issues

Jan Armor@2018-0827.JPG
 
 
 


How to Make your voice be heard!!!


1 - Speak up!

Call your senator or representative and have your friends call as well. Few people speak for the homeless or people living on the edge. Lend them YOUR voice!

Gov Track is a good way to keep up with what’s going on in US Congress https://www.govtrack.us

For a households earning the state’s median income, $30,394, a two bedroom apartment is out of reach in every community in RI because the rent is more than one third of that person(s) income.

For people living on the edge, meaning folks on SSDI* (with a disability) or on social security or a pension “Affordable” housing 

2- HOw to Find your legislators

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/representatives/default.aspx

“find legislators” > https://vote.sos.ri.gov   > select “find your elected official”

fill in your street address > “continue” to see your officials

Two US Senators - Jack Reid and Sheldon Whitehouse

One US Representative for each RI District, 1st Dist -James Langevin, 2nd Dist-David Cicilline 

One state legislator for each district - Senator Sosnowski, Rep Carol McEntee

Chose any reps to get contact information

(You can further search for local legislators on this page. Contact info provided.)

For Current state legislation: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Legislation/

3 - SSDI

Many low income persons survive on SSDI, (Social Security Disability Insurance). It is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program. A portion of the FICA taxes we all pay are set aside for SSDI. It is not based on how severe your disability is or how much income you have. Most SSDI recipients receive between $700 and $1,700 per month (the average for 2018 is $1,197). However, if you are receiving disability payments from other sources, as discussed below, your payment may be reduced.

Medically Approved List of Impairments

The SSA's Listing of Impairments is generally broken down by bodily system or function. There are separate lists for adults and children under the age of 18. For adults, the medical conditions that qualify for SSDI or SSI include:

  • Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones

  • Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss

  • Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis

  • Cardiovascular conditions, such as chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease

  • Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy

  • Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or hemophilia

  • Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, or intellectual disability

  • Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney disease