SB23-144 Prescription Drugs for Chronic Pain Fact Sheet –Sponsor: Senator Ginal

A recent study showed that as many as 40% of primary care physician offices will NOT see a new patient if they are using opiate pain medications.

Doctors’ fear of increased scrutiny for prescribing medications for patients with legitimate medical need has had a chilling effect on care.

Overly restrictive policies limiting controlled substances for pain to try to reduce overdose deaths has created another crisis:

Coloradans living with chronic pain are unable to access the treatment they and their doctors feel they need, resulting in increased disability, decreased function, suicides, and an increase in overdoses as pain patients try to treat their own pain.

Tapering a patient down or off opioid medication can actually increase their risk of overdose and suicide.

CDC Data suggest that illicit fentanyl and other illegally obtained controlled substances, tainted substances, or the use of multiple substances in combination drive overdose deaths.

This Bill:

• Protects access to healthcare by prohibiting a healthcare provider or health system from refusing to treat a patient solely because of the patient’s use of prescribed opioids or opioids at a particular dose.
• Clarifies that a prescribing healthcare provider treating a patient for chronic pain is not subject to disciplinary action solely for prescribing a controlled substance at a dose above a set or predetermined dose threshold.
• Prohibits a healthcare provider from forcing a patient to taper their medication below the dose they need, solely because of predetermined dose threshold
  recommendations, not for independent, clinical reasons.
• Prohibits a pharmacy, health insurance carrier, or pharmacy benefit manager from refusing to fill or approve the coverage for a drug solely on the basis of the dosage requirement of a patient.
• Improves access to controlled substances for patients with genuine medical need, including those in palliative, hospice, or end-of-life care. Policies around controlled substances for pain have left many patients struggling to access pain control and medications.
• Respects that treatment decisions should be individualized and made between the doctor and the patient. Ensures that clinical discretion–whether by a pharmacist or physician –will take precedence over one-size-fits-all policies.
• Helps protect Coloradans who need opioids for chronic pain management by improving access to care and enables them to get medications from a pharmacy of their choice.

This Bill Will NOT:

• Force doctors to prescribe opiates, other controlled substances, or any other treatments.
• Prevent people who are illegally diverting medications from being prosecuted.
• Prohibit providers from referring patients who generally require care outside of their area of expertise.

Click here to download the full PDF version: Cronic Pain – Fact Sheet Final 02/28/2023

PHE Unwind

You may have heard discussion in the news recently about the end of the Public Health Emergency. In 2020, the US Department of Health and Human Services declared an official public health emergency – or PHE – for the entire country in response to COVID-19. As part of the PHE declaration, anyone enrolled in Colorado Medicaid was guaranteed to keep their health coverage while our country remained officially under the PHE. Because of a legislative package passed by our federal Congress at the end of 2022, we now know that the official PHE will begin to unwind this coming April.

What does this mean for me?

Part of the PHE forbade the State from kicking anyone off Medicaid while the PHE is active. As the PHE is lifted this spring, this means that if you are currently on Medicaid, the State will begin conducting redeterminations for eligibility. Don’t panic, we’ve got the info you need to know and the steps you need to take!

Five Things to Know:

1. Medicaid (also called Health First Colorado) will conduct redeterminations for everyone currently on Medicaid. Your redetermination will follow your pre-pandemic schedule, which means that if your redetermination normally happens in July, it will happen in July of this year, for example. 

1. Medicaid was not allowed to move anyone from one category of Medicaid coverage to another during the PHE. This means it is possible that you are currently enrolled in one category of Medicaid, and you may be moved to a different category after your redetermination. For example, during the PHE, many people were put on regular Medicaid, but due to their income, some of these people may actually belong on Medicaid Buy-In and will be moved into that category based on the redetermination process in the coming year.

1. You may need to undergo a determination specifically for disability as part of your overall redetermination process. If this is the case for you, you need to be sure to fill out the determination paperwork you receive. 

1. If you receive a notice of ineligibility, you should file an appeal immediately. We have a video to help you through that process! You can find that video here. 

1. CCDC is here to help. Our Individual Advocacy Team can assist with complex and difficult cases. You can fill out our Help Form here to have an advocate contact you. Please remember that we are not able to handle emergency situations and that it may take a few days for an advocate to get back to you.

Three Things to Do:

1. Don’t panic!
2. OPEN AND KEEP ALL PAPER MAIL FROM MEDICAID AND ALL NOTICES FROM THE COLORADO PEAK WEBSITE! Keep not only all copies of your paper notices, but also the envelopes the notices came in – if you need to file an appeal, you will need proof of mailing postmarks. If you have trouble reading or understanding the notices you’re receiving from Medicaid, ask someone in your life who you trust to help you read and understand the information you’re being sent. 
3. File an appeal if you get a notice that your benefits are ending. 

TRANSIT NEWS January 2021

Covid Relief

Congress agreed in late December to provide Covid financial relief worth about 900 Billion dollars that includes money for Amtrak and Transit.  According to  Senator Warner’s office, the 45 billion for transportation would include 15 billion for mass transit, 1 billion for Amtrak and 8 billion for the bus/motorcoach industry.  RTD is currently waiting to see what portion will be distributed to it.

This is the news that RTD and our region have been waiting for.  Since the Pandemic started in February of 2020, transit agencies have been eagerly waiting for financial relief.  Most transit agencies depend on sales tax, local government contributions, and fares to maintain transportation in their region.  The first stimulus package enabled RTD to sustain employment and service in the spring.  RTD also used dollars to create a robust bus/train cleaning process that helps eliminate contamination and placed plexiglass in each bus to help protect drivers and passengers.  RTD is currently around 60% of last year’s production while ridership is down to 40%.  In December RTD started implementing cuts in employment and a reduction in salaries to its staff.

I’ve spoken to several RTD Directors and it is a consensus that operations in 2021 will remain the same until the sales tax forecast improves.  Funding from any stimulus package will be used to prop up RTD and may result in re-hiring some employees that have been recently released and may result in the return of some services and frequency of service in 2021.  However, if the stimulus payment is much larger, then RTD will adjust accordingly.

To rebound from 2020, changes in the transit climate will need a positive Sales Tax Forecast and the return of riders.  The success of RTD will primarily rely on the return of riders.  For our transit environment to return to some sense of normalcy riders can help by

• getting vaccinated
• taking current precautions by wearing protective gear such as face masks and washing hands frequently
• working with our fellow riders by continuing to social distance from each other
• return to normal travel and spending habits

Opportunities for RTD in 2021-

As bleak the year 2020 has been for transit there are some opportunities in 2021 for RTD  to help stabilize transit.  In 2020, an advisory committee was established by the State Legislature to review operating restrictions on RTD.  These restrictions were established when RTD was chartered by the legislature in 1969  The three restrictions that the legislature seemed most interested in modifying  are, farebox ratio, parking fees, and use of RTD properties.

Farebox ratio–  RTD is required by State Law to have a percentage of its budget come from farebox ratio.  The other major source of income is sales tax.  It is presumed that the legislature in 1969 wanted an additional contribution to transit services by those people using the service.  However, the sales tax is applied to everyone whether or not you use the service or not.

Current fare collections,

CRS 32-9-119.7(3)states: The district shall take whatever measures it deems necessary to ensure that the following percentages of its operating costs are funded by revenues collected, as follows: 

1. (a) For the fiscal year 1990, twenty-seven and one-half percent; 
2. (b) For the fiscal year 1991, twenty-eight and one-half percent; 
3. (c) For the fiscal year 1992, twenty-nine and one-half percent; 
4. (d) For the fiscal year 1993 and each fiscal year thereafter, thirty percent. 

If the legislature lifts this requirement as recommended by the RTD accountability committee,  RTD will have options to change the ratio or to eliminate the farebox altogether.  Unfortunately, a zero farebox is probably not possible at this time.  Unless RTD receives dollars to fill that 20% gap it will probably use the option to lower fares during emergencies as we experienced in 2020 from the pandemic.  The fact that the recovery from the pandemic will probably occur late this year RTD could have had the option of suspending or lower fare during this period of recovery.  Other influences that could eliminate a transit fare would be an increase in the sales tax percentage or major dollars from the federal government.  The new federal administration has promised more support for transit in the U.S.  If funding were provided from them as an essential service then perhaps long-term funding could help Colorado have fareless transit systems.  Most of our European friends enjoy low and in some regions no fares because their government considers transit essential and it provides a major portion of funding for their transit systems

One of the restrictions that we all need to acknowledge is that, unlike the federal government, State and local governments have to maintain a balanced budget.  It is great that the Federal government can create larger deficits during times of need.  This option has provided an opportunity to print more money and provide stimulus packages for its citizens.  By law our local governments are not allowed to spend money and just hope they meet their targets at the end of the year.  They cannot create budgets that have deficits.

If  this recommendation from the Advisory Committee is passed by the 2021 State Legislature,

The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition will be working with Mile High Connects and other organizations in farebox reforms in 2021.  Note:  The State has postponed starting its 2021 Legislative session until February 16th due to the pandemic.

