[Colorado-talk] letter template to our Senators with revised email contact for Senator Bennet's staff member

[Lisa Bonderson]

Hello Everyone!

 

Today, January 15, 2014 we need to tell our Senators that it is time to
#FixWIA.  Below is the email I plan to send to my Senators.  I encourage you
to use this letter as a template (or create your own) to inform your
Senators about the problems with WIA.  
 
Thanks for all of your work. Let's get this done!  
 
 
#######
 
Dear Senator X,
 
I am writing to voice my concerns about S. 1356, the reauthorization of the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  Although I know the reauthorization of WIA
is overdue, I just cannot support the current bill as it is written.  
 
During the 1990s, the disability community fought really hard for language
that would not allow a vocational rehabilitation case to be closed by a
placement in a sheltered workshop. The current bill language of Section 511,
a controversial section among the disability community, will allow
vocational rehabilitation counselors to successfully close cases by placing
their clients in subminimum-wage sheltered workshops.  Subminimum-wage
sheltered work does not come close to adequately training people with
disabilities for mainstream competitive employment.  In fact, research shows
that people with disabilities have to unlearn the habits taught in sheltered
workshops in order to get a mainstream job.  Ninety-five percent of people
with disabilities who enter sheltered workshops never obtain the employment
they are being "trained" for.  In other words, once a person with disability
is placed in a sheltered workshop, their full potential is almost never
reached.  They must remain on public assistance for the rest of their lives.

 
I am also concerned with the bill language moving the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) from the Department of Education to the
Department of Labor. There is no research that shows this move will improve
the efficiency and outcomes of the RSA.  It is important to keep in mind
that everyone needs an education before he/she obtains a job.  For many,
this education comes in the form of college and/or graduate school.  For
people with severe disabilities, this might mean having access to quality
rehabilitation services to develop their unique skills and talents.  This
process is an educational process- RSA should stay in the Department of
Education.  
 
Senator X, I need your help.  Please consider offering an amendment that
will strike Section 511 of Title V of WIA, and remove the language that
transfers RSA from Education to Labor.  
 
Thank you.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.  If you have any
questions or concerns, feel free to reach me at (add your contact info).
 
Sincerely,
 
(Your Name)

 

These are e-mail addresses and phone numbers for staffers for Senator Bennet
and Udall.  

 

Senator Bennet

Washington Office:

(202) 224-5852

Rachel_Velasquez at bennet.senate.gov

 

Senator Udall

Washington Office Phone:

(202) 224-5941

Stephanie_Cross at MarkUdall.senate.gov