Call TODAY to help pass the Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates As Educators Bill (SB 853)!

Time to Make the Phone Calls!

Down Syndrome Advocates in Maryland:

Thanks to all those who have been advocating for the Ethan Saylor Alliance For Self-Advocates As Educators bill (SB 853)! The bill passed in the Maryland Senate unanimously and was stuck in the House Rules Committee, but has now been released. It has been assigned to the House Health & Government Operations Committee with a hearing set for Thursday, April 9 at 1 pm.

This is a Maryland state bill that we hope will be used as model legislation for all states to provide a mechanism to include self-advocates in law enforcement training programs. We need your advocacy TODAY to help ensure that a tragic event, such as Ethan Saylor's death, does not happen again.

Please call members of the House Health & Government Operations Committee TODAY, except for Chairman Peter Hammen who has already committed his support. The Committee members are listed below. Click on their names to find their phone numbers.

Pendergrass, Shane E. (Vice Chair)

Pena-Melnyk, Joseline A.

Reznik, Kirill

Rose, April

Saab, Sid

Sample-Hughes, Sheree

West, Chris

Young, Karen Lewis

Here are talking points for your call:

I am calling to urge Delegate [delegate’s last name] to support the Ethan Saylor Alliance For Self-Advocates As Educators bill (SB 853). This bill will help ensure that a tragic event, such as Ethan Saylor's death, does not happen again.
The Saylor Alliance bill is supported by both law enforcement and the disability community and it is imperative that SB 853 passes this year!

Here is more information on SB 853:

Background Information on SB 853

Thank you for your advocacy and support!

Ginny Sessions Siller
Manager, Grassroots and Development Programs
National Down Syndrome Society

Click here to unsubscribe from this mailing list.