Parking–  Another restriction that was placed on RTD in 1969 was that transit users would have free access to parking.  Before the Pandemic, RTD was experiencing a drop in ridership.  One of the glaring observations was that most parking lots assigned to transit were not being fully used.  This causes two concerns.  Is the property an asset or an operational liability?  It is estimated that each parking spot is worth $12 thousand dollars (this number varies with location)  on the real estate market.  If RTD does not have the option to recover some revenue it would be best to guess that the property is a liability.  RTD has two options to work with if allowed by the State Legislature. One, charge a nominal fee for parking.   Though the use of parking is down, it is not reasonable to expect the property to sit idle without allowing the owner to recover some revenue from it.  However, RTD will have to be careful not to charge too much or it will be a disincentive for users to use the system. The second initiative that RTD can make is to identify parking areas that show no potential for further use and to sell those properties or work collaboratively with local developers to build transit-friendly housing.  ( see more in Properties)

Properties–  RTD needs more flexibility in the use of its properties.  Properties near transit have grown in value especially since the implementation of new rail lines around the region.  The lines provide better opportunities to travel within the district and people are starting to acknowledge the benefits of living near transit.  RTD may want to sell certain properties that have limited development.  This provides funding to the current budget but this type of sale does not have a long-term benefit to the agency.  Another use of properties are collaborations between RTD and developers.  This is an opportunity to create annual revenue by working with developers to create housing, commerce, and recreation on RTD properties.  

Summary:  These possible initiatives on their own cannot solve the financial problems that RTD is facing.  However, combine the three and there is potential to provide a 5-10 percent impact on RTD’s budget.  If you have an opportunity to attend hearings concerning these issues at the State Legislature we encourage you to do so.  Letting them know how important transit is to you will help these recommendations become a reality.  Information on how to attend meetings remotely are at https://leg.colorado.gov/

Electrification

One of the fascinations I have with working with on Transit, as an advocate, is that it is always evolving.  One of the changes we will see in the next few years is the electrification of transit systems.  Whether it is just electrification of transit fleets or the use of autonomous vehicles, CCDC will be at the table to ensure that the implementation of this technology is accessible to our community.

A few years ago CCDC was invited to see the pilot program for autonomous vehicles in Colorado.  We were able to identify many obstacles for our community and gave the manufacturers our concerns and advice on how to make these vehicles accessible.

In 2021, CCDC will be working with (TEEM) Towards Electrical Equitable Mobility 

Background: The current transportation system presents challenges for racial equity, mobility, and climate change goals. It is the largest source of air pollution in the United States, with environmental and health implications disproportionately experienced in low-income communities of color. For many, poor access to transportation is a barrier stemming from policies that have discriminated on the basis of race. Today transportation is the second-highest household expense for most people, and a person’s commute time is the most critical factor in their chances of escaping poverty. One solution to many of these challenges is innovative mobility programs that utilize electric mobility. The formation of partnerships between racial equity advocates and traditional environmental organizations will be vital to ensure that such programs are approved, funded, and implemented successfully. If mobility and electrification programs are designed to work for historically underserved communities, they will work better for all communities and will maximize the environmental and economic benefits of electrification. 

Purpose of the TEEM Community of Practice: We aim to establish a peer-to-peer community of advocates to share policy goals, learn together, build relationships, and in the process develop a sense of belonging and mutual commitment towards advancing racial equity, electric mobility, and climate change goals.

Though TEEM focuses on racial and environmental equity they realized that the disability community is also a key benefactor when transit is improved.  That is why we are participating along with 4 other states to share information about and for electrification of transit systems.  

CCDC will be performing outreach activities in 2021 to get feedback about transit equity and to provide findings that the five state collaborative discovers.  We look forward to our own Colorado community to participate in this process so that we continue to be at the table.

Jaime Lewis, CCDC Transit Advisor

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Colorado Voters Elect The State’s 1st Lawmaker Who Uses A Wheelchair

Guía de Votación 2020 –CCDC

INTRODUCCIÓN

Las personas con discapacidad (PWD por sus siglas en Inglés) somos votantes importantes. Nuestros votos ayudan a decidir asuntos vitales como la “Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades” (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA), atención médica, incluyendo Medicaid, para mencionar algunas cosas.  En las elecciones del 2020 las PWD tendremos que elegir entre candidatos para Presidente y decidir sobre temas como por ejemplo asegurar que Colorado tenga suficientes fondos para programas de servicio comunitario.  Las personas con discapacidades deberíamos tratar de responder todas las preguntas en la boleta.  Esperamos que la presente guía ayude a las personas con discapacidades, a planear cómo van a votar y a devolver sus boletas.  Si tiene más preguntas acerca de las votaciones visite la página “Just Vote Colorado, Preguntas Frecuentes” ó llame al 1-866-687-8683.  Just Vote Colorado (Simplemente Vote Colorado) no es partidista, y ofrece información completa para los votantes de Colorado. En Español: 1-888-839-8682.

Esta guía está escrita en lenguaje simple, pero para quienes quieran información más detallada, contiene enlaces que les permiten encontrarla.  La guía cubre:

• Derecho al voto y responsabilidad de las personas con discapacidad
• Cómo ayudar a las personas con discapacidad que desean ó necesitan ayuda
• Los candidato (quiénes están compitiendo, no apoyamos ni nos oponemos)
• Propuestas de la boleta

Las Personas con Discapacidades Deberían Votar

Las personas con discapacidades deseamos ser incluidas.  Parte de esta inclusión es hacer que nuestras voces sean escuchadas por medio del voto.

Votar es un derecho importante para todo americano mayor de 18 años, especialmente para las personas con discapacidades, sus familias, amigos y aquellos que ganan dinero en la industria de la discapacidad.  Cuando suficientes personas con un interés común, como la discapacidad, votan, a esto se le llama un bloque de votos. Personas con discapacidades, sus familias, amigos y aquellos que sirven a las personas con discapacidades, podrían reunirse para formar un bloque de votos.

Cuando la esta comunidad vota como un bloque:

– Le dice a los políticos que nuestros asuntos como la Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA) son importantes.

– Le dice a nuestras comunidades que no somos invisibles y que necesitamos fondos para nuestros servicios, para vivir independientemente, trabajar y obtener educación.

– Le dice al Presidente, al Senado que nombra jueces a la Corte Suprema y a las cortes federales que las personas con discapacidades necesitamos justicia.

– Las propuestas de la boleta electoral le dicen a nuestro estado, condados y pueblos que nosotros somos ciudadanos importantes que merecemos que nuestras voces sean escuchadas.

Derecho al Voto de las Personas con Discapacidades

En Colorado las personas con discapacidades se pueden registrar para votar:

• En línea antes del 26 de octubre en la página del Secretario de Estado (si quiere votar por correo) visite el sitio web del Secretario de Estado.
• Descargando é imprimiendo la solicitud de registro de votante llenándola y devolviéndola por correo, fax ó correo electrónico antes del 26 de octubre.
• Visitando un centro de votación entre el 26 de octubre y el día de las elecciones, 3 de noviembre.

En Colorado las personas con discapacidad pueden votar:

• En su casa ó en la comunidad llenando la boleta que reciben por correo y devolviendo la boleta llena por correo, usando dos estampillas, ó depositarla en un centro de recolección de votos.
• En un centro de votación, usando las máquinas de votar.
• Usando la boleta electrónica. Esta es una opción nueva para las personas que tienen problemas con materiales impresos, incluyendo, pero no limitada a las personas no videntes. Estas personas con discapacidades pueden enviar una solicitud para llenar una boleta electrónica, votar en línea, imprimir la boleta y enviarla por correo usando 2 estampillas, ó llevarla a un centro de recolección de votos. El sitio web “https://myballot.sos.colorado.gov/app/home” le guiará atravez el proceso de llenar su boleta, si tiene problemas con este proceso, el Colorado Center for the Blind, CCDC ó Disability Law Colorado, le pueden ayudar.

Cuando las personas con discapacidad van a votar:

• Tienen derecho a privacidad
• Tienen derecho a un centro de votaciones accesible. Pueden pedir ayuda (de un juez de elecciones ó de alguien ellos elijan en las organizaciones para gente con discapacidad en todo el estado, como Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition.

Las elecciones en Colorado son ACCESIBLES, CONFIABLES Y SEGURAS, sin embargo, si tiene problemas para votar, si alguien trata de presionarlo acerca de cómo votar ó usted observa que otra persona con discapacidad está siendo presionada acerca del voto, llame a “Disability Law Colorado”  al 303-722-0300, ó gratuitamente al 1-800-238-1376, Disability Law Colorado puede ayudar, porque tiene personal especializado en derechos de voto para personas discapacitadas.  Si su discapacidad es auditiva, puede hacer una video llamada al 711.

Nuestro Secretario de Estado tiene también esta información sobre los derechos de voto para personas con discapacidad.

Ayudando a Votar a Personas con Discapacidades.

Esta guía podría ser útil y estén leyéndola a quienes ayuden a emitir su voto a personas con discapacidades ya sean familiares, personal de servicio ó un juez de elecciones.  Hay muchas maneras aceptables de ayudar a una persona con discapacidades a emitir su voto:

• Pregúntele a la persona con discapacidades, en qué necesita ayuda, si leyendo la boleta en voz alta, ayudándole a llenar la boleta, etc.
• Pregúntele a la persona con discapacidades, si prefiere que le ayude un juez de elecciones ó un defensor profesional en vez de un asistente personal. Explíquele que está bien de la forma que prefiera.
• Anime a las personas con discapacidades a que, si va a usar su boleta que vino por correo, a hacerlo pronto.
• Ayude a la persona a enviar ó depositar su boleta con suficiente tiempo.
• Ayude a la persona a asegurarse que su voto fue recibido, configurar y usar el Sistema de Rastreo de Boletas de Colorado (Colorado’s Ballot Tracing System)
• Ayudar a las personas con discapacidades a que se registren si es su primera vez votando.
• Ayudar a la persona a llamar al Disability Law Colorado, si tiene alguna pregunta.
• Explique en términos neutrales, lo que algunas iniciativas significan, ó los historiales de votos de los candidatos, si la persona tiene preguntas, sea lo más honesto posible.

Nunca:

• Diga a la persona con discapacidad cómo debe votar
• Permitirle a alguien que depende de su apoyo, pensar que su apoyo disminuirá si esta no vota igual que usted.
• Ser impaciente con la persona con discapacidad si se demora mucho en responder a las preguntas ó si tiene muchas preguntas sobre la boleta. Si es necesario, puede ayudarla en 2 sesiones separadas.

