July 2024 Advocacy Update
Happy July everyone! The formal legislative session ends this month in Massachusetts. What does this mean? It means that there is about a month left to get bills that are facing opposition passed. So, if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to write to your legislators on the issues you care about. Find your legislators here.
Commemorating Olmstead:
June 22nd, 2024 marks 25 years since the landmark decision of Olmstead v. L.C. that ruled unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This required states to provide services to people with disabilities “in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs”, allowing them to return to their communities with support, rather than disappearing into institutions.
We can thank Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two women with disabilities and plaintiffs in the case, and Sue Jamieson, their attorney who filed the lawsuit, for changing the world for many people with disabilities. In fact, without Olmstead, the recent case, Marsters v. Healey would not have been successful in requiring Massachusetts to provide pathways from institutions back to independent living. Read more about Olmstead and how it continues to influence law today.
Roll on Capitol Hill:
United Spinal Association held their annual Roll on Capitol Hill this month. This year's event was virtual, allowing nearly 200 advocates from 36 states to meet with 194 congressional offices to advocate for strengthening the direct care workforce, wheelchair repair reform, and extending rehab stays. Eleven of those advocates were from Massachusetts and they met with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as a number of Representatives.
Specifically, they asked for members of congress to co-sponsor three bills that address home and community based services (HCBS) and the deficit of direct care professionals, such as personal care aids. These bills are:
Better Care Better Jobs (BCBJ) Act of 2023 - H.R. 547/S.100 (take action here)
HCBS Access Act of 2023 - H.R. 1493/S.762 (take action here)
HCBS Relief Act of 2023 - H.R. 6296/S.3118 (take action here)
These bills would increase state Medicaid funds for two years, recruit and retain direct care workers, increase pay rates, authorize protections against impoverishment for individuals whose spouses receive HCBS, make the Money Follows the Person program permanent, and eliminate the HCBS waiting list and streamline access to programs, among other things.
Additionally, they asked members of congress to support and introduce provisions to reform wheelchair service and repair on a national level that would include:
elimination of prior authorization requirement in Medicare Advantage for wheelchair repair,
insurance coverage for preventative maintenance every six months, and,
self-repair options for wheelchair users for a non-exhaustive list of designated components.
The National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) has worked with all stakeholders in complex rehabilitation technology on published guidelines for service, maintenance, and repair. The hope is that these guidelines will become federal legislation.
Finally, they requested that members of congress provide legislative or report language directing the establishment of a federal pilot program that would address the length of rehabilitation stays after the initial onset of a traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Since the 1970’s, the average length of stay has declined by over 70 days, and nearly a third of individuals are re-hospitalized at least once within a year of their injury. This pilot program would examine the effect of an additional length of stay on health and functional improvement of individuals with tSCIs. The hope is that this program will show that extending rehab stays benefit individuals with SCI and their families, and ultimately provide a cost savings by reducing the number of re-hospitalizations. The results of the study will be used to inform further legislative action. Visit their website to take action in support of any of the above issues.
We’re collecting stories about healthcare access issues!
Have you ever had an appointment rescheduled because your medical facility couldn’t safely transfer you? Have you had to wait because staff weren’t prepared for a wheelchair user? Have you been unable to receive reasonable modifications during a hospital stay? Email Vita Brown at vita@sciboston.org. All responses will be kept confidential.
PCA/Caregivers:
Do you use PCAs? MassHealth is seeking input from all stakeholders on defining complex care. By January 2026, they will offer a pay differential of $3.25 for those PCAs providing complex care. Complex care could include catheter care, ostomy care, tracheostomy care and light suctioning, g-tube and feeding tube care, bowel regimens, transfers, certain medication administration, etc. “By answering the questions in [their] online survey, you’ll be helping EOHHS identify personal care services or other elements of PCA services that may be included in determining clinical eligibility for complex care.” Find the online survey here. Responses are due by July 13th, 2024.
Though the Senate and House budgets both kept funding level for the MassHealth PCA program, there is still a chance that Governor Healey’s proposal to cut individuals receiving less than 10 hours of care from the PCA program could find its way into the finished budget. Read more here.
