Members of the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network gathered in Washington, D.C. earlier this month for their annual Spring Meeting. The DN policy & advocacy team advocated for congressional support for SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (SSI SPEA). Network members met with nearly 20 key lawmakers and their staff, including members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means subcommittee on social security.
The SSI SPEA ensures people with disabilities and older adults can prepare themselves for a financial emergency without putting the benefits they rely on to live at risk, by increasing the amount of money one can have in savings from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $20,0000 for married couples. The DN policy & advocacy team then created a plan to follow up on key legislators and identified strategies to further our advocacy on this key piece of legislation.
To learn more, contact Bill Kallestad.
Bill Kallestad is the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network.
With 41 participants from our member organizations as well as additional stakeholders and partners, the two-day session was a testament to our collective commitment to drive change. Guided by the Person Role System approach from the Results Count framework, we are not just dreaming of change, we are actively shaping it. By zooming in on our roles as change agents, we are reshaping systems and moving towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
One of the highlights of the convening was our data walk, where we reviewed the work of each organization, shared insights, and engaged in table conversations. This reflective exercise allowed us to celebrate past achievements and identify areas for growth, all while centering equity and justice in our discussions.
Throughout the convening, we prioritized the cultivation of genuine connections. We know that only together do we as advocates, allies, and change agents have the power to create caring communities that advance health and opportunity for children, youth, and families across the country. We invite you to join us as we continue to be innovative in our pursuit of equity and justice in child welfare.
