Even after language from the FASD Respect Act passed both chambers as part of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2483), the FASD Respect Act continues to amass support in the Senate. Senator John Ossoff (D-GA) is the 11th cosponsor to join original author Senator Lisa Murkowski in officially supporting the FASD Respect Act, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication to raising awareness and fighting for the FASD community.
With Senator Ossoff’s cosponsorship, both of Georgia’s Senators have signed onto the bill, which is a testament to the hard work of advocates like Melissa Jacobus Cook. Among other efforts, Melissa has met with her Senators, multiple Representatives, and state agency employees at the Georgia Department of Public Health. She notes that it is important to meet legislators and other people you communicate with on their level. “Find the common denominator in how their agenda connects to FASD,” she says. “Make it easy for them to say YES to support FASD.”
Support like this is still important, even though Respect Act language has passed both chambers as part of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act. Every new cosponsor or FASD-informed legislator strengthens the argument for increased appropriations for the programs and services in the FASD Respect Act. Congress has taken the first step by modernizing our approach to FASD. Now, funding levels will determine how the updated services will reach individuals and families. Leadership from FASD-informed legislators will be vital in ensuring full implementation of the FASD Respect Act.
