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National Updates
Congress has returned to work on appropriations bills before the October 1st deadline, which is the start of the new fiscal year. There continues to be concerning disagreement between the House and the Senate with how to proceed with funding and appropriations for next year. The Senate has passed bills that agree with the budget deal formed in March, whereas the House has passed bills that propose a 8% cut to non-defense spending.
This is problematic as Kim Musheno (vice president of public policy at the Autism Society of America) noted in an article in Disability Scoop. “The disability service system is in crisis following the pandemic. We need increases to attract and retain special education teachers, increased affordable accessible housing, supported employment, etc., not cuts,” she said.
This article can be accessed here.
Advocates are encouraged to reach out to your federal representatives and ask that they pass legislation that adequately funds programs that support Autistic individuals. The Autism Society of America’s voter voice website provides an easy way to reach these representatives, you can access the site here.
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