What a journey this 117th legislative session has been. The FASD Respect Act (HR4151/S2238) was on target to be passed as a stand-alone bill on December 22, 2022 in the Senate with language agreed upon by bi-partisan Senate HELP committee leadership and the next day in the House but was blocked at the last minute by one Senator. To say that we are disappointed is an understatement.
While this is an emotional blow, I can say with all sincerity, we left it all out on the field. This bill, with your help, progressed further than any other FASD legislation has in the last 20 years. Over 1300 advocates have had almost 500 meetings with lawmakers and their staff. This was the largest FASD push for equity in our history as a community.
Like me, you may be feeling sad, angry or discouraged (or perhaps all three at once), which is completely understandable, but where we go from here is key. We must maintain the momentum we gained through advocacy on The FASD Respect Act and continue to come together as a community to push for FASD legislation to be passed. After a debrief with our lead authors and other FASD friendly legislators (there are a lot more now than ever thanks to your hard work and outreach), we will request re-introduction of legislation early in 2023 at the start of the 118th legislative session. We are confident and determined that with the work and outreach already done, we can get legislation passed in the 118th.
I’d like to take this time to personally thank each and every one of you for your outreach, advocacy, friendship and support. This has been such an incredible journey and I’m so grateful and honored to have traveled it alongside you. On behalf of FASD United, the Policy Team and my family, I wish you peace, joy and above all, hope this holiday season.
We hope you will join us on Wednesday, December 28th at 2pm Eastern for our monthly policy forum to debrief and connect on our plans for the 118th legislative session.
This journey isn’t over,
Jenn Wisdahl