

disabilities by

co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities

Act

(S.1050)The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish

access

standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray,

mammography

and other radiological equipment, etc.). It also educates physicians

and

dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their

residency

programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in

providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with

intellectual

disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds. Finally, it

establishes a national wellness grant program which will authorize

funding for

programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition

or

fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities

and

authorize funding for preventive health screening programs for

individuals with

disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions. [s.1050,

110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against

individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities. McCain’s

healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for

employer-sponsored

health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all Americans as an

incentive

to purchase health insurance. However, many individuals with

disabilities

are denied coverage or unable to afford coverage in the private market

due to

pre-existing conditions and disabilities. While McCain’s plan would

work with states to develop best practice models in expanding coverage

to

individuals who have been denied coverage, it would not prohibit

discrimination. [ Washington Post, 4/30/08 < http://www.washingt

onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 04/29/AR20080429 02706.html >

]

McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions

of

uninsured children. According to Knight Ridder , “The

[2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million” uninsured

children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered

by the

program. The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976 , Vote #307 < http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress=

110 & session=1 & vote=00307 > , 8/2/07; Knight Ridder ,

8/2/07]

VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES:

Obama:

The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006. [Project

Vote Smart]

Obama supported expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million

per year for the next five years for mental health services for

veterans.

[s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for

outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Nearly

half of the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and

Afghanistan will

require health care services for the physical and psychological traumas

of war,

yet the Bush administration and Republican-led Congress have

underfunded the

Veterans Administration’ s medical services by at least $1.2 billion

for

2007 alone. And, this was the second consecutive year they had done

so.

[H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget

for

Veterans by Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]

Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve

imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current

technologies to

treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate

Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

McCain:

McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500

million per year for the next five years for mental health services for

veterans. [s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against

adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and

treatment for

veterans. Amendment passed 84-16. [H.R.4939, Vote #98 <

http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress= 109 & session=2 & vote=00098

> , 4/26/06]

Ø McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of

traumatic brain injuries. McCain rejected legislation that would

help

improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current

technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S.

Amdt.

4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

Ø McCain voted with the Disabled American Veterans 20% of the

time. Factcheck.org “However, he is correct in that McCain

doesn’t have a perfect score with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a

group of 1.3 million disabled veterans that supports more funding for

veterans

health care. McCain has a 20 percent record of voting the way DAV would

like

him to in 2006…Senators were evaluated on five votes for amendments

that

would have increased funding for veterans’ health care.”

[Factcheck.org < http://www.factchec

k.org/askfactche ck/does_mccain_ have_a_perfect_ voting_record. html >

]

OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama strongly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Restoration

Act. Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Senate

version

of the ADA Restoration Act. [s.1050, 110th Congress]

Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with

disabilities. “Barack Obama will appoint judges and

justices who respect Congress’ role as a co-equal, democratically

elected

branch of government and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be

an

American with a disability” [ Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With

Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

While McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has

promised to

appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA narrowly and deprived

millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights. McCain

said that as president, he would “appoint strict constructionist

judges.” [AP, 8/7/07] “In an address at Wake Forest

University, McCain pledged to nominate jurists who believe ‘there are

clear limits to the scope of judicial power’…By way of example,

McCain said he would look for people in the cast of Chief Justice

G.

Jr. and Justice A. Alito Jr., and his friend the late

Chief

Justice H. Rehnquist. He called them ‘jurists of the highest

caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the

difference.’” [ Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08 < http://www.latimes.

com/news/ nationworld/ politics/ la-na-mccain7- 2008may07, 0,3233304.

story >

]

OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for

beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually. Obama voted against

the

Ensign Amendment that would require Medicare prescription drugs

beneficiaries

with annual incomes over $80,000 and couples with annual incomes over

$160,000

to pay a larger share of their Medicare Part D premium.[sCR 21, Senate

Vote

#93, 3/22/07]

Obama opposed means testing for Medicare. In response to a NCPSSM

questionnaire, Obama said, “The bill added ‘means testing’ to

Part B of Medicare, requiring individuals with incomes over $80,000 to

pay

gradually higher premiums. This undermines the basic premise of

Medicare as an

insurance program for all Americans and could cause wealthier and

healthier

people to leave the Medicare program.” [NCPSSM Questionnaire;

Citizen Action Illinois Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire]

MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In

1997, McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for

receiving

Medicare from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in between 2003 and

2027.

