FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CR

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1998                                                                           (202) 616-2777

                                                                                                                                  TDD (202) 514-1888







ATTORNEY GENERAL RENO REQUESTS INCREASED FUNDING IN FY 1999


TO CONTINUE ENFORCING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT





	WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno has asked
Congress for a more than 13 percent increase in funding for
Fiscal Year 1999 to continue the Justice Department's vigorous
enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  

	As part of its overall budget request, the Justice
Department is seeking an increase of 13.7 percent over the
current FY 98 budget for ADA enforcement.  The $1.27 million
increase will enable the Disability Rights Section of the Civil
Rights Division to hire additional attorneys, investigators,
mediators, and architects.

	The increases will specifically help to:

	  	Increase Enforcement Efforts: $507,000 in additional
funds for four attorneys and four investigators, as
well as funds for architects, and others who serve as
pre-litigation consultants;




	  	Better Coordinate Federal Efforts: $263,000 in
increased funding for two attorneys and three
specialists to help other federal agencies enforce
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of
the ADA; and,




		Expand Mediation Efforts: $500,000 in additional
funding to expand the mediation program.




	President Clinton has called enforcement of the ADA a
national priority, and has spoken out on the need to comply with
the law.  In honor of the 7th anniversary of the ADA, President
Clinton participated in a public service announcement that is
airing on hundreds of radio stations across the country urging
all Americans to help bring down a barrier. 

	This is the fourth year that the Administration has sought
an increase in ADA enforcement funding.

	"Our budget request once again demonstrates our commitment
to the ADA," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "The additional
resources will help us ensure greater compliance with the law."

	The ADA, which was enacted in 1990, prohibits discrimination
against people with disabilities.  The Justice Department 

primarily handles complaints against public accommodations as
well as State and local governments.  

	"We have been successfully enforcing the law throughout the
1990's," added Reno.  "This budget request will ensure that we
can build on that success, well into the next century."

	The Justice Department is seeking a 4.4 percent increase in
overall funding for FY 99.

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