Residential-choice bill H.R. 2032 needs California support

The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians put out a call this week asking California constituents to contact their representatives in Washington and urge them to support the residential-choice bill House Resolution 2032, which is making its way through Congress.

H.R. 2032 is a federal bill that, if passed, will restore decision-making rights of developmental center residents and their families and guardians in certain federal-funded lawsuits aimed at closing developmental centers. H.R. 2032 must first pass out of the House Judiciary Committee before it can be passed by the full House. There is already strong support among Republican Committee members – Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is sponsor and member of the Judiciary Committee. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) are also sponsors.

Action Needed: Calls to California Judiciary Committee Democrats

Five Democrats from California hold key spots on the House Judiciary Committee. Two of these Democrats are past cosponsors of similar legislation. The five Democrats are listed below with their D.C. phone numbers.

CAPT urged constituents to call by Friday, May 11 if possible with the following, or similar, message:  “I’m calling in support of H.R. 2032, a bill that is presently before the Judiciary Committee. I urge Rep. ________ to tell Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith that he/she will vote for H.R. 2032 and urge Judiciary Committee action as soon as possible. The Chairman needs to hear from Democrats who will support H.R. 2032. I ask that Rep. _____ help in this way. Thank you.”

You may be asked if you are from the representative's district and you should answer honestly, indicating your connections to people with developmental disabilities in California.
Below are the names of the Democrats that need to receive many calls.

DEMOCRATS FROM CALIFORNIA ON THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Central California (San Jose area)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-16-CA) 202-225-3072

Southern California
Rep. Howard Berman (D-28-CA) 202-225-4695
Rep. Judy Chu (D-32-CA) 202-225-5464
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-35-CA) 202-225-2201
Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-39-CA) 202-225-6676

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California Association of Psychiatric Technicians: California calls urgently needed for residential-choice bill