1/17/2012 Bills of Interest
2012 Governor Gregoire Supplemental Budget Proposal
While Legislators are working to develop a supplemental operating budget to address the budget deficit, there has been very little information about what the proposed budgets might include that would affect people with developmental disabilities and their families. The next Revenue Forecast is scheduled to be delivered on February 16, 2012. In recent years, proposed legislative budgets have been released after the most recent revenue forecast. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.
There are several bills working their way through the process and I have attached a bill list from The Arc of Washington to this email. The Arc of Washington office in Olympia is still without power so they have not been able to update this list since last week. To look up the full text of these bills please visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx click on bill search and type in the bill number.
A couple additional bills not listed that you might be interested in are as follows:
HB 2581 – services to people with developmental disabilities transitioning from an RHC to Community Settings.
SB 6384 – ensures persons with developmental disabilities be given the opportunity to transition to a community access program after enrollment in an employment program for 9 months.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Our Economic Future Coalition
We urge Governor Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature to show leadership in the effort to create jobs and rebuild a strong economy. In these tough times, we need to stand together as a state and invest in the public services that are key to our future prosperity and the quality of life in our communities.
In the wake of over $10 billion in cuts to community services during the past three years, an additional $2 billion in cuts would be devastating to our families and our communities.
Proposed cuts threaten to take access to health care away from 55,000 more people, eliminate care for 1,600 seniors and people with developmental disabilities, undermine our children’s education, and make college and job training inaccessible. These cuts disproportionately impact communities of color, immigrants and refugees and would worsen inequalities along race, gender, national origin, and income lines.
An all-cuts approach is the wrong direction for our communities. Instead, we urge lawmakers to take a balanced approach to solving our budget challenges. This includes protecting public health, public safety, working families and our children’s future. By investing in our future prosperity we can promote equal opportunity and a good quality of life for all. We ask lawmakers to work together so we can emerge from this recession with our communities intact and our economy poised to create good paying jobs.
As lawmakers consider the latest round of drastic and devastating cuts, the following actions should be taken:
• Raise revenue to address the immediate shortfall and prevent deeper cuts to essential services.
• Reform our tax structure to one that is more equitable and no longer places a disproportionate burden on those who earn the least.
• Pass an excise tax on stock profits and other capital gains to provide the revenues needed to invest in long-term job growth.
• Make sure tax breaks for businesses get the same level of accountability and scrutiny as all other spending in the budget so the public can evaluate whether they create jobs or not.
If the Legislature cannot meet the two-thirds majority requirement in place for raising some types of revenue, we support the Legislature sending a revenue referendum to the ballot, which can be passed by a simple majority vote in both houses
We oppose all efforts to use the recession as an excuse to weaken or overturn laws that protect workers, our communities, and the environment.
We call on our elected officials in Olympia to join with us in reaching a moral, responsible and balanced solution to support the vital public services that make Washington a great place to live and work.
For More Information go to: www.oureconomicfuture.org
Or email: info@oureconomicfuture.org
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Proposed Budget Reductions that impact individuals with developmental disabilities
Below are three documents that show proposed buget cuts that will impact individuals with developmental disabilities:
Impact of Great Recession and Further Budget Reduction Options
Susan N. Dreyfus, Secretary
Department of Social and Health Services
September/October 2011
HRSA Supplemental Budget Package
2011 Supplemental Budget Comparisons for Programs/Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
DSHS-ADSA Ten Percent Budget Options Summary
Ten Percent Reduction Exercis Stakeholder Discussion
September 28, 2011
WASHINGTON STATE’S Department of Social and Health Services—Aging and Disability Services Admin
Impact of Great Recession and Further Budget Reduction Options
Susan N. Dreyfus, Secretary
Department of Social and Health Services
September/October 2011
HRSA Supplemental Budget Package
2011 Supplemental Budget Comparisons for Programs/Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
DSHS-ADSA Ten Percent Budget Options Summary
Ten Percent Reduction Exercis Stakeholder Discussion
September 28, 2011
WASHINGTON STATE’S Department of Social and Health Services—Aging and Disability Services Admin
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Community Transit Cuts
Board Selects Hybrid Service Alternative
Plan to cut 20 percent of service in 2012 has most commuter routing remaining same, new local routing planned
Snohomish County, Wash. – In 2012, Community Transit’s commuter service will maintain much of its current routing with fewer trips, while local service will be restructured to serve higher ridership corridors. This afternoon, the agency’s Board of Directors voted 6-3 to approve a plan to cut Community Transit bus service 20 percent effective Feb. 20, 2012.
