(MADISON) – More than 500 members of the disability community from all parts of Wisconsin plan to meet with the legislators virtually on March 12 for the Survival Coalition’s annual Disability Advocacy Day. People living with disabilities, their families, and their supporters will get a briefing on the issues, have time to develop their stories, then meet via teleconference in the afternoon with their legislators.
This year’s goal is to ensure legislators understand how important quality education and Medicaid programs are to children and adults with disabilities, older adults and their families.
“Congressional discussions of massive cuts to Medicaid would have a huge impact on Wisconsin’s disability community. It is a huge concern that people with disabilities, their families, and the small businesses across Wisconsin that provide Medicaid-funded services are watching,” said Beth Swedeen, Survival Coalition co-chair.
“Any cuts at the federal level would trigger big challenges for the Wisconsin state budget,” said Patti Becker, Survival Coalition co-chair. “With 20% of Wisconsin’s total budget coming from Medicaid, very difficult decisions will have to be made in the state legislature that will impact the health and safety of thousands of Wisconsinites with disabilities.”
“People with disabilities already are at risk when they can’t find workers. Aging family members are sacrificing their jobs, their health, and their retirements to cover gaps in care because of existing low wages for workers,” said Jason Glozier, Survival Coalition co-chair. “Care in the community in people’s homes costs far less than facilities and nursing homes, but those workers already make much less than facility-based workers. Medicaud cuts would only accelerate the care crisis.”
Disability Advocacy Day is organized by the Survival Coalition of more than 20 statewide disability organizations that advocate and support policies and practices that lead to the full inclusion, participation, and contribution of people living with disability.
