Legislative Work
Advocacy
The Council is federally mandated under the Developmental Assistance and Bill of Rights to advocate for public policy change and community acceptance of all people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Council provides advocacy information to self-advocates, family members and organizations throughout the year. This hands-on learning experience is an opportunity for elected officials to meet children and adults with disabilities, family members and personnel working in the field of developmental disabilities. Please contact our offices for more information: 307-777-7230.
Voting
In a democracy, citizens have the opportunity to vote on important issues and elect politicians and representatives. ... When more people vote, they increase the chance that the issues that are important to them are taken seriously. If a minority votes, there is a risk that their preferences do not represent the majority. This is an especially significant point for people in the disability community because you have the right to many different accommodations, and it is important to have your voice heard!
Take a look at this handy information page on voting! Voting Handout
WGCDD Legislative Briefing 2019
The Council's 2019 Legislative Briefing is a way we inform policymakers on activities and issues affecting the developmental disability community at the national, state and local levels during the legislative session each year. You can view a copy of the briefing here, or if you would like a hard copy, please email a request to our Policy Analyst at: aleyta.zimmerman@wyo.gov
WGCDD Legislative Update 2019
During the legislative Session the council provides a state legislative update on issues that may have an impact on the disability community. Please see the bills below. This document is updated daily throughout the Legislative Session. The 2019 legislative session starts January 08, 2019.
National News
In the News: February 11, 2019.
(From AUCD)
Employment
The Transformation to Competitive Employment Act (S.260 and H. 863) gained a new co-sponsor, Rep. DeSaulnier [D-CA-11]. The bill would assist employers providing employment under special certificates issued under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to transform their business and program models to support individuals with disabilities to transition to competitive integrated employment, and would phase out the use of 14(c) certificates. AUCD's support for the bill can be found here.
Autism CARES 2019
The Autism CARES Act - which has expanded research and coordination, increased public awareness and surveillance, and expanded interdisciplinary health professional training, including LENDs, to identify and support children and youth with Autism and their families - will sunset (expire) in September 2019 without a successful reauthorization. Bills to reauthorize the Act were introduced on February 7th (HR. 1058, S. 427)
Race for 2020
Race for 2020
The following notable candidates have filed to run for president with the Federal Election Commission or announced exploratory committees.
· Amy Klobuchar (D), U.S. Senator from Minnesota, announced on February 19, 2019
· Corey Booker (D), U.S. Senator from New Jersey, announced on February 1, 2019
· Pete Buttigieg (D), Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, announced on January 23, 2019
· Kamala Harris (D), U.S. Senator from California, announced on January 21, 2019
· Kirsten Gillibrand (D), U.S. Senator from New York, announced on January 15, 2019
· Julian Castro (D), former U.S. Secretary of HUD, announced on January 12, 2019
· Tulsi Gabbard (D), U.S. Representative from Hawaii, announced on January 11, 2019
· Elizabeth Warren (D), U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, announced on December 31, 2018
· John Delaney (D), former U.S. Representative from Maryland, filed on August 10, 2017
How could a federal shutdown affect people with disabilities?
The link below will take you to the Social Security Administration's contingency plan for a shutdown:
https://www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown/materials/contingency-plan-09-25-18.pdf
This link will show how Food Stamps could be affected in a shutdown:
https://www.freshebt.com/government-shutdown-ebt-food-stamp-benefits/
This link will show how housing assistance could be affected by a shutdown:
https://affordablehousingonline.com/shutdown
This link will show how the mail could be affected by a shutdown:
Here is a link to the IRS contingency plan and an article explaining how a shutdown could affect your tax return:
https://www.libertytax.com/tax-lounge/what-does-a-government-shutdown-mean-for-your-taxes/
Here are two links specific to how a government shutdown could affect Wyoming:
Casper Star Tribune Article:
Wyoming Public Media:
https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/term/government-shutdown#stream/0
Wyoming Legislation to Watch 2019
updated 2/11/2019. For a full list of bills, please visit https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2019
2019 Legislative Bills in progress (1).xlsx