874K Coalition Rally

At the 874K Coalition Rally on February 2nd, I was able to arrive early in order to explore the Capitol building. I have not been to the Kentucky Capitol building since a field trip in the fourth grade, so this was an exciting adventure for me. As I did a little exploring and peaking to see which rooms I was allowed to go in, I felt the joy of being a kid again. The government seems like such a prestigious and honorable place with men in their suits and ties, and women in their heels, clicking down the hallway. To me, this brought some anxiety, but a lot of excitement as I thought about my peers and future students who need an experience like this to truly appreciate our democratic country and the people who work so hard to keep it that way.

People began filling into the Rotunda around 11, even though the rally did not actually start until 1 p.m. This is about the same time that I, along with a good friend and fellow officer in the SCEC, Rachel Pasley, arrived in Frankfort. We kept checking downstairs while we were looking around near the library, Senate, and House of Representatives. Around noon, we decided to find a seat and get ready for the rally. The Rotunda was smaller than I had envisioned, and with all of the people who were already taking their seats, I realized that it was going to get very crammed. As the time got closer for the rally to begin, Rachel and I noticed a lot of groups coming in together, most of which wearing light green shirts with the logo “I Count! I Matter! I Vote!” A lot of these groups also carried green bags with the same logo. I started asking around to find out that there were a few rooms in the Annex building that were giving these away, and so I went to get Rachel and I the freebies while she saved our seats.

I came back just in time because even though it was still a bit before 1, the hostess, Sheila Schuster, was already getting the crowd warmed up with chants like those seen on the logos. Thankfully the coordinators of this event were aiming to make all of the information accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, so there were sign language interpreters as well as text being projected on the wall behind the speakers. With so many people crowding in the room, as well as those peering overhead from balconies surrounding the room on all four sides, the room was quickly and easily filled with sound. However, I found a spot between people to read most of the text.
The event began with the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America, followed by  recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. All of this was done by different individuals with a disability that make up the 874,000, or 23% people in Kentucky with a disability. Senator Danny Carroll was the first speaker. This was a wise choice because Senator Carroll began with a story about a family he knew in which disabilities changed their life drastically. This story was about Maggie, a little girl who was slower than some of her peers academically, but was a social butterfly. The school Maggie attended did not allow her to be a part of the regular class because of her disabilities, and so her parents fought and then moved her to a different district where she was able to blossom. At the end of the story, Senator Carroll brought Maggie up on the platform with him and announced that she was his daughter. With this, he shared his support for the ABLE Act (which was a personal highlight of the event) and encouraged the crowd to share their concerns with legislators.

Sen. Carroll (right) and
His daughter Maggie

Following Senator Carroll, Governor Matt Bevin shared how he had recently hurt his hand, and that a lot of things had to be done differently as he wore a brace and lacked mobility in one of his hands. Although this was seemingly insignificant to many in the audience, Governor Bevin sympathized with individuals with disabilities because of his recent  experiences and shared that although there had been many budget cuts, there would actually be more money for SLC waivers and Michelle P. Waivers(these provide for respite care for many individuals with disabilities, regardless of age). Governor Bevin finished by saying that his parents only had one intention for their children, and that was for them to “give back more than you take”. Governor Bevin encouraged everyone in attendance to do the same.

Following the Kentucky Governor were numerous legislators, including the Speaker of the House Representative Greg Stumbo, Representative Tom Burch, Representative Kim King, Representative Martha Jane King, Senator Morgan McGarvey, Representative Jim Wayne, Representative Leslie Combs, Senator Ray Jones, Senator Reggie Thomas, and Senator Dennis Parrett. There were any more legislators in attendance, coming in and out during the rally as they had appointments, but these were those who shared a few words of recognition to all of the work being done by individuals with disabilities to make sure that Kentucky legislators know that these individuals matter.
The rally ended with speakers with various disabilities sharing their stories and promoting legislation or organizations that were helpful (or could be helpful) to those who share the same struggles. For example, a recovering addict shared the help he received at the River Valley in Owensboro and was thankful for the opportunity to be sober and see his children again. Another shared her experience in a Shelter Workshop where she worked in a factory setting with hazardous conditions and received $10-$15 a week for her labor. There were many more stories shared because although the organization that funds this rally (CCDD) is unable to sponsor or promote certain bills during the rally, the speakers can. The CCDD can only promote that individuals with disabilities become aware and active in legislation, which is why the topics ranged in subject so greatly.
My experience in Frankfort, although only a few hours long, was the chance of a lifetime. I feel as though, in the world of technology, Americans watch the news to get their politics. However, being surrounded by passionate people while straining to hear and see the speaker make his arguments was not at all like watching the highlights or debates on television. I personally believe that all teachers should be required to attend the 874K rally or a similar event in order to gain perspective for the state and country we live in, as well as the world around us. I learned more about how bills get passed and how legislation works in the past few months in Frankfort than I ever have in my life of listening to NPR or BBC. Next year I fully intend to attend again, and I have already told my fiancé that as a fellow teacher, he is going to take a sick day from work to attend as well.

A side note: The ABLE Act that I have been advocating for and working with the bill writers in Frankfort since Christmas has not been accepted by the treasurer and her budget as the bill is in its entirety. However, a substitution bill that allows for Kentuckians to set up their accounts through other states/organizations while also keeping all federal and state benefits was heard on Thursday and has been passed! Although this isn't exactly what we were working for, this is a big step in that individuals can still set up their accounts without losing benefits, and as the costs/benefits begin being weighed, this will open the door to conversations about Kentucky opening accounts.