[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR HOME-AND COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NEWT GINGRICH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of important legislation 
introduced by my friend, colleague, and member of the Task Force on 
Disabilities, Steve Gunderson, I wish to express my support for home-
and community-based care. This initiative was advocated by people with 
a personal interest in attendant services--the disabled--and I believe 
that this bill is a step in the right direction toward personal 
empowerment.
  I appointed Mr. Gunderson to the Task Force on Disabilities back in 
July 1995 because of his commitment to personal empowerment. He has 
demonstrated his ability to lead, and I applaud his leadership on this 
issue. During the debate over Medicaid reform during the 104th 
Congress, I submitted a statement in the Congressional Record in 
support of home- and community-based case for the disabled based on 
recommendations from the Sixth District Disabilities Task Force which I 
appointed in Georgia, and urged States to develop programs that provide 
these services. It is only by giving States more flexibility to develop 
these innovative programs that the Government can efficiently and 
effectively meet the health care needs of Medicaid recipients. I am 
aware that this proposal may have significant cost implications, and I 
believe that careful consideration and additional input will help 
ensure a sound policy decision.
  I am hopeful that we can move away from the current bias toward 
institutionalization in favor of home- and community-based services, 
whenever appropriate. This is an important bill for helping the 
disabled to lead a fully integrated life.

                          ____________________