Problem Solvers Back Bill to Streamline Resources for Individuals with Disabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act, legislation that will task the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with establishing an online database of resources for individuals with disabilities.
Currently, individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers must navigate a confusing patchwork of federal and state information to identify and access the services they need. This creates unnecessary barriers for individuals with disabilities to access healthcare, mental health resources, long-term care, and other community-based services.
The Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act would establish a comprehensive, easy-to-use website for individuals with disabilities to easily access these necessary resources. The website will also include an option to search by zip code so individuals can locate options for care in and around their communities.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and has 24 additional cosponsors, 13 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Molinaro and David Trone (MD-06). It unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last month.
"I'm proud to have the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorse such an instrumental bill that supports families of individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19). “As a father of four children, one of whom has a disability – I’ve been there. Families with disabilities often don’t know where to turn to get support. My Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act creates a first-of-its-kind national website so families can easily locate local services and resources for individuals of every ability. I appreciate the bipartisan support from my colleagues to advance this crucial disability support service."
“The Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act is as common-sense as it comes, which is why it unanimously passed the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee,” said Congressman David Trone (MD-06). “We owe individuals with disabilities streamlined access to federal-, state-, and local-level resources, and this legislation will do just that: ensuring life is made that much easier for folks and their families and caregivers. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues and I could unite to support this legislation, and I urge its final passage into law.”
“Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers deserve easy, reliable access to the resources they need—not the frustration of navigating multiple platforms,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “This legislation will centralize critical information into a single, user-friendly database, ensuring no one is left searching for the support they rely on. I’m proud our caucus has endorsed this bipartisan bill, which delivers greater transparency and provides individuals with disabilities the access to the services and support they deserve.”
“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and to access the resources they need to succeed. That is why I am proud the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act to ensure those with disabilities have access to the information they need to receive the best possible care,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).
“It’s so important that we work to ensure those in our I/DD community have access to the resources they need,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “I commend Representative Molinaro for his leadership on their behalf and I was proud to co-sponsor his Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act, which will ensure information about community based and long-term support services for individuals with an intellectual disability, as well as well as how to obtain care, is available at the touch of a fingertip. The endorsement of this legislation by the Problem Solvers Caucus is a testament to its broad, bipartisan support. I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues in both parties to ensure the Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act becomes law.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
###
The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.