President Trump's Proposed Budget Cuts Too Deep
Vienna, Va. (PRWEB) May 23, 2017 -- The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reviewed an advanced copy of President Trump’s budget analysis, which seeks to transfer trillions of taxpayer dollars from social supports and services, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), to defense spending and the construction of a border wall. The ramifications, if realized, will be catastrophic – especially to those living with disabilities.
The administration’s proposed budget dilutes the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Grant Program, which seeks to improve access to rehabilitation and other services for individuals with TBI and their families. The TBI State Grant Program would be consolidated with the Developmental Disabilities and Independent Living Grant Programs into one program. Also of consequence is a $9 million cut to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), which houses the TBI Model Systems research program. Since 1987, the TBI Model Systems program has fostered innovation and research in medical, rehabilitation, vocational, and other services essential to individuals living with brain injury.
“All individuals with brain injury should have timely access to high quality, accessible, affordable, patient-centered health care. President Trump’s cuts to brain injury services and supports, coupled with the pending threat related to the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, is a step in a decidedly poor direction,” said Susan Connors, president and chief executive officer.
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About the Brain Injury Association of America:
The Brain Injury Association of America is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.
Deanna L. Kuykendall, Texas Alliance of Brain Injury Providers, +1 (703) 761-0750 Ext: 628, [email protected]
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