[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    FOSTER CARE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

                                 ______


                            HON. DICK SWETT

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 1994

  Mr. SWETT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Foster Care Living 
Arrangements Act of 1994. This legislation is intended to enhance the 
supportive services options available for elderly and disabled adults 
in their homes. My proposal would amend section 131 of the Internal 
Revenue Code, which excludes certain foster care payments from a 
taxpayer's gross income. This bill would extend the benefits of that 
provision to shared living arrangements.
  In essence, a shared living arrangement is an adult in need of foster 
care who has a roommate. Typically, roommates in these situations are 
independent contractors, who work under the auspices of nonprofit 
community service organizations. Roommates agree to provide certain 
services to the foster care adult, such as being available overnight in 
the event the adult needs personal assistance. They provide 
companionship and guidance within and outside the home for cooking, 
cleaning, shopping, and recreation. These individuals also assist with 
personal hygiene and medical needs. They work cooperatively with 
family, friends, and neighbors and allow the foster care adult to live 
in dignity in his or her home and community.
  Mr. Speaker, in New Hampshire we are very proud of our record in 
meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. We were the first State 
to close our public institution for the developmentally disabled. Since 
the early 1980's, we have led the Nation in developing a system of 
community-based services for persons with disabilities. Shared living 
arrangements and adult foster care have been an important part of our 
strategy to maximize the independence of our developmentally disabled 
citizens while also saving taxpayer dollars.
  This legislation would expand on New Hampshire's record of success. 
It will expand access to needed support services and encourage more 
citizens to participate in efforts to undertake foster care 
responsibilities in their communities. This is exactly the kind of 
approach that Members from both sides have advocated in the debate over 
long-term health care. Persons with disabilities and the elderly have 
diverse needs and abilities. By expanding the range of choices 
available to meet their needs, we can enable them to remain safely and 
comfortably in their homes and communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
initiative for adults with disabilities and join me in cosponsoring 
this proposal.

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