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The following is a list of some of the investments, tax cuts and grant programs that will benefit Washington state in the bill: (All figures are for Washington state unless otherwise noted.)
TAX CUTS
INCOME TAX CUT: Includes income tax cut of up to $800 for Washington workers and their families. This means that shortly after this bill is enacted over 2.4 million Washington state workers will begin to see a tax cut in their paychecks. Workers would begin to see this tax cut in their paychecks roughly 90 days after enactment of the bill. Workers would receive the full value of the cut after a full year.
AMT: Includes protection for working families across the state from the Alternative Minimum Tax, representing thousands of dollars in additional income taxes. According to the Congressional Research Service, 348,000 Washingtonians would be protected from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2009.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT: This bill includes an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase their homes between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. Under the provision, fist-time buyers would not be required to pay the government back for this credit. The credit is available for buyers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
SALES TAX DEDUCTION FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES: The bill provides most taxpayers with a deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light truck, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles through 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS: Includes nearly $500 million to improve Washington state roads, highways, and bridges and create jobs. Also includes $1.5 billion for nationwide competitive grant program for projects of major national or regional importance.
TRANSIT: Includes nearly $180 million in new transit funding for Washington state to keep residents moving and create jobs.
FERRIES: Includes a $60 million nationwide grant program to fund ferry and ferry terminal upgrades.
SMALL SHIPYARDS: Includes a $100 million nationwide grant program to improve small shipyards, create jobs and ensure that our shipyards have the tools to compete in the global economy.
HELPING THOSE HURT BY RECESSION
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Will give an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers in Washington. Will provide extended unemployment benefits to many more laid-off workers. Unemployment will be extended for a total of 33 weeks.
WORKER TRAINING: Includes more than $66 million to train unemployed Washington state workers and get them the skills needed to embark on new careers.
ONE-TIME PAYMENT: This bill will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Washington state Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving pensions, and low-income people receiving Supplemental Security Income payments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The bill includes over $100 million to prevent homelessness, and create and preserve affordable housing for Washington’s most vulnerable families.
FOODSTAMPS: Will provide $380 million in additional support for struggling Washington state families to afford food. This is an immediate stimulus for our economy and moral obligation in these difficult times.
COBRA: The bill includes $21 billion nationwide to help many laid-off workers keep their health insurance under the COBRA program. The funding would allow laid off workers to continue to receive health insurance from their previous employer but would make that care affordable by providing a 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.
WASHINGTON STATE VICTORIES
HANFORD: Includes $6 billion for Environmental Management (EM) nationwide. Historically, Hanford Nuclear Reservation receives a significant portion of EM funding. This funding would help save or create jobs at Hanford, would accelerate cleanup efforts, and would save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. Estimates are that Hanford would receive nearly $2 billion in funding.
BPA: Includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority so that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can modernize the region’s power grid and bring alternative energy sources online. BPA is the largest marketer of wholesale electricity in the Pacific Northwest. This funding will mean that BPA can improve their aging transmission lines so that new sources of energy can be made available to customers and new green jobs can be created throughout the state.
MEDICAID: The bill includes $2.06 billion for Washington state to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. This payment will help Washington state sustain Medicaid help to families—at a time when they need it most – and it will help the state during a time of strained budgets and decreased revenue.
EDUCATION
STATE STABILIZATION FUND: This bill includes $812 million for Washington state from the State Stabilization Fund. Most of this funding will go directly to the state to be used for education priorities. These funds will help the state avoid cutbacks and protect against job cuts. Gov. Gregoire has also discussed using these funds for reducing class sizes and ensuring that districts with low property values get their fair share of education funding. Portions of this funding will be used by the state for bonus grants to districts that meet key performance measures. An additional portion will be allotted to the state to be used at their discretion for any public service needs.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: The bill includes over $13.1 million for Washington state in the Education Technology funding to purchase up-to-date classroom computers and software, and to provide professional development to ensure the technology is used effectively in the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: The bill includes over $220 million in special education grant funding to Washington to help local school districts fund educational services for those with disabilities. This funding will help prevent these rising mandatory state costs from forcing the state to cut other areas of education.
HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN: The bill includes over $176 million to help disadvantaged students in Washington state reach high academic standards and to ensure that in this period of tight state and local budgets we continue to serve these children.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: This bill increases the higher education tax credit for Washington state students to a maximum of $2,500 a year and will allow more low-income students in our state to qualify. This bill will also increase Pell Grants by $500 for eligible students in our state.
HEAD START AND EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANTS: This bill contains over $33 million in child care funding and $10.5 million for Head Start and Early Head Start for Washington state. These funds will help more Washingtonians access critical child care, pre-school, and family support services, allowing parents to work and provide their children with the tools needed to succeed.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WATER PROGRAMS
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM: This bill includes over $60 million for Washington state to address their energy priorities, including the expansion of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
WEATHERIZATION: Includes $60.7 million to help weatherize homes and businesses throughout our state, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
WATER RESOURCE NEEDS: Washington state will receive $42.1 million through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs and $69.2 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of clean water infrastructure needs
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH/IT: Will provide $19 billion nationwide to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology systems by doctors and hospitals in order to save money, reduce medical errors and improve overall health care quality. Health IT systems will save billions through cutting waste and eliminating the need to repeat medical tests.
NIH: This bill includes $10 billion nationwide for NIH-funded research at research facilities through the country as well as construction of new facilities. This will mean more high-paying research jobs. The money will enhance U. S. competitiveness in science and technology and provide funding for the training and hiring of new scientists. Investments in research will yield new drugs and technologies that will stimulate the U.S. economy. Every dollar invested in medical research can save money in health care costs and economic productivity.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIREFIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Will provide Washington state with over $36 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to support state and local law enforcement crime-fighting efforts. Will also include $1 billion nationwide for COPS grants that will help communities avoid laying off police officers throughout our state.
FIREFIGHTERS: Includes language that will allow Washington communities to take advantage of SAFER firefighter hiring grants without having to provide a local match. This will allow more communities to be able to afford to create stable, family-wage firefighting positions. It will also ensure that that firefighters and the safety of our communities don’t fall victim to state and local budget cuts. The bill also includes $210 million nationwide for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct fire stations.
VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected to receive a portion of the funding.
Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to VA extended care facilities
$150 million for hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times
ADDITIONAL INFO/ACCOUNTABILITY
There are no earmarks in this bill
Much of the formula funding in this bill is distributed to existing programs with proven track records of success and promoting financial stability.
President Obama will be establishing a website – recovery.gov – that will track how recovery funding is spent.
The programs and funding above include some of the highlights of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not a complete listing of all the programs included in the legislation.
...................................................................................................................
Friday, February 20, 2009
Special Education Stimulus Package Update
Stimulus Package Update (taken from OSPI Website)
As you know, President Obama has been working with Congress to get a stimulus package approved which could have an
impact on federal IDEA funding. The original version of the House bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009) included an increase of $13 billion in IDEA funding for Part B ($13B) over the next two years. The House bill
provided a $6 billion increase in Part B for July 1, 2009 and a $7 billion increase for July 1, 2010. The Senate version of the
bill is in the process of being debated and modified. Last week, the proposed IDEA Part B increases were still intact. In
Washington, the Part B increases are projected to be approximately $1000 per student per year for 2009 and 2010. Changes
to the overall bill will require a conference committee between the House and Senate. While most observers are optimistic
that IDEA increases in the final version of the stimulus package will remain, actual amounts and details regarding allocation
of the increased funding remain to be seen. As soon as a stimulus package is finalized and signed into law, OSPI will provide
details and proposed allocation tables. NOTE: This update was current as of 2/10/09.
As you know, President Obama has been working with Congress to get a stimulus package approved which could have an
impact on federal IDEA funding. The original version of the House bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009) included an increase of $13 billion in IDEA funding for Part B ($13B) over the next two years. The House bill
provided a $6 billion increase in Part B for July 1, 2009 and a $7 billion increase for July 1, 2010. The Senate version of the
bill is in the process of being debated and modified. Last week, the proposed IDEA Part B increases were still intact. In
Washington, the Part B increases are projected to be approximately $1000 per student per year for 2009 and 2010. Changes
to the overall bill will require a conference committee between the House and Senate. While most observers are optimistic
that IDEA increases in the final version of the stimulus package will remain, actual amounts and details regarding allocation
of the increased funding remain to be seen. As soon as a stimulus package is finalized and signed into law, OSPI will provide
details and proposed allocation tables. NOTE: This update was current as of 2/10/09.
Take Action Now!
HB 1373 Children's Mental Health
HB 1373
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1373 addresses the needs of children with mental health issues. Since many children and teens with developmental disabilities cross over between both systems, this bill requires close collaboration between the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health when a child is using both service systems.
This bill must pass out of the House Early Learning committee by Friday, February 20th. If this bill is important to you please contact legislators now.
HB 1373
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1373 addresses the needs of children with mental health issues. Since many children and teens with developmental disabilities cross over between both systems, this bill requires close collaboration between the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health when a child is using both service systems.
This bill must pass out of the House Early Learning committee by Friday, February 20th. If this bill is important to you please contact legislators now.
Take Action Now!
HB 1210 and HB 1788
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1210 requires private health insurers to provide coverage for autism treatments. It recognizes that there should be equity in coverage so that children with autism can receive the same benefits provided to others with neurological disorders.
HB 1788 was requested by the Attorney General's office and would increase penalties for those who commit felony offenses against vulnerable adults.
Both bills must pass out of the House Health Care committee by Friday, February 20th. If either of these bill are important to you please contact legislators now.
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1210 requires private health insurers to provide coverage for autism treatments. It recognizes that there should be equity in coverage so that children with autism can receive the same benefits provided to others with neurological disorders.
HB 1788 was requested by the Attorney General's office and would increase penalties for those who commit felony offenses against vulnerable adults.
Both bills must pass out of the House Health Care committee by Friday, February 20th. If either of these bill are important to you please contact legislators now.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Gregoire: State deficit could engulf federal aid
Gregoire: State deficit could engulf federal aid
The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
By Curt Woodward
The Associated Press
Details of some likely Washington state-specific spending in the federal stimulus package, as provided by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a Thursday briefing:
Highways: About $500 million for improvements to roads, highways and bridges
Transit: More than $175 million in new money for public transit projects
Ferries: A $60 million grant program for ferry systems nationally (Washington's share unclear, but the state has the nation's largest ferry system)
Unemployment: An additional $100 monthly to unemployed Washingtonians, along with extended benefits
Training: About $64 million for skills training to benefit jobless workers
Medicaid: Additional federal spending of about $2 billion on the Medicaid health-care program, which could free up state money for other uses
Nuclear cleanup: A national cleanup fund could drive about $2 billion toward efforts to clean up the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
The state also could receive about $675 million for transportation projects, spurring construction and related jobs, along with richer unemployment and training benefits to help jobless Washingtonians, Gregoire and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a joint briefing.
Overall, the stimulus could "save or create" 75,000 jobs over two years in Washington, with more than 90 percent of the work in the private sector, according to the White House.
State lawmakers are grappling with a deficit likely to top $6 billion through the 2011 fiscal year. Gregoire has proposed a no-new-taxes budget that would fill the gap with program cuts, transfers and federal aid.
As of Thursday, the expected federal stimulus could bring about $2 billion in Medicaid money to the state — more than twice what Gregoire predicted in her December budget plan. That could free up a large amount for other programs scheduled for cutbacks.
Congressional negotiators also plan to send states additional money to help patch cuts in education spending.
The aid will be welcome, Gregoire said, but it won't make a huge difference in the state's budget picture. Tax collections are expected to keep falling, and the drop-off easily could wipe out the roughly $2 billion in Medicaid help, for example.
"We need to be understanding that, as wonderful as this package is, it is not going to be the relief to the legislative budget-setting process," Gregoire said. "There is a lot of very difficult work to be done."
Interest groups in the state immediately pounced on the stimulus announcements to start pushing for ways to spend the money during the budget crunch.
The Washington State Hospital Association, for example, asked lawmakers to keep any freed-up state spending in the health-care sector.
Murray, the state's senior senator, also warned that the stimulus plan will not be a cure-all for the nation's economic problems. But she said it could be a significant step toward healing the crippled economy.
"All of us know this is not 'Job well done, go home,' " she said.
On transportation, Murray said the package could have nearly $500 million for improvements to Washington roads, highways and bridges — work that's intended to spur jobs.
The stimulus also would include about $175 million for transit projects, with the final decisions on precisely what to pay for left most likely at the local level, she said.
The stimulus package also could boost Washington jobless benefits by about $100 a month, and send about $64 million to the state for worker-retraining efforts. Washington's jobless rate now exceeds 7 percent.
Previously announced pots of money for major projects also remained in the bill as of Thursday's briefing: About $3.25 billion in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration to expand the Pacific Northwest power grid, and some $2 billion for cleanup work at the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
By Curt Woodward
The Associated Press
Details of some likely Washington state-specific spending in the federal stimulus package, as provided by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a Thursday briefing:
Highways: About $500 million for improvements to roads, highways and bridges
Transit: More than $175 million in new money for public transit projects
Ferries: A $60 million grant program for ferry systems nationally (Washington's share unclear, but the state has the nation's largest ferry system)
Unemployment: An additional $100 monthly to unemployed Washingtonians, along with extended benefits
Training: About $64 million for skills training to benefit jobless workers
Medicaid: Additional federal spending of about $2 billion on the Medicaid health-care program, which could free up state money for other uses
Nuclear cleanup: A national cleanup fund could drive about $2 billion toward efforts to clean up the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The federal stimulus package could deliver $2 billion to help Washington state solve its massive budget shortfall, but the boost could be washed away quickly by falling tax collections, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday.
The state also could receive about $675 million for transportation projects, spurring construction and related jobs, along with richer unemployment and training benefits to help jobless Washingtonians, Gregoire and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a joint briefing.
Overall, the stimulus could "save or create" 75,000 jobs over two years in Washington, with more than 90 percent of the work in the private sector, according to the White House.
State lawmakers are grappling with a deficit likely to top $6 billion through the 2011 fiscal year. Gregoire has proposed a no-new-taxes budget that would fill the gap with program cuts, transfers and federal aid.
As of Thursday, the expected federal stimulus could bring about $2 billion in Medicaid money to the state — more than twice what Gregoire predicted in her December budget plan. That could free up a large amount for other programs scheduled for cutbacks.
Congressional negotiators also plan to send states additional money to help patch cuts in education spending.
The aid will be welcome, Gregoire said, but it won't make a huge difference in the state's budget picture. Tax collections are expected to keep falling, and the drop-off easily could wipe out the roughly $2 billion in Medicaid help, for example.
"We need to be understanding that, as wonderful as this package is, it is not going to be the relief to the legislative budget-setting process," Gregoire said. "There is a lot of very difficult work to be done."
Interest groups in the state immediately pounced on the stimulus announcements to start pushing for ways to spend the money during the budget crunch.
The Washington State Hospital Association, for example, asked lawmakers to keep any freed-up state spending in the health-care sector.
Murray, the state's senior senator, also warned that the stimulus plan will not be a cure-all for the nation's economic problems. But she said it could be a significant step toward healing the crippled economy.
"All of us know this is not 'Job well done, go home,' " she said.
On transportation, Murray said the package could have nearly $500 million for improvements to Washington roads, highways and bridges — work that's intended to spur jobs.
The stimulus also would include about $175 million for transit projects, with the final decisions on precisely what to pay for left most likely at the local level, she said.
The stimulus package also could boost Washington jobless benefits by about $100 a month, and send about $64 million to the state for worker-retraining efforts. Washington's jobless rate now exceeds 7 percent.
Previously announced pots of money for major projects also remained in the bill as of Thursday's briefing: About $3.25 billion in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration to expand the Pacific Northwest power grid, and some $2 billion for cleanup work at the Hanford nuclear reservation in southeast Washington.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Saturday, February 14, 2009
American Recovery & Investment Act
February 13, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Disability-related Provisions Contained in the Conference Agreement and What Chapters of The Arc Need to Do to Prepare
The ARRA has been moving extremely quickly through Congress. The Arc and UCP has been working hard to ensure that the economic recovery package signed into law maintains the highest funding levels for disability-related programs and provides for the best possible protections for people with disabilities. The final Bill contains $787 billion in tax cuts and program funding. Most of the funding is intended to grow and protect jobs.
What is the Status of the Legislation?
Jan 28 - passed by House by a vote of 244-188
Feb 10 - passed by Senate by a vote of 61-37
Feb 11 - the Senate - House Conference Committee resolved the differences between the two bills.
Feb 13 – the House passed the conference bill by a vote of 246-183
Feb 13 - the Senate in the process of voting on final passage.
Feb 16 - President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
What are the Major Disability-related Provisions and their Funding Levels?
The following is a list of disability specific programs and the amount of increased spending they will receive from the time the bill is enacted through 2010:HEALTH
Medicaid: An $87 million increase in the Federal government's share of Medicaid spending (FMAP) which runs from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Sixty-five per cent of the funds will be given to all states. Thirty-five per cent will be used for additional payments (in the form of a decrease in a state's match) for states with high unemployment rates. Each state will receive a "base" 6.2% increase. A state specific analysis can be accessed at http://www.cbpp.org/2-13-09sfp.htm.
There is a "maintenance of effort" requirement which prohibits states from changing eligibility. However there is NO maintenance of effort provision for benefits or services. Therefore it is critical for affiliates and chapters to meet with their State MR/DD and Medicaid agencies, their Governor's office, and State Legislature immediately to urge them to use this increased funding for disability services.
The Act extends a moratoria on Medicaid regulations which are in "final" form (i.e. the school based services/transportation, the targeted case management, and the outpatient rules) from April 1 through June 30, 2009. The bill also contains a "Sense of the Congress" that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall not publish any pending Medicaid rule (including the rehabilitative services option proposed rule) in final form.
COBRA: 65% premium subsidy for 9 months.
Health Information Technology: $19 billion to jumpstart computerized health records.
Prevention and Wellness: $1 billion to prevent chronic diseases and to increase immunization programs.
Lead-Based Paint Removal: $100 million - competitive grants to localities and nonprofits to remove lead paint in low income housing
NIH Biomedical Research: $10 billion for increased research.
EDUCATION
Special Education: $11.3 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $500 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program. $400 million for the pre-school program.
SOCIAL SECURITY
SSI: A one-time emergency payment of $250 to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, disabled veterans, and other selected benefits.
SSA Disability Backlog and Claims: $500 million to help the Social Security Administration reduce the processing time for claims and appeals decisions
SSA Modernization: $500 million to replace the antiquated NationalComputerCenter.
EMPLOYMENT
Vocational Rehabilitation: $540 million for VR State Grant.
Unemployment Insurance: Funding is provided to modernize the unemployment compensation program, to add $25 to the weekly benefit, to continue the current up to 33 weeks of extended benefits through December 31, 2009 and to temporarily suspend federal income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits per recipient for 2009.
Job Training: $500 million for adult, $1.2 billion for youth services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Centers for Independent Living: $140 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities.
HOUSING
Public Housing Capital Fund: $4 billion for building repair and modernization
$250 million for a new program to fund energy retrofits of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Section 202 for the Elderly and Project Based Section 8 units to make them for energy efficient. HUD will publish a Notice of Funding Availability shortly announcing details of the program.
HOME Investment Partnerships: $2.25 billion with $2 billion targeted to fill gaps in approved Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects and jump start these stalled projects.
Community Development Block Grant: $1 billion to support housing and services to help hard pressed localities.
Community Services Block Grant: $1 billion for housing, food, employment and healthcare to serve areas hardest hit by the recession.
Low-Income Energy Assistance: Not Funded.
Neighborhood Stabilization: $2 billion for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties to create more affordable housing.
Home Weatherization: $5 billion to weatherize homes of low income households to reduce energy costs.
CHILD CARE and HEAD START
Child Care Development Block Grant: $2 billion to serve an additional 300,000 children in low income working families. $93.6 million is targeted to improve infant and toddler care.
Head Start: $2.1 billion to provide services to 110,000 additional children.
For more information, click the links below (note: each of these documents are extremely legthly):
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Conference report 111-16
The DPC will develop more materials on the ARRA. Many questions remain, such as when will the funding be released and how much of the new funding will be subject to regulation or other procedures. UCP affiliates and chapters of The Arc should begin immediately to work their Governors, Mayors, Medicaid Agency, School Systems, and other entities to assure that our constituents and service agencies receive a fair share of this emergency funding.