Long-term Care:
IAE: Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Rights (DAAHR) held a forum discussing an proposed Independent Assessor Entity (IAE) that would perform all of the clinical eligibility assessments for long term supports and services (LTSS). Over 150 advocates gathered on zoom to express their stance on an IAE and all who spoke and commented were vehemently opposed to shifting assessments to a single entity. By the end of the meeting, Assistant Secretary of MassHealth, Mike Levine, had pushed the deadline for the RFI from the end of June to July 9th at 5:00 p.m.
Background: MassHealth is proposing the implementation of an independent assessment entity (IAE) of long term services and supports (LTSS). Currently, assessments and authorization for LTSS in Massachusetts are performed by hundreds of organizations, usually non-profit or not-for-profit community-based organizations, such as independent living centers and aging services access points. For the MassHealth PCA program initial intake would shift from an in-person visit to over the phone. Additionally, eligibility evaluations would no longer be reviewed by Occupational Therapists, leaving clinical eligibility assessments in the hands of Registered Nurses.
MassHealth has proposed this change due to the following challenges within the current system:
Assessments for LTSS take too long: Currently, the whole process from referral to a program to receiving prior authorization for services can take several months. MassHealth hopes to reduce that time-line to 10 business days.
Assessment fatigue: In order to qualify for multiple programs, an individual must be assessed multiple times. Multiple assessments can also be time consuming and costly.
Confusion: MassHealth reports that members often struggle to know what supports and services they qualify for are and how to access them.
Consistency and inequity: “EOHHS has no window into whether [the] assessments are being done consistently” and “members may have different experiences depending on where they live and [their] specific provider”.
Data: The current system doesn’t allow MassHealth to track data on how many eligible members are attempting to receive LTSS without success.
It is MassHealth’s hope that by implementing a standardized assessment process within a centralized system these problems will be addressed.
Despite agreeing that some of these issues could be improved upon, significant opposition has arisen from prominent disability and senior organizations. Until recently community input has been notably absent from the process, leaving advocates justifiably concerned. Without ongoing advocacy, individuals would still be shut out of the process. There would not have been a Request for Information, either extension, or the forum offered by DAAHR.
Besides the lack of involvement of the people that would be impacted by an IAE, the major complaints and concerns that Disability and Elder advocates have are as follows:
Standardization: While standardization may lead to efficiency, it is very difficult to standardize individual needs. In fact, standardization can impede equity and negatively impact health outcomes. For example, the amount of time it takes one person to transfer from bed to a wheelchair is not the same amount of time it would take another person. According to analysis by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, an examination of approvals and denials by Optum show that the implementation of a single entity - in this case Optum - led to a reduction in hours across the board.
Bureaucratic Inflexibility: Needs can change over time. Assessments must be able to adapt to the dynamic nature of certain conditions. Providers should be able to engage with members in a way that best suits their needs.
Scope: There is concern that any potential entity vying to become the IAE for MassHealth will likely be a large-scale organization. Most states that have implemented IAE’s have awarded contracts to multi-national for-profit corporations, such as Maximus, Inc., or to companies owned by private equity firms, such as Acentra Health. Larger organizations may not possess the same capacity as smaller community-based organizations to understand the specific needs of the community. In fact, in other states, timelines have not shortened with the implementation of an IAE.
Medicalized Model of Care: The current system arose from the independent living movement with focus on autonomy, self- determination and inclusion. As DAAHR wrote, “ evaluations were placed in disability organizations decades ago because it was believed providers best understand disability and independent living—they are culturally competent!” The concern is that a centralized system would not uphold the same values.
Loss of knowledge and expertise: Most of the organizations currently providing assessments have been doing the same work for decades. A new entity would lack the same level of skill in delivering care.
Additionally, many of the barriers to addressing these challenges come from MassHealth regulations that are absent from the IAE’s requirements. Instead, advocates propose that MassHealth should collaborate with experienced entities, to find solutions to the aforementioned challenges, rather than concentrating on soliciting bids for an IAE contract.
