Activists Unite in Support of Parity
By: Morgan Sheets
The Amputee Coalition of America national campaign experienced an exciting boost in April. Both New York and Pennsylvania held rallies in support of prosthetic parity bills and a new state stepped up in the fight for parity.
On April 17th, activists from all over the state came together in Albany, NY to demonstrate their support for Assembly Bill 1274 and Senate Bill 1672. Buses came from both the Hudson Valley Region and New York City. Speakers included the bills lead sponsor Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, activist and physical therapist Janie Tice Shepard and an array of individuals.
One week later, a rally was held at the Pennsylvania state capitol in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania campaign committee along with local support group, the Amputee Support Team held a Day of Action at the end of March in preparation for the rally. They made calls to local activists to publicize the event, helped enter data from the very successful statewide petition drive and completed an outreach mailing to ACA members.
It is the amazing dedication of our activists that truly makes a difference! The April 24th rally was very successful. The lead sponsor and several other legislators have committed to passing HB 317 this year!
Buses came in from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Local facilities closed for the day to allow their staff to attend. Speakers included Rep. Bernie O’Neill, Rep. Fred McIlhattan and Sean Brame, a 5th grader and a tri-lateral amputee who lost three of his limbs to an infection. Sean is a truly courageous individual. We are proud to fight alongside him for this important bill!
In other news, the state of Maryland is joining the fight for prosthetic parity. The ACA is holding an organizing meeting in June to bring together local activists and health care professionals to launch a campaign with the goal of introducing a bill in the 2008 legislative session. This makes Maryland the 24th state to join the national campaign. We are also talking to activists in AZ, VT and MT.
Morgan Sheets is the National Advocacy Director (202/742-1885 or state@amputee-coalion.org).