[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H2942-H2943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
            CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF EASTERSEALS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Easterseals on its 100th anniversary.
  Easterseals is a network of more than 70 leading nonprofit 
organizations that provide local services and support to children and 
adults with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.
  Founded in 1919 in Ohio, Easterseals works nationwide, in almost 
every State, to help Americans achieve milestones, live independently, 
and be active members of their communities.
  Easterseals employs more than 30,000 professional staff across the 
country, including therapists, nurses, employment specialists, and 
direct support professionals who deliver high-quality services.
  Over the past century, Easterseals has helped millions of individuals 
and families by assisting children who have disabilities; helping them 
access early intervention, including physical and speech therapies, to 
help prepare them for successful learning; providing in-home and 
community adult day services for seniors and people with disabilities; 
helping individuals with disabilities, veterans, and seniors find 
meaningful employment; and providing camping and recreational 
opportunities to youth and adults with disabilities.
  Mr. Speaker, Easterseals provides autistic individuals early 
education, employment, camping, caregiving, transportation, and other 
services to support Americans of all ages.
  The number of children in the U.S. with developmental delays is on 
the rise. A recent study found that approximately 13 percent of infants 
and toddlers have a developmental delay. Research has also shown that 
one in

[[Page H2943]]

three children who receive early intervention services will not require 
special education in preschool.
  Mr. Speaker, we know that the first few years of a child's life will 
lay the foundation for his or her long-term well-being and overall 
success. That is why I am a strong proponent of Head Start and Early 
Head Start programs.
  We can't guarantee that every child will be successful in life, but 
we can give them the same access to early educational opportunities. 
This is just one of many reasons why I introduced H.R. 1695, the 
Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019. This 
legislation renews our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty through 
locally driven comprehensive approaches.
  Head Start and early education programs are operated through 
community action agencies and promote school readiness through 
enhancing the cognitive, physical, behavorial, and social-emotional 
development of children from low-income families. Easterseals 
specializes in early childhood development where children with and 
without disabilities can learn together.
  Another piece of legislation I am cosponsoring is H.R. 1878, the IDEA 
Full Funding Act. This would ensure that individuals with disabilities 
are receiving an appropriate education.
  In the 1970s, Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost 
of special education, but we never come close to fulfilling that 
promise. In fact, current funding remains only at 14 percent of the 
targeted amount. This bill would mandate gradual increases in IDEA 
funding to reach the full commitment--40 percent, a commitment made by 
Congress--by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year after 
that. Easterseals is also supportive of this legislation.
  In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, three Easterseals affiliates 
serve 67 counties. They employ almost 700 people, and they serve nearly 
27,900 individuals. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the incredible 
services Easterseals works to provide to American families.
  For the past 100 years, it has leveraged its network of nonprofits to 
improve the lives of others. In schools, workplaces, and communities, 
Easterseals has fostered environments where everyone is included and 
valued, regardless of age or ability.
  I congratulate Easterseals for its contributions to improving so many 
lives over the past 100 years.

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