Legislative Priorities

One of the most important aspects of our system of government is that it is representative – those who make our laws represent us. But how can they represent us unless we let them know what we are thinking?

Legislative advocacy is just that – contacting a legislator, sharing your views on an issue, and asking him or her to vote a specific way on a bill. This can be done with something as easy as a phone call or letter, or by a formal meeting with the legislator or staff person. GCDD’s Public Policy Team encourages you to review our legislative agenda below to become familiar with our positions on issues important to the disability community.

To learn how to become a grassroots advocate, click here:

GCDD Legislative Priorities 2018:

GCDD’s legislative platform for 2018 supports a number of important items.
Click here to download a pdf of the entire GCDD Legislative Priorities 2018.
Click each item below for more information.
* Indicates Items supported by GCDD but led by other entities

We are committed to reducing the waiting list in Georgia for NOW & COMP waivers. These waivers allow individuals with developmental disabilities who qualify for institutional level of care to receive the supports they need in the community.
We believe that all students, regardless of ability, should have access to post-secondary education programs in the state of Georgia. Inclusive Post-Secondary programs provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to education not otherwise available.
We recognize that Medicaid home and community based services are the lifeline that allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access their community. We know that any proposal to cut, cap, or reduce Medicaid funding to Georgia will put the lives of people with disabilities at risk.
GCDD is committed to expanding competitive, integrated employment opportunities for Georgians with disabilities and reducing the barriers to employment people with disabilities encounter.
We believe that all children deserve a permanent loving home. We are committed to removing barriers that result in children growing up in nursing facilities or private institutions.
Elder and Disabled abuse is an iceberg crime. Most of it is hidden from view, even though estimates are that 10% of Georgia’s elderly and disabled adults are victims of abuse and/or financial exploitation. To fight this rising crime, Georgia has toughened state laws and are training law enforcement on their use. Now it is time for the next step, to identify abusers before they can strike again. The Georgia Council on Aging is advocating for the creation of an Abuser Registry in Georgia to help prevent the hiring of caregivers with a known history of abusing vulnerable adults.
Finding the right services can be challenging for those unfamiliar with programs in their community. ADRC is a coordinated system of partnering organizations that are dedicated to providing accurate information about publicly and privately financed long-term supports and services. The increase in the older population and the end of two federal grants have created a crisis in funding for the ADRC. The Georgia Council on Aging is advocating for $4 million to strengthen the ADRC statewide network by adding capacity to meet the growing demand for crucial information.
The PAPE (Proof to A Preponderance of the Evidence) coalition is working to lower the standard to prove intellectual disability in capital punishment cases to “preponderance of the evidence,” which is the standard used in most other states.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities proudly supports the UNLOCK! Coalition’s Legislative Agenda. For more information, visit WWW.GCDD.ORG/UNLOCK/

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