1/17/2012 Bills of Interest
2012 Governor Gregoire Supplemental Budget Proposal
While Legislators are working to develop a supplemental operating budget to address the budget deficit, there has been very little information about what the proposed budgets might include that would affect people with developmental disabilities and their families. The next Revenue Forecast is scheduled to be delivered on February 16, 2012. In recent years, proposed legislative budgets have been released after the most recent revenue forecast. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.
There are several bills working their way through the process and I have attached a bill list from The Arc of Washington to this email. The Arc of Washington office in Olympia is still without power so they have not been able to update this list since last week. To look up the full text of these bills please visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx click on bill search and type in the bill number.
A couple additional bills not listed that you might be interested in are as follows:
HB 2581 – services to people with developmental disabilities transitioning from an RHC to Community Settings.
SB 6384 – ensures persons with developmental disabilities be given the opportunity to transition to a community access program after enrollment in an employment program for 9 months.
Showing posts with label Bills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bills. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
2010 Initiatives – Their Effect on You
Referendum 52 – Healthy Schools for Washington
Many schools across Washington State have harmful toxins such as mold, asbestos and lead. Lead poisoning, particularly from old paint, is the most common environmental hazard that causes developmental problems. More than one in 25 American children have blood lead levels high enough to lower IQ or cause learning disabilities, violent behavior, attention-deficit disorder or hyperactivity.
Ref. 52 would use existing taxes to create 500 million dollars of bonding capacity to fix old, unsafe schools. Every school district in the state could get funding through competitive grants. Ref. 52 will also save taxpayers $130 million a year in reduced energy costs once buildings are updated and modernized and it will create 30,000 new construction jobs across our state. (www.HealthySchoolsForWA.org)
Initiative 1098 – Washingtonians for Education, Health Care & Tax Relief
A coalition of business, labor and community leaders, including Bill Gates, Sr., designed this initiative to provide badly needed funding prioritized for education and basic health services. I-1098 will raise $1 billion per year by taxing singles who make over $200,000 a year and couples making over $400,000 a year, only about 3% of our state’s population. The majority of other taxpayers will pay less by reducing the state property tax by 20% and increasing the small business tax credit from $420 a year to $4,800 a year. Small businesses are now required to pay B&O taxes even when they are losing money. I-1098 will eliminate this tax, making it easier for them to keep current employees and create even more jobs.
The income level cannot be changed to include more than those making the income listed above without a vote of the people. There would be regular audits and full public disclosure to ensure the funds are used for education and health services. Monthly reports on deposits, withdrawals and balances will be posted on the web. (www.YesOn1098.com)
Initiative 1100 and Initiative 1105 – Privatizing liquor stores
Currently, $330 million generated from taxes and the sale of liquor fund core public services for both state and local governments such as health care, law enforcement and education. I-1100 stops the state’s operation of liquor distribution by June 15, 2011, I-1105 stops it by November 15, 2011. Over 5 fiscal years, I-1100 is estimated to decrease state revenues between $76 million - $85 million while for that same time frame I-1105 is estimated to decrease state revenues between $486 million - $520 million. If state liquor stores are privatized, that also eliminates the state’s current avenue for selling lottery tickets, I-1100 would decrease lottery revenues $1,327,000 over 5 years and I-1105 would decrease lottery revenues $1,194,000. Washington State would have an estimated cost of $313,000 during the next biennium to make the changeover. (www.protectourcommunities.com) (http://ofm.wa.gov/initiatives/)
Initiative 1053
During the last legislative session the legislature suspended I-960 until the summer of 2011 in order to avoid an all cuts budget. I-1053 would reinstate I-960 and require a 2/3 vote of the legislature in order to raise taxes or create new taxes. If the legislature had not suspended I-960 during this bad recession it would have had to make severe cuts to public services. If I-1053 does pass, the legislature will have no choice but to cut more services in order to make up for the $3 billion shortfall the legislature is expected to face. This means cuts or elimination of state funded services such as Individual and Family Services as well as Medicaid coverage of dental, vision, therapies and other services. (www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i1053.pdf)
Initiative 1082 – Privatizing the public worker’s compensation system
Our current public worker’s compensation system is regarded as a national model of efficiency. In I-1082 the insurance industry would like to privatize our worker’s compensation system. I-1082 would allow big insurance companies to prioritize profits over ensuring workers are able to fully recover before returning to work from a work related injury. These companies would look for low-risk, profitable businesses and leave the state with the high-risk businesses, and taxpayers would shoulder the cost.
