A year ago it was determined by a chief of spine surgery that unless I had surgery on my lumbar spine I would end up in a wheelchair. My lumbar spine was almost disintegrated. I have spinal arthritis throughout my entire spine and many other painful issues in my body. I am 60 years old. I'm not here to write about my woes. I'm petitioning to get a different pay scale criteria for the permanently disabled. My disability dollar amount is $35 short of my rent. My rent is not unreasonable for where I live. That does not leave much for food, utilities and necessities of life. I cannot stand or sit for any length of time without feeling like doubling over from pain. I'm positive that there are people who are in far worse situations than myself who cannot even contemplate working. The permanently disabled in the United States are at or below poverty level. Considering how much money this country gives to foreign countries and other programs it just doesn't seem right to be forced to look for a job when you are in constant pain and/or have major mobility issues. It's difficult enough trying to find work for the people who are able-bodied but for the disabled and the older workers - it's even more difficult. I ask that you sign this petition to help us get more funds for the permanently disabled which will allow us not to live in fear of eviction or be confronted with any other type of hardship such as hunger. Not all of us have family in close proximity or family that is willing to help. We need to take a stand so that we will have enough monies appropriated to us by the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) to allow us to live and for some of us it will allow us to heal before having to return to work. 60% of people who apply for disability get turned down. I was one of the 40% who didn't get turned down and I am grateful for that - however, the money I get is not enough and neither is it for many fellow Americans who are disabled. Thank you very much for hearing me out and I look forward to seeing your signature on this petition. Sincerely, Nancy J. Baker