more from Obama's disability policy director, Consider the source when you consider it's impact. I know he did vote against S-CHIP, because he was listed with Wyoming's senators on it, and has voted against the Community Choice Act, which would make it possible for many with disabilities to live in their communities with appropriate supports. 18-20 years from now that could well include Palin's son. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kareem Dale <[log in to unmask]> Date: Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 1:54 PM Subject: House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer responds to Governor Palin on disability issues in support of Barack Obama To: Kareem Dale <[log in to unmask]> Please circulate. Statement of House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer "Last week, Sarah Palin gave a good performance, but she failed to offer any real solutions. In particular, she claimed that she and John McCain would be a 'friend and advocate' for families with special needs children -- but her rhetoric certainly doesn't match John McCain's poor, 26-year record in Washington, DC. Americans with disabilities -- of all ages -- and their families will have no stronger ally in the White House than an Obama Administration. Senator Obama is committed to ensuring that America is a country without unnecessary barriers, stereotypes and discrimination. He strongly believes that America must show the same leadership it did when it enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act - that we must empower people with disabilities to take full advantage of their talents and become integrated members of society. "Senator Obama fully supports the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and has repeatedly voted for full funding and full enforcement. And while Senator McCain has recently made campaign promises to fully fund this vital measure, in years past, he has opposed full funding. Senator Obama also supports the Community Choice Act, a measure that Senator McCain opposes. This legislation would give Americans with disabilities, and older Americans, increased access to community-based services. Senator Obama has also called for an investment in early intervention educational and developmental programs for children, covering those with disabilities or special health needs. "Senator McCain also opposed reauthorizing SCHIP -- saying no to providing insurance for millions of uninsured children, including those with disabilities and special needs. And, McCain's healthcare plan would not prohibit discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities -- creating a huge roadblock for American families that are changing insurance companies. Clearly, Senator McCain's record doesn't match the rhetoric we heard from Minneapolis. "As Congress goes back into session this week, federal lawmakers have a chance to pass the ADA Amendments Act. To his credit, Senator McCain has joined Senator Obama in co-sponsoring this vital legislation. But when we look at the records of these two candidates, it is crystal clear that Senator Obama has, and will continue to support, Americans with disabilities. I strongly support his vision of a society where all can live with dignity and respect." ### Monday, September 8, 2008 Obama Press Office, (312)819-2423 -- Kendall An unreasonable man (but my wife says that's redundant!) The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950 ----------------------- To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy