Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, S. 2432 continues the State Grant Program for assistive technology for individuals with disabilities allowing all 50 States, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories to complete their grant cycle under this Act. In 1988, the Congress created this program to give States a small Federal incentive to establish State programs to help people with disabilities access assistant technology services and devices. Since that time, all States have established programs that promote the provision of assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities. However, I do not believe that the program should become a long-term Federal commitment. I believe most States have used this small Federal investment well, and I believe, once our 10-year commitment is met, the Federal government should let States provide these services based on their individual needs. I know how difficult it is to end Federal assistance once it is started. That is why, in the last 2 years of Federal assistance, we require the States to match 25 percent in the ninth year and 50 percent in the tenth year. By requiring this match, the Federal Government has sent the signal that assistance will phase out and the Federal assistance will end.”