The motion passed 62-38. [s 947, Vote #112 < http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress=

105 & session=1 & vote=00112 > , 6/24/97]

OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Obama is a

long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation, having passed

the

Illinois Mental Health Parity Law. He also co-sponsored the Mental

Health

Parity Act of 2007. Obama co-sponsored a bill to amend the

Employee

Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service

Act to

require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical

benefits

and mental health benefits to ensure that: (1) the financial

requirements

applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than

those of

substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan,

including

deductibles and copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations

applicable to

such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those applied

to

substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan,

including

limits on the frequency of treatments or similar limits on the scope or

duration of treatment. The bill prohibited the plan from establishing

separate

cost sharing requirements that are applicable only with respect to

mental

health benefits. [110th, S.558, Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report,

4/11/07]

Obama co-sponsored and voted for a mental health parity bill that

requires coverage for serious mental illnesses to be provided on the

same

terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases. [92nd

GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185 ]

MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY McCain’s health

care plan would eliminate the mental health parity requirements in 45

states. [Wall

Street Journal, 10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State

Legislatures ( http://www.ncsl.

org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm < http://www.ncsl.

org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm > ), accessed 7/30/07;

Council for

Affordable Health Insurance, accessed 7/30/07 ( http://www.cahi.

org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf < http://www.cahi.

org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf > )]

OBAMA ON AUTISM Obama will increase federal funding

for outreach and support services for people on the autism spectrum. Specifically,

“Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research,

treatment,

screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1 billion

annually by

the end of his first term in office. Obama will also continue to work

with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create

opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD.” [Obama Plan

Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders < http://origin.

barackobama. com/pdf/AutismSp ectrumDisorders. pdf > ] Obama

is a co-sponsor of the Expanding the Promise to Individuals

with

Autism Act (S.937) which would improve services and supports for

individuals

with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It would build

upon programs within the Developmental Disabilities Act to increase

interdisciplinary training of professionals, development and

dissemination of

evidence-based autism treatments, interventions, supports and services

for

children and adults, and protection and advocacy. [s.937, 110th

Congress]

MCCAIN ON AUTISM McCain has not taken a leading role to

expand

services and supports for people with autism. McCain has not

co-sponsored the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act

(S.937).

[s.937, 110th Congress] McCain says he will work to advance

federal

autism research. “As President, McCain will work to

advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and

identify

better treatment options, while providing support for children with

autism so

that they may reach their full potential.” [McCain Statement on

Combating

Autism in America < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/content/ ?guid=24dc9c37- e739-4aa3- 8a88-ebae650a2f1 1 >

]

OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama

supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can

ensure

all polling places are accessible. His administration would

also assure better enforcement of federal disability rights laws – from

HAVA to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act to

the ADA

– to make sure the right of Americans with disabilities to vote is

fully

protected. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

MCCAIN ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES In

2002, McCain voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act, which

was offered to correct problems in the election system and impose

detailed

voting-procedure requirements on the states. McCain voted for final

passage of the bill. [s.565, Senate]

Please visit our Advocacy Blog,

at www.cilsflablog.

org .

"People with disabilities seek nothing more than an equal opportunity

at

justice, and should accept nothing less."

--

mit Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS

(Zitronen-Fischöl, CoenzymQ10-hochdosiert, Vit.A, gepuffertes Vit. C + natürliches Vit. E, Himbeer-Folsäure + B12, Selen, Zink, Probiotikum, Ginkgo Biloba, Antra, Thyroxin)

September 24, 2008

Of course I'm trying to exert my vile influence over you all!!!

:-)

Kathy Ratkiewicz schrieb:

Wow…are you guys voting for our Pres in Switzerland, too?;-)

Or just trying to influence us?

