By Catherine Citta, JPKF Public Policy Fellow
The Biden-Harris Administration hosts state, local, Tribal and community leaders to the White House “Communities in Action” events to demonstrate how the administration is delivering results for the American people. In September 2023, Darryle Powell, Executive Director for the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) was invited to the Communities in Action: Building A Better Alabama event at the White House. Mr. Powell was able to share how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were utilized in Alabama for the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.
ARPA, signed into law during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a $1.9 trillion-dollar economic stimulus bill that delivered funds to states, municipalities, counties, tribes, and territories. Across the country, funds were used to stabilize public health, small businesses, jobs, and housing.
Mr. Powell shares from the attending the event, “Given that I had an opportunity to represent the great State of Alabama, I spoke on behalf of the DD Council, Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), DD Network, and many other agencies in our state. As a result of receiving billions of dollars under the Biden-Harris Administration, Alabama has benefitted greatly. I was able to share how funds received helped increase wages for Direct Service Professionals, provided support to many of our providers during staff shortages and other issues.”
In addition to provider support, Alabama’s DD Network collaborated with other state agencies to provide vaccination clinics in rural areas. ADMH also increased access of care for people throughout the states. The department was able to provide mental health services before an individual reached a crisis state. When Alabama’s suicide and crisis lifeline transitioned to 988, the state saw more than 50,000 individuals being reached.
In addition to ARPA funds, Alabama received approximately $4.6 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. It is the hope of ACDD that people living with disabilities are able to have more accessible and affordable housing, in addition to accessible transportation. With these funds, ACDD also supports individuals having access to better internet service in rural areas.
“I am thankful for Commissioner Jill Jacob’s recommendation to be invited to the White House to attend the Communities in Action: Building A Better Alabama event. It was both an honor and privilege that will not be taken lightly,” shares Mr. Powell. “Again, we are so grateful for the opportunity to attend the Community in Action meeting with other leaders from Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.”
NACDD is proud to work with the White House to amplify the work of the DD Councils for the Communities in Action series. We look forward to sharing additional information.
To read more about the national impact of ARPA funds, see the Department of Treasury’s fact sheet: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0645