Votos y Boletas

Si una persona con discapacidad se registró para votar antes del 26 de octubre, la oficina del condado le enviará la boleta por correo a su casa.  Si la persona se registró después del 26  de octubre, será muy tarde para recibir la boleta por correo y tendrá que votar en un centro de votación en su condado.

Todas las personas recibirán las boletas por correo del 10 al 15 de octubre, pues son enviadas el 9 de octubre.

Las personas con discapacidades no tienen que llenar toda la boleta para firmarla y devolverla,  Puede devolver la boleta de 2 formas:

• Depositarla en un centro de recolección de votos ó centros de votación localizados por todo Colorado. Estas se pueden encontrar contactando a la oficina de su condado (haz click aquí, este sitio web esta disponible solo en Ingles).  Si una persona con discapacidades necesita que recojan su boleta, puede contactar a CCDC ó un partido político, normalmente los Demócratas y los Republicanos, tienen personal que recoge las boletas cuando es necesario.
• Enviarla por correo antes ó el mismo 26 de octubre, usando 2 estampillas en el sobre. Las boletas deben recibirse el 3 de noviembre del 2020 (las boletas post fechadas pero que no se reciban antes ó el 3 de noviembre, no cuentan)

Las personas con discapacidades deben saber que no pueden contagiarse de COVID-19 por tocar la caja de depositar la boleta (Aunque la precaución de lavarse las manos siempre que se vuelve a la casa es necesaria).  También es seguro ir a un centro de votación usando mascarilla y manteniendo 6 pies de distancia de los demás.

CANDIDATOS

Presidente: Los Estados Unidos estará eligiendo presidente este año 2020.  Todos los votantes deberán elegir un candidato presidencial.  El presidente es muy importante para las personas con discapacidades porque:

• Ayuda a dirigir las políticas del país, lo que incluye mantener protegidos los derechos de las personas con discapacidades y asegurarse que hay fondos para Medicaid.
• Contrata personas que dirigirán agencias del gobierno que ayudan a las personas con discapacidades a vivir en la comunidad
• Nombra jueces en la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos y otras cortes que ayudan a interpretar y aplicar las leyes que protegen a las personas con discapacidades.
• Firma ó veta leyes que pasa el congreso, para ayudar a que las personas con discapacidades obtengan los beneficios que necesitan.
• Es responsable de coordinar las acciones que se tomen a nivel federal contra el COVID-19.

El candidato Demócrata es Joe Biden

El candidato Republicano es Donald Trump

Hay otros candidatos de otros partidos, pero no tienen posibilidad de ganar, puede ver a estos candidatos en sus páginas de internet cuando reciba su boleta.

Senado: Colorado va a elegir un Senador para Estados Unidos este año.  Los electores tendrán que elegir a un Senador.

Los senadores son importantes para las personas con discapacidades, porque crean y aprueban leyes importantes para nosotros como leyes acerca de los derechos para las personas con discapacidades, y de fondos para Medicaid.

El candidato Republicano es Cory Gardner

El candidato Demócrata es John Hickenlooper

Hay otros candidatos de otros partidos, pero no tienen posibilidades de ganar, Puede ver estos candidatos en sus páginas de internet, cuando reciba su boleta.

Casa de Representantes: Elegimos representantes a la Casa de Representantes de Los Estados Unidos cada dos años. Los representantes son importantes para las personas con discapacidades porque ellos pueden crear leyes y votar a favor de temas como asegurar que las personas con discapacidades puedan vivir en la comunidad. Su boleta incluye un candidato a la Casa de Representantes.  Su representante depende del lugar donde usted vive.  Puede averiguar cuál es el distrito de congreso en que usted vive, visitando el sitio web de la Casa de Representantes (U.S. House House of Representatives), allí escribe su dirección. Aquí encontrará una lista de representantes y la página de cada uno.

Legisladores del Estado: Colorado elegirá legisladores de estado este año.  Los legisladores del estado son importantes para las personas con discapacidades porque ayudan a decidir las leyes de Colorado y a financiar los servicios que son importantes para nosotros.  Todos tendremos la oportunidad de votar por un representante del estado. Las personas con discapacidades también podrían tener que elegir un legislador dependiendo del lugar donde viven.  Puede encontrar en qué distrito de la casa de representantes y del senado usted vive, en el sitio web oficial de la Asamblea de Colorado “Encontrar a mi Legislador,” (Colorado General Assembly’s, find my legislator) allí escribe su dirección.

Jueces: En Colorado se puede votar para mantener a los jueces ó cambiarlos, los jueces no hacen campañas como otros candidatos.  Si quiere saber cómo ha sido calificado un juez, puede revisar el “Folleto de Información de boleta estatal 2020”. (Este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés.)

Propuestas en la Boleta.

Las propuestas que aparecen en la boleta de Colorado, son una manera de que la gente de Colorado pueda cambiar leyes, ó elaborar nuevas.  Puede encontrar más información sobre estas propuestas, en el “Folleto de Información de boleta estatal 2020” (Este documento solo está disponible en Inglés). CCDC toma posición en las propuestas que afectan directamente a la comunidad de personas con discapacidades.

CCDC apoya las siguientes propuestas.  Si usted está de acuerdo, entonces vote sí en las siguientes propuestas que aparecen en la boleta:

Enmienda B: Derogar la Enmienda Gallager.   Sí. Al votar “sí” en esta propuesta podrían subir los impuestos a la propiedad, pero Colorado necesita este dinero para mantener los servicios a la comunidad y otros programas importantes para las personas con discapacidades.  Si esta propuesta no gana, podríamos ver recortes en los servicios.

Propuesta 118: permiso de ausencia laboral por asuntos familiares y/o médicos. Sí.  Por esta propuesta se creará un programa dirigido por el estado de Colorado, que proporcionará hasta 12 semanas de permiso pagado a personas de una familia que deban cuidar a otro miembro de la familia que esté enfermo o haya tenido un bebé.  Este dinero será pagado por los empleadores.  Este asunto concierne a las PWD, porque permitirá a las personas con problemas relacionados con la discapacidad, tomar tiempo libre del trabajo para ayudar en el problema.

CCDC se opone a las siguientes propuestas, si usted está de acuerdo, entonces vote NO en las siguientes propuestas:

Iniciativa 76: “Calificación de Ciudadanía para los Electores” (Qualification of Citizenship for Electors, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés).  NO.  Aunque no es un asunto específico concerniente a la comunidad de personas con discapacidades, CCDC se opone a toda medida que impida votar a la gente.  Esto provocaría que las personas de 17 años, que cumplan 18 antes de las elecciones, no puedan votar en las elecciones primarias. El estado ya cuenta con un sistema seguro que garantiza que únicamente las personas que cumplan los requisitos legales puedan votar.

Propuesta 116: “Reducción de la Tasa del Impuesto Estatal Sobre la Renta” (State Income Tax Reduction, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés). NO. CCDC se opone a esta propuesta porque podría reducir los fondos de impuestos que se usan para apoyar programas para las personas con discapacidades en Colorado.  Para información más detallada (solo disponible en Inglés), visite “Fair Tax Colorado” (Impuestos Justos para Colorado).

Propuesta 117: “Requisito de Aprobación por los Electores para Ciertos Tipos de Empresas Estatales” (Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés). NO.  Nos oponemos a esta medida porque podría reducir los fondos de impuestos que se usan para apoyar programas para las personas con discapacidades en Colorado.  Para información más detallada haga click aqui

Ninguna Posición,

CCDD no se opone ni apoya algunos asuntos en la boleta, les brindamos la siguiente información para ayudar a entender los temas en los que debemos votar:

Propuesta 115: “Prohibición del Aborto Después de las 22 Semanas” (Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés)

CCDC no apoya ni se opone a la propuesta 115 porque la comunidad de personas con discapacidades tiene opiniones muy diversas sobre este asunto.  Esta propuesta limitaría el derecho a realizar un aborto después de 22 semanas de embarazo.

Si usted vota “SÍ” a esta propuesta, no se le permitiría a las mujeres hacerse un aborto después de 22 semanas de embarazo.

Se usted vota “NO”, nada cambiaría en este tema.

Propuesta EE: “Impuesto a los Productos Derivados de la Nicotina” (Tax on Nicotine Products, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés)

CCDC no apoya ni se opone a la propuesta EE: Ésta incrementa los impuestos sobre el tabaco y crea un nuevo impuesto sobre la nicotina (cigarrillos electrónicos y vaporizadores). El dinero de estos impuestos sería usado para programas preescolares y algunas iniciativas en el campo de la salud, incluyendo educación anti-vaporizadores.

Si usted vota “SÍ” a esta propuesta, los productos de tabaco, como los cigarrillos y vaporizadores, costarán más por el impuesto adicional.  Los fondos serían utilizados para apoyar a personas que deseen dejar de fumar cigarros de tabaco ú otros productos derivados y para proveer educación en las escuelas para enseñarles a los niños por qué no deben fumar ni utilizar otros productos derivados del tabaco.

Si usted vota “NO” a esta propuesta, nada cambiará en el precio del tabaco y otros productos similares.

Si desea información más detallada, haga click aquí.

Hay otras iniciativas de ley en la boleta, que no se relacionan con la discapacidad, éstas son:

1. La propuesta 114: Reintroduciría a los lobos grises de regreso al medio ambiente
2. La enmienda 77: Permitiría a los votantes en Central City, Black Hawk y Cripple Creek, expandir los límites de juego y de apuestas.
3. La propuesta 113: Incluiría a Colorado en el Acuerdo Nacional Interestatal por el Voto Popular, asignando a Colorado el ganador del voto popular a nivel nacional.
4. La enmienda C: Requiere que las organizaciones de caridad, si desean realizar juegos de azar, hayan existido por tres años antes de obtener una licencia de juego (actualmente deben existir por 5 años). Para ese fin, deberán contratar personal y pagarles salario mínimo.

