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The Washington Connection 5-27-25

Welcome to the Washington Connection, the legislative and information service of the American Council of the Blind. The Washington Connection is brought to you by the ACB national office. If you have any questions or comments on the information provided, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask to speak with Claire Stanley.

The Washington Connection is updated any time we have new information to share with you. The following articles are available as of May 27, 2025. Messages 1 and 4 are new.

Thank you for calling the Washington Connection.

ACB Meets with Amtrak, Discusses Accommodations and Need for Wayfinding Services in Stations

 

ACB is fortunate to have the privilege to meet with Amtrak leadership on a quarterly basis to talk about accommodations for passengers with disabilities. ACB has been part of a small group of disability advocacy groups who have done this for many, many years now. Additionally, once a year, that same disability advocacy cohort gets to meet in person with the full Amtrak Board of Directors. On Thursday, May 22, I attended that annual meeting in Washington, D.C. In past years, the disability community has advocated for more time to bring up the needs and concerns of passengers with disabilities. As a result, the 2024 meeting provided ample time to do so. I was pleased to see that this year’s meeting did the same: we had approximately 45 minutes for open discussion on accessibility needs.

The meeting went well. There were a few new board members; their final confirmation by Congress was a long, drawn-out process. This new cohort included David Capozzi, the new disability representative on the Board. A disability-specific representative seat was created through a previous bill led by Senator Duckworth. Mr. Capozzi is a wheelchair user and a former executive director of the U.S. Access Board.

Amtrak currently lacks a CEO. The former CEO, Stephen Gardner, stepped down early this year for political reasons under the new presidential administration. During the meeting, the current president of Amtrak explained that they are taking time to think through what experiences and characteristics would be best for a new CEO.

During the open comment period, I brought up the need for wayfinding services in Amtrak stations. We have been advocating for Aira access at all stations for well over a year now. In response to my comment, I was told that such a request is in the works. If you have any Amtrak-related accessibility needs, please reach out to me at [email protected].

 

Disability Advocates Protest at House Committee on Energy and Commerce Meeting

 

On Tuesday, May 13, disability advocates protested at the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce meeting, where the new budget was being discussed. The newly proposed budget included language to significantly lessen the resources for Medicaid services. Many disability advocates have spoken out about the services that will be cut if such funding is reduced or eliminated. For instance, many fear that coverage of services will force people with disabilities into nursing homes. At Tuesday’s event, 26 people with disabilities were arrested as they protested.

 

CMS Moves to Shut Down Medicaid Loophole — Protects Vulnerable Americans, Saves Billions

 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would close a Medicaid tax loophole exploited by states to inflate federal payments to states, and free up state funds for non-Medicaid purposes. Some states have exploited these tax loopholes to take money from federal taxpayers and then simultaneously spent “state” money on new benefits for illegal immigrants. This regulatory move is projected to save taxpayers more than $30 billion over five years and continues CMS’ work in ensuring this vital safety net continues to be available for the country’s most vulnerable populations in the future.

“States are gaming the system — creating complex tax schemes that shift their responsibility to invest in Medicaid and rob federal taxpayers,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This proposed rule stops the shell game and ensures federal Medicaid dollars go where they’re needed most — to pay for health care for vulnerable Americans who rely on this program, not to plug state budget holes or bankroll benefits for noncitizens.”

Here’s how it works: Under the law, states can tax stakeholders and use that as part of their state share for Medicaid, as long as those taxes are uniform and broad based, or they can pass certain regulatory tests. Taxes are not permitted when they are not generally redistributive – and these loophole taxes are solely designed to game the higher federal match by taxing a type of entity, drawing down a high federal match (ranging up to 77% for traditional Medicaid populations), and then redistributing those federal dollars back to the very same entities that were taxed – that’s what most Americans call money laundering. Specifically, certain states are imposing taxes on all managed care organizations (MCOs), yet structuring the tax so that it only affects Medicaid business within those MCOs – the ones who will benefit from the federal match in the form of payments from the state back. In California, Medicaid business in certain cases is taxed at $274 per member/per month, while non-Medicaid business is taxed at just $2 per member/per month.

