URGENT: Funding Issue for SCATP

NOW is the time to reach out to SC Congressmen about the mandatory set-aside language of the Federal Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. The opportunity for Congress to eliminate this language from the House draft bill is NOW as this Friday, December 16th is the deadline for a Congressional vote on this issue.

The current wording would require all State Assistive Technology Programs 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 SCATP’s 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 $731,419 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 approximately 400 devices to “try before they buy” through SCATP’s device loan program.

What can you do?

You may CALL and EMAIL your SC Congressmen (see below) and express your continued opposition to the mandatory set-aside funding language proposed in the House FY2012 LHHS bill and request this language be excluded from the final bill. 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 has benefitted from these programs, please share those personal stories.

Consider emphasizing the role that SCATP has played in ensuring that assistive technology is purchased or even given away, and used effectively by South Carolinians. The proposed language of the set-aside means SCATP would be forced to cut funding we currently use to implement SCATP’s AT Reutilization program, Device Demonstration program and Device Loan program. These programs reduce the demand for federal funding by millions of dollars and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

You could mention the ways SCATP serves as a resource in helping agencies and individuals in activities ranging from education to health care and employment, 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.

The Honorable Joe Wilson

Staff: Melissa Chandler- melissa.chandler@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2452, Fax: 202-225-2455

United States House of Representatives

The Honorable Trey Gowdy

Staff: Christopher Ingraham- christopher.ingraham@mail.house.gov, 202-225-6030, Fax: 202-226-1177

United States House of Representatives

The Honorable James E. Clyburn

Staff: Willie Lyles, willie.lylesIII@mail.house.gov, 202-225-3315, Fax: 202-225-2313

U.S. House of Representatives

The Honorable Jim DeMint

Staff: Erica Suares, erica_suares@demint.senate.gov, 202-224-6121, Fax: 202-228-5143

United States Senate

The Honorable Jeff Duncan

Staff: Caleb Paxton, caleb.paxton@mail.house.gov, 202-225-5301, Fax: 202-225-3216

U.S. House of Representatives

The Honorable Lindsey O. Graham

Staff: Courtney Titus, courtney_titus@lgraham.senate.gov, 202-224-5972, Fax: 202-224-3808

U. S. Senate

The Honorable Mick Mulvaney

Staff: Greg Thomas, greg.thomas@mail.house.gov, 202-225-5501, Fax: 202-225-0464

U.S. House of Representatives

The Honorable Tim Scott

Staff: Delores DaCosta, delores.dacosta@mail.house.gov, 202-225-3176, Fax: 202-225-3407

U.S. House of Representatives

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

**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.