[NFBMT] From the desk of Jon Tester: ADA Education and Reform Act

[BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER]

I try to be nonpolitical on this list, but responses like this are why we
can't afford to lose him right now.  This needs a shout out on his social
media.  Joy 

 

From: Senator Jon Tester <senator at tester.senate.gov> 

Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2018 4:05 AM

Subject: From the desk of Jon Tester: ADA Education and Reform Act

 

Dear Joy,

 

Thank you for contacting me about the ADA Education and Reform Act (H.R.
620).  I share your concerns.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created to protect people with
disabilities from discrimination, including public accommodation.  The
existing law provides incentives for places like restaurants, hotels, and
stores to make sure they are accessible to folks with disabilities before an
issue arises.  H.R. 620 would shift the burden to people with disabilities,
making them provide a description of any barriers to access after they have
already encountered them.  This bill threatens to exclude people with
disabilities from their communities and undermine the protections of the ADA.

That is why I joined over 30 of my colleagues in opposing H.R. 620 or similar
legislation that would weaken the ADA's public accommodation protections.
Instead of undercutting the ADA, Congress should be working to improve the
existing tools and resources meant to help people with disabilities fully
participate in their communities.

As your Senator, I will defend all Montanans and work to ensure our neighbors
can live healthy and independent lives.  Please do not hesitate to contact me
again if I can be of further assistance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jon Tester

United States Senator