Keep People in Their Communities — Tell Congress to Support the HCBS Access Act!

People with disabilities belong in the community. Congress should make sure they can stay there.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports they need to live, work, and thrive in their own communities—not in institutions.

But under current federal Medicaid law, there is a fundamental inequity: states are required to cover institutional care, while HCBS remains optional. That means when states face Medicaid funding pressures, community-based services can be among the first services put at risk.

The HCBS Access Act would change that. It would establish HCBS as a mandatory Medicaid service, helping ensure that people who need community-based supports can access them.

Now Congress needs to hear from you!

Tell your members of Congress that HCBS is not optional for the people who depend on it.

Your voice can help protect the future of community-based services.

Speak up for HCBS. Speak up for choice. Speak up for the right to live in the community.

DSP Bill up for Markup! Members Urged to Take Call for Action!

ANCOR has shared great news about the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211), which urges the creation of a standard occupational classification (SOC) for Direct Support Professionals (DSP). The bill is scheduled for a markup in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on August 5^th! Click here for a link to the hearing, scheduled to begin at 10 am.

Members, please note NJ Senator Any Kim serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee – so it is critical New Jersey is LOUD AND CLEAR supporting a professional Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classification for DSPs so we can better track wages and advocate for increased compensation.

TAKE ACTION!

This is an important step toward creating a SOC for DSPs, and it is thanks to your continued advocacy on behalf of the direct support workforce.

Help us continue to build momentum for this critical bill. Please take the attached call for action and urge your senators to support the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211).

On June 30, the New Jersey Legislature approved, and Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the $60.7 billion FY27 State Budget. NJACP CEO Libby Vinson issued the following statement.

Why Is Budget Advocacy So Critical for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Decisions made in Trenton directly shape the daily lives of individuals with IDD and their families. The state budget determines whether people can live with dignity in their communities — with proper staffing, housing, and essential support services.

For NJACP, budget advocacy is not optional — it is central to our mission. When funding reflects community priorities, individuals thrive. When it falls short, families face isolation, workforce shortages intensify, and opportunities shrink

▶ Watch Maureen break down the NJ budget timeline and key engagement windows.

▶ Watch Maureen explain why late-stage advocacy is pivotal.

▶ Watch Maureen outline the 3% COLA request and what it means for families.

▶ Watch and Learn how Members, Family and Friends can take Action Today.

▶ Watch Maureen’s closing message to NJACP members.