Hay otras iniciativas en la boleta que no son temas relacionados con asuntos de discapacidad.

También hay otras preguntas importantes, sin embargo como nosotros somos una organización que opera a nivel estatal, no identificamos esas preguntas en esta guía, pero en algunas de ellas tenemos una postura, por favor contacte a nuestro Defensor Profesional bilingüe José Torres Vega, si tiene dudas en asuntos locales.

En Resumen:

Las personas con discapacidades, nuestras familias, amigos y aliados somos votantes importantes.  Nuestros votos ayudan a decidir cosas fundamentales como el futuro de la “Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades” (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA), atención médica incluyendo Medicaid, para mencionar algunos.  En la elección del 2020, las personas con discapacidades votaremos por candidatos a Presidente, y decidiremos en cosas como que Colorado tenga fondos para financiar programas de servicio a la comunidad.  Debemos tratar de responder todas las preguntas en la boleta.  Esperamos que esta guía ayude a las personas con discapacidades a hacer un plan sobre cómo van a votar y regresar la boleta.  Si tiene más preguntas, por favor visite el sitio web “Just vote Colorado”, ó llame a la línea 1-800-238-1376.  Si su discapacidad es auditiva, puede hacer una video llamada al 711.

Apéndice

Candidatos a la Casa de Representantes de Estados Unidos en Colorado.

Distrito Congresional Uno:

• Candidata Demócrata: Diana DeGette
• Candidato Republicano: Shane Bolling

Distrito Congresional Dos:

• Candidato Demócrata: Joe Neguse
• Candidato Republicano: Charles Winn

Distrito Congresional Tres:

• Candidata Demócrata: Diane Mitsch Bush
• Candidata Republicana: Lauren Boebert

Distrito Congresional Cuatro:

• Candidato Demócrata: Isaac McCorkle
• Candidato Republicano: Ken Buck

Distrito Congresional Cinco:

• Candidato Demócrata: Jillian Freeland
• Candidato Republicano: Doug Lamborn

Distrito Congresional Seis:

• Candidato Demócrata: Jason Crow
• Candidato Republicano: Steve House

Distrito Congresional Siete:

• Candidato Demócrata: Ed Perlmutter
• Candidato Republicano: Casper Stockham

CCDC Se Opone

Enmienda 76: Calificación de Ciudadanía para los Electores

Declaración de la Campaña para una Verdadera Protección de las Elecciones:

¿Qué hace la enmienda 76?  Especifica que *sólo los ciudadanos de Estados Unidos que hayan cumplido la edad de 18 años*, en vez de *cada ciudadano de Estados Unidos que haya cumplido 18* es elector por derecho para votar en las elecciones de Colorado. Aunque cambiar una palabra en nuestra constitución puede parecer inofensivo, esta iniciativa, propuesta y financiada por intereses externos a Colorado, significa un paso atrás en la accesibilidad a los electores y abre una puerta para la supresión de los votantes.  El estado ya cuenta con un sistema seguro y confiable de elecciones, que garantiza que únicamente quienes cumplan los requisitos legales puedan votar.  En última instancia la medida busca 1) solucionar un problema que no existe, 2) Podría crear confusión entre los votantes acerca de las elecciones locales y estatales y 3) Podría desanimar y privar a los electores de sus derechos civiles.  Esta propuesta no tiene impacto inmediato en los requisitos para los no-ciudadanos, pero le quitaría la posibilidad a las personas de 17 años de participar en las elecciones primarias, si cumplen 18 años antes de las elecciones generales.  Vote “NO” a la enmienda 76.

Propuesta 117: Aprobación de los Votantes para Nuevas Empresas Estatales

Análisis hecho por El Colorado Fiscal Institute (Instituto Fiscal de Colorado)

El Problema con la Propuesta 117

La propuesta 117 requeriría del voto para  la creación de nuevos fondos para empresas que tengan ingresos mayores a $100 millones durante los primeros 5 años fiscales.  Esto constituye un asalto a la capacidad de Colorado de brindar servicios fundamentales a sus residentes.

¿Qué es un fondo para Empresa?

Los fondos para empresas fueron creados, como parte de la Declaración de Derechos de los Contribuyentes (TABOR, por sus siglas en Inglés), en 1992. Se definen por algunos aspectos específicos.

• Son empresas propiedad del gobierno con sede en una agencia y dirigida por empleados del estado.
• Únicamente pueden recibir 10% de sus fondos de subsidios del gobierno y la mayoría de sus ingresos proviene de los pagos de sus usuarios/clientes.
• Tienen autoridad vinculante, lo que significa que pueden contraer deuda en base a la proyección de sus ingresos provenientes de los pagos de usuarios/clientes, no pueden recaudar impuestos.
• Deben brindar bienes y servicios a cambio de los pagos de los usuarios.
• Los fondos de empresas estatales reciben auditorías independientes cada año, para asegurar el cumplimiento de los requisitos anteriores.

Un aspecto importante de los fondos de empresa es el uso de pagos en vez de impuestos. Los impuestos se usan para la financiación general, lo cual queda a la discreción de los legisladores.  Los pagos son el costo que paga un individuo a cambio del bien ó servicio que recibe.

La propuesta 117 no se refiere a los pagos, sino a los fondos de empresa.  Los fondos de empresa no están sujetos al ingreso máximo arbitrario de recaudación puesto por nuestro estado. Forzar los fondos de empresa a sujetarse al ingreso máximo de recaudación, desplazaría otras prioridades importantes como educación, salud y otros.  Por ejemplo, la empresa que abarca las matriculas estudiantiles es de $11.5 mil millones, básicamente la misma cantidad que todo el Fondo General (General Fund).  Si las matriculas estuvieran sujetas al ingreso máximo de recaudación, no tendríamos dinero para nada más en Colorado.

Votar NO a la propuesta 117 es bueno para Colorado.

• Colorado ya tiene problemas proporcionando servicios adecuados a sus residentes. Esta propuesta busca poner aún más obstáculos, para evitar que nuestro estado cumpla sus obligaciones hacia las personas que vivimos aquí.
• Estas empresas juegan un papel fundamental proporcionando servicios que tienen benefician más directamente a sus usuarios/clientes. También se ocupan de asuntos como multar a otras que contaminan ó realizan otras acciones negativas.
• Obligar a que se vote para los fondos de empresa, únicamente abre puertas a intereses específicos y a que dinero oscuro fluya en nuestras elecciones, evitando que se proporcionen servicios por pagos.

La propuesta 117 es una solución en busca de un problema.  Sin un sistema justo de impuestos, los fondos de empresa son una parte fundamental para dar servicios a los Coloradenses.

CCDC No Toma Posición

Propuesta 115: Prohibición del Aborto Después de las 22 Semanas

Sí a la 115,  Declaración de DueDateTooLate.com

La propuesta 115, protege la vida humana cuando ya el bebé puede sobrevivir fuera del útero, chuparse el dedo, responder a la voz y al toque de su madre y sentir un dolor agudísimo durante el procedimiento del aborto.  La propuesta 115 plantea una restricción razonable al aborto después de las 22 semanas, aunque sí da a la mujer embarazada varios meses para tomar una decisión acerca de su embarazo.  Los abortos en un período avanzado son extremos. Colorado está casi aislado en Estados Unidos y el resto del mundo al permitir abortos en períodos avanzados del embarazo, sin restricciones.  Únicamente  otros 6 estados en Estados Unidos y  otros 4  países (de 198) en el mundo, permiten abortos en períodos avanzados sin restricciones.  La idea de matar violentamente a un bebé completamente vivo y plenamente humano, en la última parte de gestación en Colorado, aún sea por razones de discapacidad, y que no le sean dados los mismos derechos y dignidad que  los demás bebés tienen, es simplemente errónea, cruel é inhumana.  Los coloradenses de todos los bloques (Demócratas, Republicanos, Independientes y No Afiliados) están de acuerdo en la restricción de las 22 semanas.  La propuesta prevé excepciones por embarazos ectópicos, pérdidas y cuando es necesario para salvar la vida de la madre.  Bajo la propuesta 115, una mujer no será penalizada ni criminalizada por buscar un aborto.  El objetivo de la propuesta 115 es proteger a las mujeres y sus bebés, darles mejores opciones y ayudarlos en circunstancias difíciles. Demos a cada uno de nuestros preciosos bebés una oportunidad de vivir y alcanzar el máximo de su potencial.

No en la 115, Declaración de No On 115

Cada embararzo  es único y las personas embarazadas son expertas en sus propias vidas.  Como todas las demás decisiones de salud, las decisiones acerca del embarazo deben ser hechas por la persona, con apoyo de su familia y en consulta con su médico, sin interferencia política.  La propuesta 115 es una eliminación del aborto en etapas avanzadas, hecha *talla única*, sin excepciones para los riesgos de salud de la mujer.  La propuesta prohíbe a las personas de hacer sus propias decisiones médicas,  Esta propuesta intencionalmente confusa ha sido presentada y apoyada por los mismos políticos y grupos que han tratado-y fallado- de eliminar el aborto en Colorado más de 10 veces en la última década.  La propuesta 115 impone barreras adicionales al acceso a la salud que afecta desproporcionadamente a la comunidad de personas discapacitadas, la comunidad LGBTQ+, las comunidades de color y la gente joven. Debemos enfocarnos en aprobar leyes que apoyen la dignidad y la autonomía reproductiva de toda la gente, incluyendo gente con discapacidades, sin anteponer la política a las decisiones personales importantes en asuntos de salud.  La propuesta 115  es errónea para Colorado, por favor vote NO en la propuesta 115.

