Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5610, the Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act.

Independent living centers provide a valuable service, including employment, skilled training, peer counseling, and information for people with disabilities.

H.R. 5610, the Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act, as passed in the House and Senate, allows States to apply to the Department of Education for a waiver to disregard funds received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the fiscal year 2010 allotments.

Because of a discrepancy in how current law factors in prior year funds, some independent living centers will see dramatic decreases in the funding that they will receive this year. This technical fix will enable funds granted through the Rehabilitation Act to be distributed to independent living centers in a more fair and appropriate manner for this year.

The House-passed version of this legislation allows States to apply for these important waivers until July 30. Because the deadline included in the original version of H.R. 5610 does not provide sufficient time for States to take advantage of these waivers, the Senate extended the timeline until August 5.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of this bill, which will assist independent living centers that help disabled persons live full and productive lives, and I ask for my colleagues' support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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