Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after 192 House Republicans voted against a resolution affirming the House’s authorization to intervene in the Texas v. United States lawsuit to defend the Affordable Care Act and protect people with pre-existing conditions:

“The health and well-being of children and families across America hang in the balance because of Republicans’ monstrous legal assault on health care.  But tonight, 192 House Republicans voted to be full accomplices in the GOP’s effort to destroy protections for people with pre-existing conditions and threaten Americans’ health care.

“In November, the American people spoke loud and clear: the GOP’s war on health care must end, now. Republicans need to listen to their constituents, and finally work with Democrats to protect the health of families across America.  This new Democratic House of Representatives will be relentless in defending protections for people with pre-existing conditions and affordable health care.”

The Medicaid Extenders Act passed the House today on voice vote. This Bill includes temporary funding extension for the Money Follows the Person program where it was still operating at the end of the 115th Congress. The Senate will still need to pass this temporary funding, and survive a potential Presidential veto.

January 8, 2019
Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor today during consideration of H.R. 259, Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 259, the Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019. This bill would extend for three months the successful Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration and the spousal impoverishment protections for Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) recipients. These two provisions have helped tens of thousands of people remain in the community with their families and friends while receiving the health care and other services they need."

"The MFP demonstration helps people transition from institutional settings to community-based settings so they can live in their homes and maintain their independence. All of this is possible because the demonstration provides them access to the services in their home that they would otherwise receive in an institution. This is a widely-used and successful program. Currently, 43 states and the District of Columbia participate. And it has helped over 75,000 people transition from institutions to the community. I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Dingell and Representative Guthrie, for their bipartisan efforts to protect this important program. I urge my colleagues to support extending this important program as the Energy and Commerce Committee works on a longer-term extension."

"I also support extending the protections against spousal impoverishment for beneficiaries receiving Home and Community Based Services. These protections ensure that people can receive the community-based services they need, and that their spouse has enough income and assets to meet their living expenses. This protection expired at the end of last year and it is vital that we act quickly to reauthorize it. Without this protection, individuals may lose access to important services or face unnecessary institutionalization. This is a terrible choice for families to make, and one that we can prevent by passing this bill. Similar to MFP, this extension will give the Committee time to work on a long-term solution."

"Mr. Speaker, both of these extensions were passed as a part of the Continuing Resolution in the Senate in December. Unfortunately, since then, a fight has ensued over appropriations funding. While it is my hope that the President will drop his demands for an ineffective and unnecessary wall, I do not want these programs to be collateral damage over that debate."

"Both of these programs have bipartisan support and must be extended without delay. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 259, the Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019, and reserve the balance of my time."

KYEA is announcing that the delegate application deadline for the 2019 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum has been extended to February 8, 2019. This extension is being made in order to provide more youth with the opportunity to apply this year. So, do you know of a high school junior or senior with a disability who has leadership potential or interest? Then they still have time to apply for this year's KSYLF! And they won't want to miss out on this unique, life-changing opportunity!

The 2019 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities will be held July 8-13, 2019 at Washburn University in Topeka. The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its nineteenth year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment! They participate in a variety of sessions and activities, including large sessions with community speakers, small breakout sessions with their peers, as well as activities like a trip to the Capitol, mentor luncheon, recreation session, real life fair, barbecue, talent show, and a dance!

All students who are interested in attending the KSYLF must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Kansas.
• Have a disability as defined with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Be in the 11th or 12th grade as of December 31, 2018. Please note: Students who are in an 18-21 transition program qualify to apply as well.
• Have demonstrated leadership potential or interest in school and the community. Remember, leadership comes in many forms!

There will be no cost for students who are selected to attend. All lodging, food, and accommodations are paid for through KSYLF funds. Accommodations such as personal care attendants, sign language interpreters, large print or Braille materials, and other accommodations will be provided for those delegates who need them.

Students must fill out an application that will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. About 20 - 25 delegates will be selected to attend. The delegate application deadline has been extended to February 8, 2019.

Delegate applications, as well as other information, can be downloaded from our website at www.kyea.org/upcomingksylf. More information can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Greenwood, Program Coordinator, at 785-215-6655 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Apply to be a KSYLF Delegate
Learn more about the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum