Policy Information
Capitol News - Highlights
March 3, 2010 -- Vol. 7, Issue 2
Dear NASHIA Member,
Welcom to Vo. 7, Issue 2, of Capitol News, which you receive as a NASHIA members. Capitol News provides an update of Congressional and Administration activities, legislation and policies that affect individuals with traumatic brain injury and their families. For further information on NASHIA’s priorities go to www.nashia.org. Also, see NASHIA’s Facebook page!
Meanwhile, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has scheduled its Awareness Day for Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, starting with a Fair in the 1st Floor Foyer of the House Rayburn Office Building at 10:00 am. From 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Room 2456 in the Rayburn Office Building will be available for individuals to use to rest between events. In addition, at 11:00 am advocates who may have questions or wish to review material may convene there for an advocacy update facilitated by Susan Vaughn, NASHIA Director of Public Policy, and Sarah D’Orsie, BIAA Director of Government Affairs. Materials are posted on NASHIA’s website: wwww.nashia.org.
This Week in Congress
The House is convening today, Tuesday, and the Senate continues consideration of a bill (H. 4213) to extend expired tax provisions.
In This Issue:
FY 2011 APPROPRIATIONS
• The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force is circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter supporting increases in the TBI Act Programs, and the NIDRR Model Systems program.
• Representatives are circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter seeking full funding of the lifetime respite care program.
OTHER LEGISLATION
• Health Reform – NASHIA signed on to a Roll Call ad calling for Congress to enact health care legislation and to include long-term services and supports.
• Restraint and Seclusion -- The House passed H.R. 4247, Keeping All Students Safe Act,
formerly called the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act.
• Representatives introduced the TBI Treatment Act, directing a pilot program offering certain treatments.
• Senators introduce legislation to expand polytrauma rehabilitation center or network site in the northern Rockies and the Dakotas.
Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
•The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force is sponsoring its Brain Injury Awareness Day on Wednesday, March 17th 2010.
ADMINISTRATION
• Administration on Developmental Disabilities – Sharon Lewis has been appointed as the Commissioner of the ADD.
• Military Health Podcast – This week will feature Dr. Jim Kelly who will speak on concussions, symptoms and how the military screens for them.
Members may access the full text of this issue of Capitol News by logging into the Members Section.
Capitol News provides an update of Congressional and Administration activities, legislation and policies that affect State governmental programs and services impacting individuals with traumatic with traumatic brain injury and their families. This update was prepared by Susan L. Vaughn, Director of Public Policy, on behalf of the NASHIA Public Policy Committee, chaired by William A.B. Ditto, MSW.
