MEMORANDUM Date: June 22, 1994 To: Senator Dole From: Alec Vachon Re: Reply to Letter from John Hager * Attached for your signature is a reply to the letter from John Hager (also attached w/earlier memos). Among other things, John asked that I be allowed to work with him on the Republican posture on disability issues. Your letter gives permission, subject to Senate Rules. In fact, I am writing the strategy memo to Jeanie Austin for John on my own time to observe these rules. As I wrote you earlier, this would be "light duty," limited to reviewing materials, providing policy guidance, and perhaps attending off-campus meetings --it is not meant as a substitute for proper RNC staff support to the Disability Advisory Council. * Thank you. UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D.C. BOB DOLE KANSAS June 22, 1994 Dear John, Thanks very much for your kind words about my "maiden" and 25th anniversary speeches, and best of luck with the Disability Advisory Committee. It's important. I know Alexander is very enthusiastic about enhancing the Republican commitment to people with disabilities, and understand you had a very productive meeting. However, under Senate rules, there are restrictions on certain political activities during office hours by staff. He is aware of these rules, but can still be very helpful within them. If I can provide any other help, please let me know. Elizabeth sends her very best as well to you and Maggie. With kindest personal regards, BOB DOLE Mr. John H. Hager 4600 Sulgrave Road Richmond, Virginia 23221 John Henry Hager 4600 Sulgrave Road Richmond, Virginia 23221 June 2, 1994 The Honorable Robert Dole United States Senate 141 Hart Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Dole, We are proud of all you are doing. Keep up the good work in Washington and elsewhere. I had the good fortune last week to meet with Alexander Vachon of your Washington staff. He was very helpful to me and I hope very much you will encourage and permit him to continue to be helpful and to participate with us in the Disability Advisory Council of The Republican National Committee. Having read your two U.S. Senate speeches on disability -one, your first 25 years ago and the second, The Anniversary speech on disability, I am quite inspired to accomplish the stated goals of the Council of which I am the Chairman. The problem is that it has been exceedingly difficult to accomplish much in the past couple of years for a variety of reasons. What is past is past, so we are forming a small task force to move ahead with full force to get the recognition and policy and communications treatment that disability deserves at RNC. All this is to stimulate the grass roots and generate political support from this important constituency. The Honorable Robert Dole -2 -6/2/94 In any case, I don't want'to take a lot of your time. I just want Alexander to be able to help us. He is perfect for the job. Thank you for listening. I'll look forward to your response. Tell Liddy hello and I'll look forward to seeing you in Virginia again soon. Sincerely, (Signature) John H. Hager JH65-94 c: Mr. Alexander Vachon MEMORANDUM Date: June 6, 1994 To: Senator Dole From: Alec Vachon Re: Meeting with John Hager Re Republican Leadership Disability Issues * In August, I wrote regarding the DNC's outreach to people w/disabilities (attached), and indicated I find out what the RNC was doing. In short, not much --except re-establishing an Advisory Committee. (In a 1991 memo (attached), Yeutter first proposed this Committee. It accomplished little.) On May 24th I met with John Hager to discuss Republican leadership on disability issues. He has been asked to Chair this Committee --but has refused until RNC commits staff support. (A young woman assigned this job was fired. Her competent replacement left after several weeks.) John plans to meet with Jeanie Austin on this matter. * We discussed 4 reasons why disability is an important and natural Republican issue: --Large number of voters. 49 million Americans have a disability; multiplying this number by family members gives a huge pool of people affected by disability. Incidentally, Joyce mentioned to me there were a large number of wheelchair users at the Virginia Republican convention this past weekend. --Positive image for Republicans. Republicans are too often attacked as mean spirited on social issues. Disability concern is very popular, and can be an antidote to such perceptions. --Republican values. Disability policy has always focused on values important to Republicans --e.g., employment and financial self-sufficiency, independence, and opportunity. --Lost opportunity. If Republicans do not pursue this issue, the Democrats capture this constituency by default. * John believes Republicans have not pursued disability leadership for two reasons: First, they don't see its political value. Second, concerns about the reaction of small business. * Incidentally, I gave John a copy of your first speech. He was impressed by its discussion of values (dignity, independence, security) rather than specific programs, and its sweeping vision of disability policy. Indeed, this seems the universal response. * I suggested to John we find out what the National Policy Forum is doing --they have been holding hearings around the country on many issues, but doubt they have considered disability. * Also, I am interested in being helpful to Hager, subject to your approval and Senate rules. As a practical matter, this would be "light duty," limited to reviewing materials, * John also sent his best to you and Mrs. Dole. (Handwritten) OK Thank you -2 ­ Republican National Committee Clayton Yeutter Chairman May 24, 1991 MEMORANDUM TO: SENATOR ROBERT DOLE FROM: CLAYTON YEUTTER Bob, I met a few weeks ago with representatives of the organizations who are seeking a fair shot in our society for the disabled and handicapped. As a consequence of that session, I decided to establish an RNC advisory group to be responsive to their interests. Since then we've been focusing on membership for such a group, and the attached list summarizes our tentative choices. Because you have had so much involvement with these groups and the issues of importance to them, I wanted to run the list by you for any views you may have. If there is anyone you believe should be added or subtracted, please let me know. We hope to get Republican National Committee approval for the establishment of this committee when we meet in Houston a couple of weeks from now. Attachment Dwight D. Eisenhower Republican Center 310 First Street Southeast· Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 863-8700 FAX: (202) 863-8820 Memorandum Date: August 2, 1993 To: Senator Dole From: Alec Vachon Re: FYI/DNC Memo on Clinton Meeting with Disabiiity Communityand Budget Reconciliation Attached is a Democratic National Committee package sent to its disability community mailing list last week. Includes press release on Clinton meeting with disability advocates on Tuesday, July 27th, at White House commemorating 3rd anniversary of ADA. Apparently, no Republicans invited to this meeting. At meeting, President demonstrated new telephone relay system for people with hearing impairments required by Title IV of ADA as of July 26th. Title IV was of course Senator McCain's initiative. The President's statement to this meeting mentions health care reform. In this regard, I have been drafting a Senate Resolution for your approval that would set oµt principles to evaluate any health care reform package with regard to needs of people with disabilities. It makes no specific commitments but would give you the high ground on this issue in the Senate. But real purpose of the DNC package is clear from the cover memo --to encourage lobbying for Budget Reconciliation bill. Incidentally, Janet Reno had an ADA event on July 26th, in Takoma Park to commend that community's accessibility. Again, no Republicans invited. Reno event only got local TV coverage. I have not been following RNC disability outreach operation since election, but plan to look into it.