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.

How to Engage in Advocacy During the 2022 August Congressional Recess

Each year, our national legislators in Congress recess for the month of August. They take this time away from Congress to return to their home states and, often, use the time to meet with constituents, attend events or participate in Town Hall meetings. This mid-year recess is an opportunity for advocates to engage their legislators and share their views, concerns and perspectives. (Click here to learn more about the annual August Recess.)

The Arc of the United States recently shared a document with ideas and methods for engaging with elected legislators. Here are some ideas.

Check the website of your members of Congress to see what options they have to connect with constituents this month. You may find in-person or virtual options. [Click here to identify your members of Congress.]

Connect on Twitter!Snap a picture, post it on social media with a sentence or two about what you are advocating for, and tag your members of Congress. You can find a list of Congressional Twitter handles here: https://tinyurl.com/4fk8r6ae.

Join town hall meetingshosted by your representatives and senators, encourage advocates to join, and ask questions about issues that are important to the disability community. You can find upcoming town hall meetings at townhallproject.com.

Say thank you.Have your members of Congress recently supported legislation that is important to you? Thank them! Write an email, send a letter, or snap a picture to share on social media, tagging them in your thank you message.

Connect with The Arc to join an in-person or virtual meeting with your legislators.Introduce yourself and talk about issues that are important to you and your family. [The Arc of Snohomish County can help connect you. Email us!]

Draft an email to share your story and important issues with your legislators. You can also share your story and tag your legislators on social media.

Learn more about policy issues of Federal importance on The Arc U.S. website at thearc.org/policy-advocacy.

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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is especially interested in caregiving policy and advocacy. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent and family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.