© 2009 The Arc. All Rights Reserved
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Disability-related Provisions Contained in the Conference Agreement and What Chapters of The Arc Need to Do to Prepare
The ARRA has been moving extremely quickly through Congress. The Arc and UCP has been working hard to ensure that the economic recovery package signed into law maintains the highest funding levels for disability-related programs and provides for the best possible protections for people with disabilities. The final Bill contains $787 billion in tax cuts and program funding. Most of the funding is intended to grow and protect jobs.
What is the Status of the Legislation?
Jan 28 - passed by House by a vote of 244-188
Feb 10 - passed by Senate by a vote of 61-37
Feb 11 - the Senate - House Conference Committee resolved the differences between the two bills.
Feb 13 – the House passed the conference bill by a vote of 246-183
Feb 13 - the Senate in the process of voting on final passage.
Feb 16 - President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
What are the Major Disability-related Provisions and their Funding Levels?
The following is a list of disability specific programs and the amount of increased spending they will receive from the time the bill is enacted through 2010:HEALTH
Medicaid: An $87 million increase in the Federal government's share of Medicaid spending (FMAP) which runs from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Sixty-five per cent of the funds will be given to all states. Thirty-five per cent will be used for additional payments (in the form of a decrease in a state's match) for states with high unemployment rates. Each state will receive a "base" 6.2% increase. A state specific analysis can be accessed at http://www.cbpp.org/2-13-09sfp.htm.
There is a "maintenance of effort" requirement which prohibits states from changing eligibility. However there is NO maintenance of effort provision for benefits or services. Therefore it is critical for affiliates and chapters to meet with their State MR/DD and Medicaid agencies, their Governor's office, and State Legislature immediately to urge them to use this increased funding for disability services.
The Act extends a moratoria on Medicaid regulations which are in "final" form (i.e. the school based services/transportation, the targeted case management, and the outpatient rules) from April 1 through June 30, 2009. The bill also contains a "Sense of the Congress" that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall not publish any pending Medicaid rule (including the rehabilitative services option proposed rule) in final form.
COBRA: 65% premium subsidy for 9 months.
Health Information Technology: $19 billion to jumpstart computerized health records.
Prevention and Wellness: $1 billion to prevent chronic diseases and to increase immunization programs.
Lead-Based Paint Removal: $100 million - competitive grants to localities and nonprofits to remove lead paint in low income housing
NIH Biomedical Research: $10 billion for increased research.
EDUCATION
Special Education: $11.3 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $500 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program. $400 million for the pre-school program.
SOCIAL SECURITY
SSI: A one-time emergency payment of $250 to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, disabled veterans, and other selected benefits.
SSA Disability Backlog and Claims: $500 million to help the Social Security Administration reduce the processing time for claims and appeals decisions
SSA Modernization: $500 million to replace the antiquated NationalComputerCenter.
EMPLOYMENT
Vocational Rehabilitation: $540 million for VR State Grant.
Unemployment Insurance: Funding is provided to modernize the unemployment compensation program, to add $25 to the weekly benefit, to continue the current up to 33 weeks of extended benefits through December 31, 2009 and to temporarily suspend federal income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits per recipient for 2009.
Job Training: $500 million for adult, $1.2 billion for youth services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Centers for Independent Living: $140 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities.
HOUSING
Public Housing Capital Fund: $4 billion for building repair and modernization
$250 million for a new program to fund energy retrofits of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Section 202 for the Elderly and Project Based Section 8 units to make them for energy efficient. HUD will publish a Notice of Funding Availability shortly announcing details of the program.
HOME Investment Partnerships: $2.25 billion with $2 billion targeted to fill gaps in approved Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects and jump start these stalled projects.
Community Development Block Grant: $1 billion to support housing and services to help hard pressed localities.
Community Services Block Grant: $1 billion for housing, food, employment and healthcare to serve areas hardest hit by the recession.
Low-Income Energy Assistance: Not Funded.
Neighborhood Stabilization: $2 billion for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties to create more affordable housing.
Home Weatherization: $5 billion to weatherize homes of low income households to reduce energy costs.
CHILD CARE and HEAD START
Child Care Development Block Grant: $2 billion to serve an additional 300,000 children in low income working families. $93.6 million is targeted to improve infant and toddler care.
Head Start: $2.1 billion to provide services to 110,000 additional children.
For more information, click the links below (note: each of these documents are extremely legthly):
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Conference report 111-16
The DPC will develop more materials on the ARRA. Many questions remain, such as when will the funding be released and how much of the new funding will be subject to regulation or other procedures. UCP affiliates and chapters of The Arc should begin immediately to work their Governors, Mayors, Medicaid Agency, School Systems, and other entities to assure that our constituents and service agencies receive a fair share of this emergency funding.
© 2009 The Arc. All Rights Reserved
Friday, February 13, 2009
Updated Legislative Meeting Schedule for the Week of 2/16
Human Services2/16/09 1:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm DJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 1919 - Operating and administering a drug court program.
2. HB 2025 - Sharing health care information.
3. HB 2078 - Concerning persons with developmental disabilities who are in correctional facilities or jails.
4. HB 2156 - Revising the authority for certification by the criminal justice training commission.
Health & Long-Term Care2/16/09 1:30 pm
Senate Full CommitteeSenate Hearing Rm 4J.A. Cherberg BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. SB 5320 - Modifying the name of and titles within the acupuncture profession.
2. SB 5535 - Creating the acupuncture quality assurance commission.
3. SB 5484 - Concerning developmental screening.
4. SB 5775 - Concerning the eligibility of foreign medical school graduates for licensing as physician assistants.
5. SB 5852 - Concerning health care assistants.
Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.
Ways & Means2/16/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Governor's proposal to reinvent government and eliminate boards and commissions.Public Hearing: HB 2070 - Regarding adoption of school environmental health and safety rules.
Transportation2/16/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm BJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Project briefings:
a. U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor.
b. Columbia River Crossing.
Public Hearing:
1. HB 1302 - Excluding a portion of state route number 7 from the scenic system.
2. HB 1947 - Concerning the regulation and preservation of urban streets through a local option street utility.
3. HB 1966 - Adding wheelchair users to the types of individuals for whom drivers must take additional precautions.
4. HB 2076 - Concerning moneys appropriated for the original construction of transportation-related buildings.
5. HB 2044 - Requiring Washington state ferries to create a comprehensive incident and accident investigation policy.
Education2/17/09 10:00 am
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 2113 - Regarding placements of students in residential habilitation centers.
2. HB 2119 - Expanding dual credit opportunities.
3. HB 2094 - Limiting the use of capital levy proceeds to support direct costs associated with technology systems and support.
4. HB 2148 - Implementing strategies to address the achievement gap.
5. HB 2167 - Providing flexibility in the education system.
Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.
