Reps in Action: Jan. 29, 2020

Gillibrand announces legislation to support people with disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Jan. 22, U.S Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced the Ensuring Access to Direct Support Professionals Act that would allow patients, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, to maintain their direct support professionals (DSP) during hospital stays.

Medicaid does not currently cover personal DSPs when a person is admitted to the hospital, a press release said.

This legislation would change that provision by allowing Medicaid to cover DSPs during short-term hospital stays. 

In a statement, Gillibrand said DSPs play a vital role for older adults and people with disabilities.

"When individuals enter the hospital without the support of their DSP, it can often lead to a slower and less ideal recovery.

This bill will enable Medicaid to cover the cost of DSPs, and will ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the best care possible and that their rights are respected."

Schumer calls for public health emergency declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare a public health emergency related to the potentially fatal coronavirus.

That would allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to access the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund for, among other things, contact tracing and monitoring of cases, public awareness campaigns, additional or enhanced screenings and support for municipal health departments, a press release said.

During the recent budget deal, Schumer and House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) were able to increase that reserve fund from $50 million to $85 million.

As of Tuesday, the CDC had confirmed five cases of coronavirus in the United States.

"The CDC has been doing a tremendous job so far at being proactive and working around the clock to protect public health, but if we are going to make sure they can sustain this pace and remain at-the-ready should the outbreak get worse, they will need immediate access to critical federal funds that at the present time they remain unable to access," Schumer said in a statement.

"That is why, today, I am urging HHS to follow the CDC’s proactive lead: declare a formal public health emergency for the coronavirus. In doing so, HHS will unlock tens of millions for the CDC to access."

Stefanik votes for Never Again Education Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) voted for the Never Again Education Act, legislation that would provide teachers nationwide with resources and training to teach students the important lessons of the Holocaust.

Stefanik was an original co-sponsor of the bill.

Additionally, the bill would amplify the work of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, using a combination of public and private funds to develop and disseminate Holocaust education resources to local schools, a press release said.

"Today, on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the House reaffirmed its commitment to remembrance by passing this bill to ensure the next generation of students understand the dangers of rising anti-Semitism and recognize that it must never be forgotten," Stefanik said in a statement.

"As we continue to condemn horrific acts of anti-Semitism across the world, we must also take proactive measures to educate and provide states and schools with the resources necessary to incorporate Holocaust education into their classrooms, ensuring that all students understand the evils of the Holocaust and its impact.

I am honored to co-lead this important legislation, and I applaud my colleagues in the House for its bipartisan passage."

Stefanik testifies in support of paid leave proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of the Advancing Support for Working Families Act, of which she is an original co-sponsor.

The legislation would allow working families to advance up to $5,000 of their child tax credit, thus helping them cover costs associated with parental leave, infant care and other expenses that occur with the birth or adoption of a new child.

According to a press release, it is the only bipartisan and bicameral plan to help new parents access upfront financial assistance, and does so without raising taxes or creating new federal mandates.

"Developing solutions to help new parents and working families thrive in this modern workforce is necessary for the continued economic success of our nation and the well-being of the next generation of Americans," Stefanik said in a statement.

"I will always advocate on behalf of hardworking North Country families to bring them tangible benefits and enhanced paid leave options as I continue to lead this effort through the House."