1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I live in Cary and have lived with complete paralysis for more than 20 years. I use a wheelchair every day and rely on in-home care to get out of bed, dress, eat, and live in my own home. I am asking you to protect that right for every North Carolinian with a disability. On June 18, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an opinion claiming states are not required to serve people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate. The memo itself admits it is out of step with how federal courts have read Olmstead v. L.C. for 27 years. The memo does not change the law, but it signals that federal enforcement is ending and invites states to cut home and community-based services as Medicaid funding tightens. Personally, this federal reversal threatens my ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Without in-home support, my only option would be a nursing facility, at greater cost to taxpayers and the loss of my independence. Governor Stein, thank you for joining other governors in opposing this memo. Now I ask North Carolina to act here at home: 1. Write the integration mandate into state law by amending the NC Persons with Disabilities Protection Act, so no federal memo can undo it. 2. Protect home and community-based services, including CAP/DA, NC Innovations, personal care, and direct care worker pay, from budget cuts. 3. Fund new waiver slots every year, with a public timeline to end waitlists that now exceed 20,000 people. This has never been a partisan issue. President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA, and administrations of both parties have enforced it. North Carolina can lead now. I would welcome the chance to meet with you or your staff. Please let me know what actions you plan to take.