Advocacy at The Arc of Monroe
The Arc of Monroe is an inspiring organization supporting people who are living their lives with an unprecedented focus on POSSIBILITIES!
2026 Advocacy Update
When people with disabilities get access to health care and other disability services, they can live independent lives. Right now, The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the sweeting tac and spending legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This bill includes major federal budget changes, with particularly concerning implications for Medicaid-funded services that support people with disabilities.
If passed by the Senate, the bill could lead to deep cuts in Medicaid, threatening the essential supports that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on to live, work and thrive in their communities. These proposed changes would not just impact systems- they would impact lives.
While this marks a critical step in the legislative process, the ill has not yet become law. It must still pass through the U.S. Senate, where debate is ongoing. Their goal is to have a decision by July 4th. We remain committed to advocating against any legislation that undermines the rights, independence and lives of people with disabilities.
Click the button below to see The Arc of Monroe’s position statement.
Advocacy at The Arc of Monroe
The Arc of Monroe is an inspiring organization supporting people who are living their lives with an unprecedented focus on POSSIBILITIES! One of the many ways we support this is through our advocacy efforts. Whether it’s advocating for increased wages for our direct support professionals (DSPs), asking legislators to support IDD employment initiatives, supporting our self advocates, or educating the community about disability inclusion, we strive to be a leader in advocacy to better support people with IDD.
On this page, you will find The Arc’s position on various pieces of legislation, how you can get involved, and information about our self advocacy group, Arc Alliance.
Arc Alliance Self Advocacy Group
Arc Alliance is a self advocacy group organized by The Arc of Monroe that is comprised of people with disabilities. The group meets monthly to talk about the latest issues that people with disabilities face in their communities, as well as practical solutions to bring meaningful change.
Want to get involved? The group is open to anyone in the greater Rochester area! Email Bekka Fifield to learn about how to join.
The Arc of Monroe Contacts
Bekka Fifield
Advocacy Manager
(315) 955-9310
rfifield@arcmonroe.org
Christen Smith
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
(585) 773-8535
chrsmith@arcmonroe.org
Government Representatives
Senator Charles E. Schumer
780 Third Avenue, Suite 2301
New York, NY 10017
Click to Email
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Kenneth B. Keating Federal Office Building
100 State Street
Room 4195
Rochester, NY 14614
Click to Email
Congressman Joseph Morelle
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Click to Email