Para mayor información para involucrarse, visite *voteno115.com*

Propuesta EE: Impuesto a los Productos Derivados de la Nicotina

Pro: Escrito por la Dra. Kimberly Jackson miembro de la Junta Directiva de CCDC

Aunque éste no es un asunto directamente de discapacidades, los efectos a largo plazo de fumar y fumar vapor, conducen ciertamente a un incremento en la(s) discapacidad(es).  Este asunto puede afectar desproporcionadamente a personas con ciertas discapacidades, como enfermedades mentales (lo que está ligado a mayores tasas de uso de tabaco) y al mismo tiempo sabemos que la enfermedad mental puede llevar a mayores tasas de adicción, incluyendo al tabaco.  El uso contínuo del tabaco disminuye la posibilidad de que el tratamiento para otras adicciones sea efectivo, y por lo tanto, puede incrementar la prevalencia de otras adicciones.  El uso del tabaco tiene un costo para la sociedad porque incrementa la tasa general de muchas enfermedades.  Tampoco  hay conocimiento de algún beneficio médico del uso del tabaco para la sociedad y no tiene ningún beneficio medicinal.

Contra: Escrito por David Henninger, miembro de la Junta Directiva de CCDC

Estoy en contra del incremento al impuesto sobre los productos de nicotina  porque, aunque podría provocar que algunos fumadores dejen de fumar debido al gasto, se trata de una adicción, la población más afectada es la de personas con bajos ingresos y esto crea recaudación a costa de los pobres.

CCDC quiere agradecer a Arc of Aurora y a Think+Change, por su ayuda con el lenguaje sencillo. A Northwestern Colorado Center for Independence por la traducción al lenguaje de señas y a Rosario Vega por la traducción al Español.

CCDC agradece al comité de guía de la boleta.

• Hillary Joregensen Presidenta
• Irene Coleman
• Kenny Maestas
• Christiano Sosa

Versión en Lenguage de Señas de la Guía de Votación 2020

Descargar la Versión Completa en PDF

ENGLISH VERSION

Ballot Guide 2020 –CCDC

INTRODUCTION

People with Disabilities (PWD) are important voters. Our votes help decide vital things like the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare, including Medicaid—to name just a few things. In the 2020 election, PWD will be asked to vote on candidates like the President and to decide issues like making sure Colorado has enough money to fund programs like community services. PWD should try to answer all of the questions on their ballot. We hope this guide will help PWD make a plan on how they are going to vote and return their ballot. If you have more questions about voting, visit the Just Vote Colorado website or call their hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Just Vote Colorado is a non-partisan, comprehensive voting resource for all Colorado voters.

This guide is written in plain language, but for the few that want a lot more detail there are links that provide it. This guide covers:

• Voting rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities;
• How to help people with disabilities who want or need assistance;
• Candidates (who is running-we do not endorse or oppose); and
• Ballot measures.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) SHOULD VOTE!

PWD want to be fully included. Part of how PWD are included is to make their voices heard through voting.

Voting is an important right for every American over the age of 18, and especially for people with disabilities, their families, their friends, and those who make money in the disability industry. When enough people with a specific interest, like disability, vote, it is called a voting bloc. PWD and their family, friends, and those who make money in the disability industry could join together to become a voting bloc.

When the disability community votes as a voting bloc:

• it tells politicians that our issues like the Americans with Disabilities Act are important;
• it tells our communities that we are not invisible and we need services funded so that PWD may live independently, work, and get an education;
• it tells our President and Senate, who appoint and confirm judges to the Supreme Court and all federal courts, that PWD need justice; and
• on ballot measures it tells our state, counties, and towns that we are important citizens who deserve to have our voices heard.

PWD VOTING RIGHTS

In Colorado, PWD can register to vote:

• online before October 26th (if you want to vote by mail) by going to Secretary of State’s website;
• by downloading and printing the voter registration application, filling it out and returning it by mail, fax, or email before October 26th (if you want to vote by mail); or
• by visiting a voter service and polling center in your county between October 26th and Election Day, November 3rd.

In Colorado, people with disabilities can vote:

• in their homes or communities by filling out the ballot they get in the mail, and then returning it by US mail with 2 stamps or dropping it off at a ballot collection site;
• by going to a polling place and using a voting machine; or
• By using an electronic ballot.  This is a new option for people that have trouble with printed materials, including but not limited to blind people.  They can submit an application to do an online ballot, vote online, then print their ballot and mail it using 2 stamps or drop it off at a ballot box.  You can get all of the information you need on how to get through the process at sos.colorado.gov.  If you are struggling with this the Colorado Center for the Blind, CCDC, or Disability Law Colorado can help.

When people with disabilities vote, they:

• have the right to vote privately and independently, and
• have the right to an accessible polling place and ballot. They can ask for help from an election judge or someone they choose. They may choose someone from one of these disability organizations around the state, such as the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition.

Colorado Elections are ACCESSIBLE, SAFE, AND SECURE. However, if you have trouble voting, if someone tries to pressure you about how to vote, or if you see someone pressuring someone else with a disability about how they want to vote, call Disability Law Colorado at 303-722-0300 or toll-free at 1-800-288-1376. Disability Law Colorado can help because they have people trained in disability voting rights. For Relay call 711.

Our Secretary of State has this information answering frequently asked questions about voting rights for people with disabilities.

HELPING PWD VOTE

Some people reading this guide might be helpers like a family member, staff person, or even an election judge. There are many acceptable ways to help a person with a disability vote.

DO:

• Ask the PWD what help they want, such as reading the ballot out loud, offering to fill in the ballot, etc.
• Ask the PWD if they prefer to have an election judge or professional advocate assist them with voting instead of a caregiver.  Let them know either way is perfectly OK.
• Encourage PWD if they are going to use their mail-in ballot to vote to return it quickly.
• Assist PWD with getting their ballot properly turned in (dropped off or mailed in plenty of time).
• Assist PWD with making sure their vote was received by setting up and using Colorado’s ballot tracing system.
• Assist PWD who are voting for the first-time with registering.
• Assist PWD with calling Disability Law Colorado or a vote center if they have questions or concerns.
• Explain in neutral terms, when asked, the meaning of ballot initiatives or voting records of candidates. If the PWD has questions, answer as honestly as possible.

DON’T:

• Tell PWD how they should vote.
• Let someone who relies on you for support think your support will lessen if the PWD does not vote the way you are voting.
• Get impatient with PWD that are having a hard time understanding or asking lots of questions. (It is OK to schedule a time to finish a conversation if you have to do something else and cut the conversation short.)

VOTING AND BALLOTS

If a PWD registered to vote before October 26th, the local county clerk will mail a ballot to their house. If a PWD registered after October 26th, it will be too late to get a ballot mailed and the PWD will need to vote at a Voter Service and Polling Center in their county.

Mail-in ballots should arrive at voters’ homes between October 10-15th (they are mailed on October 9th).

PWD don’t have fill out everything on your ballot to sign and return it. Ballots must be received by November 3, 2020 (ballots postmarked but not received by Nov. 3, 2020, will not count). PWD can return their ballot by:

• dropping it off at a secure drop box location or Vote Centers located throughout Colorado. Those locations can be found by contacting your county clerk here. If a PWD wants someone to pick up their ballot and turn it in, they can contact either CCDC or a political party. Usually, both the Democrats and Republicans will have people that will pick up ballots.
• mailing it by at least October 26th using two stamps on the return envelope.

PWD should know that they cannot get COVID from touching a drop box. (Although always wash your hands every time coming home regardless.) It is also very safe to go to a vote center wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.

CANDIDATES

President – The United States is electing a President in 2020. All voters will be asked to pick a presidential candidate. The President is very important to PWD by:

• helping direct policies for the country, including keeping PWD rights protected and helping make sure Medicaid is funded;
• hiring people to run governmental agencies that help PWD live in the community;
• appointing judges to the Supreme Court of the United States and other courts who help interpret and enforce our laws to protect PWD;
• signing or vetoing laws that Congress passes that help PWD get the services they need; and
• being responsible for handling the ongoing federal response to COVID-19.

The Democratic candidate for president is Joe Biden.

The Republican candidate for president is Donald Trump.

There are third-party candidates, but they have no chance of winning. You can look up other candidates on their websites when you get your ballot.

Senate – Colorado is electing a United States Senator this year. All voters will be asked to pick a senatorial candidate.

Senators are important to PWD because they can create laws and vote on things important to PWD like disability rights and Medicaid funding.

The Republican candidate is Cory Gardner.

The Democratic candidate is John Hickenlooper.

There are third party candidates but they have no chance of winning. You can look up other candidates on their websites when you get your ballot.

House of Representatives – We elect representatives to the House of Representatives every two years. Representatives are important to PWD because they can create laws and vote on things like making sure PWD can live in the community.  Your ballot will include a House of Representative candidate.  Your candidate will be based on where you live. You can find out what congressional district you live in by visiting the U.S. House’s find your representative page and entering your address. Click here for a list of candidates and their websites.

State Legislators – Coloradans are electing state legislators this year. State legislators are important for PWD because the help decide Colorado laws and fund important services. Everyone will have a chance to vote for a state representative. PWD may also be asked to vote on a state senator depending where they live. You can find out what state house and senate district you live in by visiting the Colorado General Assembly’s official find my legislator tool and entering your address.

Judges – In Colorado, people are allowed to vote on whether or not they want to keep their judges. Judges don’t run campaigns like most candidates do. If you want to see how a judge is rated their reviews can be found here. You can also look at your “Blue Book,” which might be easier.

