ADAPT Meets With Rockefeller To Talk About MiCasa

On November 3, 1998 Senator Jay Rockefeller met with ADAPT during the national action in DC. Four members of ADAPT WV were present at this meeting.

Senator Rockefeller met with us for two hours. We took this opportunity to educate him about the need for consumer directed personal assistance not only in WV, but throughout the whole country. The Senator seemed shocked by the first person account of our experiences with the lack of attendant services.

Senator Rockefeller pledged to study the bill closely and consider supporting MiCasa when it is reintroduced in the next legislative session. Those in the meeting felt that it was a positive step in making contact with an influential policy maker who can help us Free Our People.

On June 15 ADAPT WV went to the Charlston offices of Senator Jay. Rockefeller to demand a meeting, Though Mr. Rockefeller's Deputy State Director Wes Holden was not pleased with our presence he later signed a letter stating that Senator Rockefeller would schedule a meeting with ADAPT before October 31, 1998 (Of course were not meeting till November 3, but thats ok) to discus his support of MiCasa.  Mr. Rockefeller has a long record of supporting health care and disability issues including the ADA he will be a valuable ally when HR2020 reaches the senate.