WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today introduced bipartisan legislation that would create a demonstration project to encourage states to improve opportunities for individuals with disabilities to obtain employment in the community, gaining self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion.  Grassley cited supportive Iowans in announcing the measure.

"A key public policy goal is giving individuals with disabilities every chance to live and work as fully in the community as possible," Grassley said.  "Medicaid is one of the biggest programs that provides support for the disabled, and it doesn't do enough to achieve the policy goal.  States have financial disincentives to do more under the current system.  This bill would try something different.  For participating states, it would change the incentives and help states do what they'd really like to do to better serve individuals with disabilities."

The Transition to Independence Act, S. 1604, would create a five-year, 10-state Medicaid demonstration program to give bonuses to states for helping individuals with disabilities achieve the goals of working and living in the community.  It would encourage coordination among those who provide health services, housing, education and workforce training, transportation and other support to people with disabilities to maximize the outcome for the individual.  The bill would be deficit-neutral.  Grassley introduced the bill with Sens. Ron Wyden and Bob Casey.

In his introductory remarks, Grassley noted Iowans who exemplify the ways the bill would help their experience.  Rose Carroll of Dubuque recently visited Grassley through the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.  She is in college working on a math degree and would like secure knowledge of the supports available to her when she needs them so that she can do all she can to participate in her community.  The bill is designed to give states greater security in the programs they offer so they can in turn better serve individuals and their families.

Chris Sparks, executive director of Exceptional Persons Incorporated in Waterloo, and his staff go out into the community every day to provide direct support services for people with disabilities.  It's a struggle to find workers, train them and retrain them.  The bill would provide states the incentives to increase the workforce to make it easier for Sparks and those like him to provide the services that allow individuals with disabilities to achieve independence.

Iowa affiliates of the national American Network of Community Options and Resources support the bill.  They are Christian Opportunity Center in Pella; Hope Haven in Burlington; Opportunity Village in Clear Lake; Hills & Dales in Dubuque; New Hope Village in Carroll; and Exceptional Persons Incorporated in Waterloo.

The National Council on Disability provided technical assistance in developing the bill.  Other national organizations supporting the bill include the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Association on Health and Disability, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the National Adult Day Services Association, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services and Autism Speaks.

Grassley's introductory remarks are available here.  A technical summary of the bill is available here.  The bill text is available here.

The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 218-208 in favor of Trade Promotion Authority, the process seen as necessary for entering new trade agreements, including the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership.  The vote sends the proposal back to the Senate for consideration.  Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the vote.

$5.25 million grant will implement Sector Partnerships for workers displaced due to bird flu outbreak

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for awarding $5,250,000 to the Iowa Workforce Development to implement and expand Sector Partnerships in the state. Today's funding announcement will provide intensive worker-centered services including case management, individual and group skill building, soft-skills training, connection to community resources, and assistance in obtaining training, credentials, and certificates to individuals in rural areas who were displaced from the poultry and egg industry due to Avian Influenza. The funding comes from the DOL's Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant program.

Loebsack has been a long time champion of establishing and expanding Sector Partnerships. Portions of his legislation, the SECTORS Act, passed as a part of the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that was signed into law last year.

"I am pleased that the Iowa Workforce Development will receive this funding to make an investment in Iowa's greatest resource: its workers. Many parts of rural Iowa have been devastated by the recent Avian Flu outbreak and this emergency funding will help stem some of the losses our workers are facing," said Loebsack.

Disaster declaration requested for Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties; additional counties may be added as additional losses are identified

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today requested a major disaster event declaration from United States President Barack Obama in response to the avian flu outbreak in Iowa. Over 33 million birds in Iowa have been affected by the deadly virus. The request is being made for Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties, but additional counties may be added to the request as additional losses are identified.

Branstad is requesting the following:

1.        Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Case Management, and Disaster Legal Services, as well as any other Stafford Act programs appropriate for those who have lost employment and income as a result of the HPAI outbreak for Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties.

2.       Allow the Federal Highway Administration to issue a tonnage waiver on the state's federal aid roadways, such as Interstates 29 and 35. This waiver would accelerate the disposal process and reduce the likelihood of spreading HPAI while transporting poultry to disposal sites.

"With a disaster of this magnitude adversely affecting Iowa farmers, producers and the workers they employ, I am requesting federal assistance from President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency," said Branstad. "Unemployment assistance from the federal government, in addition to efforts already occurring inside our state, will help displaced workers. In addition, issuing a tonnage waiver will allow for efficient disposal and cleanup of affected sites. Given the unprecedented nature of this disaster, it is my hope that the President will expedite this request to provide federal assistance as soon as possible.