Transportation2/17/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm BJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Special Needs Transportation Study.Public Hearing: HB 2072 - Concerning transportation for persons with special transportation needs.Possible Executive Session:
1. SHB 1081 - Authorizing local improvement district financing of railroad crossing protection devices.
2. HB 1533 - Concerning bond amounts for department of transportation highway contracts.
3. HB 1591 - Concerning the use of certain transportation benefit district funds.
4. HB 1668 - Concerning the fuel tax rate used to determine fuel tax distributions to the snowmobile account.
5. HB 1717 - Extending the time period for the department of transportation to enter into an agreement for a rail line over the Milwaukee Road corridor.
6. HB 1732 - Changing the ignition interlock device revolving account from an appropriated account to a nonappropriated account.
7. Other bills previously heard in committee.
Education Appropriations2/18/09 6:00 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 2041 - Concerning student transportation funding.
2. SHB 1129 - Establishing a lifelong learning account steering committee.
3. HB 1969 - Promoting predictable funding for school districts that provide residential education.
Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm DJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 1919 - Operating and administering a drug court program.
2. HB 2025 - Sharing health care information.
3. HB 2078 - Concerning persons with developmental disabilities who are in correctional facilities or jails.
4. HB 2156 - Revising the authority for certification by the criminal justice training commission.
Health & Long-Term Care2/16/09 1:30 pm
Senate Full CommitteeSenate Hearing Rm 4J.A. Cherberg BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. SB 5320 - Modifying the name of and titles within the acupuncture profession.
2. SB 5535 - Creating the acupuncture quality assurance commission.
3. SB 5484 - Concerning developmental screening.
4. SB 5775 - Concerning the eligibility of foreign medical school graduates for licensing as physician assistants.
5. SB 5852 - Concerning health care assistants.
Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.
Ways & Means2/16/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Governor's proposal to reinvent government and eliminate boards and commissions.Public Hearing: HB 2070 - Regarding adoption of school environmental health and safety rules.
Transportation2/16/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm BJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Project briefings:
a. U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor.
b. Columbia River Crossing.
Public Hearing:
1. HB 1302 - Excluding a portion of state route number 7 from the scenic system.
2. HB 1947 - Concerning the regulation and preservation of urban streets through a local option street utility.
3. HB 1966 - Adding wheelchair users to the types of individuals for whom drivers must take additional precautions.
4. HB 2076 - Concerning moneys appropriated for the original construction of transportation-related buildings.
5. HB 2044 - Requiring Washington state ferries to create a comprehensive incident and accident investigation policy.
Education2/17/09 10:00 am
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 2113 - Regarding placements of students in residential habilitation centers.
2. HB 2119 - Expanding dual credit opportunities.
3. HB 2094 - Limiting the use of capital levy proceeds to support direct costs associated with technology systems and support.
4. HB 2148 - Implementing strategies to address the achievement gap.
5. HB 2167 - Providing flexibility in the education system.
Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.
Transportation2/17/09 3:30 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm BJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAWork Session: Special Needs Transportation Study.Public Hearing: HB 2072 - Concerning transportation for persons with special transportation needs.Possible Executive Session:
1. SHB 1081 - Authorizing local improvement district financing of railroad crossing protection devices.
2. HB 1533 - Concerning bond amounts for department of transportation highway contracts.
3. HB 1591 - Concerning the use of certain transportation benefit district funds.
4. HB 1668 - Concerning the fuel tax rate used to determine fuel tax distributions to the snowmobile account.
5. HB 1717 - Extending the time period for the department of transportation to enter into an agreement for a rail line over the Milwaukee Road corridor.
6. HB 1732 - Changing the ignition interlock device revolving account from an appropriated account to a nonappropriated account.
7. Other bills previously heard in committee.
Education Appropriations2/18/09 6:00 pm
House Full CommitteeHouse Hearing Rm AJohn L. O'Brien BuildingOlympia, WAPublic Hearing:
1. HB 2041 - Concerning student transportation funding.
2. SHB 1129 - Establishing a lifelong learning account steering committee.
3. HB 1969 - Promoting predictable funding for school districts that provide residential education.
Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Legislature needs to trim spending
Editorial
Legislature needs to trim spending
State revenues are down another $63 million. The Legislature, in session for a month now, still has not cut state spending for the fiscal year. It should get moving before the hole gets any deeper.
Seattle Times editorial
ON Tuesday, the state reported revenues down another $63 million. The Legislature has been in session for a month now and still has not cut state spending for the fiscal year that ends June 30. It should get moving before the hole gets any deeper.
Two unknowns make an excuse for delay. The state's next revenue forecast will be down, but legislators are not sure how much. Federal stimulus money will be coming, but legislators are not sure how much, how fast or for what. So they wait.
The Republicans' financial spokesman, Sen. Joe Zarelli of Ridgefield, says the financial gap is poised to be a billion dollars by June 30.
For the two-year period beginning July 1, the financial gap may be $8 billion. It's "probably 20 percent of our budget," says Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.
Because some budget items, such as basic education, cannot be cut at all, other things may have to be slashed 40 percent, she says. Senate Democrats may vote out a tax increase — but any tax increase would go to recession-battered voters.
Our point is this: No matter what happens, big spending cuts are inevitable. The deficit is simply too large. And that means legislators had better start agreeing on cuts — substantial ones — right now.
Their reluctance is understandable. Every program has a constituency and defenders. No legislator wants to offer up his chicken for the communal soup. It is understandable, but not excusable.
We asked Sen. Brown to name one substantial program that's "just toast," no matter what. She didn't name any. She said her caucus is waiting for the preliminary revenue forecast of Feb. 19 — a week from today.
Gov. Christine Gregoire offered up painful cuts in her proposed budget two months ago. A governor is one person, and a caucus is many. It's harder for a caucus. Understandable — but not excusable.
A month ago, Budget Director Victor Moore said he wanted the list of cuts on the governor's desk by Jan. 31. The House voted some, though not enough. The Senate voted none.
When the Feb. 19 numbers come out, both houses should be ready to act — not to make excuses to delay.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Legislature needs to trim spending
State revenues are down another $63 million. The Legislature, in session for a month now, still has not cut state spending for the fiscal year. It should get moving before the hole gets any deeper.
Seattle Times editorial
ON Tuesday, the state reported revenues down another $63 million. The Legislature has been in session for a month now and still has not cut state spending for the fiscal year that ends June 30. It should get moving before the hole gets any deeper.
Two unknowns make an excuse for delay. The state's next revenue forecast will be down, but legislators are not sure how much. Federal stimulus money will be coming, but legislators are not sure how much, how fast or for what. So they wait.
The Republicans' financial spokesman, Sen. Joe Zarelli of Ridgefield, says the financial gap is poised to be a billion dollars by June 30.
For the two-year period beginning July 1, the financial gap may be $8 billion. It's "probably 20 percent of our budget," says Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.
Because some budget items, such as basic education, cannot be cut at all, other things may have to be slashed 40 percent, she says. Senate Democrats may vote out a tax increase — but any tax increase would go to recession-battered voters.
