For
Immediate Release: March 21, 2006
Contact: Bob Kafka 512-431-4085
Janine Bertram 503-504-9787
http://www.adapt.org/
ADAPT Delivers Demands; Over 60 Arrested
Nashville - Governor Bredesen refused to meet with Disabled Constituents
and their supporters for the second consecutive day. ADAPT sent a small,
peaceful delegation to deliver demands that stress ending immoral state
and federal policies that require elderly and disabled people to live in
nursing homes and other institutions against their will.
Rather than listen to the voice of the people, the Governor responded with
force: a huge police presence and barricades. After several peaceful
attempts to enter the Capitol to address an elected public official, the
delegation blocked Charlotte Avenue between the Capitol and Legislative
Plaza. The police moved in and arrested over 60 local and national
advocates.
ADAPT wants Governor Bredesen to do the following:
1. Support the passage, funding and implementation of the Tennessee
Community Choices Act of 2006.
2. Reverse all funding cuts and policies in Tennessee that have resulted or
will result in disabled and older Tennesseans being removed from their own homes
and forced into nursing homes and other institutions.
3. Work with ADAPT and the National Governor's Association to implement
state and federal "Money Follows the Person" (MFP) funding and
policies.
Tennessee should apply for the new MFP (federal funds available to the
state for services).
4.Write Senator Frist and the Tennessee delegation telling them that Tennessee
supports MiCASSA (Medicaid Community Attendant Services and
Supports Act) and asking them to support MiCASSA and hold hearings on the
bill.
Today's peaceful protest followed yesterday's march and protest where 80
were arrested (most at the site of the historic Nashville civil rights
sit-ins), and a day of testimony from people with disabilities formerly
warehoused in nursing homes and other institutions. ADAPT is in Nashville
through Thursday and will continue attempts to change policies that force
disabled and elderly people to live in nursing homes and other institutions.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION on ADAPT visit our website at http://www.adapt.org/