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

September 24, 2008

It did sound that way- you asked her to 'be nice' and she had been very nice. We have had a lot of problems with people accusing others of not being nice, or attacking when all they did was state their opinion, so wanted to take the opportunity to point that out early in the exchanges.My apologies if you did not intend it that way. :-) Carol in ILMom to , 8 DS My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.VOTE NOBAMA '08Join our Down Syndrome information group - http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ DownSyndromeInfo Exchange/ Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace. com/vennamusic [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. Specifical ly, "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-Folsä ure + B12, Selen, Zink, Probiotikum, Ginkgo Biloba, Antra, Thyroxin)>

September 24, 2008

Thank you Kathy for the straight facts, I would have posted these

also but you beat me to it!

Ann

> >

> > 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

Thank you for this Kathy. It seems when they cannot sully Palin’s

record, they will try to oust McCain.

, Mom to Phoebe

3 Ds and cystic fibrosis, and Nolan

6, speech delay

Proud wife to Steve,

the love of my life...

phoebe updates here

“You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you

choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll

decide where to go. ” —Dr. Seuss (1904-1991), Writer, cartoonist

From:

DownSyndromeInfoExchange

[mailto:DownSyndromeInfoExchange ] On Behalf Of Kathy

Ratkiewicz

Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:30 AM

To: DownSyndromeInfoExchange

Subject: RE: [DownSyndromeInfoExchange] Re: Fwd: Comparison of positions

of the Presidential Candidates relating to people with disabilities

Here’s another:

Date:

Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 11:52 PM

McCain " voted to cut education funding, against

accountability standards. He even proposed abolishing the Department of

Education. "

Barack Obama on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 in a TV ad

Cherry-picking the record

It’s

been nearly 50 years since a sitting senator, F. Kennedy, has won the

presidency, and Barack Obama’s recent TV ad assailing McCain’s education

record is a good example why.

Senators,

especially those with long tenures like McCain, have to take a lot of votes and

state a lot of positions, all of which can later be used against them – even if

the bulk of the senator’s record points to a different conclusion than the

attacker’s.

That’s

certainly the case with Obama’s ad, which claims, among other things, that

McCain " voted to cut education funding, against accountability standards.

He even proposed abolishing the Department of Education.”

In

each case, there’s an example or two bolstering Obama’s claims, but there are

other examples in McCain’s nearly 22 years in the Senate, more telling, that

show that McCain generally supports increased funding for education, stronger

accountability standards and a more powerful Education Department.

On

the first point, the Obama campaign cites a number of examples where McCain

didn’t support large increases in education funding backed by Democrats, but

only one case in which McCain actually “voted to cut education funding,” as the

ad alleges.

It

came in 1995, when McCain voted for a Republican budget resolution calling for

a 1 percent cut in the education budget. In the end, the Education Department’s

budget was cut slightly that year — in the midst of the budget wars pitting

then-President Clinton against the new Republican majority in Congress. But the

education budget quickly rebounded and McCain in 2001 voted for the law known

as the No Child Left Behind Act, which increased federal education funding by a

whopping 33 percent, or $14-billion, in a single year.

The

McCain campaign in response to the ad’s allegations noted a number of other

occasions in which McCain has supported increased education funding. It’s true

that Democrats have supported large funding increases beyond what Republicans

have backed, but the Education Department budget today is still 60 percent

higher than when Bush took office, increases that have largely enjoyed McCain’s

backing.

Obama

again cherry picks the record to make a case that McCain opposes accountability

standards. The Obama campaign cites a number of pre-No Child Left Behind votes

in which McCain didn’t support Democratic efforts to require states to

establish accountability standards as a condition of federal funding. Many

Republicans long opposed such conditions as a federal imposition on what is

traditionally a state responsibility: education. It wasn’t accountability

standards that they opposed, rather federal intrusion into state

responsibilities.

Even

so, when Bush proposed just that idea in 2001, Republicans, including McCain,

voted to create the most rigorous education accountability standards ever

imposed by the federal government on the states through the No Child Left

Behind Act.

Given

the McCain campaign’s pledge to fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act, and in

that way endorse the expanded federal role in education that law calls for, it

seems unlikely McCain has any intention of abolishing the Department of

Education should he be elected.

But

for what it’s worth, he did way back in 1994, when he said on CNN's Late

Edition that " given the origins of the Department of Education, I

would favor doing away with it. "

There’s

evidence, then, for each of Obama’s charges, but entirely absent is the larger

context. Obama is citing exceptions in the McCain record rather than the rule,

and claims — erroneously — that failing to support the large increases in

education funding backed by Democrats is the same as supporting cuts. As a

result, we find the Obama campaign ad’s claims to be Barely True.

http://www.politifa

ct.com/truth- o-meter/statemen ts/723

September 24, 2008

I read my response again and again and you are right. I didn't mean it to sound that way though. My apologies Ann. Forgive me.

I do remember those threads and they can be really ugly. I dont want any part of that.

One thing I have been watching is 's "Keeping it Real" every night. This show goes after both candidates ads, speeches, town hall meetings etc. and exposes the half truths, the "not even true" and so on. Both are guilty of running a nasty campaign. Now why do we need a President? I am just kidding Not trying to start a thread. *giggles*

[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