For Immediate Release: March 20, 2006

For Information contact:
Bob Kafka 512-431-4085
Janine Bertram 503-504-9787

ADAPT Delivers Demands; Over 60 Arrested

Nashville - Governor Bredesen refused to meet with Disabled Constituents and their supporters for the second consecutive day. ADAPT sent a small, peaceful delegation to deliver demands that stress ending immoral state and federal policies that require elderly and disabled people to live in nursing homes and other institutions against their will.

Rather than listen to the voice of the people, the Governor responded with force: a huge police presence and barricades. After several peaceful attempts to enter the Capitol to address an elected public official, the delegation blocked Charlotte Avenue between the Capitol and Legislative Plaza. The police moved in and arrested over 60 local and national advocates.

ADAPT wants Governor Bredesen to do the following:

1. Support the passage, funding and implementation of the Tennessee Community Choices Act of 2006.
2. Reverse all funding cuts and policies in Tennessee that have resulted or will result in disabled and older Tennesseans being removed from their own homes and forced into nursing homes and other institutions.
3. Work with ADAPT and the National Governor's Association to implement state and federal "Money Follows the Person" (MFP) funding and policies. Tennessee should apply for the new MFP (federal funds available to the state for services).
4. Write Senator Frist and the Tennessee delegation telling them that Tennessee supports MiCASSA (Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act) and asking them to support MiCASSA and hold hearings on the bill.

Today's peaceful protest followed yesterday's march and protest where 80 were arrested (most at the site of the historic Nashville civil rights sit-ins), and a day of testimony from people with disabilities formerly warehoused in nursing homes and other institutions. ADAPT is in Nashville through Thursday and will continue attempts to change policies that force disabled and elderly people to live in nursing homes and other institutions.

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