The big news is, of course, President Obama’s re-election. What does his victory mean to the Disability Community? We can safely say that for us, having President Obama continue is better than Mitt Romney stepping in. This is evidenced by the fact that some of us have been arrested protesting the federal budget that Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan, tried to pass in 2011. But let us not make any mistakes here; with the President’s re-election, there are still battles that will need to be fought.

The main argument for a person with disabilities to vote for Obama was that he is going to cut Medicaid by only $72 billion as opposed to Romney’s plan to cut Medicaid by over $600 billion over 10 years. The President tried to cut Medicaid during his first term and he intends to try again in the second. So the Disability Community will need to be ready to react again. As the past four years have shown, the Obama administration has chosen to do the right (or at least acceptable) thing only after we have harassed them with e-mails, phone calls and civil disobedience. More is to come.

Another issue the Disability Community may have to contend with is the make-up of the President’s cabinet. It is normal for many Secretaries to leave after a President’s first term. For better or worse, Secretary Sibelius of Health & Human Services and Secretary Solis of Labor appear to be staying. But Attorney General, Eric Holder is set to leave soon. Will his replacement be as focused on prosecuting Olmstead cases? And one more special note: it looks as if our friend, Governor Gregoire of Washington may be in line for the Secretary of the Interior position when the current one leaves.

Congress & Senate

Senator Gillibrand won her race in record fashion so there is no big news for us there. Dan Maffei re-took his Congressional seat in the Syracuse area. Departing Ann Marie Burkle was not responsive to the Disability Community, so that’s a plus. Democrat Kathy Hochul consistently dodged disability advocates during her two years in office, so her replacement, Republican Chris Collins, may be an improvement. And yes, of course, Louise Slaughter retained her seat in Congress, beating in-her-last-term County Executive, Maggie Brooks. Maggie still has three years to torment people with disabilities in Monroe County before she has to go, but remember, Congressional seats are up every two years so we may see this race again in 2014.

State Elections

Most incumbents in the Rochester area, as well as all over the state, won their races. But it was results in the open races that will affect us. As of writing this, there are still votes that need to be counted in key races, but if it goes the way it looks like it will, the Democrats will have control of the State Senate. That would give them control of the Governorship, Assembly and Senate. Seems like it could benefit the Disability Community, but remember, this was the case four years ago and they did not get much done. Stay tuned.

Finally, remember that 2013 brings local elections to the front and center. These are just as important as national and state elections. There will be another candidate forum on disability issues for them next fall. In the meantime, stay focused and stay engaged.