Calling All Advocates

There are two issues in Senate that are very important to me...aka. Mommy. I have written my legislators for them to support these two bills and I've posted my letter below. If you would like to see these issues pass, on behalf of ... (the extra-cool, ladies-love-me, flirtatious) Dylan, we'd greatly appreciate your support.

Thanks.

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Dear Senator/Representative:

I am writing to you today to ask you to support two bills that will greatly aid the Down syndrome community and the families that take responsibility for raising and supporting them. The Prenatally Diagnosed Condition Awareness Act (HR 3112/S 1810), sponsored by Rep. Sensenbrenner and Sens. Kennedy and Brownback, helps modernize our public health infrastructure to ensure pregnant woman receiving a positive diagnosis for Down syndrome and other genetic conditions receive timely access to evidence based and up to date information and help facilitate better access to support services such as telephone hotlines, information clearinghouses, peer-support programs and registries of families willing to adopt children with such conditions.

I am also writing today in support for the Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act (HR 2370/S 2743) sponsored by Rep. Crenshaw and Sens. Casey and Hatch. This bill would establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay for education, medical care and dental care, transportation, moving, assistive technology, housing and transportation, after the age of 18, and employment coaching and training. These accounts allow for individuals with intellectual disabilities to save for their futures just like everyone else.

I have a child with Down syndrome and am hopeful that these bills will help us better serve the Down syndrome community.

I appreciate your time and work on behalf of my son, Dylan. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Respectfully,

Kristen Gillig