|
(WASHINGTON DC) John Kerry, Democratic Candidate for President, issued the following statement on ADAPT's demand to be "heard" on removing the institutional bias in Medicaid.
"I applaud the more than 400 ADAPT activists uniting in Washington, D.C. to demand their voices be heard regarding the critically important issue of ending the immoral institutional bias in the Medicaid program. We must no longer treat Americans with disabilities as second class citizens by failing to respect the fundamental human and civil rights of people with disabilities of all ages to live where they choose."
"President Bush has promised New Freedom for people with disabilities. But, the policies he's pursuing undercut the "real freedom" that people with disabilities deserve and are entitled to by virtue of their citizenship. Like all of us, people with disabilities want to live the American Dream. But many lack even the choice as to where they live.
"I have heard your voices loud and clear, and have demonstrated this with my vision for Americans with Disabilities based on Freedom, Independence, and Choices. I believe that all Americans, including those with disabilities, have an inherent right to be treated as first class citizens, and that is why I have strenuously opposed the far right's efforts to undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act and other critical civil rights laws."
"I am firmly opposed to the Bush administration's proposals to turn Medicaid into a block grant to the States. I believe we must strengthen and protect Medicaid, not tear it apart. We should help states carry out the Olmstead decision and enact MiCASSA and the Money Follows the Person Act. As with racial segregation, we must put an end to the institutional bias in Medicaid that prevents millions of Americans of all ages from experiencing freedom, independence and choice."
"Finally, I promise as President one of my first orders of business will be to adopt a Community First policy by creating a national bipartisan Community First Commission made up of Members of Congress, Governors, distinguished older Americans, veterans, people with disabilities and other experts to work to assure that all people with and without disabilities have the freedom, independence and choice they rightfully deserve."
www.JohnKerry.com
|
|