Budget Deficit and the Cliff: What's at risk

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Megan Burke

The deadline for Congress to pass a deficit reduction package is looming. If they do not agree on a plan by January the U.S. goes over the fiscal cliff. Everybody loses if we go over the cliff. There will be across the board cuts to defense discretionary spending and non-defense discretionary spending. In addition the Bush-era tax rates are set to expire, and everyone’s taxes will increase (an average of $2200 for a middle class family). We haven’t hit the cliff yet, and there is a lot at stake in the deficit debate.

Vote YES on the CRPD!

Posted on December 03, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey

TAKE ACTION: Support the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The CRPD sets out the General Principles that apply to the enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide which include:

•Non-discrimination

•Full and effective participation and inclusion in society

•Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity

•Equality of opportunity

•Accessibility

If you think the United States should support these principles and be a global leader in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities then it is time to TAKE ACTION!!!

Everyone’s talking Medicaid expansion: Why should we care?

Posted on December 02, 2012 by Megan Burke

When the Affordable Care Act became law it included a provision to expand Medicaid. Medicaid expansion was initially a mandate, but the Supreme Court decided states had a choice. There are people with disabilities who will benefit from Medicaid expansion. If we want to see Medicaid expansion in Missouri, it is up to us to help our legislators understand the benefits of Medicaid expansion to our state and to people with disabilities.

We Made It! Now What?

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Amanda Beals

This year, advocates across Missouri have been busy with Get-Out-the-Vote work. Last week, all of our hard work paid off as thousands of voters with disabilities showed up at their polling places and made their voices heard. If we have learned anything throughout this past Election Year, it’s that we have the power to take control of the agenda and get the answers that we want by using the power of our community.

Disabled Veterans – Realizing Independence Again

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Chris Blanchard, Employment and Transition Coordinator, Consultant to Veteran's with Disabilities

Veterans are a unique group comprised of men and women who have in large part, volunteered to “Stand on the wall” defending our nation and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Regardless of branch, we share a bond that can only be experienced through service. Transition from that environment to civilian life can be difficult, especially for veterans with disabilities.

Voting Rights 101: Know Before You Go Vote

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Amanda Beals

The Election is right around the corner! Before you venture to your polling place and cast your ballot on November 6^th, make sure you know important voting rights for Missouri voters.

Is it over yet? A personal reflection on this Election season.

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Amanda Beals

I don’t know about you all, but I am certainly starting to feel the wear and tear of the Election Year. Especially in these past few weeks. Instead of giving in to the frustrations of politics, I hope that you all will be involved and fight to move our community forward by voting on November 6^th .

VOTE for Health Care! Vote NO on Prop E!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Megan Burke

The language of Proposition E is confusing. You may think that by voting in favor of Proposition E you are making sure that we the people keep control of the health insurance exchange process. You couldn’t be further from the truth. The federal law requires all states to have a health insurance exchange by 2014. We just have to ask ourselves if we want to create our own in Missouri or relinquish control to the Federal government. Proposition E will make it difficult for Missouri to create its own exchange.

Can you help me find a job? I really need a job! Why won’t anyone hire me?

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Angie Seigler, the Director of Vocational and Employment Services at Paraquad

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and while individuals with disabilities have made progress in the workplace; there is still much work to be done until everyone that wants to work has a job! According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 13.5%, much higher than people without disabilities (7.3%). With the economic downturn and barriers people with disabilities face, finding meaningful employment can be challenging.

Yes on Prop B means a brighter future for Missouri

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Megan Burke

In the last week or so, I have seen billboards and signs popping up, stating Prop B is a 760% tax increase. If I didn’t know what Prop B was about and who was behind those adds, I would find that statement somewhat alarming. In reality, Prop B (tobacco tax) is good for Missouri’s future. Prop B was created to improve health, reduce smoking, and increase funding for schools. Increasing state revenue and reducing health risks makes for a stronger, healthier Missouri in which we all benefit.

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