From: DownSyndromeInfoExc

hange@yahoogroup s.com

[mailto:DownSyndrom eInfoExchange@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of

Müller

Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:32 PM

To: DSInfoEx

Subject: [DownSyndromeInfoEx change] Fwd: Comparison of

positions of the

Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Hello all,

I don't favor either presidential candidate, but all of the pro-Palin

rhetoric

about having a child with DS might obscure who has actually voted for

what...Might be helpful, who knows. If not, just delete it :-)

/Switzerland

--

with Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS

(Lemon flavored Codliver Oil, highly dosed CoenzymeQ10, Vit. A, buffered Vit. C + natural Vit. E, Raspberry flavored Folic Acid + B12, Selenium, Zinc, Probiotic, Ginkgo Biloba, Prilosec, Thyroxine)

From:

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 9:18 PM

To: Dlorman

Subject: [ADA Expertise] Comparison of Positions of the

Presidential

Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Sunday, September 21, 2008

This information is set forth in an effort to provide the reader with

information

about the Presidential candidates’ positions concerning people with

disabilities. It is not intended as an endorsement of either candidate,

and is

posted in my private capacity.

Watch what they do (and did), not just what they say.

Vote for the candidate of your choice, but vote.

Please feel free to share this email and add it to your blogs.

Marc

As we near November 4th, it is increasingly important that voters

concerned

about people with disabilities are well-informed about the candidates’

positions. Each Presidential candidate has put forth positions on

issues on

their respective websites:

McCain/Palen: www.johnmccain.

com/informing/ issues < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/informing /issues >

Obama/Biden: www.barackobama.

com/issues < http://www.barackob

ama.com/issues >

Please take a look at each of the websites to learn where the

candidates really

stand.

A review of their respective records in the Senate is also revealing:

OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Barack Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs,

and

expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities.

Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA. [sCR 1,

Senate Vote #94, 3/22/07]

Obama will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention,

educational and

developmental programs for children between zero and five. His

plan will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more

children

with disabilities. His plan also will encourage states to expand

programs

for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [ Obama Plan to

Empower Americans with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

Obama supports increasing opportunities for college students with

disabilities.

He also will provide more support for these college students. Obama

was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill to reauthorize the Higher

Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly expands opportunities and

supports

for individuals with disabilities to attend college and graduate

programs.

[s.1642, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims

he

supports full funding of it.

McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education.

Ø McCain repeatedly voted against funding increases for the

IDEA. [H.R.4577, Senate Vote #170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote

#103,

3/26/03]

Ø McCain has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy over education

funding for students with disabilities. Specifically, McCain

voted against increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10

years

for the IDEA. McCain also voted against an amendment that would create

a

reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding. The spending would have

been

made possible by reducing tax cuts. [sCR 23, Senate Vote #103,

3/26/03;

SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]

McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act

(S.

1642). He also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of

the Higher Education Act in the 110th Congress. [s.1642, 110th

Congress; S.

1642, Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07]

OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007. Obama

believes that individuals should be able to make their own choices for

their

living arrangements and live independently in their communities.

[s.799,

110th Congress]

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Living Assistance Services and

Support

(CLASS) Act Of 2007. This bill would help individuals with functional

impairments pay for services that they need to maximize their

independence.

[s.1758, 110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY

McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act. Asked about the

Community Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said “The

Community

Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I support.” [ McCain Town

Hall < http://www.washingt

onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 07/07/AR20080707 01672_5.html

>

, 7/7/08]

OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

Obama opposes a freeze on social services spending for people with

disabilities.

Obama voted against capping non-defense spending which means that

social

service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet

their

needs. In 2005, Obama voted against the Inhofe amendment that

would cap non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote

#286,

11/3/05]

MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING

McCain promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one

year,

meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will

be

capped as well.

McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In 2005,

McCain

voted for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense and non-trust

fund

spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]

McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as illustrated

when

he said, “As president, I will also order a

prompt and thorough review of the budgets of every federal program,

department,

and agency. While that top-to-bottom review is underway, we will

institute a

one-year pause in discretionary spending increases with the necessary

exemption

of military spending and veterans’ benefits.” [McCain Remarks on

the Economy at Carnegie Mellon University, 4/15/08 < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/Informing /News/Speeches/ 9bb4e69a- 36cc-4ca3- b40d-0cdd41a1b81

2.htm >

]

OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first

term in

office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health

Insurance

Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs for people with

disabilities,

children, and veterans.

