Many, many thanks to all VR advocates who made phone calls, sent emails, and convinced Congress of the importance of VR state grants - with no state match!
The final language from the stimulus legislation is copied below. In addition to the VR grants of $540 million, $18 million for IL state grants, $87.5 million for IL centers, and $43 million for older blind, IDEA got its largest-ever one time infusion of $12 billion. Clearly, this is good news!
It is extremely, extremely important to thank your members of Congress - even if they vote no on the legislation today. Please email or call your Senators and Representative to say thank you for these additional resources that will help people with disabilities. For phone numbers or email addresses, go to
REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH
For an additional amount for "Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research" for providing grants to States to carry out the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program under part B of title I and parts Band C of chapter 1 and chapter 2 of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, $680,000,000:
Provided, That $540,000,000 shall be available for part B of title I of the Rehabilitation Act: Provided further, That funds provided herein shall not be considered in determining the amount required to be appropriated under section 100(b)(l) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in any fiscal year: Provided further, That, not withstanding '\ection 7(14)(A), the Federal share of the costs of vocatio'nal rehabilitation services provided with the funds provided herein shall be 100 percent: Provided further, That $140,000,000 shall be available for parts Band C of chapter 1 and chapter 2 of title \TIl of the Rehabilitation Act: Provided further, That $18,200,000 shall be for State Grants, $87,500,000 shall be for independent living centers, and $34,300,000 shall be for services for older blind individuals.
Catriona Macdonald
Policy Advisor
ARAN
700 12th St. NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
866-443-0998 MAIN
202-345-3334 MOBILE
202-478-2086 FAX
CMacdonald@LinchpinStrategies.com
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