In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.
I have an article at The Forum: "Disability Policy in the Contemporary Congress." Abstract:
The politics of disability policy in the contemporary Congress confirms the observation by James Curry and Frances Lee that lawmaking largely remains a process of bipartisan accommodation. Most major disability legislation since the 1970s has passed with bipartisan sponsorship and support. One reason is that the issue affects so many Americans, including members of Congress. There have been some exceptions to this bipartisan pattern, particularly when disability policy intersects with more contentious issues. And bipartisanship does not guarantee outcomes that are satisfactory to people with disabilities.
A release from Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA):
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan bill to expand resources for Georgians living with disabilities is now law.
Sen. Ossoff’s Think Differently Database Act, which he introduced last year alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), will direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to build a comprehensive website that provides information and resources available to Georgians with disabilities.
The bipartisan bill was signed into law yesterday.
The law will help ensure that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers can find the services and support available in their state to live, learn, participate, and thrive in their communities.
“Working alongside Senator Schmitt, we brought Republicans and Democrats together to help Georgia families and families nationwide identify and access resources for people with disabilities,” said Sen. Ossoff.
“The Think Differently Database Act creates a comprehensive website that provides organization to much-needed resources that benefit those with disabilities. I first entered public service because of my son Stephen, and fighting for individuals with disabilities has always been a top priority for me. I’m extremely proud that this critical piece of legislation was signed into law, but my efforts to improve the lives of those with disabilities will continue,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgians with disabilities.
Last summer, Sen. Ossoff launched a bipartisan push to pass the Ensuring Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act to extend tax benefits for people with disabilities and help them save for future expenses.
Last January, Sen. Ossoff held a press conference in Decatur to brief Georgia veterans and small business owners on his bipartisan Investing in VETS Act, which was signed into law as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act to increase opportunities for service-disabled veteran small business owners.
Click here to read the Think Differently Database Act.
