What have you done—and
what will you do in Congress—to safeguard and expand the rights,
services and community participation of people with disabilities
in Minnesota?
Ramstad's Response
Empowering people with
disabilities has truly been one of my top priorities. Since my
election to Congress in 1990—and before
that as a Minnesota State Senator—I have worked hard to make
sure that people with disabilities are given the opportunities that
all Americans deserve.
As cochair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I voted against
the Deficit Reduction Act because it disproportionately hurts children,
people with disabilities, the elderly and the poorest of the poor.
Congress must reduce the deficit, but not on the backs of the most
vulnerable people!
I am also opposed to block grants for Medicaid and have worked hard
to educate other members of Congress on the importance of Medicaid
to people with disabilities. The Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus held
a briefing on our concerns about Medicaid block grants and increased
cost-sharing and the devastating effects these policies would have
on people with disabilities. I will certainly continue to work hard
to ensure that all members understand the critical importance of
Medicaid for people with disabilities.
I also believe people
with disabilities who seek employment should be able to find a
job and not lose their benefits. I cosponsored the “Ticket to Work Act” and
strongly support vocational rehabilitation and job training. I
will continue to work to ensure that all members understand the
importance of vocational rehabilitation and need for adequate funding.
Education is also key to promoting independent living. Unfortunately,
students with disabilities graduate from high school and college
at a much lower rate than those without disabilities. It is imperative
that we continue to improve our educational programs for students
with disabilities, and I support initiatives that strive to meet
this goal.
As a sponsor of legislation which mandates annual increases of $2.2
billion in each of the next five years to reach full federal funding
for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), I am
absolutely committed to fully funding special education and protecting
the rights of children with disabilities.
And as Chair of the Oversight Subcommittee, I was appalled by the
lack of planning to accommodate people with disabilities in disasters
like Hurricane Katrina. As a result of a hearing I held, the Red
Cross has now integrated groups representing people with disabilities
into its strategic plan.
As Congress continues to debate
these crucial priorities, I remain committed to promoting the independence,
productivity and integration of all Americans with disabilities. ![]()
