Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, October 10, 2001

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, October 10, 2001 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Announces Grants To Help Marylanders with Disabilities WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) announced today $2,275 million in federal grants for the state of Maryland to help its citizens with disabilities lead productive lives. The grants are part of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative to remove barriers to equality for the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “Every citizen with a disability in Maryland should have the freedom and opportunity to reach his or her enormous potential in life. President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative gives individuals the support they need to make their own choices in life, from gaining sustainable employment to participating in community activities.” The first grant, known as the “Nursing Facilities Transitions” grant, will be allocated to the Independent Living Partnership. Independent Living Centers help transition eligible individuals from nursing facilities into the community through partnerships with the state of Maryland. A second grant, known as the “Real Choice Systems Change” grant, will be awarded to the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Real Choice” takes a long-term approach to supporting individuals with disabilities, by helping states design and implement methods to support children and adults with disabilities as they seek to live and actively participate in their communities after leaving the nursing facility. The grants, awarded in 37 states and totaling $64 million, will be allocated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information on the grants awarded to Maryland, contact CMS at (202) 690-7865. ###