Read more about the issue here and here. Read the full RFI on COMMBUYS under file attachments.
How to submit a comment on the IAE:
Please answer the questions found starting on page eleven of the RFI in order of appearance and numbered according to the RFI question number. You may respond to some or all of the RFI questions. Comments are due by July 9th, 2024 by 5 pm. Please submit comments by email to Shukri Osman at shukri.osman@mass.gov. Questions regarding COMMBUYS should be directed to the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov.
Any additional questions? Email vita@sciboston.org.
Marsters v. Healey: As of June 17th, the class action lawsuit, Marsters v. Healey, has been fully approved by Judge Nathaniel Gorton. Massachusetts will commit $1 billion dollars over the next eight years to expand opportunities for people living in long term care facilities to return to their communities. It’s estimated that the majority of Medicaid recipients living in nursing facilities will be eligible to leave. This agreement is intended to address the disproportionate rates of institutionalization of people of color in long-term care facilities. Individuals who could benefit from the Marster’s ruling are: disabled people age 22 or older living in a Massachusetts nursing facility for more than 60 days who have Medicaid or are eligible. They will be provided comprehensive case management and residential services and supports. Slots will be created in provider-operated group homes, DMH group living environments, rental subsidy program, additional subsidized housing opportunities, and home modifications. Read news articles here and here.
Be a Better Research Advocate:
The North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC) is offering a free course on research advocacy. Including individuals with SCIs and their caregivers in the research process is critical to improving the quality of SCI research. This course intends to increase knowledge about the research process for advocates and offer tools to researchers and healthcare providers to be better partners of the SCI community. This course includes 12 modules, each with a quiz at the end. You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course with passing scores. It will take approximately 6 hours to complete the course. Click here to get started with the course.
Emergency Preparedness:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published an interim final rule (IFR) amending their Individual Assistance program in the hopes to remove barriers to entry and increase eligibility for certain types of assistance. These changes would standardize serious needs assessments, expand the habitability criteria, and streamline temporary housing assistance applications, among others. Comments on the IFR can be submitted online until July 22, 2024. Please contact vita@sciboston.org for more information.
From the ACL-ODIC Listening Session: FEMA IA Reforms Confirmation
Transportation:
Local:
MBTA Accessibility Update:At the June 26 MBTA semiannual update on the MBTA's path towards compliance with the Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA settlement agreement, which covers the T’s “fixed-route” (train, bus, subway, ferry) system (not The Ride), Judge King reported significant performance improvements in most areas and overall satisfaction with the MBTA’s progress toward accessibility in terms of stations/platforms, vehicles, and operations. However, Judge King voiced some concerns, including:
Buses: one area of underperformance is in full securement of wheelchairs. Drivers will receive instruction.
Orange Line: Some new train designs are resulting in bigger gaps (horizontal AND vertical) between cars and platforms.
Shuttle buses (for subway & commuter rail system disruptions): Academy Bus, a private shuttle operator, has been suspended until they demonstrate they can do better with implementing ADA training. Overall, the prevalence of accessible transit-style shuttle buses is improving.
Judge King told the MBTA to rectify these and other deficiencies, and presentations by MBTA staff and managers later in the meeting provided more detail on the root causes of problems and planned remedies.
The Riders’ Transportation Access Group (RTAG) expressed serious concerns about a new design for bus stops being implemented in Boston: situating them on “floating” bus islands in the roadway, which means the bus doesn’t have to pull over into a parking lane, but riders do have to cross a lane of bike traffic to reach the island. RTAG voiced concerns mainly for the sake of vision-impaired riders, but these could be tricky for wheelchair users too.
Continuing on the subject of bus stops, MBTA Chief of Bus Operations Dane LaiFook was asked to explain how they train bus drivers to deal with bus stops blocked by illegally parked vehicles, which makes it hard for those using wheelchairs to board. He responded that they coach drivers to pull up to the next safe location as close to the stop as possible, and if the driver can’t get to the curb, they are instructed to stop at least 4 feet from the curb and extend the ramp for wheelchair users. Drivers are also instructed to use a simple device on the bus to notify the dispatcher about the blockage, who notifies MBTA Transit Police. Transit Police patrol the most frequently blocked stops, but they don’t often get to distant stops. A meeting participant suggested that the MBTA’s new Director of Government Affairs work with municipalities to get local police to enforce more consistently.