BALLOT MEASURES

A ballot measure is a way for the people in Colorado to make or change law. CCDC takes positions on ballot measures that directly affect the disability community. You can learn more about each measure in your “Blue Book.”

CCDC supports the following measures. If you agree, then you should vote YES on these ballot measures.

Amendment B, Repeal Gallagher Amendment – YES – Voting yes on this amendment may increase property taxes, but Colorado needs that money to help keep community services and other programs important to PWD. If this amendment fails we may see services cut.

Proposition 118, Family and Medical Leave – YES – This will create a state-run program to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family members who need time off of work to help take care of a family member who is sick or having a baby.  This money will be paid for by employers and employees. This is a disability issue because it will help people with disability-related issues take time off of work.

CCDC opposes the following measures. If you agree, then you should vote NO on these ballot measures.

Amendment 76, Qualification of Citizenship for Electors – NO – While not a specific disability issue, CCDC opposes anything that has the potential to stop people from voting. This will make it so 17-year-olds who will turn 18 before a general election can no longer vote in the primary election. The state already has a secure election system that ensures only those who meet legal requirements can vote in elections. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this amendment.

Proposition 116, State Income Tax Reduction – NO – CCDC opposes this measure because it could reduce Colorado tax dollars used to support disability programs. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this proposition from Fair Tax Colorado.

Proposition 117, Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise – NO – CCDC opposes this measure because it could reduce Colorado tax dollars used to support disability programs. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this proposition.

No Position: CCDC neither supports or opposes the ballot issues and provides the following to help you better understand the questions PWD are asked to decide.

Proposition 115, Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks

CCDC neither supports nor opposes Prop 115 because the disability community has very different opinions on this issue. This proposal would limit the right to get an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy.  We have provided statements from both the YES and the NO campaigns here with links to their website.

If you vote YES: Prop 115 would not allow a woman to have an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy.

If you vote NO: Nothing would change on this issue.

Click here for detailed Pro and Con statements from the campaigns.

Proposition EE, Taxes on Nicotine Products

CCDC neither supports nor opposes Proposition EE. This increases taxes on tobacco and creates a new tax on nicotine (e-cigarettes/vaping). That tax money would be used for preschool and initially some other health initiatives such as anti-vaping education.

If you vote YES: Tobacco products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes will cost more money due to additional tax. That tax money will be used to help people quit tobacco products like cigarettes and provide education in schools to help kids understand why they should not use tobacco.

If you vote NO: Nothing will change on how much tobacco products like cigarettes cost.

Click here for arguments supporting and opposing this proposition.

There are other ballot initiatives that are not disability issues. They are:

1. Proposition 114, Reintroduce gray wolves into the environment.
2. Amendment 77, Allow voters in Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek to vote to expand allowed gaming and bet limits.
3. Proposition 113, Join Colorado into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact awarding Colorado’s electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote.
4. Amendment C, Require a charitable organization to have existed for three years before obtaining a charitable gaming license (currently one must exist for 5 years) and allow organizations to hire staff for gaming activities and pay them minimum wage.

There are important local questions as well. Because we are a statewide organization we are not identifying them in this guide, but we do have positions on some of these. Contact Lead Organizer Dawn Howard or Executive Director Julie Reiskin if you have questions on local issues.

CLOSING

PWD, our families, friends, and allies are important voters. Our votes help decide vital things like the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare, including Medicaid — to name just a few. In the 2020 election PWD will be asked to vote on candidates like the President and to decide issues like making sure Colorado has enough money to fund programs like community services. We should try to answer all of the questions on ballot. We hope this guide will help PWD to make a plan on how they are going to vote and return their ballot. If you have more questions about voting, visit the Just Vote Colorado website or call their hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Just Vote Colorado is a non-partisan comprehensive voting resource for all Colorado voters.   If you experience discrimination based on your disability, please contact Disability Law Colorado at 303-722-0300 or toll-free at 1-800-238-1376.  For Relay call 711.

Appendix

United States House of Representatives candidates in Colorado

Congressional District One:

• Democratic candidate is Diana DeGette
• Republican candidate is Shane Bolling

Congressional District Two:

• Democratic candidate is Joe Neguse
• Republican candidate is Charles Winn

Congressional District Three:

• Democratic candidate is Diane Mitsch Bush
• Republican candidate is Lauren Boebert

Congressional District Four:

• Democratic candidate is Isaac McCorkle
• Republican candidate is Ken Buck

Congressional District Five:

• Democratic candidate is Jillian Freeland
• Republican candidate is Doug Lamborn

Congressional District Six:

• Democratic candidate is Jason Crow
• Republican candidate is Steve House

Congressional District Seven:

• Democratic candidate is Ed Perlmutter
• Republican candidate is Casper Stockham

CCDC Opposes

Amendment 76, Qualification of Citizenship for Electors

Statement from the Campaign for Real Election Protection:

What does initiative 76 do? Specify that “only a citizen of the US who has attained the age of 18” rather than “every citizen of the US who has attained the age of 18” is eligible to vote in Colorado Elections. While changing one word in our constitution may seem harmless, this initiative, run and funded by out of state interests, would take Colorado a step back in voter accessibility and open the door for voter suppression. The state already has a secure election system that ensures only those who meet the legal requirements can vote in elections. Ultimately, the measure seeks to 1) solve a problem that does not exist 2) may result in voter confusion about state and local elections, and 3) could discourage and disenfranchise voters measure has no immediate impact on voting requirements for non-citizens but will, however, remove the ability for 17-year-olds to participate in primary elections should they be 18 by the time of the general election. Vote NO on 76.^

Proposition 117, Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise

Analysis by the Colorado Fiscal Institute.

The Problem with Proposition 117

Proposition 117 would mandate a vote on the creation of new enterprise funds that collect revenues above $100 million over the first five fiscal years. This is a direct assault on Colorado’s ability to provide critical services to its residents.

What is an Enterprise Fund?

Enterprise funds were created as part of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) in 1992. They are defined by a few specific aspects.

• They are government-owned businesses housed in a state agency and run by state employees.
• They can only receive 10 percent of its funding from government grants, with the vast majority of funding coming from user fees.
• They have bonding authority, meaning they can take out debt based upon the projected revenue from their user fees, and they cannot levy taxes.
• They must provide goods and services in exchange for the user fees.
• Enterprise funds have independent public audits annually to ensure compliance with the above requirements.

An important aspect of enterprise funds is the use of fees, instead of taxes. Taxes are used for general funding that is up to the discretion of lawmakers. Fees are a cost to an individual in exchange for a good or service.

Prop 117 is not about fees, however. It is about enterprise funds. Enterprise funds are not subject to our state’s arbitrary revenue cap. Forcing enterprise funds to be subject to the revenue cap will crowd out other important priorities like education, transportation, and health care. For example, the enterprise encompassing student tuition is $11.5 billion, basically the same amount as the entire General Fund. If tuition were subject to the revenue cap, we would not have any money for anything else in Colorado.

Voting NO on Proposition 117 is Good for Colorado

• Colorado already has difficulty providing adequate services to its residents. This proposition seeks to put even more obstacles up to prevent our state from meeting its obligations to the people who live here.
• Enterprises play a critical role in providing services that have a more direct individual benefit, or to charge industries for pollution or other negative actions.
• Mandating a vote on enterprise funds only allows more special interest and dark money to flow into our elections to prevent fees from providing services.

Proposition 117 is a solution in search of a problem. Without a fair tax system, enterprise funds are a critical part of providing services to Coloradans.

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CCDC Takes No Position

Proposition 115, Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks

Yes on 115, Statement from DueDateTooLate.com

Proposition 115 protects viable human life – after the baby can survive outside the womb, suck her thumb, respond to her mother’s touch and voice, and feel excruciating pain during the abortion procedure. Prop 115 places a reasonable restriction on abortion after 22 weeks while still allowing a pregnant woman several months to make a choice about her pregnancy. Late-term abortions are extreme. Colorado is an outlier in the US and the world by allowing unrestricted late-term abortions. Only 6 other states in the US and 4 other countries (out of 198) in the world permit unrestricted late-term abortions. The notion that a fully alive and fully human late-term baby is killed so violently in Colorado, including for reasons of disability, and is not afforded the same value and dignity that infants enjoy is simply wrong, cruel, and inhumane. Coloradans from every voting block (Democrat, Republican, Independent, and Unaffiliated) find reasonable the 22-week restriction. The measure provides an exception for ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and when necessary to save the life of the mother. Under Prop 115 a woman will not be criminalized or penalized for seeking an abortion. The goal of Proposition 115 is to protect women and their babies, give them better options, and help them in their difficult circumstances. Let’s give every one of our precious babies a chance for life to reach the fullest of their potential.

No on 115, Statement from No On 115

Every pregnancy is unique, and pregnant people are experts in their own lives. Like all other health care decisions, decisions around pregnancy should be made by the individual, with support from their family and in consultation with their doctor — without political interference. Proposition 115 is a one-size-fits-all ban on abortion later in pregnancy that includes no exceptions for risks to the pregnant person’s health. It deprives individuals of the self-determination to make personal medical decisions. This intentionally confusing measure is pushed by the same politicians and groups that have tried — and failed — to ban abortion in Colorado more than ten times in the last decade. Prop 115 imposes additional barriers to health care access that disproportionately impact the disability community, LGBTQ+ community, communities of color, and young people. We should focus on enacting laws that support the dignity and reproductive autonomy of all people, including people with disabilities, not putting politics in the middle of important, personal health care decisions. Prop 115 is wrong for Coloradans. Please vote “no” on Proposition 115.

To learn more about Proposition 115 and get involved, please visit voteno115.com.

