Public Policy

State Legislation

The Arc of Tennessee tracks pertinent legislation on our Legislative Monitor page here.

Dear Staff and members of The Arc of Tennessee:

As many of you probably know, Governor Bredesen announced the use of rainy day funds to fund the Family Support Program at $7.1 million each year for the next two years during his budget presentation on Monday, February 1, 2010. The fact that he restored funding to this vital program is a testament to all the grassroots efforts that have been going on across the state to educate people on the importance of this program to individuals with disabilities. Anyone who was involved in this effort should take a moment to congratulate himself/herself and also to thank the Governor and his administration for putting Family Support into his budget. They need to hear our appreciation.

And though having the Governor use the rainy day funds to restore Family Support funding is a step in the right direction, we cannot afford to sit back and celebrate just yet. The legislators are working on the budget right now and we still need to let them to know how important it is to keep the Family Support funding in the final budget. Please continue to contact your legislators. Let them know how important the Family Support funding is to your family and what it does to help you and your loved ones. Continue sharing your stories.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the Family Support program or need assistance in speaking with your legislator, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.

Sincerely, Carrie Hobbs Guiden, Executive Director

Go to http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/gov/state-of-the-state/ for links to Governor Bredesen's address.

Federal Legislation

S.2781, Rosa's Law introduced by U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski is a bill to change references in Federal law to mental retardation to references to an intellectual disability, and to change references to a mentally retarded individual to references to an individual with an intellectual disability. In a recent press release she said, "This bill is driven by a passion for social justice and a compassion for the human condition. We’ve done a lot to come out of the dark ages of institutionalization and exclusion when it comes to people with intellectual disabilities. I urge my colleagues to join me in a step further. Help sponsor the legislation that I offer on a bipartisan basis. Help me pass the law and know that each and every one of us makes a difference. When we work together, we can make change.” Rosa's Law is being tracked here.

S.2860 Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd is a bill to protect students from inappropriate seclusion and physical restraint, and for other purposes. It is being tracked here.

The Arc of Tennessee and Local Chapters of The Arc Need YOU!

The Arc of Tennessee and Local Chapters of The Arc are initiating a “grass roots legislative mobilization” project and we need YOUR participation.  Without your voice, The Arc cannot succeed in improving the supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Tennessee. If you would like to participate, download and complete the form here.