Public Policy

The Arc Tennessee takes an active role in public policy at both the state and federal level. Through its advocacy and grassroots mobilization efforts, The Arc Tennessee helps to shape the system of services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc Tennessee tracks pertinent legislation on the Legislative Monitor page HERE.

To view The Arc Tennessee's Public Policy priorities for 2013, click HERE.

State Legislation and Other Information

For regular updates on the State of Tennessee legislative activities, visit the Tennessee General Assembly website.

The Arc Supports the TN Step Up Scholarship Bill
(SB0036/HB0021)
The Arc Tennessee supports legislation that will create scholarships for young adults with developmental disabilities to attend eligible post-secondary programs in Tennessee. To view the actual legislation, click HERE. To view The Arc TN’s talking points on this legislation, click HERE. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Education Committee and the House Education Sub-Committee. It is not yet on a calendar.

The DIDD Family Support Program Fully Funded
The DIDD Family Support Program has full funding in the Governor Haslam’s 2013-2014 budget. Please be certain to thank the Governor for his support of this program. Remind your legislator of how important this program is to you and your family. To find your legislator, click HERE.

The Affordable Care Act is the “law of the land.” However, the Supreme Court ruled that the Medicaid expansion provision is optional for states. The Medicaid expansion provision allows a state to expand Medicaid (TennCare) to individuals up to 138% of poverty. At this time, Tennessee has not made a decision about taking advantage of the Medicaid expansion provision but will still be able to make that decision in the future. To learn how expanding TennCare could benefit Tennesseans, click HERE.

TennCare recently announced that it has pulled its proposal from CMS on Integrating Care for People who are Dually Eligible (TennCare Plus). TennCare expressed concerns with the overall implementation process of the proposals. For more information, please read the letter from Darin Gordon to CMS HERE.

Federal Legislation and Other Information

Legislators use Facebook and Twitter social media! Click HERE to download those contacts.

Don't Cut Our Lifeline!
Congressional leaders and President Obama reached a tentative agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff. But this agreement is only a short term fix. Congress will continue to debate many issues as they move forward to develop a budget. Programs that are life lines to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to be at risk for cuts. We cannot back down.

Please continue to contact your elected officials and tell them, “Don’t Cut Our Lifeline!” Do not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of this country’s most vulnerable populations. To learn more, click HERE. To find your federal legislators, click HERE.

The US Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACT). This is great news for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. To learn more about the provisions of the ACA and how it will expand health care coverage, click HERE.

The Arc Needs You!
The Arc network is only as strong as its members. Your voice is critical to the success of our advocacy efforts. It is through our grassroots mobilization efforts that we can impact the system of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. To learn more about ways to become involved, contact Carrie Hobbs Guiden.