Read on Twitter
1/ In the #ButtigiegConfirmation hearing @SenDuckworth focused on local job creation & achieving infrastructure for all. Here’s a transcript of her remarks and questions on the latter, as well as @PeteButtigieg’s responses.
#HighwayHopes #TeamPete #SecretaryMayorPete #CripTheVote
#HighwayHopes #TeamPete #SecretaryMayorPete #CripTheVote
2/ But first, ICYMI, you can watch the #ButtigiegConfirmation hearing here. Senator Duckworth begins around 1:42:00. She starts to address #accessibility around 1:44:30.
#DisabilityRights #CripTheVote #TransportationAccessibility #SecretaryMayorPete
#DisabilityRights #CripTheVote #TransportationAccessibility #SecretaryMayorPete
3/ Senator Duckworth: “The transportation community has failed the disability community over & over again, from Amtrak squandering the incredibly generous implementation timeline under the Americans with Disabilities Act to airlines making travel more difficult for people who...”
4/ “...require service animals, to transit systems often failing to keep elevators working, the disability community has been left stranded far too often & for far too long. For example, your very predecessor made clear where she stood on disability rights when one of her...”
5/ “...first actions as secretary was eliminating a consumer protection rule that simply provided the flying public with transparency on each carriers’ record on transporting and damaging wheelchairs. While we were able to undo this damage with a legislative fix, ...”
6/ “...I remain deeply frustrated that an act of Congress was even required to do so. Many rightfully view the callous way that carriers handle wheelchairs, along with the hands-off approach adopted by regulators, as a prime example of the harmful ableist attitudes that are...”
7/ “...far too pervasive in our society, including in the transportation sector. First, will you work with my office to help refine & improve my forthcoming All Stations Accessibility Program Act, which would establish a competitive grant program to help...”
8/ “...outdated transportation facilities & rolling stock comply w/ the ADA?”
Buttigieg: “Yes, I’m eager to work with you on this. It’s so important that our transit & transportation resources are accessible to all. I’m eager to work with you & the disability community on this.”
Buttigieg: “Yes, I’m eager to work with you on this. It’s so important that our transit & transportation resources are accessible to all. I’m eager to work with you & the disability community on this.”
9/ Senator Duckworth: “Thank you, and then second, I strongly urge you to expand your senior leadership team to include a dedicated advisor with experience & expertise on accessibility & universal design.”
Buttigieg: “I’d be very open to that.”
[continued...]
#CripTheVote
Buttigieg: “I’d be very open to that.”
[continued...]
#CripTheVote
10/ Senator Duckworth: “Thank you. Accessibility must be considered at the forefront of all policy development rather than treated like an afterthought or a box-checking exercise. We really need a strong leadership from you & others in the administration. In my own home state...”
11/ “...of Illinois, in Chicago, our mass transportation system, the L, is projected to be fully wheelchair accessible in 20 yrs, which would make it a half-century since the passage of the ADA, & I’m sure that’s the case all over the country. We can’t let that be the standard.”
!! (I haven’t slept in over 36 hours btw!) https://twitter.com/holyspacemonkey/status/1352426755466792961
