On Wednesday, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Liesl Wendt spoke before the Oregon Legislature about recent federal actions affecting how the U.S. Department of Justice interprets and enforces disability rights. Governor Tina Kotek also recently joined 17 other governors in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the federal government to continue its longstanding support for disability rights and community-based services.
We want to be absolutely clear: Oregon remains committed to upholding the vision of the Olmstead decision and ensuring people with disabilities can live, work and participate in their communities with the supports they need.
Oregon has been working toward the goals set up by the Olmstead decision for decades. From Oregon Project Independence to Oregon Employment First and home and community-based services, we continue to work on expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to live with greater choice and independence.
Even though the federal Department of Justice will no longer rely on its previous Olmstead guidance, Oregon’s commitment remains unchanged:
– The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 remain law.
– The Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision still stands.
– Federal regulations supporting integrated services remain in place.
– Medicaid home and community-based services rules remain in place.
– Oregon’s Employment First law and policy still stand.
Read the governors’ letter here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-sends-letter-urging-trump-administration-not-retreat-federal-disability-law