Under Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance

companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage

even if

they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Obama’s

plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private

health

coverage through a national health insurance exchange. Obama’s plan

would make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans,

particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in the private

market

due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [ Obama Plan to Empower

Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007

(S.2102). Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with

disabilities must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance

(SSDI) for

24 months. Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated

400,000 Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are

underinsured at a time in their lives when they need health coverage

the most.

During this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary

conditions, their health status worsens and many die. Obama supports

legislation that would phase out this harmful waiting period and

provide

individuals with health insurance. [s.2102, 110th Congress]

Obama supported expanded health insurance for children. In 2007,

Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five

years.

Two children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would

have

access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP. The bill would

provide

$100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment

efforts and

allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the

enrollment

process for low-income children already eligible for coverage. [hr

976,

Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07]

Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with

disabilities by

co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities

Act

(S.1050)The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish

access

standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray,

mammography

and other radiological equipment, etc.). It also educates physicians

and

dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their

residency

programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in

providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with

intellectual

disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds. Finally, it

establishes a national wellness grant program which will authorize

funding for

programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition

or

fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities

and

authorize funding for preventive health screening programs for

individuals with

disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions. [s.1050,

110th Congress]

MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against

individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities. McCain’s

healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for

employer-sponsored

health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all Americans as an

incentive

to purchase health insurance. However, many individuals with

disabilities

are denied coverage or unable to afford coverage in the private market

due to

pre-existing conditions and disabilities. While McCain’s plan would

work with states to develop best practice models in expanding coverage

to

individuals who have been denied coverage, it would not prohibit

discrimination. [ Washington Post, 4/30/08 < http://www.washingt

onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 04/29/AR20080429 02706.html >

]

McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions

of

uninsured children. According to Knight Ridder , “The

[2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million” uninsured

children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered

by the

program. The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976 , Vote #307 < http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress=

110 & session=1 & vote=00307 > , 8/2/07; Knight Ridder ,

8/2/07]

VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES:

Obama:

The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006. [Project

Vote Smart]

Obama supported expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million

per year for the next five years for mental health services for

veterans.

[s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for

outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Nearly

half of the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and

Afghanistan will

require health care services for the physical and psychological traumas

of war,

yet the Bush administration and Republican-led Congress have

underfunded the

Veterans Administration’ s medical services by at least $1.2 billion

for

2007 alone. And, this was the second consecutive year they had done

so.

[H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget

for

Veterans by Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]

Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve

imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current

technologies to

treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate

Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

McCain:

McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.

Ø In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500

million per year for the next five years for mental health services for

veterans. [s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

Ø In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against

adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and

treatment for

veterans. Amendment passed 84-16. [H.R.4939, Vote #98 <

http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress= 109 & session=2 & vote=00098

> , 4/26/06]

Ø McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of

traumatic brain injuries. McCain rejected legislation that would

help

improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current

technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S.

Amdt.

4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]

Ø McCain voted with the Disabled American Veterans 20% of the

time. Factcheck.org “However, he is correct in that McCain

doesn’t have a perfect score with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a

group of 1.3 million disabled veterans that supports more funding for

veterans

health care. McCain has a 20 percent record of voting the way DAV would

like

him to in 2006…Senators were evaluated on five votes for amendments

that

would have increased funding for veterans’ health care.”

[Factcheck.org < http://www.factchec

k.org/askfactche ck/does_mccain_ have_a_perfect_ voting_record. html >

]

OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

Obama strongly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Restoration

Act. Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Senate

version

of the ADA Restoration Act. [s.1050, 110th Congress]

Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with

disabilities. “Barack Obama will appoint judges and

justices who respect Congress’ role as a co-equal, democratically

elected

branch of government and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be

an

American with a disability” [ Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With

Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

While McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has

promised to

appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA narrowly and deprived

millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights. McCain

said that as president, he would “appoint strict constructionist

judges.” [AP, 8/7/07] “In an address at Wake Forest

University, McCain pledged to nominate jurists who believe ‘there are

clear limits to the scope of judicial power’…By way of example,

McCain said he would look for people in the cast of Chief Justice

G.

