ANCOR’s Government Relations Retreat 2023: Advocacy in Action

In a departure from tradition, ANCOR’s Government Relations (GR) Committee Retreat took place in the heart of Washington, DC this year, attracting nearly 75 ANCOR members, advocacy partners, and policy experts. The event provided a platform for engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and meaningful interactions centered around key issues impacting the disability service provider community.

1. Addressing Olmstead Violations and Settlements

• Janelle Geddes and Shayna Stern from the U.S. Department of Justice presented on the integration mandate and the Department’s involvement in Olmstead violations and settlements nationwide.

2. Bipartisan Solutions for Workforce Shortages

• Policy experts from the Bipartisan Policy Center discussed their recent report, “Addressing the Direct Care Workforce Shortage: A Bipartisan Call to Action,” focusing on policy recommendations such as improved data collection, transparent reimbursement rates, and immigration reform.

3. Insights from CMS and HUD Leaders

• Jessica Lee, CMS Acting Chief Medical Officer, and Richard Cho, HUD Senior Advisor for Housing and Services, led a session on the use of 1115 waivers and the administration’s commitment to enhancing health equity.

For the first time during a GR Committee retreat, ANCOR members participated in Congressional Hill Day, seizing the opportunity to discuss crucial issues, including the Recognizing the Rule of Direct Support Professionals Act, the forthcoming Disability Community Act, and legislation to boost funding for I/DD services through the HCBS Relief Act. ANCOR GR Committee members engaged in 60 in-person meetings with their Senators and Representatives during the week.