August US Congressional Recess
The United States Congress will be going into recess from July 31 through Labor Day Weekend this year. Two key issues that are going to be considered are Social Security (“SSI”) Income Limits and Marriage Penalty Act. Neither of these issues have been updated since 1989. SSI has established resource limits in order to receive benefits. The Arc of the United States is asking for an increase in these limits from $2000/month per individual on SSDI and $3000/month for couples to $10,000/individual and $20,000 for couples. With times changing, and cost of living having increased considerably, this change is very necessary. The issue with writing and passing these bills is the cost of writing the bills. 
These bills currently don’t have bill numbers; however, we need to raise awareness on why this is needed. In order for this to get this on the floor in Congress, it needs bipartisan support. We as advocates really need to get in touch with your Representatives and Senators to help them to understand why these Bills are necessary.
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t speak to your Representatives and Senators directly. You can get involved by contacting their personnel, as well as by attending a Town Hall meeting that would be scheduled in their area. Share your stories. Sign up on their websites and get email alerts. You can also contact Aides to host an action day. They can help you with what to say to your legislators. Share this information with others. There is an advocacy toolkit on The Arc of US website where you can find out more. ‘Lookout Days’ are posted every Wednesday throughout August to get alerts. You also follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Get involved with your local chapter of The Arc. Contact Jake at The Arc of Snohomish County for legislative updates: jake@arcsno.org.
The Arc of the U.S. will be hosting Advocacy Days in August. During this period, you can sign up to get email alerts in these important issues at https://thearc.org
View the August US Congressional Resess Recording from The Arc US
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Leigh Spruce is the Self-Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc of Snohomish County. She can be reached at leigh@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 ext 103.