Our point is this: No matter what happens, big spending cuts are inevitable. The deficit is simply too large. And that means legislators had better start agreeing on cuts — substantial ones — right now.
Their reluctance is understandable. Every program has a constituency and defenders. No legislator wants to offer up his chicken for the communal soup. It is understandable, but not excusable.
We asked Sen. Brown to name one substantial program that's "just toast," no matter what. She didn't name any. She said her caucus is waiting for the preliminary revenue forecast of Feb. 19 — a week from today.
Gov. Christine Gregoire offered up painful cuts in her proposed budget two months ago. A governor is one person, and a caucus is many. It's harder for a caucus. Understandable — but not excusable.
A month ago, Budget Director Victor Moore said he wanted the list of cuts on the governor's desk by Jan. 31. The House voted some, though not enough. The Senate voted none.
When the Feb. 19 numbers come out, both houses should be ready to act — not to make excuses to delay.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Autism Rally
On February 4, 2009 the Parent Family Coalition took several families to Olympia for the Autism Rally during Advocacy Days to talk with their legislatures and make a difference by advocating for loved ones with developmental disabilities.
Bills of interest
For a brief summary of bills that affect children & adults with developmental disabilities click HERE
Monday, February 9, 2009
Housing and Federal Economic Recovery Bill
On February 6, 42 national organizations issued an open letter to Congress and the Administration decrying the lack of attention to the housing for low income households in the economic recovery bill while giving new subsidies to homeowners without regard to income or need. The open letter was sent to all Members of the House and Senate, the White House, HUD, and the media. The full letter is available at the following link:
http://www.nlihc.org/doc/What%20We%20Mean%20By%20Housing%20Final-1.pdf
http://www.nlihc.org/doc/What%20We%20Mean%20By%20Housing%20Final-1.pdf
Major Events Last Week
Economic RecoverySenators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) crafted a compromise substitute amendment for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (S.1). According to the Senate Democratic leadership, the substitute will garner sufficient Republican support to overcome a filibuster (or endless debate). The following disability-related program increases remain in the substitute bill:* $87 billion over two years in the federal share of Medicaid spending (FMAP);* $13 billion for IDEA state grant program;* $500 million for the vocational rehabilitation state grant;
* $110 million for independent living;* $500 million for IDEA Part C early intervention;* $2.25 billion for the HOME (housing) program;* $100 million for lead paint abatement; * $400 million for the Social Services Block Grant (Title XX);* $16.7 billion for a $300 one-time payment to Social Security beneficiaries, including people with disabilities and retirees, beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disabled veterans;* $750 million for a new National Computer Center for the Social Security Administration (SSA); and* $140 million for information technology for SSA. The substitute eliminates funding to make Section 811 Supportive Housing units more energy efficient. The Senate bill does not include an extension of moratoria on seven Medicaid regulations until July 1.Health CareThe House of Representatives passed and President Obama signed into law (P.L. 111-3) legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The law provides funding to expand the program to an additional 4.5 million children. Obama AdministrationEric H. Holder, Jr. was sworn in as Attorney General on Feb. 3, the day after the Senate confirmed him. Tom Daschle, the former Senate Majority Leader, pulled out of the nomination process for Secretary of Health and Human Services amid questions over his failure to pay about $140,000 in back taxes and interest. No official alternate nomination has been announced. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee postponed a vote on Hilda Solis' nomination as Secretary of Labor minutes before it was scheduled to take place. The delay came after a published report that Solis' husband had recently settled outstanding tax liens against his auto repair business. EmploymentThe unemployment rate of people with disabilities is 13.2 percent according to the federal Department of Labor. The survey that the Department uses to determine the official unemployment rates includes questions about disability for the first time. The DPC has posted a Q & A fact sheet to help make sense of the new rate at:http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1481
TransportationAmtrak submitted to Congress its detailed report on accessibility and compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Amtrak was required in the 2008 reauthorization to develop a report and plan for meeting the ADA deadline of having all their stations accessible by 2010. Amtrak did not provide a plan as required, but instead requested that the deadline be extended to September 30 2015 and called on Congress to provide significant funding to support the station accessibility improvements. TechnologyA bill to postpone the digital television (DTV) transition date passed in the House. The House passed the DTV Delay Act (S. 328) to extend the February 17th digital switch over until June 12th. This four month extension is intended to help transition the remaining 3 million households that are still unprepared for the analog to digital TV switch. The bill also extends the last day consumers can use the converter box coupons from March 31st to July 31, 2009. The $650 million available for additional converter box coupons remains in the Senate's version of the stimulus bill that is tentatively scheduled for a vote tomorrow. Major Events Ahead
Economic Recovery Today the Senate will vote on a motion to limit debate on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (S.1). Sixty votes are needed and it is expected that it will pass. If so, the Senate will vote on final passage of the legislation tomorrow. A House-Senate Conference Committee will then begin to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills. The goal is to complete Conference Committee deliberations and vote on final passage in both chambers by the President's Day recess which begins on February 13th. Many believe reaching that goal is highly unlikely. Health CareOn Tuesday the Senate Budget Committee, chaired by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) will hold a hearing on "Budget Options for Health Programs." For more information see:http://budget.senate.gov/democratic/hearingstate.htmlOn Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship, chaired by Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), will hold a hearing on "Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment." For more information see:http://www.house.gov/smbiz/EmploymentOn Thursday, the House Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness Subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee is holding a hearing on "New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act." Among the witnesses will be Steve Wooderson, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator. For more information see: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/02/new-innovations-and-best-pract.shtml
Announcements
Information and Social Networking ResourceUnited Cerebral Palsy and UCP of New York City have made available My Child Without Limits, a comprehensive informational and social networking resource for caregivers of children ages 0-5 with developmental disabilities, and the professionals who work with them. The Web site currently includes information on developmental milestones, early intervention, education planning, family suport services, special needs planning, assistive technology, common treatments and therapies, and alternative treaments and therapies. See: http://www.mychildwithoutlimits.orgEmploymentThe Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) just released two new fact sheets. Making Workplace Accommodations: Reasonable Cost, Big Benefits and Employee Assistance Programs for a New Generation of Employees: Defining the Next Generation have been posted on ODEP's Web page at http://www.dol.gov/odep