Laura Brelsford, MBTA Assistant General Manager for System Wide Accessibility, reported that she would take this up with the Government Affairs team after the meeting. She announced that there are two draft bills in the MA legislature that would allow for remote ticketing, via cameras onboard buses, of vehicles parked in stops or traveling in bus-only lanes, and asked riders to contact their State Representatives and Senators to support this legislation. You can read more about these bills on StreetsBlogMass. These bills, MA House bill 4789 and MA Senate bill 2600, are undergoing amendment and face a July 31 deadline for passage in this session. Contact your state Representative and Senator to take action on these bills.
Regarding the Green Line, slides and presenters’ comments generated concerns about the status of Symphony, Hynes and Boylston station accessibility upgrades. For Symphony, which is fully designed (with elevators and other accessibility features), construction bids exceeded the MBTA’s cost estimate by 68%; for Hynes & Boylston, which are still being designed, construction costs are now valued at $200+ million each, so design activities are on hold until a “funding strategy” is established. Sam Zhou, MBTA Chief of Engineering & Capital tried to allay participant concerns about whether the MBTA is neglecting complicated, expensive upgrades of busy stations in favor of easier, cheaper platform upgrades on the aboveground branches of the Green Line, which are proceeding briskly. Sam says that for Symphony, the MBTA is still evaluating the bids received and deciding what next steps to take, and are committed to delivering the project in the near future. For Hynes and Boylston, they are revisiting procurement processes to become smarter about what “market” to advertise these projects in, and ways to ‘value engineer’ them to reduce costs at the design phase.
Regarding the Orange Line, the MBTA conducted a comprehensive audit of stations, which confirmed the presence of excessive platform gaps – both horizontal and vertical – in numerous locations. These gaps are due to out-of-spec infrastructure and exacerbated by the dimensions of the new Orange Line cars. A corrective action plan under development will include short-term and long-term solutions for reducing gaps, everything from relaying track to installing gap fillers to emphasizing that riders can request a bridge plate in any Orange, Red or Blue line stations by asking a station agent or motor-person, or by using the Call Boxes on platforms and trains.
Find the picture-laden slides and detailed status report associated with the meeting here!
State:
MassDOT announced Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) awards totaling almost $20 million for expanding programs and purchasing vehicles for public transportation needs, emphasizing the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Funded vehicles include a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs, and all models are wheelchair accessible. Check the list of recipients to see if your community or service agency is on it!
In the News:
Wheelchair Repair (Opinion): Mass Wheelchair Repair System is a Disgrace
Long Term Care: As Some Nursing Homes Cry Poverty, What Can be Done about Increased Staffing Requirements?
SSI: Social Security Updates Occupations List Used in Disability Evaluation Process
Traveling with a Disability: Delta and Collins Aerospace Race Toward On-board Wheelchair Securement
Teach Disability History: Teaching Disability History in Schools is 'long overdue,' Advocates Say
Watch: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Events:
The Link Center: A Conversation with People with Disabilities about Sexual Violence and Call to Action for State Agencies:
Monday, July 8th, 2024 at 2:00 pm, on zoom
Register here.
This webinar is held by the Link Center in partnership with a number of federal agencies. It will highlight the disproportionate prevalence of sexual assault in the disability community and the barriers survivors experience when seeking support. The panelists will share their stories and suggestions for state agencies on how to improve support for individuals with disabilities who have experienced sexual assault. The goal of this webinar is to raise awareness.
Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center Webinar: Job Accommodations Make a Difference:
Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm, on zoom
Register here.
A panel of researchers from the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment for people with Physical Disabilities will share data on how providing accommodations for people with disabilities makes a difference in their ability to do their job. The webinar will offer live captioning, ASL translating, and Spanish translation.
