
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday participated in a Facebook Live event to highlight the importance of including funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan with U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) and multiple advocates.
Duckworth is an original co-sponsor of the Better Care Better Jobs Act, legislation that would implement President Biden’s $400 billion investment in HCBS. HCBS are essential to assisting older Americans and people with disabilities, who receive critical healthcare and support services in their homes. Video of the virtual event can be found here.
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In March, Duckworth, Casey and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) successfully included $12 billion in dedicated emergency funding for State Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that passed the Senate. In December of last year, Duckworth helped Casey introduce the HCBS Relief Act, legislation that would provide increased funding for home and community-based services by providing dedicated Medicaid funds for HCBS—which would reduce the need for people with disabilities and older adults to move into congregate settings.