Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor the incredible life and legacy of Julie Beckett, a champion for individuals who experience disabilities and for their families. In 1978, Julie's daughter Katie was born, and 4 months later, Katie contracted a brain infection that left her paralyzed and on a ventilator. After 2 years of living in a hospital, Katie's family had reached the limit on their health insurance policy and applied for support through Medicaid but were told that Medicaid would not cover at-home care. Julie and her husband, Mark, knew they did not want their daughter growing up in a hospital, especially when she could receive the care that she needed at home while also being with her loved ones. Faced with uncertainty and with Federal officials who would not make an exception, Julie reached out to her Congressman. Julie noted that making this exception for her daughter would not only be good for her family but also that keeping her at home rather than at a hospital would cost the government far less money. Julie's advocacy worked. Because she made the choice to speak up and share her story, Congress passed and President Reagan signed into law an exception to Medicaid rules that enabled Julie's family and many others to care for their loved ones at home. Julie's work has had a profound impact on not just her own family but countless others, including my own.…”