After a summer-long public comment process that included reviews of four proposed service plans, the board chose the so-called Hybrid Alternative, which combines the commuter routing proposed in Alternative I with the local routing of Alternative III, with some modifications. The board did not restore service on Sundays or major holidays.
Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett, Lynnwood Councilmember Ted Hikel, Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith, Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers, Mill Creek Mayor Mike Todd and Stanwood Mayor Dianne White voted in favor of the plan. It was opposed by Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring and Gold Bar City Councilmember Steve Slawson.
Descriptions of the plan are available on the agency’s website, and the agency’s blog.
This fall, Community Transit will develop maps and schedules for each of the routes and will launch a public education effort early in 2012. While no specific trip times are available yet, what is known is there will be fewer trips on almost every route, bus frequency will be decreased and the buses will end service between 10 and 11 p.m. on weekdays. Currently the last weekday route finishes at about 1 a.m.
“It’s never easy to cut service because of the impacts on so many lives,” Gossett said. “We listened to the public’s input on this issue, and that guided our decision.”
The board looked at four alternatives – three that were presented to the public in June, and the Hybrid Alternative that was developed at the board’s direction after the initial public comment period on the original three alternatives closed in mid-July.
With the decision, Community Transit will cut about 20 percent of its service starting Feb. 20, 2012. The agency will save about $12 million with the service reductions. The number of jobs that will be eliminated has yet to be determined.
The service cuts are necessary because Community Transit’s sales tax revenue has fallen by more than 20 percent from the level it received in 2007, the last pre-recession year. Meanwhile, operating expenses such as fuel, supplies and labor costs have continued rise.
Plan to cut 20 percent of service in 2012 has most commuter routing remaining same, new local routing planned
Snohomish County, Wash. – In 2012, Community Transit’s commuter service will maintain much of its current routing with fewer trips, while local service will be restructured to serve higher ridership corridors. This afternoon, the agency’s Board of Directors voted 6-3 to approve a plan to cut Community Transit bus service 20 percent effective Feb. 20, 2012.
After a summer-long public comment process that included reviews of four proposed service plans, the board chose the so-called Hybrid Alternative, which combines the commuter routing proposed in Alternative I with the local routing of Alternative III, with some modifications. The board did not restore service on Sundays or major holidays.
Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett, Lynnwood Councilmember Ted Hikel, Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith, Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers, Mill Creek Mayor Mike Todd and Stanwood Mayor Dianne White voted in favor of the plan. It was opposed by Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring and Gold Bar City Councilmember Steve Slawson.
Descriptions of the plan are available on the agency’s website, and the agency’s blog.
This fall, Community Transit will develop maps and schedules for each of the routes and will launch a public education effort early in 2012. While no specific trip times are available yet, what is known is there will be fewer trips on almost every route, bus frequency will be decreased and the buses will end service between 10 and 11 p.m. on weekdays. Currently the last weekday route finishes at about 1 a.m.
“It’s never easy to cut service because of the impacts on so many lives,” Gossett said. “We listened to the public’s input on this issue, and that guided our decision.”
The board looked at four alternatives – three that were presented to the public in June, and the Hybrid Alternative that was developed at the board’s direction after the initial public comment period on the original three alternatives closed in mid-July.
With the decision, Community Transit will cut about 20 percent of its service starting Feb. 20, 2012. The agency will save about $12 million with the service reductions. The number of jobs that will be eliminated has yet to be determined.
The service cuts are necessary because Community Transit’s sales tax revenue has fallen by more than 20 percent from the level it received in 2007, the last pre-recession year. Meanwhile, operating expenses such as fuel, supplies and labor costs have continued rise.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Governor's Committee on Disability & Employment
The Governors Committee on Disability Issues and Employment will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on September 22, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities to shares issues and concerns and share any ideas they may have for positive change. Click HERE for flier.
Please help spread the word.
Please help spread the word.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Medicaid Vision information
June 29, 2011
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dsh
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dsh
Medicaid Vision Coverage
STATE OF WASHINGTON
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
626 8th Avenue, S.E. • P.O. Box 45502 • Olympia, Washington 98504-5502
June 29, 2011
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/contact/default.aspx. Your message will be delivered to the appropriate staff member
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
626 8th Avenue, S.E. • P.O. Box 45502 • Olympia, Washington 98504-5502
June 29, 2011
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/contact/default.aspx. Your message will be delivered to the appropriate staff member
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