Power Grid Blog
Mark's Weekly Message
February 12, 2013 | Mark Perriello
Words matter. How you say something, as much as what you say, is just as important.
Tonight the President will deliver his annual State of the Union Address. Millions of Americans with disabilities and our families will be listening. Will the concerns of our community be addressed?
Will the President mention the fact that two decades after the signing of the ADA, Americans with disabilities still face a staggering double digit unemployment epidemic? Will he talk about how only 25% of people with disabilities are meaningfully employed and that 75% are unemployed or underemployed? Will he talk about protecting and expanding Medicaid coverage in the states, so that people with disabilities can live meaningful, independent lives in our communities?
Will you be tuning in to find out?
Last year only 38 million people watched the state of the union address, versus 108 million who watched the Super Bowl.
Why is knowing what Obama says important? What he says tonight will define his policy focus for the next year. During the last four years, the Administration has done a lot for the disability community, but there is more work to be done.
What do you hope the President includes in his speech? Tell me in the comments below.
