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
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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
Friday, April 15, 2011
Updated Side by Side Budget Comparison
Click HERE for the updated 2011-2013 Side by Side Governor, House, & Senate Biennial Budget Comparison
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Governor/House side by side budget
HERE is the Governor-House budget side-by-side. The Senate should be releasing theirs this evening.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Arc of Washington State Action Alert
The House votes on their budget soon! Take Action!
Make your voice heard today!
The House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has released their 2011-2013 biennial budget proposal. A public hearing was a held a few hours after the budget was released. The entire House will vote on the budget soon. You must act today!
We need to thank legislators for their hard work, as it has not been an easy task to keep critical programs funded, but many programs that serve people with developmental disabilities were reinstated. Also included in the budget is the transition of 149 clients from Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC). Five RHCs will be consolidated into three. There are issues around Employment/Day and Adult Day Health that you may want to address.
Please act now and thank your legislators for the good things they have done and share your concerns for areas that may not have fared as well. Remember to be courteous. You can respond to this Action Alert or call and leave your message for your legislators on the toll free hotline at 1-800-562-6000.
Make your voice heard today!
The House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has released their 2011-2013 biennial budget proposal. A public hearing was a held a few hours after the budget was released. The entire House will vote on the budget soon. You must act today!
We need to thank legislators for their hard work, as it has not been an easy task to keep critical programs funded, but many programs that serve people with developmental disabilities were reinstated. Also included in the budget is the transition of 149 clients from Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC). Five RHCs will be consolidated into three. There are issues around Employment/Day and Adult Day Health that you may want to address.
Please act now and thank your legislators for the good things they have done and share your concerns for areas that may not have fared as well. Remember to be courteous. You can respond to this Action Alert or call and leave your message for your legislators on the toll free hotline at 1-800-562-6000.
Monday, March 28, 2011
"In our Shoes" Olympia Rally
A huge thank you to Joy Caldwell, Executive Director of The Arc of Island Skagit for making the “In Our Shoes” event such a great success! (see KOMO 4 video coverage of the event)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Revenue forecast is down another $780 million State revenue forecaster Arun Raha said today that state revenues are lower through June 2013 than he predicted last November, in effect widening the state's $3.6 billion to $5.5 billion budget shortfall. Raha is releasing his latest quarterly report at noon that shows a $79.8 million drop in revenues expected by June and $698 million through June 2013. The report will be posted here. Raha's recent monthly tax-collections report is here. "The economic outlook remains cloudy with a great deal of uncertainty," Raha's presentation began. He mentioned oil price volatility tied to Mideast unrest and now the impact of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2011/03/17/1582624/revenue-forecast-is-down-another.html#ixzz1GtAD6DEN The House and Senate will likely publish their budget proposals next week. When they do they will hold public hearings right away. If at all possible, try to be prepared to come to Olympia and testify. With a bigger deficit and 70% of the budget untouchable human services are where they look to cut. Watch for an email letting you know the budgets have been released!
State revenue forecaster Arun Raha said today that state revenues are lower through June 2013 than he predicted last November, in effect widening the state's $3.6 billion to $5.5 billion budget shortfall.
Raha is releasing his latest quarterly report at noon that shows a $79.8 million drop in revenues expected by June and $698 million through June 2013. The report will be posted here. Raha's recent monthly tax-collections report is here. "The economic outlook remains cloudy with a great deal of uncertainty," Raha's presentation began. He mentioned oil price volatility tied to Mideast unrest and now the impact of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2011/03/17/1582624/revenue-forecast-is-down-another.html#ixzz1GtAD6DEN
The House and Senate will likely publish their budget proposals next week. When they do they will hold public hearings right away. If at all possible, try to be prepared to come to Olympia and testify. With a bigger deficit and 70% of the budget untouchable human services are where they look to cut. Watch for an email letting you know the budgets have been released!
Raha is releasing his latest quarterly report at noon that shows a $79.8 million drop in revenues expected by June and $698 million through June 2013. The report will be posted here. Raha's recent monthly tax-collections report is here. "The economic outlook remains cloudy with a great deal of uncertainty," Raha's presentation began. He mentioned oil price volatility tied to Mideast unrest and now the impact of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2011/03/17/1582624/revenue-forecast-is-down-another.html#ixzz1GtAD6DEN
The House and Senate will likely publish their budget proposals next week. When they do they will hold public hearings right away. If at all possible, try to be prepared to come to Olympia and testify. With a bigger deficit and 70% of the budget untouchable human services are where they look to cut. Watch for an email letting you know the budgets have been released!
Friday, March 4, 2011
2011 Supplemental Budget Comparisons
Click Here to view the bills after the House cut-off and the budget after the Governor signed it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Judge puts hold on DSHS trimming benefits
Forcing poor families with disabled children to count federal disability payments when determining their income would cause "irreparable...
Seattle Times health reporter
Forcing poor families with disabled children to count federal disability payments when determining their income would cause "irreparable harm" to low-income disabled children, a U.S. District Court judge ruled Monday, putting a temporary hold on a state rule change.The Department of Social and Health Services rule, which was to go into effect Tuesday, would have forced thousands of families to lose benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the State Family Assistance programs, argued lawyers for disabled children and their families.
U.S. District Judge James Robart said that if the new rule were allowed to go forward, those families would be "unable to provide appropriate ... medical care for their minor children with disabilities" and the children would suffer "significant, even life-threatening, adverse health impacts, including hospitalization."
When faced with a conflict between financial and budgetary concerns and "preventable human suffering," the judge wrote, "the balance of hardships tips in the favor of preventing human suffering."
A hearing on the temporary injunction will be held March 21.
Carol M. Ostrom: 206-464-2249 or costrom@seattletimes.com
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014361030_dshs01m.html?syndication=rss
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bills of Interest/ Supplemental Budget Comparison
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Legislative Reception Update
PLEASE NOTE:
The time for the Legislative Briefing on January 19, 2011 will begin at 2:00 pm instead of 2:30 pm. The briefing will wrap up by 4:00 pm. This will allow a little more time for advocates to go and eat dinner before the Legislative Reception begins at 5:30 pm.
The Community of People with Disabilities of Washington State
Invites You to Attend The 31st Annual
Legislative Reception
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
5:30 – 7:30
in the Legislative Building’s Columbia Room
Hosted By
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, The State Independent Living Council, Parkview Services & The Washington State Rehabilitation Council
Contributions Go To:
Coni Mackey at coni@parkviewservices.org or 1-206-542-6644
Other Questions:
David.Maltman@ddc.wa.gov or 1-800-634-4473
A brief summary of the most current issues for developmental disabilities will be provided in the afternoon at The United Churches. Go have dinner after the briefing, then join us at 5:30 in the Columbia Room on the first floor of the Legislative Building for the Legislative Reception.
Briefing 2:00-4:00 pm
The United Churches
110 Eleventh Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Reception 5:30-7:30 pm
Columbia Room
Legislative Building
Capitol Campus, Olympia
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