News Release

NCD #99-259
January 13, 1999
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY
mquigley@ncd.gov

National Council on Disability Commends President Clinton for Make Work Pay Initiatives

WASHINGTON--The National Council on Disability (NCD) applauds President Clinton for announcing plans to encourage people with disabilities to overcome work disincentives and return to the workforce.

According to NCD chairperson Marca Bristo, "NCD commends President Clinton for announcing an agenda today that is a good start to make work pay for millions of Americans with disabilities. Many Americans feel trapped on disability rolls, unable to take a job for fear of losing the health care and long-term services and supports they need to survive."

"NCD encourages congressional leaders to work together to pass a strong, bipartisan bill based on the President's proposals, and calls on states to take advantage of the health care option this new legislation would create," Bristo added.

NCD held a series of field hearings in 1997 to develop a set of coherent policy solutions that reflect the best research and thinking on the issue of Social Security reform. NCD then issued its report Removing Barriers to Work: Action Proposals for the 105th Congress and Beyond, which contains recommendations to remove barriers to work for people with disabilities. Many of the action proposals in that document were announced today by the President.

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on public policy affecting people with disabilities.

For more information, contact NCD general counsel Andrew J. Imparato at 202-272-2112 or public affairs specialist Mark S. Quigley at 202-272-2008.