WHEREAS, the vast majority of America=s 54 million people with disabilities want to live independently and with dignity, free from the restrictions of institutional settings; and

WHEREAS, disabilities are a natural part of human experience that do not diminish an individual=s right to live independently and to enjoy self-determination and full inclusion in American society; and

WHEREAS, in-home and community-based services have consistently proven to be less costly than institutional care; and

WHEREAS, the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act (MiCASSA) would enable people with disabilities and the elderly real options to live in the community and create the infrastructure needed to develop the high-quality, community based long-term care of the future,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports the independence and empowerment of persons with disabilities by promoting local, state and federal programs that enable them to live in their communities rather than costly institutions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to enact S.401 and H.R. 910, the Medicaid-Based Community Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2005.