These arrangements allow states to benefit from a budget surplus to reinvest in unrelated programs — including the $8.5 billion program in California to cover more than 1.6 million illegal immigrants and other non-citizens.

“This isn’t just wasteful — it’s wrong,” said Drew Snyder, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services. “Medicaid was designed to protect low-income seniors, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities —not subsidize coverage schemes that displace our most vulnerable. We are restoring Medicaid to its original purpose and ensuring the intent of the law is followed.”

In its final year, the last Administration approved four waivers that exploit this tax loophole, submitted by California, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York. Together, these four states are responsible for more than 95% of projected federal taxpayer losses under the loophole. If CMS had not taken decisive action, more states could have exploited this tax loophole. A CMS estimate shows that if just two more states adopt these schemes each year, excess federal costs could balloon more than $74 billion over 5 years.

The CMS proposed rule would:

  • Prohibit states from taxing Medicaid business at higher rates than non-Medicaid business;
  • Bar the use of vague language to disguise Medicaid-specific taxes;
  • Maintain statistical testing while adding safeguards to prevent system gaming; and
  • Provide a transition timeline based on the age of existing waivers.

Medicaid is a shared federal-state responsibility. CMS’ proposal reaffirms that partnership, while ensuring states cannot manipulate the system at the expense of federal taxpayers.

The proposed rule can be viewed at the Federal Register and will be open for public comment until July 14, 2025.

 

Congresswomen Simon and Hayes Introduce Legislation to Ensure Every Student Can Access Free Mobile Vision Services

 

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2025 – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) introduced the See the Board Act, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available for nonprofit organizations that provide free, mobile vision services for students in public schools. This renewed effort aims to directly address the needs of students in California and across the country, recognizing the persistent challenges faced by families in accessing affordable eye care.

A lack of access to critical vision care causes an estimated 3 million students nationwide to go to school each day without the glasses they need to fully participate in class, negatively impacting their learning experience. Children with uncorrected vision are more likely to perform poorly in school and face lower self-confidence. Additionally, eye doctors see more children needing glasses earlier in their lives. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, since 1971, cases of nearsightedness in the U.S. nearly doubled to 42 percent.

“As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, I’m very excited to co-lead the ‘See the Board’ Act with Congresswoman Hayes,” said Congresswoman Simon. “When I was in elementary school, I could not see the board or fully participate in school until I got the vision care I needed. By bringing free, mobile vision care directly to schools, this bill will ensure that thousands of children do not miss out on their education or futures because of barriers to vision care.”

“Ensuring every child can see is fundamental to their education and overall success. When students lack access to essential vision care, they face unnecessary hurdles in learning,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The See the Board Act is a proactive solution, bringing crucial mobile vision services directly to our schools and removing financial and logistical barriers that prevent children from receiving the eye care they need to thrive.”

“More than 3 million students nationwide go to school every day without the glasses they need to see the board, read a book, or do their math homework. This legislation will support programs, like Vision To Learn, that provide eye exams and glasses to students who otherwise would not access critical vision care,” said Ann Hollister, President, Vision To Learn.

The See the Board Act would empower nonprofit organizations to significantly expand their reach and impact by:

  • Mandating the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants specifically for nonprofit entities delivering free, mobile vision services to students in public K-12 schools.
  • Enabling eligible organizations to utilize grant funds for the purchase and maintenance of essential portable eye care equipment.
  • Covering critical operational costs, including direct healthcare services, transportation of equipment and personnel, and necessary personal protective equipment.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Mark Takano (CA-39).

The See the Board Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Vision to Learn, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.

Read the full text of the bill here.

