-----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Stephanie Thomas Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 3:22 PM To: micasa-list Subject: Updates on the Kick off! Montana's hook up was attended by people representing ADAPT Montana; the Rural Institute on Disabilities, the Coalition of Montanans Concerned with Disabilities; People 1st of Missoula; ADSUM, the disabled students group at the Univ. of MT; Summit ILC; the Montana Health Coalition; and a staff person from Sen. Max Baucus' office, along with a reporter from Montana Public Radio. A good time was had by all, everyone took lots of handouts about MiCASSA home, and the MPR reporter did an interview. By the end of the press conference we had been joined by 2 persons from MT's P & A (MAP). After things concluded, Bob and I sped off to Helena where to present to all the staff in MT who work for the Developmental Disabilities System. Told them all about MiCASSA, too. On our way back to Missoula, we turned on MPR just in time to catch the interview from our event-the reporter had fleshed it out with material from the press pack, and turned it into a five minute segment that was heard in 2/3 of MT(and that's a lot of square miles, and cows!). We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if the papers print anything. And that's the story from the northern Rockies! Marsha Katz and Bob Liston and Tammy Minor Wisconsin had multiple events. In Madison the crowd gathered at the DD Council for the call. Meanwhile in Milwaukee the Center hosted the event, providing the essential organizing element, a food party and had about 7 organizations represented and 60 persons in attendance. Lee Schultz and Steve Verriden In St. Louis, despite lots of folks being at the regional IL Conference in Kansas City, we had great press turn out, 3 TV stations and a couple radios were there and taped the call. MO P& A and the City of St. Louis gave letters of support. Even our infamous governor's office called at the last minute and said they would be faxing over a letter of his support but it has yet to arrive. FREE OUR PEOPLE Michelle Steeger Over 47 sites, with well over 1,000 individuals, participated in the MiCASSA S. 1935 Kickoff Event Weds May 3rd. Thanks go to ADAPT and NCIL for the phone hook ups which allowed folks from Alaska to Florida, from Arizona to Vermont to take part. Senators Harkin and Specter addressed the group as did several other individuals including Paul Spooner, NCIL President. The Senators were presented with MiCASSA Real Choice in the New Millennium T-Shirts which they vowed to wear on the Senate floor. Senator Harkin said this is one of the most important pieces of legislation and that he is committed to the bill, but he added that many important bills are stalled in Congress and that he and Specter will need all our help to see MiCASSA through. He encouraged the grassroots to contact their Senators and Congress people to co-sponsor and support the bill. In Kansas City MO, the hook up was made at a region 7 (IA, NE, KS, MO) independent living conference with over 300 people in attendance! Denver had 50 people including representative for their Congresspeople and the Rockies Baseball team. Austin Tx had 25 people and statewide media coverage. NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List