[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   MENTAL RETARDATION AWARENESS MONTH

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor ARC Minnesota, 
and the men and women who volunteer countless hours to improve the 
quality of life for children and adults with mental retardation and 
their families. March is officially this nation's ``Mental Retardation 
Awareness Month''--but the efforts of these individuals should be 
celebrated year-round.
  As legislators at the federal level, our support tends to come in the 
form of funding. It would be an understatement to say that children and 
adults with mental retardation and their families are faced with unique 
challenges. Needs differ from family to family. For some, it may be 
specialized education needs, and for others health care access. And as 
a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I realize the vast array of 
programs we've created to address the broad spectrum of needs--all of 
which compete for tax dollars.
  That is why I have strenuously supported initiatives which provide 
greater flexibility and control by individuals. Programs such as A+ 
accounts that help families meet unique educational needs that federal, 
state and local programs cannot. Legislation like the Patients' Bill of 
Rights Plus Act that expands medical savings accounts, ultimately 
providing more flexible health care access--particularly benefitting 
those that are uninsured.
  Mr. President, while Mental Retardation Awareness Month is coming to 
a close, it doesn't mean that Congress cannot move forward with 
policies which provide unique solutions to the unique challenges faced 
by individuals with mental retardation and their families. I would urge 
my colleagues to join me in commemorating the work of the 1,000 
chapters of the ARC, in Minnesota and across this nation, with their 
pledge to work towards this goal.

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