Candidate Responses

marty mulcahey

Candidate for State Senator

District 45

409 Franklin Street
Galena, IL 61036

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Do you believe that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else?

YES

Do you believe that individuals with disabilities should be the primary decision maker in their lives?

YES

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Will you make it a priority to include people with disabilities as part of your political team and/or as advisors on relevant issues?

YES

If YES, how do you intend to do so?

Create an Advisory Group for issues surrounding many issues including one on persons with disabilities.

TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities in Illinois?

YES

What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities in Illinois?

I am eager to learn more on this issue.

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY LIVING

Do you support funding mechanisms, such as "Money Follows the Person," that allow people with disabilities in Illinois who are currently unnecessarily institutionalized to move into integrated settings?

YES

How would you increase opportunities for people with disabilities in Illinois to live in the most integrated settings?

There is value and merit to independent living. I would like to explore this issue.

How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants in Illinois?

Increase wages for direct care attendants to attract more applicants.

HOUSING

What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?

I honestly don't know, however, having a sister-in-law with severe disabilities, I would explore options to make independent living more of a reality.

EMPLOYMENT

What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your district and in the entire state of Illinois?

Provide tax incentives to employers hiring persons with disabilities.

EDUCATION

Federal and state laws require that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment and that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided to them. How would you ensure that these laws are enforced in Illinois?

I am willing to work with the State Board of Education to make sure these funds are set aside for these programs.

HEALTHCARE

What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities in Illinois have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their individual needs?

All who are without health insurance should have access to quality care.

How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities in Illinois?

Veterans have served us all and deserve mental and physical care. The Federal and State governments should increase funding for veteran care.

TRANSPORTATION

What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Illinois, especially in rural areas?

Transportation issues are becoming increasingly more important for people from all walks of life. New modes of mass transportation should receive increased attention.

VOTING

What steps would you take to ensure that voters with disabilities in Illinois are able to vote privately and independently?

With early voting in Illinois, more effort should be given to getting voters with disabilities to the polls up to 30 days before the election day, including election day.