504 Democratic Club: Questionnaires (Candidate for Congress Eliot L. Engel's 2010 response)

Candidate Name: Eliot L. Engel

Candidate for Congressional District: 17

Contact Person: Bill Weitz

Campaign Address: Engel for Congress, P.O. Box 60, Bronx, NY 10463-0060

Phone: 718-601-8768

Fax: 718-601-8975

Email: billweitz@hotmail.com

Endorsements: Literally dozens of political, labor and community endorsements

How have you incorporated people with disabilities into your campaign?

I have always welcomed and encouraged persons with disabilities into my campaign.
If there is a Campaign office(s) is it wheelchair accessible?

All three of my district offices are wheelchair accessible.
What personal and professional experience have you had with people with disabilities in your personal life and in the workplace?

I have known and worked with many people with disabilities during my 30+ years of public service. Closest to me is my friend Lew Goldstein, who in midlife lost most of his hearing. He struggles with it on a daily basis, but never lets it defeat him, and his example continues to inspire me.
What type of jobs would you be willing to hire and to provide reasonable accommodation (e.g. flex or part time) for staff members with disabilities?

Over the past 20 years in Congress, I have been willing to hire and accommodate staff members with disabilities and have never discriminated against a potential employee due to their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, or because of a disability.
While in public office and/or prior to this campaign, what have you accomplished in regard to advancing disability rights? This can include work towards accessible housing, transportation, employment, health care, education, and including people with disabilities in the political process?

I am a proud to be a leader in fighting for the disabled to have access to new technologies. For example, I am a cosponsor and strong supporter of H.R. 3101, the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. This legislation would provide a great deal of stronger requirements for companies that make electronic and communication devices to make them accessible for people with disabilities.

In addition, I have worked to further benefits for disabled veterans, including pushing for the $250 rebate check that they received in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

I have always been an ardent supporter of health care reform and voted for its passage this March. A vote for health care reform is a vote for affordable health care for the middle class, for better access to care for persons with disabilities, for better health security for seniors, and actual health care coverage for the millions of uninsured who could not afford it. Included in the health care reform legislation was a ban on insurers discriminating against persons with pre-existing conditions, the elimination of many insurance caps and loopholes, and the enhancement of long-term care options.

I also secured $118,000 for Jawonio to provide educational, recreational and supportive services for children with disabilities and their families to assist them in raising a disabled child or children.
Will you commit to only attend and/or sponsor events that are accessible to people with disabilities including providing written materials in alternate formats, providing assistive listening systems, and sign language interpreters, as well as ensuring that locations are accessible to people who use mobility aids, like wheelchairs and walkers?

All my events are in places that are handicapped accessible and every effort is made to provide alternate formats and any other assistance to aid people with disabilities.
Do you pledge to use your office to affirm or strengthen, rather than weaken, civil rights protections to persons with disabilities?

Yes, I have always worked to ensure that Americans with disabilities are treated equally under the law. In fact, I was a cosponsor of the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bill in 1990.
How will you work closely with the disability community to assure passage of vitally needed legislation? What will be your strategy?

I have an open door policy in each of my congressional offices. My constituents know that they are always welcome to contact me or my staff in person, over the phone or by correspondence. Due to the input of so many people in the disability community, I have consistently co-sponsored and voted for bills that will provide a more level playing field for those with special needs. All three district offices are wheelchair accessible.
If you are an incumbent,
1. Is your office accessible to persons with disabilities?
  
  All three of my district offices are wheelchair accessible.
The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Fairness Restoration Act would permit parents and guardians who successfully bring an action or proceeding which enforces IDEA to be awarded expert witness fees and certain other expenses. Will you sponsor this legislation?

As a former school teacher, I have consistently supported full funding of IDEA. Since this landmark law was enacted in 1975, IDEA has enabled children with disabilities to make great strides with their education and has helped to improve their lives. IDEA guarantees special-needs children a free public education in the "least restrictive environment" and allocates billions annually to school districts.
The proposed Community Choice Act would allow persons with disabilities and older Americans equal access to community-based attendant supports rather than nursing home placement. Will you sponsor this legislation?

Yes, I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1670, the Community Choice Act of 2009. H.R. 1670 has been referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, of which I am a senior member. Throughout my career, I have been an ardent advocate for ensuring that the federal government expands access to common sense healthcare through the Medicaid and Medicare programs.

Printer-friendly version of this questionnaire
(Link opens in a new browser window)

For other candidates running for Congress positions, go to the Questionnaires section