U.S. Access Board Webinar: Information Session on Artificial Intelligence and Disability:
Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Join the meeting here.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can offer many avenues to increase accessibility, as long as the implementation of this technology is done in an equitable manner. The Access Board was tasked with ensuring that people with disabilities are included in education and resources related to AI. This information session kicks off the Developing AI Equity, Access, and Inclusion for all series.
U.S. Access Board Webinar: Identifying Non-Compliant Elements and Spaces:
Thursday, July 11th, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Register here.
This presentation will cover sections of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Standards, and the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), and how they can be used to recognize non-compliant spaces. This webinar will use real-life examples, images, and descriptions of inaccessible and non-compliance spaces to inform best design practices. Video remote interpreting and closed captioning will be provided. Webinar attendees can earn continuing education credits.
NCBA Webinar: Accessibility and Inclusion in the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Thursday, July 11th, 2024 from 1:00 pm, on zoom
Register here.
Join the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA) for a webinar on “disability needs and concerns within the African American and Black community, as well as other diverse communities.” Learn about your rights under the ADA and how to include and enhance accessibility within your community through the use of real-life examples. Closed captioning included.
United Spinal Association’s Advocacy LIVE:
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 from 5:00-6:00 pm, on Zoom.
Please register here to attend.
Interested in grassroots advocacy? The United Spinal Association holds a monthly meeting for advocates to collaborate with advocates from across the United States on Federal, state, and local issues affecting the disability community. Top priorities include wheelchair repair, air travel, SSI asset limits, parking, emergency preparedness, care support, and housing. Advocacy LIVE meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday, alternating each month from 1-2 PM and 5-6 PM.
Interested in specific issues? Join one of United Spinal’s working groups! Groups include: outdoor access, accessible parking, accessible transportation, emergency preparedness, and care support. Complete this form to join any of the groups.
July RTAG General Meeting:
Date TBD
Riders’ Transportation Access Group (RTAG) is an organization that is committed to improving the accessibility standards of transportation for people with disabilities and older people. The right to use public transportation is “a fundamental component to inclusion in our community”. Join the monthly general meeting to discuss with the MBTA, Department of System-Wide Accessibility and The RIDE.
American Sign Language will be provided for this meeting. Other accommodations available upon request.
Massachusetts Office on Disability: Community Access Monitor (CAM) Training:
Wednesday, October 2nd and Wednesday, October 9th, 10:00 am - 3 pm, on Zoom
Register here.
Spaces are going fast! The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) will be holding a 2-day Community Access Monitor (CAM) training via zoom. This training will provide information on how to improve accessibility within your community through advocacy. You will learn about: the history of disability laws, regulations, and rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and accessible architecture regulations, effective communication, how to advocate for access, and the rights and responsibilities of a CAM.
Registering at the above link will register you for both days. After you register, you will receive the link for day 1. You will receive an email with the link for day 2 once all seats have been filled. There is a 60 seat limit, so please register early! Attendance will result in a Certificate of Course Completion and the opportunity to participate in the Advanced Community Access Monitor (ACAM) training courses.
From United Spinal Association:
Take Action: Ask CMS to change the “in the home” language.
Policy Survey: Bring your most important issues to United Spinal—they’re here to help. Let them know how they can focus on what’s important to you by taking this brief policy survey.
Health Equity: United Spinal has compiled a list of resources to help you receive the healthcare you deserve!
Emergency Preparedness: What Can Wheelchair Users Do in An Emergency Evacuation?
Traveling with a Caregiver: The Care Support work group has provided resources for creating a care support plan while traveling.
Advocacy 101: Interested in expanding your advocacy knowledge? Head over to United Spinal Association’s website to take their first module: Why Advocacy?. You’ll learn a history of disability related advocacy, important definitions, and ways to be a more successful advocate. Click here to take the course. It will take 45 minutes or less to complete.
Wheelchair Stories: United Spinal is looking for stories on wheelchair repair issues. If you are on Medicare, need your wheelchair replaced or repaired, and have been denied and/or extended delays for coverage for a qualified provider-prescribed wheelchair, please email policy@unitedspinal.org. SCIboston is also collecting wheelchair stories, please email vita@sciboston.org as well!