Jr. and Justice A. Alito Jr., and his friend the late

Chief

Justice H. Rehnquist. He called them ‘jurists of the highest

caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the

difference.’” [ Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08 < http://www.latimes.

com/news/ nationworld/ politics/ la-na-mccain7- 2008may07, 0,3233304.

story >

]

OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for

beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually. Obama voted against

the

Ensign Amendment that would require Medicare prescription drugs

beneficiaries

with annual incomes over $80,000 and couples with annual incomes over

$160,000

to pay a larger share of their Medicare Part D premium.[sCR 21, Senate

Vote

#93, 3/22/07]

Obama opposed means testing for Medicare. In response to a NCPSSM

questionnaire, Obama said, “The bill added ‘means testing’ to

Part B of Medicare, requiring individuals with incomes over $80,000 to

pay

gradually higher premiums. This undermines the basic premise of

Medicare as an

insurance program for all Americans and could cause wealthier and

healthier

people to leave the Medicare program.” [NCPSSM Questionnaire;

Citizen Action Illinois Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire]

MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In

1997, McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for

receiving

Medicare from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in between 2003 and

2027.

The motion passed 62-38. [s 947, Vote #112 < http://www.senate.

gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm.

cfm?congress=

105 & session=1 & vote=00112 > , 6/24/97]

OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Obama is a

long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation, having passed

the

Illinois Mental Health Parity Law. He also co-sponsored the Mental

Health

Parity Act of 2007. Obama co-sponsored a bill to amend the

Employee

Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service

Act to

require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical

benefits

and mental health benefits to ensure that: (1) the financial

requirements

applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than

those of

substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan,

including

deductibles and copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations

applicable to

such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those applied

to

substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan,

including

limits on the frequency of treatments or similar limits on the scope or

duration of treatment. The bill prohibited the plan from establishing

separate

cost sharing requirements that are applicable only with respect to

mental

health benefits. [110th, S.558, Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report,

4/11/07]

Obama co-sponsored and voted for a mental health parity bill that

requires coverage for serious mental illnesses to be provided on the

same

terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases. [92nd

GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185 ]

MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY McCain’s health

care plan would eliminate the mental health parity requirements in 45

states. [Wall

Street Journal, 10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State

Legislatures ( http://www.ncsl.

org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm < http://www.ncsl.

org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm > ), accessed 7/30/07;

Council for

Affordable Health Insurance, accessed 7/30/07 ( http://www.cahi.

org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf < http://www.cahi.

org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf > )]

OBAMA ON AUTISM Obama will increase federal funding

for outreach and support services for people on the autism spectrum. Specifically,

“Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research,

treatment,

screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1 billion

annually by

the end of his first term in office. Obama will also continue to work

with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create

opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD.” [Obama Plan

Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders < http://origin.

barackobama. com/pdf/AutismSp ectrumDisorders. pdf > ] Obama

is a co-sponsor of the Expanding the Promise to Individuals

with

Autism Act (S.937) which would improve services and supports for

individuals

with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It would build

upon programs within the Developmental Disabilities Act to increase

interdisciplinary training of professionals, development and

dissemination of

evidence-based autism treatments, interventions, supports and services

for

children and adults, and protection and advocacy. [s.937, 110th

Congress]

MCCAIN ON AUTISM McCain has not taken a leading role to

expand

services and supports for people with autism. McCain has not

co-sponsored the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act

(S.937).

[s.937, 110th Congress] McCain says he will work to advance

federal

autism research. “As President, McCain will work to

advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and

identify

better treatment options, while providing support for children with

autism so

that they may reach their full potential.” [McCain Statement on

Combating

Autism in America < http://www.johnmcca

in.com/content/ ?guid=24dc9c37- e739-4aa3- 8a88-ebae650a2f1 1 >

]

OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama

supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can

ensure

all polling places are accessible. His administration would

also assure better enforcement of federal disability rights laws – from

HAVA to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act to

the ADA

– to make sure the right of Americans with disabilities to vote is

fully

protected. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob

ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]

MCCAIN ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES In

2002, McCain voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act, which

was offered to correct problems in the election system and impose

detailed

voting-procedure requirements on the states. McCain voted for final

passage of the bill. [s.565, Senate]

Please visit our Advocacy Blog,

at www.cilsflablog.

org .

