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[an error occurred while processing this directive] Governmental Affairs: Advocacy in action. Read current and previous Legislative Network Alerts. View a listing of the Legislative Network Members. Frequently asked questions about the Legislative Network. |
Legislative Network Alerts Alert Number 159 March 17, 2006 For Your Information Specter/Harkin Amendment Passes and More To: Members of the Legislative Network From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Governmental Affairs For those who read on the run, this Washington Wire deals with two issues of importance to the membership of the National Rehabilitation Association: The passage of the Specter/Harkin amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution; and secondly, the announcement of Microsoft's National College Recruitment Program. First, we are pleased to report that the Specter/Harkin amendment, named after its principal sponsors, Senators Specter (R.PA.) and Harkin (D.IA.), was overwhelmingly passed yesterday on the Senate Floor by a vote of 73-27. Thank you so much to all of you who called. Your advocacy made a difference. This amendment, on which NRA issued a Washington Wire Alert yesterday would add 7 BILLION to the FY 07 Federal Budget which includes Health, Education and Labor programs, including, possibly, additional funds for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which comprises VR in Title IV. The National Rehabilitation Association thanks all Senators who voted favorably on the amendment, who include all Senate Democrats, Independent Senator James Jeffords (I.VT.), Senator Arlen Specter (R.PA.), Pete Domenici (R.N.M.), Pat Roberts (R.KS.), Mike DeWine (R.OH.), Susan Collins (R.ME.), Lisa Murkowski (R.Alaska), Thad Cochran (R.MS.), Orrin Hatch (R.UT.), Lincoln Chafee (R.R.I.), Trent Lott (R.MS.), John Warner (R.VA.), John Thune (R.S.D.), Richard Lugar (R.IN.), Norm Coleman (R.MN.), Olympia Snowe (R.ME.), Chuck Hagel (R.N.E.), Elizabeth Dole (R.N.C.), Robert Bennett (R.UT.), Bill Frist (R.TN.), George Voinovich (R.OH.), Conrad Burns (R.MT.), Ted Stevens (R.Alaska), Jim Talent (R.MO.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.TX.), Charles Grassley (R.IA.), Gordon Smith (R.OR.) and Rick Santorum (R.PA.). The passage of the Specter/Harkin amendment, which is only the first step in the long and winding road to appropriations, is yet another example of what can happen when our constituencies -- all of us -- coalesce around our issues. As was stated many times during NRA’s 2006 Legislative Summit, which was conducted earlier this week, the power of productive partnerships makes a huge difference in advocating for the economic and personal independence of all individuals with disabilities. When we coalesce around our common issues, we win. When we don't -- we and more importantly -- children and adults with disabilities and other under-represented constituencies -- lose. And, yes, there is more good news, for a change. The Senate also approved on a 51-49 vote increases to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to the full 5.1 billion originally authorized. NRA had issued a Washington Wire a few months ago on this issue. The passage of the Specter/Harkin amendment does establish Congressional intent (Senate intent) that many Education, Labor and HHS programs are indeed under funded. We still have a long way to go, but this is a good start. Turning to the second issue of importance to the National Rehabilitation Association: Microsoft is interested in recruiting college students for internships and employment opportunities in a variety of locations across the United States. For more information on internships, scholarships, campus recruiting events and employment opportunities check out Microsoft's college recruitment website at: www.microsoft.com/college. The website provides a great overview of the company including the corporate culture, employment opportunities, benefits, how to apply for positions, the interview process and profiles of current employees who were hired through the college recruitment program. There is an interactive map of the United States that allows you to obtain the dates and other information about Microsoft's college recruiting events that are taking place in your area. There is also information on scholarship opportunities for people who are interested in the field of computer science. The National Rehabilitation Association takes this occasion to thank Kathy West-Evans, formerly of RSA’s Region X office and now heading up the VR Business National Network for CSAVR, for providing this information to NRA. |
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