From the dome to your home. Ramblings, mutterings, keen observations and things you ought to know out of Helena from the mind of Phil Drake.
STORY I MEANT TO DO, BUT …: Sunday is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Then-President George H.W. Bush signed the bill on July 26, 1990.
The act “prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services,” the U.S. Census Bureau said in an email.
From what I’ve read about Bush, this bill was a hallmark of his administration.
“This act is powerful in its simplicity,” he said at the signing ceremony. “It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream.”
And like I said, a few days ago I was convinced I’d write something up on this. It would have flowery quotes, great art and produce a real tearjerker.
The Census Bureau said 40 million Americans, or about 12.6% of the population, have a disability. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page states that 26.5% of Montanans over 18 have some kind of disability. That compares to 25.6% in the United States.
I thought I would write about a dedication in 2019 at the state Capitol in which the state installed a wheelchair charging station. I believe Montana is one of the few states to have such a station.
I remember Joel Peden, a lobbyist for Montana Centers for Independent Living, beaming about the station, excited for what it could mean for some visitors to the state Capitol.
I was going to touch on that.
I was also going to write about the seemingly tireless advocates for the disabled who come to the Capitol time and time again to fight for the disabled community, and for the disabled community, their families and workers who do so much.
Again, stuff I was going to write about.
But I got on the wrong side of time and put my plans aside. It was going to be one heck of a story, trust me.
However, I do want to say “Happy 30th anniversary.” I hope the past 30 years have brought much-needed improvements, but I know the battle continues.
Fight on.
Quick update: Just as I was getting ready to post this I heard from John Pavao, the state ADA coordinator.
He said Montana state government has made the ADA “a priority and values the rich diversity within the disability community.” Pavao said all state agencies have someone appointed as an agency ADA coordinator to help with "reasonable accommodation requests and to ensure equal access to programs and services."
"Our country has come a long way in promoting and providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities, but we still have room for improvement," he said in an email.
"People with disabilities still face a stigma, and the reality is, they still face discrimination in our country. As a nation, we need to recognize the vast abilities that people with disabilities do have and stop focusing on their limitations," Pavao said.
"Most of these beliefs are based on fear and a lack of knowledge or exposure to people with various disabilities, while other beliefs are based on stereotypes and biases," he said. "Given the opportunity, people with disabilities will surprise you."
TUNE UP: I always get a kick out of Michael Winters when he calls.
It’s usually about something on veterans or about a breakfast for the public. But I like talking to the former mayor, no matter the occasion.
Winters says he and a few other folks are organizing a patriotic singalong at the Gibson Park Band Shell at 7 p.m. July 30.
People are encouraged to bring a flag. There won't be speeches, no politics, no signs and no sponsors. It appears these folks have a touch of cabin fever from the COVID-19 lockdowns and want to sing as if no one is listening.
Songs will include “God Bless America” and “Let there be peace on Earth,” a personal favorite of Winters. There will be no band, as the event is a cappella.
“I’m tired of the divisiveness and negativity and it’s just time to make something positive happen in the world and bring people together and see all the good things and to entertain each other and enjoy our country,” he said.
Dawn Bushard is going to be leading the singing from the stage. He said the others helping to organize the event are Jan Cahill, Bud Nicholls and Johnny Walker.
“We’re the instigators,” he said. “Want to bring some grins.”
I was curious if the Cascade City-County Health Department was as excited about the event as it recently implemented an order which limited indoor events to 250 people and 500 people at outdoor venues.
Winters assured me they have been contacted.
He said they are urging people to be cautious, practice social distancing and to wear a mask.
“We talk with our masks on and we can sing with our masks on,” he said.
Regardless, the event will go on, whether it be five people, 50 people or 100 people in the audience.
“We will be there,” he said.
I hope some folks attend and that everyone has a good time. But please bring a mask, keep your distance and be cautious – no handshakes or hugs.
Winters and the “instigators" are right.
We do need some grins.
FOLLOWING THE MONEY: Gov. Steve Bullock gave an explanation about where the state’s $1.25 billion from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has gone.
He said in the three months since the state has gotten the money, it has allocated more than $800 million.
He said Wednesday during a news conference some of the funds have been directed to grant programs. He said the fund has been used for immediate relief and to sustain businesses.
He said a list of dollars advocated can be found COVIDReleif.mt.gov under the resources.
Bullock said other programs address public health, food and housing security, child care and reimbursement for local governments. He said some funds have been allocated to schools.
Some of the funds have been used to help businesses buy personal protective equipment and a loan deferment program. He said $100 million has been used for grant programs with money going to the state’s 56 counties.
He said in the past month the Department of Commerce has daily sent out grants than it does in an average year. He said the business stabilization grant, the most in demand, has awarded $60 million to help 7,000 businesses cover rent, utilities and bring employees back to work. He said $300 million of the $800 million is for anticipated costs incurred by local governments related to COVID-19.
He said $32 million has been given to local governments so far from the first round of requests.
Bullock’s comments come as Republicans criticized him in an email for “7% of the $1.25 billion in funds is out of the door.”
“Montanans demand answers on why Bullock has completely failed to disburse this aid with any measure of expediency, especially as cases and unemployment claims sky-rocket across the state,” they wrote.
ROSENDALE PLAN: I got an email from Republican Matt Rosendale’s campaign for the state’s lone U.S. House seat in which he has unveiled a plan to “reignite our economy.”
Rosendale is running against Democrat Kathleen Williams and Green Party candidate John Gibney.
He said he came up with the plan after hearing from businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, most recently, at a recent business roundtable meeting in Helena.
The plan focuses on lifting the regulatory burdens on businesses, incentivizing innovation, and taking steps to provide certainty to businesses during this uncertain time, Rosendale said.
"In the face of unprecedented challenges, we need bold ideas to get our economy back on track," Rosendale said, adding he has heard from a variety of businesses. He said the common threat was “to remove regulatory barriers and work to provide certainty to small businesses.”
He said his policy focuses on several items, including providing long-term regulatory relief, "unleashing” investment and creating a permanent pro-growth tax code and reining in government spending.
You can find his report at https://ift.tt/3fPgLKx. Williams' website is https://ift.tt/2AV9yI7.
Dome Lights appears Sunday, unless the villagers catch me. Email me at pdrake@greatfallstribune.com or call 406-231-9021. I’m based in Helena. Mail me at P.O.Box 1601, Helena, MT 59624.
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