"People with disabilities seek nothing more than an equal opportunity

at

justice, and should accept nothing less."

--

mit Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS

(Zitronen-Fischöl, CoenzymQ10-hochdosiert, Vit.A, gepuffertes Vit. C + natürliches Vit. E, Himbeer-Folsäure + B12, Selen, Zink, Probiotikum, Ginkgo Biloba, Antra, Thyroxin)

September 24, 2008

Hi !

Thank you for this information. I had already decided on my Pres. even before Palin got onto the scene. I was really moved when she spoke into the camera during the GOP convention telling me she is on my side, really tugged at my heart, but I quickly learned all the cuts from special ed. programs she has made in her own state and how very anti medicaid and anti IDEA Mccain is......I just hope that she will be an huge advocate for all people and children with disabilities in want ever she ends up doing but quite honestly, she will never know what it's like to be denied services over and over again for her child. Which is a good thing for her son but not for mine.

[ADA Expertise] Comparison of Positions of the Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities Sunday, September 21, 2008 This information is set forth in an effort to provide the reader with information about the Presidential candidates’ positions concerning people with disabilities. It is not intended as an endorsement of either candidate, and is posted in my private capacity. Watch what they do (and did), not just what they say. Vote for the candidate of your choice, but vote. Please feel free to share this email and add it to your blogs. Marc As we near November 4th, it is increasingly important that voters concerned about people with disabilities are well-informed about the candidates’

positions. Each Presidential candidate has put forth positions on issues on their respective websites: McCain/Palen: www.johnmccain. com/informing/ issues < http://www.johnmcca in.com/informing /issues > Obama/Biden: www.barackobama. com/issues < http://www.barackob ama.com/issues > Please take a look at each of the websites to learn where the candidates really stand. A review of their respective records in the Senate is also revealing: OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Barack Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs, and expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities.Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA. [sCR 1, Senate Vote #94, 3/22/07]Obama will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention, educational and developmental programs for children between zero and five. His plan will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more children with disabilities. His plan also will encourage states to expand programs for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [ Obama Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities < http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]Obama supports increasing opportunities for college students with

disabilities. He also will provide more support for these college students. Obama was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly expands opportunities and supports for individuals with disabilities to attend college and graduate programs. [s.1642, 110th Congress]MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims he supports full funding of it.McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education.Ø McCain repeatedly voted against funding increases for the IDEA. [H.R.4577, Senate Vote #170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote #103, 3/26/03]Ø McCain has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy over education funding for students with disabilities.

Specifically, McCain voted against increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10 years for the IDEA. McCain also voted against an amendment that would create a reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding. The spending would have been made possible by reducing tax cuts. [sCR 23, Senate Vote #103, 3/26/03; SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (S. 1642). He also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in the 110th Congress. [s.1642, 110th Congress; S. 1642, Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07] OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007. Obama believes that individuals should be able to make their own choices for their living arrangements and live independently in their

communities. [s.799, 110th Congress]Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act Of 2007. This bill would help individuals with functional impairments pay for services that they need to maximize their independence. [s.1758, 110th Congress] MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act. Asked about the Community Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said “The Community Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I support.” [ McCain Town Hall < http://www.washingt onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 07/07/AR20080707 01672_5.html > , 7/7/08] OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING Obama opposes a

freeze on social services spending for people with disabilities. Obama voted against capping non-defense spending which means that social service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet their needs. In 2005, Obama voted against the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05] MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING McCain promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one year, meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will be capped as well.McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In 2005, McCain voted for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense and non-trust fund spending. [s.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as illustrated when

he said, “As president, I will also order a prompt and thorough review of the budgets of every federal program, department, and agency. While that top-to-bottom review is underway, we will institute a one-year pause in discretionary spending increases with the necessary exemption of military spending and veterans’ benefits.” [McCain Remarks on the Economy at Carnegie Mellon University, 4/15/08 < http://www.johnmcca in.com/Informing /News/Speeches/ 9bb4e69a- 36cc-4ca3- b40d-0cdd41a1b81 2.htm > ]OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first term in office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs

for people with disabilities, children, and veterans. Under Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage even if they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Obama’s plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private health coverage through a national health insurance exchange. Obama’s plan would make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans, particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in the private market due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [ Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period