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Proposition EE, Taxes on Nicotine Products

PRO: Written by Dr. Kimberley Jackson, CCDC Board Member:

Though not directly a disability issue, the long-term effects of smoking and vaping can certainly lead to an increase in disability. While this issue may disproportionately affect people with some disabilities, such as mental illness (which is linked to higher rates of tobacco use), we know that mental illness can lead to higher rates of addiction, including to tobacco. Continuing to use tobacco decreases the likelihood that treatment of other addiction will be effective, and therefore can increase the prevalence of other addiction. Tobacco use has a cost to society in that it increases the overall rate of many diseases. There is also no known medicinal benefit from tobacco use to society and it doesn’t have any medicinal benefit.

CON: Written by David Henninger, CCDC Board Member:

I am opposed to the nicotine tax increase because even though it may cause some smokers to quit due to expense this is an addiction — the population most impacted are individuals with low incomes and this just creates revenue off the backs of the poor.

^

Acknowledgments

CCDC would like to thank Arc of Aurora and Think+Change for plain language assistance, Northwestern Colorado Center for Independence for ASL translation and Rosario Vega for Spanish translation.

CCDC thanks the ballot guide committee:

• Hillary Joregensen, Chair
• Irene Coleman
• Ian Engle
• Kenny Maestas
• Christiano Sosa

ASL Version of the Ballot Guide 2020

Download Full PDF Version

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

THE BIGGEST CHANGES OFTEN CAN COME FROM SMALL PACKAGES

CCDC mourns the passing of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Julie Reiskin, CCDC Executive Director

Kevin Williams, CCDC Civil Rights Legal Program Director

There are no appropriate expressions to describe the magnificence of this Supreme Court Justice except to say she got the message. Justice Bader Ginsburg believed strongly in the words engraved on the front of her work home for 27 years, “Equal Justice Under Law.” Words you cannot miss when entering the United States Supreme Court building. Justice Bader Ginsburg believed in equal justice under the law, most notably for women, but, more importantly, for everyone. In her personal opinion and those she authored for the court, Justice Bader Ginsburg understood that “We the People” means all people – not only rich white men who have prevented so many people, different from themselves, from attaining equal justice under the law.

Justice Ginsburg left this world on September 18, 2020, at age 87, after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. She left this country with changes in the law that will be remembered forever; changes that must also be preserved.

For nearly 200 years (1789-1967), the Supreme Court looked something like this:

There is a reason the Supreme Court looked like it did. It is called “discrimination” – a term and its insidious effects we at CCDC are familiar with, as was Justice Bader Ginsburg, a.k.a. “The Notorious RGB.” Justice Ginsburg understood discrimination because she lived it. She graduated as the highest-ranking female student in her class from Cornell University. She then enrolled at Harvard Law School as one of only nine women with approximately 500 men, eventually serving on the Harvard Law Review. At one point the Dean asked all nine women the same question, “Why are you at Harvard Law School, taking the place of a man?” 

Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School when her husband, Marty Ginsburg, a tax lawyer, took a New York City job. At Columbia, she became the first woman to be on two major law reviews: Harvard and Columbia. In 1959, she earned her law degree at Columbia, graduating joint first in her class. 

Achieving such high honors should have led to a great career with a New York City law firm. However, Justice Ginsburg could not find employment. She explained it this way: despite her extraordinary academic achievements, she had three strikes against her: she was (1) a woman; (2) Jewish; and (3) at that time, had a young child. The expected norm in the late 50s and early 60s was for her to be her child’s caretaker. These combined factors meant finding a job with almost any law firm was nearly impossible. In 1960, Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter, based on her gender, rejected her for a clerkship position. 

In 1963 she became a professor at Rutgers Law School, despite being told that she would be paid less than her male colleagues because her husband had a well-paid job. These experiences led her to co-found the Women’s Rights Law Reporter, a law journal focused exclusively on women’s rights.

It was not until 1967 did the look of the court begin to change with the first Black man named to the Supreme Court – Justice Thurgood Marshall. It was another 26 years before the first woman would be appointed when in 1981, President Ronald Regan nominated Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

In 1993, 206 years after the Supreme Court’s establishment, President Bill Clinton appointed Justice Ginsburg. The United States Senate confirmed her by a 96–3 vote on August 3, 1993.

In 1972, Ginsburg co-founded and was General Counsel of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU. From 1972 to 1974, she participated in over 300 gender discrimination cases. Famously, she successfully argued 5 out of 6 gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, claims brought on behalf of both women and men, demonstrating that gender discrimination is harmful to both. 

It wasn’t until Ginsburg’s work in Reed v. Reed, 404 U.S. 71 (1971) that the Supreme Court extended the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to women. It prohibits any state from denying “any person equal protection of the laws.” She calculated her winning method by following the strategic approach of Thurgood Marshall, taking a step-by-step approach to challenging gender-based discriminatory laws under the Equal Protection Clause.

Justice Ginsburg was a true believer in equality for everyone. She authored the majority opinion in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999) demonstrating her strong commitment to the equal rights of people with disabilities. This landmark decision holds that people with mental disabilities must receive treatment and services in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual’s needs. This decision established one of the most critical features of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): preventing the needless institutionalization of people with disabilities capable of living in the community. Also, this decision recognizes that undue institutionalization qualifies as “discrimination.” 

In reaching this conclusion, joined by a plurality of the Court, Justice Ginsburg relied heavily on the findings and purposes of the ADA including Congress’ determination that 

[H]istorically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem . . . discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists in such critical areas as . . . institutionalization.

The disability community has long hailed the Olmstead decision as acknowledging the simple yet historically unrecognized reality that people with disabilities should live in “Our homes, not nursing homes!” The Olmstead decision is also the very purpose of the political action disability group ADAPT. ADAPT members are friends and allies of CCDC, people who have spent their lives protesting unnecessary segregation and isolation of people with disabilities. Justice Ginsburg’s opinion in Olmstead was the U.S. Supreme Court’s first recognition that people with disabilities may no longer be incarcerated in nursing homes and other institutions when, instead, living in the community is the appropriate answer. The Olmstead decision remains one of the most important Supreme Court decisions ever reached regarding the end of unnecessary discrimination against people with disabilities. It also demonstrates Justice Ginsburg’s understanding of one of the most crucial of the ADA’s promises – that all people, regardless of perceived differences, are entitled to the same opportunities and equal protection under the law. It was no longer permissible to hide and keep from public view, people with disabilities. CCDC cannot thank Justice Ginsburg enough for this critical ruling. She was a true believer in equal and social justice for all people. 

According to Justice Ginsburg:

When I’m sometimes asked “When will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]?” and I say “When there are nine,” people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.

It may well be said that Justice Ginsburg’s dissenting opinions are also essential expressions of all people’s equality. Justice Ginsburg has stated publicly that one of her proudest professional moments came when authoring the dissenting opinion for Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc., 550 U.S. 618 (2007). The claim was regarding unequal pay for equal work. Upon retirement, Lilly Ledbetter discovered the pay discrepancy. However, the majority opinion held that Lilly Ledbetter did not raise her claim within the 180-day time frame to bring a claim. Justice Ginsburg made clear in her dissenting opinion that the ongoing disparity in payment between women and men is not something that is discovered paycheck by paycheck. Therefore, the 180 day period in which the majority found had expired was insufficient to ensure proper compensation for such pay disparities. This case led to Congress passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama. 

CCDC Executive Director Julie Reiskin could not agree more with Justice Ginsburg’s famous quotation, 

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

The importance of Justice Ginsburg’s passing is a stark reminder to all of us an issue Kevin Williams has been raising with CCDC members and people with disabilities for years:

“Everyone knows that all Federal Court judges and Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate’s advice and consent. If you don’t think voting matters, you’re not paying attention.”

As of right now, there are less than 45 days until the next presidential election.

The immediate question for all voters and constituents should be whether the current President and Senate should push through this lifetime appointment now or wait until the next presidential election? The last time a Justice died was in 2016 – ten months before the presidential election.  Senator Lindsey Graham, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the following before the 2016 election shortly after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia:

“I want you to use my words against me. If there’s a Republican president in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term, you can say Lindsey Graham said, “Let’s let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination.”

He then repeated, 

“And you could use my words against me, and you’d be absolutely right.”

Also, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed Senator Graham’s comments in February 2016:

“The American people may well elect a president who decides to nominate Judge Garland for Senate consideration,” McConnell said. “The next President may also nominate someone very different. Either way, our view is this: Give the people a voice.”

However, on September 18, 2020, within hours of her death, both senators said they intended to fill the seat left vacant by Justice Ginsburg’s death. Any nominee President Trump puts forward will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.  

CCDC ENCOURAGES OUR MEMBERS to call both Colorado Senators and ask them to wait until after the inauguration and then have an appropriate vetting process.

Contact Senator Cory Gardner

Contact Senator Michael Bennet

No one knows what will happen between now and November 3, 2020, but CCDC encourages you to vote. See Colorado Voter Q & A from CCDC. Your vote counts! Why, when individual voters do not vote for Federal Court judges? It is simple: 

• Federal courts and judges under federal law hear civil rights cases for people with disabilities.
• The president appoints federal judges.
• The Senate confirms the appointment through their power of “Advice and Consent.”
• Therefore, the protection of people with disabilities is in the hands of the President and the Senate.

We will miss Justice Ginsburg for her wisdom, passion for equality, humor, and contributions to the Supreme Court, particularly in equal rights for all people for the last 27 years. 

We continue to ask you to vote on or before November 3. Colorado mail-in ballots will arrive on or around October 9th. In short, voting remains highly important if for no other reason than to ensure the judges throughout the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, are appointed by a President who holds your same values and will nominate the federal judges you want. 

Vote as if your life depended on it. It just might.

