want to help make a difference?

I received the following information today and wanted to pass along. We would love your support by contacting your U.S. Senator. (Never thought I would be promoting Ted Kennedy's legislation, but this one is important and very much needed!)

Want to help? Just click here: Take Action!

Ask Your Senators to Cosponsor the CLASS Act

Background
Many seniors and younger people with disabilities are forced into poverty or unnecessary institutional care because they lack coverage for long term supports and services that would enable them to remain in their homes. They often can only access coverage for services critical to their independence through the federal/state Medicaid program. Because the Medicaid program is for low income people, in order to qualify, people must “spend down” their income and assets. With their functional impairments, few people with disabilities will overcome this impoverishment.

The time has come for a national program that will provide funding for these long term supports and services - such as housing modifications, assistive technologies, transportation, respite care, and personal assistance services - in a fiscally responsible manner that promotes independence, choice and family unification.

Status
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act was introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in the 109th Congress as S. 1951. It will be reintroduced in the 110th Congress soon. The CLASS Act is a high priority for Senator Kennedy for this Congress and it is expected that the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on the issues soon. It is also expected that a House version of the bill will be introduced in the near future. We urgently need Senate cosponsors for the CLASS Act to increase its chance of passage.

Take Action
Ask your Senators to cosponsor the CLASS Act TODAY. Please click on the "Take Action" link above to send an email message to your Senators to make sure people with disabilities get the long term supports and services that they need to remain independent. Please be sure to personalize your message by adding information about yourself and why you feel so strongly about this issue.