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Action Network
The Action Network is an advocacy forum to keep individuals informed of legislation and initiatives being advanced in Washington. Membership is free -- to join, just fill out our online form. Members receive regular e-mail updates, action alerts, and opportunities to come to Washington to meet with Members of Congress.
Lifespan Respite Care Act (P.L. 109-442)The Lifespan Respite Care Act authorizes competitive state grants to Aging and Disability Resource Centers in collaboration with a public or private non-profit state respite coalition or organization to make quality respite available and accessible to family caregivers regardless of age or disability. The law allows grantees to identify, coordinate and build on federal, state and local respite resources and funding streams, and would help support, expand and streamline planned and emergency respite, provider recruitment and training, and caregiver training.Status: The Lifespan Respite Care Act was signed into law on December 21, 2006. The new law cannot be implemented until Congress appropriates the funding for FY08. ACTION: Contact your US Representative and urge them to sign onto the attached Congressional letter to House Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Committee Chair and Ranking member to fund the Lifespan Respite Care Act at $40 million in the FY08 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bills. The letter is being circulated in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Langevin (D-RI) and Ferguson (R-NJ). Click here to identify your federal legislators and find their contact information. The most effective way is to call them directly. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for the Member’s office and then ask for staff who handle appropriations or health issues. MESSAGE: Please have Congressman_____________ sign onto the letter to the House Labor, HHS, Education appropriations committee chair and ranking member requesting full funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Act at $40 million in the FY 08 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill. The letter is being circulated by Representatives Langevin (D-RI) and Ferguson (R-NJ). Respite, the most frequently requested family support service, has been shown to provide family caregivers with relief necessary to maintain their health, keep marriages intact, and avoid or delay more costly nursing home or foster care placements.
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