* $110 million for independent living;* $500 million for IDEA Part C early intervention;* $2.25 billion for the HOME (housing) program;* $100 million for lead paint abatement; * $400 million for the Social Services Block Grant (Title XX);* $16.7 billion for a $300 one-time payment to Social Security beneficiaries, including people with disabilities and retirees, beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disabled veterans;* $750 million for a new National Computer Center for the Social Security Administration (SSA); and* $140 million for information technology for SSA. The substitute eliminates funding to make Section 811 Supportive Housing units more energy efficient. The Senate bill does not include an extension of moratoria on seven Medicaid regulations until July 1.Health CareThe House of Representatives passed and President Obama signed into law (P.L. 111-3) legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The law provides funding to expand the program to an additional 4.5 million children. Obama AdministrationEric H. Holder, Jr. was sworn in as Attorney General on Feb. 3, the day after the Senate confirmed him. Tom Daschle, the former Senate Majority Leader, pulled out of the nomination process for Secretary of Health and Human Services amid questions over his failure to pay about $140,000 in back taxes and interest. No official alternate nomination has been announced. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee postponed a vote on Hilda Solis' nomination as Secretary of Labor minutes before it was scheduled to take place. The delay came after a published report that Solis' husband had recently settled outstanding tax liens against his auto repair business. EmploymentThe unemployment rate of people with disabilities is 13.2 percent according to the federal Department of Labor. The survey that the Department uses to determine the official unemployment rates includes questions about disability for the first time. The DPC has posted a Q & A fact sheet to help make sense of the new rate at:http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1481
TransportationAmtrak submitted to Congress its detailed report on accessibility and compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Amtrak was required in the 2008 reauthorization to develop a report and plan for meeting the ADA deadline of having all their stations accessible by 2010. Amtrak did not provide a plan as required, but instead requested that the deadline be extended to September 30 2015 and called on Congress to provide significant funding to support the station accessibility improvements. TechnologyA bill to postpone the digital television (DTV) transition date passed in the House. The House passed the DTV Delay Act (S. 328) to extend the February 17th digital switch over until June 12th. This four month extension is intended to help transition the remaining 3 million households that are still unprepared for the analog to digital TV switch. The bill also extends the last day consumers can use the converter box coupons from March 31st to July 31, 2009. The $650 million available for additional converter box coupons remains in the Senate's version of the stimulus bill that is tentatively scheduled for a vote tomorrow. Major Events Ahead
Economic Recovery Today the Senate will vote on a motion to limit debate on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (S.1). Sixty votes are needed and it is expected that it will pass. If so, the Senate will vote on final passage of the legislation tomorrow. A House-Senate Conference Committee will then begin to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills. The goal is to complete Conference Committee deliberations and vote on final passage in both chambers by the President's Day recess which begins on February 13th. Many believe reaching that goal is highly unlikely. Health CareOn Tuesday the Senate Budget Committee, chaired by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) will hold a hearing on "Budget Options for Health Programs." For more information see:http://budget.senate.gov/democratic/hearingstate.htmlOn Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship, chaired by Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), will hold a hearing on "Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment." For more information see:http://www.house.gov/smbiz/EmploymentOn Thursday, the House Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness Subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee is holding a hearing on "New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act." Among the witnesses will be Steve Wooderson, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator. For more information see: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/02/new-innovations-and-best-pract.shtml
Announcements
Information and Social Networking ResourceUnited Cerebral Palsy and UCP of New York City have made available My Child Without Limits, a comprehensive informational and social networking resource for caregivers of children ages 0-5 with developmental disabilities, and the professionals who work with them. The Web site currently includes information on developmental milestones, early intervention, education planning, family suport services, special needs planning, assistive technology, common treatments and therapies, and alternative treaments and therapies. See: http://www.mychildwithoutlimits.orgEmploymentThe Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) just released two new fact sheets. Making Workplace Accommodations: Reasonable Cost, Big Benefits and Employee Assistance Programs for a New Generation of Employees: Defining the Next Generation have been posted on ODEP's Web page at http://www.dol.gov/odep
Friday, February 6, 2009
* Updated DPC Action Alert - Economic Recovery
From the Disability Policy Collaboration
Call Your Senators TODAY to Support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Take Action!
Final Vote Could Occur Today, Feb 6 or This Weekend.
Background
The Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the floor this week. This bill will reduce economic hardships, effectively stimulate our ailing economy, and help those most in need. Several of the Act's provisions will assist states, localities, and school systems to support people with disabilities.The Senate bill contains a number of important provisions for people with disabilities, including:* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA * Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
Many forces are working to cut some or all of this funding out of the bill. Several amendments will likely be proposed that could jeopardize investments in health care, state Medicaid relief, and education. Senate moderates are proposing an approximate $90 billion reduction package. Key disability programs are, unfortunately, part of this package:
PROGRAM
LEVEL OF CUT
% OF CUT
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant
$500 million
100%
Independent Living
$100 million
100%
IDEA State Grant
$6.75 billion
50%
SSA IT improvements
$140 million
100%
Local School Systems Stabilization
$24.8 billion
100%
President Obama's recovery plan needs your support now! Therefore, it is imperative to reach out to Democrats and moderate Republicans and ask them to pass the bill without cutting disability programs. Your call can make a real difference.
For more information, see the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' report on the impact of some of the bill's provisions on individual states: http://www.cbpp.org/1-22-09bud.htm
Take Action
* Call TOLL FREE 1-800-473-6711 and ask for your Senators' offices.
* Use the talking points provided when you click on the"Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window.
Call Your Senators TODAY to Support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Take Action!
Final Vote Could Occur Today, Feb 6 or This Weekend.
Background
The Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the floor this week. This bill will reduce economic hardships, effectively stimulate our ailing economy, and help those most in need. Several of the Act's provisions will assist states, localities, and school systems to support people with disabilities.The Senate bill contains a number of important provisions for people with disabilities, including:* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA * Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
Many forces are working to cut some or all of this funding out of the bill. Several amendments will likely be proposed that could jeopardize investments in health care, state Medicaid relief, and education. Senate moderates are proposing an approximate $90 billion reduction package. Key disability programs are, unfortunately, part of this package:
PROGRAM
LEVEL OF CUT
% OF CUT
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant
$500 million
100%
Independent Living
$100 million
100%
IDEA State Grant
$6.75 billion
50%
SSA IT improvements
$140 million
100%
Local School Systems Stabilization
$24.8 billion
100%
President Obama's recovery plan needs your support now! Therefore, it is imperative to reach out to Democrats and moderate Republicans and ask them to pass the bill without cutting disability programs. Your call can make a real difference.
For more information, see the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' report on the impact of some of the bill's provisions on individual states: http://www.cbpp.org/1-22-09bud.htm
Take Action
* Call TOLL FREE 1-800-473-6711 and ask for your Senators' offices.
* Use the talking points provided when you click on the"Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window.
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203)
Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hearing from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/Washington.
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hearing from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/Washington.
HOW SB 5640 stops downsizing
Last Monday there was a hearing on HB 1407, the companion bill for SB 5640, and as a result of a strong turn out it appears it will die in committee. The bill would effectively end downsizing by allowing legal guardians to block the transfer of residents of one RHC or SOLA to another. The pro-RHC people will have out their troops, based on what we saw at the hearing last week on the House version of the same bill. The hearing is set for Monday, 2/9, at 1:30, at the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee (Cherberg).
