In an effort to stop the weakening of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through HR620, the inaptly named ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, Bet Tzedek has joined a coalition of California disability, civil rights, senior, and civic organizations calling for the protection of the hundreds of thousands of Californians who have or may acquire a disability. The coalition has sent letters (see below) to the California Co-Sponsors of the bill urging them to withdraw their support, and to the entire California Congressional Delegation asking for their leadership in opposing the bill.
HR620 erodes the balancing of interests in the ADA by removing incentives for businesses to comply with the law, and placing excessive burdens on individuals with disabilities. It is our belief that HR620 is an unnecessary and poorly considered measure that would fundamentally harm our nation’s progress toward an accessible and integrated society. The bill further telegraphs to individuals with disabilities, that their inclusion is not important.