Call our Senators and demand a reasonable, thoughtful process for vetting our next Supreme Court Justice.

Contact Senator Cory Gardner

Contact Senator Michael Bennet

Curb Cuts and Captions

Written by Nina Endler of Boulder, CO
July, 2020

Earlier this year, something happened in my neighborhood of 1960s ranches, split levels, and tri-levels that I wished had been there while my children were growing up. (For the record, they’re 19 and 22.)

In the first part of a year that marks 30 years since this happened -my neighborhood, in which the trees now tower over the houses at long last received these: curb cuts!

How nice it would have been to have these while I was pushing a baby jogger, while my daughters were learning to ride bikes, while…

But wait, that’s not their intended purpose – that’s not their raison d’etre.

They are, however probably the best example of universal design, of something that was done so more of us could participate and which those of us who were already participating also benefit from. With them, my neighbors who are now pushing baby joggers no longer need to carefully navigate going down and then up each curb. Children who are now learning to ride bikes no longer need to stop, get off their bike, and then get back on. Walking and wheeling through the neighborhood is now more seamless. Something for which the wheels (pun intended) were set in motion 30 years ago is benefiting significantly more people than was initially intended.

Recently, the state chapter of the union I belong to held a webinar and after it was over, emailed the link to its membership. I received this email on my phone, clicked on the link, and, as I do when captions don’t automatically come up, searched for a way to turn them on. As the displays are different on different devices, and willing to give the state chapter of my union the benefit of the doubt, I figured that the captions didn’t display on smaller devices such as phones. Since I wasn’t near my larger devices at the time, and as I had also seen a social media post about the webinar, I inquired on the post about the availability of captions. The state contact apologized “that wasn’t accommodated on this webinar. I realize that is not ok and we will correct for future webinars.”

It has now been 30 years since the first President Bush signed the ADA. Let’s stop thinking of captions as an accommodation. Let’s stop thinking of things like curb cuts and captions as accommodations and start thinking of them as universal design. Let’s eliminate the perception of curb cuts and captions as being “for those who need them.” Just as people who are currently pushing baby joggers and children who are currently learning to ride a bike in my neighborhood are benefiting from the new curb cuts, here’s a starter list of how people with typical hearing benefit from captions.

• You’re insomniac and you want to watch a video you’ve been meaning to watch while remaining in bed. The person next to you, who has typical hearing is sleeping.
• You’re in a noisy area and you can’t find your earbuds.
• You went to work outside of a coffee shop and left your AirPods at home.
• You’re parallel-working with a family member at the table and you want to be able to listen for an anticipated delivery so you don’t put anything in your ears.
• You don’t have either AirPods or earbuds and the noise of your device interferes with the concentration of the other person in the room who’s reading a book.

Because captions are still thought of as an accommodation rather than as universal design, OTTO Health didn’t include captions in their telehealth platform. Because captions are still thought of as an accommodation rather than as universal design, Zoom does not offer live captions that anyone can turn on with the click of a button. Because captions are still thought of as an accommodation rather than as universal design, I can’t follow a YouTube video that doesn’t have the CC icon in the lower right corner.

Let’s stop thinking of things like curb cuts and captions as accommodations and start thinking of them as what they really are – a universal design that everyone benefits from. With universal design, webinars wouldn’t be filmed, online platforms wouldn’t be made and YouTube videos wouldn’t be posted without captions. And someone with typical hearing can watch the recording of a webinar in bed while they’re insomniac and not wake up the person sleeping next to them.

CCDC will never forget Representative John Lewis, Our mentor and teacher — WE LOST A GREAT ONE!

Tribute was written by Kevin W. Williams, Legal Program Director,
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition Civil Rights Legal Program

“We are one people with one family. We’ll live in the same house . . . and through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.”* – Rep. John Lewis (All quotations throughout this CCDC Memorial blog are the words of John Lewis himself unless otherwise noted).

This tribute allows John Lewis to speak for himself in the humble yet powerful way only he could.

The disability rights movement owes an enormous debt of gratitude to John Lewis, who died on July 17, 2020. His was indeed a life well-lived. He was our teacher and demonstrated why, in so many ways, “Black Lives Matter!” Congressional representatives on both sides of the aisle referred to him as the “Conscience of the Congress,” and Congress will never be the same without him. His life, his perspective, his commitment stayed with him until the day he died. We need and miss him, especially now, and always will.

In 1961, John Lewis became one of the original 13 Freedom Riders; the group made up of seven black and six white Americans. They were determined to ride from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans in an integrated fashion. Much of this work was attributed to his involvement with the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Congress of Racial Equality. He and the other Freedom Riders were severely beaten and jailed as they entered the southern states.

“We were determined not to let any act of violence keep us from our goal. We knew our lives could be threatened, but we had made up our minds not to turn back.”*

The disability community took all of its cues from John Lewis when shutting down the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colorado. The Gang of 19 threw themselves out of their wheelchairs and blocked buses overnight on the busiest street in Denver – Colfax Avenue between Broadway and Lincoln. The Gang of 19 was responsible for forcing RTD to be the first transportation system in the country to install wheelchair lifts on its buses. All of the tactics for making this happen can be attributed to the work of John Lewis.

Denied the right to vote, he and the other marchers refused to give up! Even as he led the march (literally — he was at the front of the line) across the bridge, at which point the Alabama State Patrol took a billy club to his head before arresting him. John Lewis, following in the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, understood and believed in the theory of nonviolent protest. He and those with him demonstrated to this country and the world that those who are willing to risk everything (their bodies, arrest, and even death) without using violence have great power to show the oppressor. Despite repeated attempts to stop the protesters from attaining the same rights enjoyed by all others, they just kept coming back. The message was and, as we have seen with the latest “Black Lives Matter” marches and protests, is powerful. For a while, the nonviolent protest strategies used by John Lewis changed the hearts and minds of many – but not all. And he lived just long enough to see how his efforts and those he orchestrated can still be taken away. Meaning the fight goes on, and we must be prepared to continue. 

Indeed, the disability rights movement would not have existed without an understanding of how John Lewis and those of like mind showed this country what injustice looks like and why it can not be tolerated.

“You must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way… to get in the way.”*

“I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find a way to get in trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble.”*

CCDC also sees the involvement of young people with disabilities as a top priority as we navigate through very uncertain times – viewing the progress we have made and seeing what is left for us to do or do over again.

“I say to people today, you must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.”*

“Never give up. Never give in. Never become hostile . . . HATE is too big a burden to bear.”*

Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Fisk University after graduating from The American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee. As a student and member of the Nashville Student Movement, he was responsible for organizing sit-ins at segregated lunch counters.

“When you see something that is not right, not fear, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”*

In 1961, Lewis, as one of the Freedom Riders, was beaten by angry mobs, arrested, and at times, taken to jail.

“We were determined not to let any act of violence keep us from our goal. We knew our lives could be threatened, but we had made up our minds not to turn back,” Lewis said towards the end of his life regarding his perseverance following the acts of violence.*

In 1963, he became the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the youngest chairman ever to have led the organization that focused solely upon enforcing the civil rights of Black Americans through the use of nonviolent protest. Before that, he was an active participant in the Nashville Student Movement, whose first mission was to desegregate lunch counters, which were ultimately successful.

“Some of us give a little blood for the right to participate in the democratic process.”*

Many reports state that before becoming a United States Representative, John Lewis was arrested and beaten 40 times during non-violent protests and five times after his election. Despite all of the mistreatment, terrible beatings, arrests for engaging in activity already protected by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the United States Constitution (like voting), Lewis had this to say:

“If you’re not hopeful and optimistic, then you give up. You have to take the long hard look and just believe that if you’re consistent, you will succeed.”*

John Lewis was also the youngest speaker during the March on Washington in 1963. He was asked to tone down his speech for being “too radical.”

Many of the strategies and decision-making that went into the protests organized in large part by John Lewis and SNCC were then used by those in the disability rights movement that created organizations like ADAPT and CCDC. The sit-in protests were continued by John Lewis even when he was a member of the House of Representatives. This purpose and meaning behind this particular method of protesting certainly have not been lost on the disability civil rights community.

John Lewis did go on to become the United States Congressional Representative from the Fifth District of the state of Georgia from January 3, 1987, until his death on July 17, 2020. His legislative accomplishments are too many to list, as well as his achievements before becoming a member of Congress.

“If someone had told me in 1963 that one day I would be in Congress, I would’ve said, ‘you’re crazy. You don’t know what you’re talking about.’”*

Not only did John Lewis become a Congressman for the Fifth District of Georgia, but he also served 16 terms in that position. He eventually became the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight for the House of Representatives Committee and Ways in Means, the leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the senior chief deputy whip in the Democratic caucus.

In these roles, Representative Lewis accomplished a great deal for not only the Black Community but for all people — the human community.

The disability community and everyone who works for the social justice of all people and recognize as John Lewis did —

“[We] really believe that all of us, as Americans . . . we all need to be treated like fellow human beings.”*

Unfortunately, the “Conscience of the Congress” is now gone. Fortunately, he survived his pancreatic cancer just long enough to see the creation of the “Black Lives Matter Plaza” and watch those who have been protesting racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans throughout the country grow to a massive scale.

A champion of justice, a believer in peaceful and nonviolent resistance, a fellow human being standing against the oppression of anyone, and one of the few genuinely decent human beings, John Lewis will be missed. Nevertheless, the young activist individuals who joined the House of Representatives in 2018 are there in no small part due to the legacy of John Lewis.  At this critical time in American history, we must all follow Lewis’s words of wisdom and continue our commitment to social justice for all people, including people with disabilities. Rest assured, CCDC will carry on fighting – just as the “Conscience of the Congress” did and expected others to do as well.