| MCIL Journal | FreeOurPeople.org | ADAPT Action Report | Home |
| |
| M C I L Journal |
| MCIL Journal 2007 |
| MCIL Journal 2006 |
| MCIL Journal Index |
Index
of previous MCIL Journals
4/20/00, 12:02 pmc
Senator Frist talks with Memphis ADAPT about MiCASSA
National ADAPT invites Senator Frist to speak at the ADAPT rally in Washington D.C. on June 18, 2000.
Although Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee did not say he would co-sponsor MiCASSA, he said: "I look forward to learning more about this bill from you."
That lesson is what ADAPT members and advocates provided at the Memphis Center for Independent Living today. Long-time ADAPT advocate Deborah Cunningham directed the discussion asking several Tennesseans to tell Senator Frist how critical MiCASSA is to them.
"All my friends are here, and my boyfriend is here, so I don't want to have to leave," said Lisa Spence, explaining to the senator how attendant services are essential to keeping her independent and in the job market. Without attendant services she will have to leave the state.
"Because Tennessee has no attendant services, I have lost my job, my home, and my car," said Willie Robinson. "I live in a nursing home now and I have no choice about what time I get up in the morning, what I have for meals and what time I go to bed at night."
Chris and Suzanne Colsey told the senator directly that MiCASSA "would help our relationship." Because Tennessee offers practically no home and community assistance and the Colseys' must depend on each other for attendant services, "it is putting a strain on our relationship," said Suzanne.
Richard Peyton currently lives in a nursing home and told the senator that they put on a big show when inspectors come, but things return to normal once the inspectors leave. "I would love to stay in Tennessee," Richard told his Senator, "but I am forced to move to Colorado."
Deborah told the senator of other Tennesseans that have abandoned Tennessee because of the failure of the current system. "Do you have many people leave the state?" the senator asked.
A resounding, "yes" came from the crowd followed by names of people that have recently moved.
Tena Murphy read from her notes: "It cost more than $30,000 for me to live in a nursing home. Now I live in my own home for less than $5,000."
Senator Frist asked Tena for those notes and requested that other people write down what MiCASSA would mean to them.
"I'm 43 years young," said Dorothy Churchman, "I don't want to spend the rest of my life in a nursing home."
Louis Patrick related that his wife, his father and himself are working to afford personal services so his mother can remain at home. Mr. Patrick noted that "just in terms of money, we are buying for $300 a month what taxpayers get charged $1500.
Deborah gave Senator Frist a copy of S. 1935 and on behalf of Memphis ADAPT, Willie Robinson presented the senator with Memphis ADAPT's highest honor: an ADAPT of Memphis hat.
"I will read the material and wear this proudly," said Mr. Frist. "I pledge to work with you looking at various pieces of legislation that are out there."
-Tim Wheat
The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org
MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency
Return to the top of this page
MCIL would like feedback on the accessibility of this website. Please send your comments and concerns to webmaster@mcil.org