Relates to the service area for paratransit transportation

• Democratic45
• Republican25

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jeremy Cooney says this is needed

"Though people with disabilities live in every community, our transpor- tation policy has undermined the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) promise of equal opportunity in transportation for people with disabili- ties, resulting in isolation from jobs, housing, health care, and educa- tion. As political leaders we most take into consideration the needs of people with disabilities. People with disabilities make up about 6 million (40 percent) of the almost 15 million people In this country who have difficulties getting the transportation they need. Because many people with disabilities do not have the option to drive cars, lack of access to other modes of transportation disproportionately harms them. About 560,000 people with disabilities never leave home because of transportation difficulties." http://www.civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/transportationitransportation-and disabilities-v%205-2.pdf The stated goal of the Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), is to integrate people with disabilities into the community. More restrictive transportation policies and restrictions on routes of serve for people with disabilities affects their ability to become fully integrated in the community. This bill is a significant step in complying with the provisions of Olmstead and helping many people who are marginalized and restricted in their ability to interact with services and members of the community. This bill will help make a difference to increase health care access and reduce isolation for adults and children in the broader community.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.