FV Indiana, Update from Washington DC

FV Indiana Member, Rylin Rodgers, together with her daughter Laura, had an unique opportunity to speak about the importance of Medicaid to their family and to many families who are raising children with special health care needs and disabilities this week. Together with Margaret Comeau (Catalyst Center), Brooke Lehmann (National Family Voices Policy Director) and Diane Malley and her family (The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) of New Jersey) Rylin and Laura meet with by Kareem Dale (special assistant to the President on disability issues), Jon Carson (director of the office of public engagement) and Nancy Anne DeParle (deputy chief of staff to the President), along with members of Kareem's staff.

Each family represented was asked to speak on the critical importance of Medicaid to families raising children who have special health care needs and disabilities; the input and experiences of so many FV Indiana members provided a powerful picture of the children and families who would be harmed by cuts. FV Indiana wants to thank President Obama for providing an opportunity for the voices of these families to be heard. As Kareem and Jon provided updates on the debt ceiling negotiation it was clear that each member of Congress needs to hear from constituents who know about how important Medicaid is. We cannot state strongly enough how critical it is that you contact your officials and ask EVERYONE who cares about your family to call. Decisions related to the debt ceiling will be made quickly and your voices are needed now. You can find their contact information online using the Senate Directory and the House Directory . All members can be reached by calling the switch board, 202-224-312.
Thank you for working to be the VOICE for children who have disabilities and special health care needs.