Posts filed under Advocacy

NJ's Disability Community Rallies Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts

On March 6th, more than 400 people throughout NJ participated in a rally to protest a proposal to cut $800 Medicaid spending over 10 years. The event, organized by the Alliance Center for Independence and Protect Medicaid Coalition, took place at the NJ State House Annex in Trenton. The Protect Medicaid Coalition is made up of over 40 disability organizations, Centers for Independent Living, individual advocates, non-profit organizations, and disability allies.

Posted on March 11, 2025 and filed under Health, Advocacy.

ACI attends Senator Booker Press Conference on Medicaid cuts

The Alliance Center for Independence, along with DAWN, the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, and other disability organizations and advocates, participated in a press conference held by NJ Senator Cory Booker.

The event took place at University Hospital in Newark on March 3rd. Senator Booker used the press conference to denounce efforts to cut Medicaid proposed in congress. Last week, the House passed a resolution to cut $800 billion in Medicaid over 10 years.

Posted on March 5, 2025 and filed under Advocacy.

Protect Medicaid Rally to Defend Vital Medicaid Funding

TRENTON, NJ – [February 19, 2025] – The New Jersey Protect Medicaid Coalition is mobilizing advocates, community members, and supporters to rally to defend Medicaid funding. Proposed cuts in the federal budget will negatively impact 1.9 million New Jerseyans. The Protect Medicaid Rally will take place on Thursday, March 6, from noon to 2 PM at the NJ State House Annex, 145 West State Street, Trenton, NJ, rain or shine. 

“We cannot stand by while life-sustaining services are threatened. This rally is an opportunity for our community to come together and demand that our legislators protect Medicaid,” said Colleen Roche, a Medicaid recipient and member of the Coalition. “Medicaid is not just health insurance - it’s a lifeline.”

Posted on February 19, 2025 and filed under Advocacy, Press Release.

ACTION ALERT: Medicaid is at risk of being cut! Share your story! 🚨

As the new Congressional leadership prepares their 2025 legislative agenda, reports show that Medicaid is at risk of being cut. If you have Medicaid, these changes will impact you!

According to Justice in Aging, Medicaid "reform" proposals will lead towards taking federal funding away from states or restrict eligibility. Nearly 80 million (including 13 million seniors and people with disabilities) rely on Medicaid for health and long term care.

Posted on January 17, 2025 and filed under Advocacy.

ACTION ALERT: We need your stories about NJ Transit! 🚨

Are you a person with disabilities who has faced challenges while using NJ Transit bus services, including Access Link? ACI wants to hear from you!

We are collecting stories from individuals who have had their Access Link rides canceled abruptly, experienced significant delays, faced untrained drivers on fixed-route buses, untrained in tie-down procedures or encountered malfunctioning wheelchair lifts. Your voice matters, and sharing your experience can help bring about much-needed change!

Posted on December 4, 2024 and filed under Advocacy.

Congressman Andy Kim Visits ACI

ACI was honored to host a disability issues roundtable with Congressman Andy Kim. Congressman Kim represents the 3rd congressional district, which includes Burlington County and parts of Monmouth and Mercer counties. He is currently running for the U.S. Senate.

Ten advocates participated in the discussion and provided personal perspectives on various issues affecting the 1.7 million people with disabilities in New Jersey. Among these topics were transportation, employment, and disaster preparedness. Congressman Kim shared his concerns and expressed his eagerness for ongoing dialogue to discuss solutions to these issues.

A thank you also goes out to Made with Love: ACI Catering for the delicious breakfast!

Posted on October 25, 2024 and filed under Voting, Advocacy.

Seeking Feedback on NJ’s New State Plan for IL

MISSION, GOALS & ACTION STEPS FOR 2024-2027 NJ STATE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

IDENTIFYING & OUTREACHING TO UNDERSERVED CONSUMER POPULATIONS

NJSILC MISSION STATEMENT

To advocate and coordinate cost-effective, consumer-driven services that provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to choose their lifestyle, to contribute to the economy and to live life in an inclusive environment.

Posted on September 23, 2024 and filed under Advocacy.