Policy Pulse Newsletter - October 2024
"The countdown begins"
October 29, 2024In this newsletter:
- One week left - are you ready to vote?
- State Advocacy Spotlight: California
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month sheds lights on policy opportunity
- Post-election, Congress will revisit the Autism CARES Act of 2024
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One week left - are you ready to vote?
In the United States, the number of eligible disabled voters, including those with autism, is enough to help determine local, state and national elections. Before voting, know your rights and available accommodations & research what's on your ballot.
What's at stake?
- President & Vice President
- 34 of 100 U.S. Senators
- All 435 U.S. House Representatives, plus 6 non-voting seats for D.C. and U.S. territories
- 11 state governor seats
- +5,800 state legislators
- 305 appellate court seats
- 150 ballot measures
State Advocacy Spotlight: California
Several bills that Autism Speaks supported in the California General Assembly this year were signed into law - including an earlier transition planning age for autistic high schoolers, which we introduced and have been advocating for since 2021.
The new laws will strengthen supports, opportunities and safety of autistic individuals, including:
- Earlier planning for postsecondary goals and transition services;
- Enhanced developmental disability services; and
- Protections for autistic students from discrimination and bullying.
In addition, Autism Speaks and many other advocates fought against a proposed year-long delay in previously approved funding for developmental disability service providers. Learn more.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month sheds lights on policy opportunity
SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act This bill would, for the first time in 30+ years, raise the amount of assets that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can save without jeopardizing their benefits. Raising asset limits would significantly improve the quality of life for millions of individuals with disabilities by empowering them to earn and save money for their futures. Learn more. | Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience Act The ENABLE Act empowers autistic individuals to achieve greater financial independence and security by enhancing ABLE Accounts, a tool that allows autistic people and their families to save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing federal benefits. Learn more. |
Disability Employment Incentive Act This bill expands tax credits and deductions that are available for employers who hire and retain employees with disabilities, and make workplaces more accessible to those employees. Learn more. | Supporting Disabled Entrepreneurs Act This bill supports entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals with disabilities, creating financial stability and generational wealth, as well as benefiting the national economy. Learn more. |
Post-election, Congress will revisit the Autism CARES Act of 2024
Autism Speaks has been at the forefront of advocating for the renewal of the Autism CARES Act—the only federal law solely dedicated to efforts on behalf of the autism community. Over the course of this year, we've secured 8 critical new enhancements in the bill that not only build upon the law's historic legacy but expand programming to further address gaps in access to health care, services and supports.
The Autism CARES Act of 2024 will be taken back up in November when the U.S. Senate returns after the election, and it must be passed by December 20.
Contact Congress about the Autism CARES Act of 2024.
News Corner
Disability Scoop quotes Autism Speaks in an article covering short-term extension of the Autism CARES Act called "Senate Punts on Autism Act."
Disability Scoop quotes Autism Speaks in article, "States Told Not To Skimp On Medicaid Coverage For Kids With IDD," highlighting new CMS guidance on EPSDT coverage of autism services.