Act of 2007 (S.2102). Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with disabilities must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated 400,000 Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are underinsured at a time in their lives when they need health coverage the most. During this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary conditions, their health status worsens and many die. Obama supports legislation that would phase out this harmful waiting period and provide individuals with health insurance. [s.2102, 110th Congress]Obama supported expanded health insurance for children. In 2007, Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five years. Two children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would have access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP. The bill

would provide $100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment efforts and allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the enrollment process for low-income children already eligible for coverage. [hr 976, Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07]Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with disabilities by co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S.1050)The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish access standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray, mammography and other radiological equipment, etc.). It also educates physicians and dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their residency programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with intellectual disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds.

Finally, it establishes a national wellness grant program which will authorize funding for programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition or fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities and authorize funding for preventive health screening programs for individuals with disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions. [s.1050, 110th Congress]MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities. McCain’s healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for employer-sponsored health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all Americans as an incentive to purchase health insurance. However, many individuals with disabilities are denied coverage or unable to afford coverage in the private market due to

pre-existing conditions and disabilities. While McCain’s plan would work with states to develop best practice models in expanding coverage to individuals who have been denied coverage, it would not prohibit discrimination. [ Washington Post, 4/30/08 < http://www.washingt onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/ 04/29/AR20080429 02706.html > ]McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions of uninsured children. According to Knight Ridder , “The [2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million” uninsured children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered by the program. The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976 , Vote #307 < http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 110 & session=1 & vote=00307 > , 8/2/07; Knight Ridder , 8/2/07]VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES: Obama:The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006. [Project Vote Smart] Obama supported expanding health care for veterans. Ø In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans. [s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]Ø In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Nearly half of the military servicemen and

women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will require health care services for the physical and psychological traumas of war, yet the Bush administration and Republican-led Congress have underfunded the Veterans Administration’ s medical services by at least $1.2 billion for 2007 alone. And, this was the second consecutive year they had done so. [H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget for Veterans by Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]McCain: McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.Ø In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500 million per year for

the next five years for mental health services for veterans. [s.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05] Ø In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Amendment passed 84-16. [H.R.4939, Vote #98 < http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 109 & session=2 & vote=00098 > , 4/26/06]Ø McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of traumatic brain injuries. McCain rejected legislation that would help improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war.

[H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06] Ø McCain voted with the Disabled American Veterans 20% of the time. Factcheck.org “However, he is correct in that McCain doesn’t have a perfect score with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a group of 1.3 million disabled veterans that supports more funding for veterans health care. McCain has a 20 percent record of voting the way DAV would like him to in 2006…Senators were evaluated on five votes for amendments that would have increased funding for veterans’ health care.” [Factcheck.org < http://www.factchec k.org/askfactche ck/does_mccain_ have_a_perfect_ voting_record. html > ] OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama strongly supports the Americans

with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration Act. Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Senate version of the ADA Restoration Act. [s.1050, 110th Congress]Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with disabilities. “Barack Obama will appoint judges and justices who respect Congress’ role as a co-equal, democratically elected branch of government and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be an American with a disability” [ Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With Disabilities < http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ]MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES While McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has promised to appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA

narrowly and deprived millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights. McCain said that as president, he would “appoint strict constructionist judges.” [AP, 8/7/07] “In an address at Wake Forest University, McCain pledged to nominate jurists who believe ‘there are clear limits to the scope of judicial power’…By way of example, McCain said he would look for people in the cast of Chief Justice G. Jr. and Justice A. Alito Jr., and his friend the late Chief Justice H. Rehnquist. He called them ‘jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference.’” [ Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08 < http://www.latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ politics/ la-na-mccain7- 2008may07, 0,3233304. story >

]OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually. Obama voted against the Ensign Amendment that would require Medicare prescription drugs beneficiaries with annual incomes over $80,000 and couples with annual incomes over $160,000 to pay a larger share of their Medicare Part D premium.[sCR 21, Senate Vote #93, 3/22/07]Obama opposed means testing for Medicare. In response to a NCPSSM questionnaire, Obama said, “The bill added ‘means testing’ to Part B of Medicare, requiring individuals with incomes over $80,000 to pay gradually higher premiums. This undermines the basic premise of Medicare as an insurance program for all Americans and could cause wealthier and healthier people to leave the Medicare program.” [NCPSSM Questionnaire; Citizen Action Illinois Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire]

MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In 1997, McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for receiving Medicare from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in between 2003 and 2027. The motion passed 62-38. [s 947, Vote #112 < http://www.senate. gov/legislative/ LIS/roll_ call_lists/ roll_call_ vote_cfm. cfm?congress= 105 & session=1 & vote=00112 > , 6/24/97] OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Obama is a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation, having passed the Illinois Mental Health Parity Law. He also co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. Obama co-sponsored a bill to amend the Employee

Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health benefits to ensure that: (1) the financial requirements applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those of substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including deductibles and copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including limits on the frequency of treatments or similar limits on the scope or duration of treatment. The bill prohibited the plan from establishing separate cost sharing requirements that are applicable only with respect to mental health benefits. [110th, S.558, Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report, 4/11/07] Obama co-sponsored and voted for a mental

health parity bill that requires coverage for serious mental illnesses to be provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases. [92nd GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185 ] MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY McCain’s health care plan would eliminate the mental health parity requirements in 45 states. [Wall Street Journal, 10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State Legislatures ( http://www.ncsl. org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm < http://www.ncsl. org/programs/ health/hmolaws. htm > ), accessed 7/30/07; Council for Affordable Health Insurance, accessed 7/30/07 ( http://www.cahi. org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf < http://www.cahi. org/cahi_ contents/ resources/ pdf/MandatePub20 07.pdf > )] OBAMA ON AUTISM Obama will increase federal funding for outreach and support services for people on the autism spectrum. Specifically, “Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1 billion annually by the end of his first term in office. Obama will also continue to work with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD.” [Obama Plan Supporting Americans with

Autism Spectrum Disorders < http://origin. barackobama. com/pdf/AutismSp ectrumDisorders. pdf > ] Obama is a co-sponsor of the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937) which would improve services and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It would build upon programs within the Developmental Disabilities Act to increase interdisciplinary training of professionals, development and dissemination of evidence-based autism treatments, interventions, supports and services for children and adults, and protection and advocacy. [s.937, 110th Congress] MCCAIN ON AUTISM McCain has not taken a leading role to expand services and supports for people with autism. McCain has not co-sponsored the Expanding the Promise

to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937). [s.937, 110th Congress] McCain says he will work to advance federal autism research. “As President, McCain will work to advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with autism so that they may reach their full potential.” [McCain Statement on Combating Autism in America < http://www.johnmcca in.com/content/ ?guid=24dc9c37- e739-4aa3- 8a88-ebae650a2f1 1 > ] OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can ensure all polling places are accessible. His administration would also assure better enforcement of federal disability rights laws –

from HAVA to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act to the ADA – to make sure the right of Americans with disabilities to vote is fully protected. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities < http://www.barackob ama.com/pdf/ DisabilityPlanFa ctSheet.pdf > ] MCCAIN ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES In 2002, McCain voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act, which was offered to correct problems in the election system and impose detailed voting-procedure requirements on the states. McCain voted for final passage of the bill. [s.565, Senate]

Please visit our Advocacy Blog, at www.cilsflablog. org . "People with disabilities seek nothing more than an equal opportunity at justice, and should accept nothing less."

-- mit Saskia, Nora-Jane*2001, *2004/DS (Zitronen-Fischöl, CoenzymQ10-hochdosi ert, Vit.A, gepuffertes Vit. C + natürliches Vit. E, Himbeer-Folsäure + B12, Selen, Zink, Probiotikum, Ginkgo Biloba, Antra, Thyroxin)

September 24, 2008