Advocacy for Federal Resources and Adapted Physical Activity (APA) Programs.(Legislative Update)

In this issue, we discuss the federal budget and resources appropriated for adapted physical activity programs for children and adults with disabilities. We first discuss the President's budget, the process for funding programs such as these, the appropriation's process for appropriated programs, and finally we discuss the various types of advocacy necessary for addressing various levels of intervention to positively impact programs for individuals with disabilities.

The President's Budget

Each year the President releases the Administration's budget which is a baseline from which the Administration negotiates with Congress. Each year, there are programs of interest to adapted physical activity and recreation. These federal programs cross school programs, recreation programs, and community-based programs for adults with disabilities. For example, the Rehabilitation Services Administration Program (Sec. 317) is of interest to children and adults with disabilities. Other programs include the federal Physical Education for Progress Act supporting unique physical education initiatives and the Physical Activity and Nutrition Programs of the CDC Division of Chronic Health Disorders. The "Steps to a Healthier U.S." also provides federal funds supporting health and wellness of U.S. citizens.

Process for Funding APA Programs

There is a legislative process for funding adapted physical activity programs, as there is for funding any program of the U.S. government. This process includes: a) raising revenues; b) authorizing revenues; c) moving funds to government functions through the budget process; d) approving the President's budget; e) legislative appropriations; and f) signing the budget by the President. This is the process that occurs each year as the budget is developed and presented by the President and Congress. Effective advocates are able to convince legislators from the beginning of the process that their cause is critical. Legislators who understand important causes very early are able to secure funds when revenues are being raised, authorized, appropriated, and signed into law. So it is critical for advocates of physical activity programs for individuals with disabilities to engage decision makers early in the budget process to ensure a fair chance at federal funding for APA programs. The next sections clarify these steps in the process for fending of APA programs.

Raising and Expending Revenues

Revenues are raised by various types of taxes. Revenues are expended by tax credits, deductions, and spending federal resources for programs such as APA and recreation costs. The House Ways and Means Committee raises the money and budget expenditures spent on programs that support APA programs. Advocacy should focus early on the need to fund APA programs when members of the House Ways and Means Committee are discussion expenditures.