INLAND REGIONAL CENTER

INLAND REGIONAL CENTER
…valuing independence, inclusion and empowerment
P. O. Box 19037, San Bernardino, CA 92423
Telephone: (909) 890-3000
Fax: (909) 890-3001
June 26, 2013
The Honorable Dave Camp
Chairman
House Committee on Ways and Means
1101 Longworth HOB
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax (202) 225-2610
Re: Support of H.R. 1601
Dear Congressman Dave Camp:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Inland Regional Center, I’m writing to inform you of
our support position of H.R. 1601, the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2013.
This bill would strengthen and restore the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which
provides basic income support to millions of low-income seniors, blind and disabled individuals.
Thus, we urge you and the members of the Committee on Ways and Means to vote in support of
this bill.
H.R. 1601, the SSI Restoration Act would update provisions in the SSI program that are
woefully out of date, some of which have never been adjusted for inflation since the program’s
enactment in 1972. For example, despite today’s cost of living, the general income exclusion has
remained constant. Rules that disregard a portion of an individual’s income when determining
an individual’s eligibility for SSI benefits has not changed in 40 years. The SSI Restoration Act
would increase the general income exclusion and asset limits to more realistic levels and
prescribes an annual inflation adjustment in benefits. Millions of blind and disabled individuals
will be able to plan for emergencies and other unexpected expenses without the risk of losing SSI
benefits.
The SSI Restoration Act would also eliminate a punitive rule requiring a loss of some benefits
for SSI beneficiaries who also receive non-cash in-kind assistance. Elimination of this provision
would help simplify administration of the program. The SSI Restoration Act provides vital
assistance to our nation’s neediest and most vulnerable citizens.

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For the past 40 years, Inland Regional Center serves more than 28,000 individuals with
developmental disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. As the largest of the 21
regional centers in the State of California, Inland Regional Center is a nonprofit, private
community-based agency that is proud to help obtain services and support for our constituents.
Our core values of independence, inclusion and empowerment are the foundation that drives all
staff in interactions, provisions of services, and program planning processes. On behalf of the
individuals with developmental disabilities we serve, we thank you for supporting this critically
important bill.
Sincerely,
Cc:
Congressman Raúl Grijalva