HOW SB 5640 stops downsizing: It is not straightforward. It is a "stealth" bill - the RHC proponents say it promotes the rights of residents. The bill applies the Long-Term Care Resident Rights Bill to the RHCs. As you may know, that bill is for the protection of folks in adult family homes and boarding homes. Applying the LTC resident rights bill to the RHCs seems fine at first blush. The problem is limited to one section - section 4 - which was set up in the original LTC resident rights statute to prevent boarding homes from dumping people out when they no longer wanted them. The problem is that the way it is worded, if it is applied to RHCs, it allows guardians to prevent transfer of residents from one RHC to another. Here's the section I am referring to:
Sec. 4.
(1) The facility must permit each resident to remain in the
facility, and not transfer or discharge the resident from the facility unless:
(a) The transfer or discharge is necessary for the resident's
welfare and the resident's needs cannot be met in the facility;
(b) The safety of individuals in the facility is endangered;
(c) The health of individuals in the facility would otherwise be
endangered;
(d) The resident has failed to make the required payment for his or her stay; or
(e) The facility ceases to operate.
So, in order to override a guardian's refusal to have a resident move during downsize, DSHS would need to prove that "the residents needs cannot be met in the facility". That isn't true, as long as the facility is open - so unless the facility closes entirely, there can be no move. This means that if the bill passes, there won't be any more downsizing because the RHC guardians will be able to block the transfers. DSHS will still be able to close RHCs altogether - but they won't be able to consolidate. This will greatly complicate the closure process, esp. for the larger RHCs.
HOW SB 5640 stops downsizing: It is not straightforward. It is a "stealth" bill - the RHC proponents say it promotes the rights of residents. The bill applies the Long-Term Care Resident Rights Bill to the RHCs. As you may know, that bill is for the protection of folks in adult family homes and boarding homes. Applying the LTC resident rights bill to the RHCs seems fine at first blush. The problem is limited to one section - section 4 - which was set up in the original LTC resident rights statute to prevent boarding homes from dumping people out when they no longer wanted them. The problem is that the way it is worded, if it is applied to RHCs, it allows guardians to prevent transfer of residents from one RHC to another. Here's the section I am referring to:
Sec. 4.
(1) The facility must permit each resident to remain in the
facility, and not transfer or discharge the resident from the facility unless:
(a) The transfer or discharge is necessary for the resident's
welfare and the resident's needs cannot be met in the facility;
(b) The safety of individuals in the facility is endangered;
(c) The health of individuals in the facility would otherwise be
endangered;
(d) The resident has failed to make the required payment for his or her stay; or
(e) The facility ceases to operate.
So, in order to override a guardian's refusal to have a resident move during downsize, DSHS would need to prove that "the residents needs cannot be met in the facility". That isn't true, as long as the facility is open - so unless the facility closes entirely, there can be no move. This means that if the bill passes, there won't be any more downsizing because the RHC guardians will be able to block the transfers. DSHS will still be able to close RHCs altogether - but they won't be able to consolidate. This will greatly complicate the closure process, esp. for the larger RHCs.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
SB 5373
The Parent/Family Coalition and it's families have already been to Olympia several times in this session. Today a few mom's from Snohomish County made the treck to the capitol to testify before a Senate committee regarding and Early Intervention bill.
If you would like to learn more about the bill or see what it is like to testify watch below.
If you would like to find more information on how you can take part in this legislative session and influence change feel free to contact Kelly or Tracie at kelly@arcsno.org or tracie@arcsno.org.
If you would like to learn more about the bill or see what it is like to testify watch below.
If you would like to find more information on how you can take part in this legislative session and influence change feel free to contact Kelly or Tracie at kelly@arcsno.org or tracie@arcsno.org.
Washington Autism Advocate
Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Warm regards,
Arzu ForoughChapter Advocacy Chair, WashingtonAutism Speaks
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Warm regards,
Arzu ForoughChapter Advocacy Chair, WashingtonAutism Speaks
Monday, February 2, 2009
Dear Birth to Three Supporters,
Dear Birth to Three Supporters,
A hearing has been scheduled in the Health & Long-Term Care Committee for SB 5373 this is the Senate version of the Infant Toddler Equity Act sponsored by Senator Claudia Kauffman.
The hearing will be held Thursday February 5 at 10:00 AM at the J.A. Cherberg building in hearing room 4.
Action needed: Please e-mail or call the Committee Members below and ask them to please support SB 5373 the Infant Toddler Equity Act providing early intervention services for Infants and toddlers with disabilities. Tell them how important early intervention is to those children in Washington State.
Health and Long-Term Care Committee member’s contacts:
Senator Karen Keiser, Chair 360-786-7664 keiser.karen@leg.wa.gov
Senator Rosa Franklin 360-786-7656 franklin.rosa@leg.wa.gov
Senator Cheryl Pflug 360-786-7608 pflug.cheryl@leg.wa.gov
Senator Randi Becker 360-786-7602 becker.randi@leg.wa.gov
Senator Darlene Fairley 360-786-7662 fairley.darlene@leg.wa.gov
Senator Chris Marr 360-786-7610 marr.chris@leg.wa.gov
Senator Ed Murray 360-786-7628 murrary.edward@leg.wa.gov
Senator Linda Evans Parlette 360-786-7622 parlettelinda@leg.wa.gov
If you have information, need information or wanting to testify please call Cecile Lindquist at 206-524-6564 or e-mail weecare@olywa.net.
Thanks for all your work on behalf of the Infants and Toddlers with disabilities in Washington State.
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnston and Cecile Lindquist
A hearing has been scheduled in the Health & Long-Term Care Committee for SB 5373 this is the Senate version of the Infant Toddler Equity Act sponsored by Senator Claudia Kauffman.
The hearing will be held Thursday February 5 at 10:00 AM at the J.A. Cherberg building in hearing room 4.
Action needed: Please e-mail or call the Committee Members below and ask them to please support SB 5373 the Infant Toddler Equity Act providing early intervention services for Infants and toddlers with disabilities. Tell them how important early intervention is to those children in Washington State.
Health and Long-Term Care Committee member’s contacts:
Senator Karen Keiser, Chair 360-786-7664 keiser.karen@leg.wa.gov
Senator Rosa Franklin 360-786-7656 franklin.rosa@leg.wa.gov
Senator Cheryl Pflug 360-786-7608 pflug.cheryl@leg.wa.gov
Senator Randi Becker 360-786-7602 becker.randi@leg.wa.gov
Senator Darlene Fairley 360-786-7662 fairley.darlene@leg.wa.gov
Senator Chris Marr 360-786-7610 marr.chris@leg.wa.gov
Senator Ed Murray 360-786-7628 murrary.edward@leg.wa.gov
Senator Linda Evans Parlette 360-786-7622 parlettelinda@leg.wa.gov
If you have information, need information or wanting to testify please call Cecile Lindquist at 206-524-6564 or e-mail weecare@olywa.net.
Thanks for all your work on behalf of the Infants and Toddlers with disabilities in Washington State.
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnston and Cecile Lindquist
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