THE ARC OF INDIANA & SELF-ADVOCATES OF INDIANA
DISABILITY policy issues questionnaire
District 1 
Frank Mrvan – Democrat (Incumbent)
Question 1 – Would you support federal legislation to make Home and Community-Based Services a mandatory Medicaid benefit? Why or why not?
Response: I am a strong supporter of Medicaid, and believe that this program, including HCBS benefits, provides essential health coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. That is why I opposed P.L. 119-21, the Republican budget reconciliation legislation, a generational sabotage on our communities that prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy at the cruel expense of healthcare for seniors, veterans, children and working families all while raising the deficit by $3.4 trillion. Specific to legislation, I will continue to work to reverse the damaging impacts of the reconciliation law on the Medicaid program and welcome further discussions with advocates, policy experts, and my colleagues on the appropriate House Committees of jurisdiction regarding HCBS specific legislation.
Question 2 – Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Do you believe the current SSI resource limits should be increased, indexed for inflation, or otherwise reformed? Why or why not?
Response: I am fighting every day to protect Social Security and SSI benefits and ensure that these critical programs are able to continue to provide income security for older Americans and those with disabilities. That is why I am proud cosponsor of H.R. 2540, the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would increase the asset limit for receiving SSI benefits for the first time in decades.
About SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides a modest cash benefit for low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities. While costs for basic necessities have increased over the years, SSI’s asset limits have not kept pace with inflation and have remained largely unchanged since 1989. An individual on SSI generally cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources at any time. Married couples are only allowed $3,000. Resources that count towards the SSI asset limit include cash, money in bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and certain other assets.
Question 3 – Direct Support Professional (DSP) Crisis
What federal policies would you support to strengthen the Direct Support Professional workforce, including recruitment, retention, compensation, and support for family caregivers?
Response: You should know that I am a supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 2036, the Credit for Caring Act of 2025, which would allow an eligible family caregiver a tax credit of up to $5,000 for 30 percent of the cost of long-term care expenses that exceed $2,000 in a taxable year. Additionally, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am continuing to work to support funding and programs under the Administration for Community Living for family caregivers.
About the DSP Crisis
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential support that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities. However, the profession continues to experience chronic workforce shortages driven by low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover. Nationally, DSP turnover exceeds 40% annually, and many providers report vacancy rates that leave critical positions unfilled. These workforce shortages contribute to service disruptions, increased caregiver strain, longer waiting lists for waivers, and reduced access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Question 4 – Seclusion and Restraint
What would you do to address issues of seclusion and restraint in schools for students with disabilities?
Response: I firmly believe that we must ensure our schools are a safe learning environment for all students, including those with developmental disabilities. This is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 6617, the Keeping All Students Safe Act, which would prohibit any school receiving federal funding from implementing dangerous restraint and seclusion practices against students. The measure would further provide grants to train school personnel to address school-expected behavior with evidence-based, proactive strategies and would increase transparency and oversight to ensure student safety.
About Seclusion and Restraint
Seclusion and restraint are crisis intervention practices used in some schools across the nation. Seclusion generally involves involuntarily confining a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. Restraint may involve physical, mechanical, or chemical interventions that restrict a student’s movement.
Students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to seclusion and restraint practices. Disability advocates have raised concerns regarding safety, trauma, transparency, accountability, and the use of these interventions when less restrictive alternatives may be available.
Question 5 – Housing
What federal policies would you support to expand safe, affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for people with disabilities?
Response: In general, I remain concerned that so many Americans are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and I strongly support investing in critical affordable housing development programs to expand access to safe, quality affordable housing in Northwest Indiana and across the country. I am committed to ensuring housing services are available to our most vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities. That is why as a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am advocating for continued investments in several housing assistance and development programs, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, fair housing and housing counseling assistance programs, and homelessness assistance grants.
About Housing
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a housing crisis, with many contributing factors, such as a serious lack of safe, affordable, accessible and integrated housing, and significant housing-related discrimination. Access to stable housing is essential to community integration, employment, health, and quality of life.
Question 6 – What actions would you take to improve the availability, accessibility, reliability, and affordability of transportation options for people with disabilities?
Response: As your member of Congress, I am committed to working with all levels of government and Northwest Indiana community stakeholders to help identify opportunities to improve transportation options for all individuals and ensure that federal transportation investment dollars are used in ways to promote accessibility for all individuals with disabilities. I look forward to continuing to listen to organizations such as the Arc of Indiana, as well as my Congressional colleagues and policy experts, on such legislative opportunities and policy proposals as we move forward.
About Transportation
People with IDD lack sufficient access to reliable, accessible, and safe modes of public and private transportation. Every mode of transportation, including air, water, road, rail, and even pedestrian transportation, presents barriers for individuals with IDD. These barriers prevent people with IDD from meaningful participation in everyday activities that promote high-quality community living experiences.
Reliable and accessible transportation is essential for people with disabilities to access employment, education, health care, community activities, and other opportunities. Transportation limitations can significantly restrict independence and community participation.