From the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation:
Self-Advocacy Series: This is a seven-part video series on disability rights and self-advocacy. Explore disability history and learn about Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and pick up tips on navigating healthcare, employment, housing, transportation, and education. Watch the series here.
Boston:
Did you know? Boston has a number of restrooms open to the public. Sometimes they can be difficult to find. Here is a map of all of the public restrooms available in the city.
The Boston Disability Commission offers a number of programs, including how to apply for an accessible parking spot, requests for a curb ramp installation or repair, and additional information on housing, transportation and employment.
Housing:
The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act is changing things for Section 8 voucher holders. There will be a new asset limit of $100,000 for all voucher holders, with a few exceptions. Assets that are exempted from the limit are: retirement accounts, ABLE saving accounts, and medical devices. Additionally, Multifamily owners and Public Housing Authorities can choose to implement this rule in ways that protect people with disabilities currently relying on Section 8 vouchers for housing who may be above the asset limit. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has more information on implementing this rule in a way that doesn’t displace people with disabilities from their current housing, found here.
Federal Bills on Our Radar:
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act:
H.R. 5408/S.2767: SSI asset limits have not changed since 1989, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. This bill would raise the asset limit from $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, to $10,000 and $20,000 respectively. The asset limit would also annually adjust for inflation. It is currently in the House committee on Ways and Means and the Senate committee on Finance. You can contact your legislators through congress.gov to let them know what you think of this bill. The House and Senate links are here. If you are in favor of this bill, United Spinal has a pre-written email that you can sign your name to and send to your legislator.
The Choices for Increased Mobility Act:
This bill, H.R. 5371, would allow Medicare beneficiaries to obtain access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchair frames, by allowing them to upgrade their wheelchairs at their own cost. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries are not allowed to upgrade their wheelchairs to a titanium frame, and many commercial plans (which often mirror these coverage policies) have followed suit. Titanium and Carbon fiber frames offer a freedom of mobility and reduction of secondary health concerns that other frames do not, due to being extremely lightweight. This bill has been reported favorably by the federal House Energy and Commerce committee and is being reviewed by the House Ways and Means. Feedback is also being accepted on this bill at congress.gov. Click here.
Massachusetts Bills on our Radar:
S.2546: An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities:
Passed the Senate and is now onto the House.
Currently being reviewed by the Committee on Health Care Financing.
Reporting date has been extended to July 31st 2024, if the Senate agrees.
If you’d like to read more, the Disability Law Center has an extensive write-up here. If you’d like to comment on this legislation, email your Representative!
H.1168/S.726: An Act protecting the homes of seniors and disabled people on MassHealth:
Currently in the Senate Ways and Means
Reported favorably out of committee and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing
Reporting date extended to Wednesday July 3, 2024.
Still accepting written testimony
Written testimony may be submitted to the Judiciary Committee at 24 Beacon Street, Room 136, Boston, MA 02133 or by e-mail to michael.musto@mahouse.gov.
Reporting date extended to April 30th, 2024.
A new draft (H.4750) of this bill was created, consolidating a few other, similar bills.
Has passed the House unanimously
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
H.1305/S.884: An Act to create affordable homes for persons with disabilities:
Still accepting written testimony
To submit written testimony, please email it to Luke O'Roark at luke.oroark@mahouse.gov and Christianna Golden at christianna.golden@masenate.gov.
Reporting date extended to Wednesday July 10th, 2024, pending agreement from the Senate
Amended and redrafted to H.4726
Passed to be engrossed in the House
Referred to the Senate and has been sent to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Bill reported favorably out of committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means
H.148: An Act Establishing a Livable Home Modification Grant Program
Currently in House Ways and Means
You can find a how-to on written testimony here. If you have any questions, please email vita@sciboston.org.
If you’re looking for a synopsis of some of these bills, more information can be found over at the Disability Policy Consortium. Additionally, email vita@sciboston.org with any questions!