 

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act Reintroduced in the House

 

ACB is excited to announce that the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act has once again been introduced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 14. This was a wonderful way to usher in Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 15. The bill was introduced by Republican Congressman Pete Sessions from Texas. We are elated to once again see bipartisan support for this important bill. The bill, which has been introduced in the previous two congressional sessions, will work to ensure that website and applications are accessible to all people with disabilities. The bill number is H.R. 3417. To reach out to your Congressmembers and encourage them to become a bill co-sponsor, please call the House of Representatives switchboard at (202) 225-3121.

 

Disability Advocates Commend the Introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act

Comprehensive Legislation to Define, Support, and Enforce Digital Accessibility

 

BALTIMORE, May 20, 2025 — The National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, and the National Disability Rights Network applaud the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417, into the House of Representatives by Rep. Pete Sessions (Texas) and lead co-sponsor Rep. Steny Hoyer (Maryland).  This legislation seeks to eliminate persistent digital accessibility barriers faced by blind and disabled Americans.  

"For too long, blind Americans have faced inconsistent standards and persistent barriers in the digital world," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "This comprehensive Act will finally provide the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to ensure genuine digital inclusion. By establishing clear federal standards and supporting small businesses in implementation, we're creating a framework for full participation in modern life. Whether accessing healthcare portals, applying for jobs, or shopping online, blind Americans deserve the same access as everyone else."

"ACB strongly supports the Websites and Software Application Accessibility Act because it brings us one step closer to a truly inclusive society,” says American Council of the Blind Executive Director Scott Thornhill. “This bill will finally make digital accessibility a legal requirement — not just a best practice — and ensure that websites and software are designed with everyone in mind from the start. ACB has long championed this critical issue, and we remain committed to advocate for its passage for as long as necessary."

Eric Bridges, President and CEO of American Foundation for the Blind shared, "Websites and digital applications remain some of the most frustrating barriers that blind and low-vision people face on a daily basis. This legislation would dramatically shift accessibility for people with disabilities and make it easier for businesses to create accessible websites and apps while enabling people with disabilities to use their products and services. Thank you to Representatives Sessions and Hoyer for reintroducing this legislation to improve access to work, school, shopping, and healthcare for blind Americans."  

“For too long, digital access for people with disabilities has consistently been an afterthought, if thought of at all,” said Marlene Sallo, Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). “It’s absolutely critical that the tools and technologies essential for disabled people to navigate the ever-evolving online world are fully accessible.”  

Virtually all Americans are using the internet and mobile applications in some way. This legislation addresses long-standing concerns about the inconsistent accessibility of the digital environment. And it will position the United States as a global leader in digital inclusion while providing practical support to businesses implementing accessibility standards. Accessibility is achievable.  

 

NLS Fully Funded through End of September

 

ACB has learned that the National Library Service (NLS) will not be immediately impacted by the executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). NLS, which is under the Library of Congress, is part of the legislative branch. As a result, the executive order does not have the authority to dismantle the program. NLS is separate from IMLS. Additionally, through the recent legislative continuing resolution, NLS is fully funded through the end of September. Many of us are nervous about the many cuts that are occurring around us. Rest assured, at least at this time, that NLS is still funded and NLS books are still readily available to patrons.

Many of us want to know how we can help advocate to prevent the loss of library sources and accessible literature. The elimination of IMLS can impact network libraries; many NLS patrons visit such libraries for services. To advocate, speak out for funding of your local network libraries.

 

Congress Proposes to Cut $12 Billion from the Department of Education

 

On May 6, 2025, a Senate hearing was held to discuss the recent changes to the Department of Education (DOE) under the new presidential administration. Seven of the twelve regional offices of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) have closed. Witnesses at the hearing reported that schools have become less responsive to civil rights complaints. Furthermore, in anticipation of less federal funding, they are less willing to follow IEPs as written.

In total, Congress has proposed to cut $12 billion from the Department of Education. These cuts raised concerns regarding the continued administration of financial aid, the effectiveness of the IDEA if it is moved outside the DOE, and the future of the financial assistance states receive from the federal government.

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