State Assistive Technology Act

URGENT

The issue: The draft Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill contains new language of a mandatory Alternative Financing Program (AFP) set-aside of funding for State Assistive Technology Act. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education will continue negotiations with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education THIS WEEK and our opportunity for Congress to eliminate this language from the House draft bill is NOW. Action is needed by Friday, November 4th. **

What it means: Under the new proposal, State Assistive Technology Programs would be required to spend 25% of their federal allocation for alternative financing programs through contracts with community-based organizations. These cuts would have significant negative effects on device reutilization, device loan and device demonstration activities.

What it means for SC: The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program’s (SCATP’s) AT Reutilization Program connects consumers, agencies and other organizations in the donation and sale of used medical equipment to people who could not afford it otherwise. The past two years, this initiative resulted in a cost savings of $695,172 to consumers, state and federal agencies and other organizations. Funding cuts would also greatly reduce the offerings of SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. In FY 2011, over 350 people participated in SCATP’s device demonstration program and people got a chance to borrow over 400 devices to “try before they buy” through SCATP’s device loan program. These programs greatly reduce demand for funding and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

What can you do? If you feel that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside in the draft 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill would negatively affect the lives of South Carolinians who have disabilities and those who serve them, consider these steps:

CALL, EMAIL or FAX your SC Congressmen and ask them to speak to the members of the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee and share how this legislation would impact SC though cuts in essential equipment reuse, demonstration and loan programs administered by SCATP. If you, a family member, friend, or client who has benefitted from these programs, please share those personal stories.



The Honorable Joe Wilson

Staff: Melissa Chandler- melissa.chandler@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2452

United States House of Representatives, 2229 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515



The Honorable Trey Gowdy

Staff: Christopher Ingraham- christopher.ingraham@mail.house.gov, 202-225-6030

United States House of Representatives, 1237 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515





The Honorable James E. Clyburn

Staff: Willie Lyles, willie.lylesIII@mail.house.gov, 202-225-3315

U.S. House of Representatives, 2135 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4006



The Honorable Jim DeMint

Staff: Erica Suares, erica_suares@demint.senate.gov, 202-224-6121

United States Senate, 167 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-4004



The Honorable Jeff Duncan

Staff: Caleb Paxton, caleb.paxton@mail.house.gov, 202-225-5301

U.S. House of Representatives, 116 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4003



The Honorable Lindsey O. Graham

Staff: Courtney Titus, courtney_titus@lgraham.senate.gov, 202-224-5972

United States Senate, 290 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-4003



The Honorable Mick Mulvaney

Staff: Greg Thomas, 202-2greg.thomas@mail.house.gov, 25-5501

U.S. House of Representatives, 1004 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4005



The Honorable Tim Scott

Staff: Delores DaCosta, delores.dacosta@mail.house.gov, 202-225-3176

U.S. House of Representatives, 1117 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4001



The Honorable Addison Graves Wilson

Staff: Melissa Chandler, melissa.chandler@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2452

U.S. House of Representatives, 2229 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4002



We'd also appreciate your sending an electronic copy of your letter to CarolPageSLP@gmail.com.



Key discussion points to consider:

· It is urgent that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside for State Assistive Technology Act Programs be removed from the Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill.



· The proposed language of the set-aside means SCATP would force cuts to funding we currently use to implement SCATP’s AT Reutilization program which connects consumers wanting to sell or give away used medical equipment to consumers in need of used equipment. Funding cuts would also greatly impact SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. These programs reduce the demand for federal funding by millions of dollars and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars. Emphasize the role that SCATP has played in ensuring that assistive technology is purchased and used effectively by South Carolinians.



· You could mention the ways SCATP serves as a resource in helping agencies and individuals in activities ranging from education to health care and even jobs, as well as the outreach to rural, underserved and minority populations. If you are in the education field, you can emphasize how SCATP has helped school districts and students meet the goals of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. It might also help if you let them know how much the SC Assistive Technology Program has helped you, a friend, relative or client with disabilities.



**If you have questions, contact carolpageslp@gmail.com and we can update you on progress of this legislation and help you determine what you might do.