In this issue of Capitol Connection, November 5 is election day. This issue contains election resources and two action alerts. Congress is on recess until November 12. We need your help to educate Senators about the urgent need to pass the Autism CARES Act and the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. 

Election Day is Next Week! 

Tuesday, November 5, is the official election day, although many states have already begun early voting. Be sure to reference our Autism Voting Resources for an Autism Voting Guide, among other important links. In addition, use our Election Center to check your polling place and see a sample ballot.  

Congress Returns in Two Weeks  

Congress returns November 12 for a lame duck session. A lame duck session is a session after a November election and before the beginning of the new Congress in January. There are a few priority must pass bills such as appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 or a continuing resolution (CR), the National Defense Authorization Act, hurricane relief, and multiple health extenders.  

The Autism Society is advocating for the Senate to pass the Autism CARES Act. The House of Representatives passed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R. 7213) on September 18; the bill was then referred to the Senate, but it did not pass before Congress recessed or the elections. Programs authorized by the CARES Act were extended through the CR which expires on December 20. The bill must pass the Senate to continue these programs and the enhancements and additional funding. Please contact your Senators using our Action Alert to educate them on the importance of this bill.  

The Senate may also consider the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act as an amendment to a workforce and apprenticeship package that already passed the House. This legislation would phase out the use of 14(c) subminimum wage certificates and offer grants to help employers transition to competitive integrated employment. Please use our Action Alert to educate your Members of Congress on the importance of including this legislation in any workforce package under consideration.  

The Spectrum Act 

The bipartisan Supporting Peer-led Efforts to Conduct Thoughtful Research and Understand the Modalities of Autism in Women and Girls Act or the Spectrum Act (HR 9436) was introduced by Representatives Khanna (D-CA), Tenney (R-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in late August. This bill establishes a National Science Foundation grant program to enhance opportunities for peer-led research focused on Autism, particularly its characteristics in women. Specific areas of research may include the characteristics of autism in females, such as the incidence of “masking” and “camouflaging,” as well as communication dynamics between autistic and neurotypical women, including the “double empathy problem” theory.  

Letter on Tax Credit Education Legislation  

The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Education Taskforce sent a letter to House leadership in opposition to the Educational Choice for Children Act of 2024 (H.R. 9462). This legislation proposes to amend tax law to allow for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $5,000 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, or tax-exempt organizations providing scholarships to students mostly to attend private schools. This legislation was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on a vote of 23-16. CCD opposes the bill due to the longstanding position that Federal funds directed toward or in support of education must adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other civil rights laws. Specifically, Federal dollars should not be used for any voucher, or voucher-like programs unless these Federal laws apply to the use of the funds. 

Mask Ban Statement 

CCD released a statement in strong opposition to laws banning face masks in public places, highlighting the detrimental impact on individuals with disabilities, particularly in the context of ongoing health threats like COVID-19.  Anti-mask laws not only endanger the health of high-risk individuals but also create an environment where they may face harassment from law enforcement and the public for wearing masks. The letter points out the particular concern for people of color, who may experience heightened scrutiny and violence in these interactions. The coalition calls for the repeal of mask bans and the freedom to choose to protect oneself.  

Education and Restraints Resolution  

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a resolution agreement with the St. Johns County School District in Florida. This came after investigations into the district revealed that the school district’s restraint policies and practices denied students with disabilities their rights to a free and appropriate public education. Overall, the district restrained over 150 students with disabilities over 1,700 times in 2018-2019. The district has reached an agreement with OCR that includes reconvening the IEP/504 teams of the students restrained to determine compensatory services and reevaluate best practices to address the needs of the students. In addition, the district will train staff on proper behavioral interventions and revise its policy regarding restraint and seclusion. See more through the OCR’s Press Release.  

Justice Corner 

We continue to advocate for clemency for Robert Roberson, an Autistic man on death row in Texas.  Mr. Roberson’s case for clemency has drawn bipartisan support from members of the Texas legislature.  Most recently the co-chairs of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus in the Texas legislature issued a statement challenging many of the assertions made by the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton.  Paxton has opposed clemency efforts in the state’s criminal and civil courts. Read the bipartisan legislators’ statement here.