I-1082 will hurt small businesses as they will not have the power of bigger businesses to get low rates. I-1082 also eliminates the worker’s contribution to the system, which would increase rates for businesses by at least 25% and mean lay-offs for many small businesses. AIG, which was a major player in the collapse of our financial system, is a major player in the private workers’ compensation market. (VOTENO1082.com)
Initiative 1107
In the 2010 legislative session, legislators worked to avoid an all cuts budget and to protect core public services by passing a small, temporary tax on soda pop, bottled water, candy and gum. Adding about 2 cents to a bottle of water or can of pop brings $352 million to our state over the next five years to help keep education, the Basic Health program and other services from being stripped. The legislature passed this tax only after having to cut $4 billion from Basic Health and nursing homes and suspending initiatives to reduce class sizes in education. I-1107 would repeal this small tax on items that are not essential to consumers. The tax does not affect food products, even though claims are being made to the contrary. It will actually increase B&O taxes for some businesses as well.
For additional information:
Washington Secretary of State
State of Washington Office of Financial Management
Washington State Budget and Policy Center
(put together by Washington State Arc)
Many schools across Washington State have harmful toxins such as mold, asbestos and lead. Lead poisoning, particularly from old paint, is the most common environmental hazard that causes developmental problems. More than one in 25 American children have blood lead levels high enough to lower IQ or cause learning disabilities, violent behavior, attention-deficit disorder or hyperactivity.
Ref. 52 would use existing taxes to create 500 million dollars of bonding capacity to fix old, unsafe schools. Every school district in the state could get funding through competitive grants. Ref. 52 will also save taxpayers $130 million a year in reduced energy costs once buildings are updated and modernized and it will create 30,000 new construction jobs across our state. (www.HealthySchoolsForWA.org)
Initiative 1098 – Washingtonians for Education, Health Care & Tax Relief
A coalition of business, labor and community leaders, including Bill Gates, Sr., designed this initiative to provide badly needed funding prioritized for education and basic health services. I-1098 will raise $1 billion per year by taxing singles who make over $200,000 a year and couples making over $400,000 a year, only about 3% of our state’s population. The majority of other taxpayers will pay less by reducing the state property tax by 20% and increasing the small business tax credit from $420 a year to $4,800 a year. Small businesses are now required to pay B&O taxes even when they are losing money. I-1098 will eliminate this tax, making it easier for them to keep current employees and create even more jobs.
The income level cannot be changed to include more than those making the income listed above without a vote of the people. There would be regular audits and full public disclosure to ensure the funds are used for education and health services. Monthly reports on deposits, withdrawals and balances will be posted on the web. (www.YesOn1098.com)
Initiative 1100 and Initiative 1105 – Privatizing liquor stores
Currently, $330 million generated from taxes and the sale of liquor fund core public services for both state and local governments such as health care, law enforcement and education. I-1100 stops the state’s operation of liquor distribution by June 15, 2011, I-1105 stops it by November 15, 2011. Over 5 fiscal years, I-1100 is estimated to decrease state revenues between $76 million - $85 million while for that same time frame I-1105 is estimated to decrease state revenues between $486 million - $520 million. If state liquor stores are privatized, that also eliminates the state’s current avenue for selling lottery tickets, I-1100 would decrease lottery revenues $1,327,000 over 5 years and I-1105 would decrease lottery revenues $1,194,000. Washington State would have an estimated cost of $313,000 during the next biennium to make the changeover. (www.protectourcommunities.com) (http://ofm.wa.gov/initiatives/)
Initiative 1053
During the last legislative session the legislature suspended I-960 until the summer of 2011 in order to avoid an all cuts budget. I-1053 would reinstate I-960 and require a 2/3 vote of the legislature in order to raise taxes or create new taxes. If the legislature had not suspended I-960 during this bad recession it would have had to make severe cuts to public services. If I-1053 does pass, the legislature will have no choice but to cut more services in order to make up for the $3 billion shortfall the legislature is expected to face. This means cuts or elimination of state funded services such as Individual and Family Services as well as Medicaid coverage of dental, vision, therapies and other services. (www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i1053.pdf)
Initiative 1082 – Privatizing the public worker’s compensation system
Our current public worker’s compensation system is regarded as a national model of efficiency. In I-1082 the insurance industry would like to privatize our worker’s compensation system. I-1082 would allow big insurance companies to prioritize profits over ensuring workers are able to fully recover before returning to work from a work related injury. These companies would look for low-risk, profitable businesses and leave the state with the high-risk businesses, and taxpayers would shoulder the cost.
I-1082 will hurt small businesses as they will not have the power of bigger businesses to get low rates. I-1082 also eliminates the worker’s contribution to the system, which would increase rates for businesses by at least 25% and mean lay-offs for many small businesses. AIG, which was a major player in the collapse of our financial system, is a major player in the private workers’ compensation market. (VOTENO1082.com)
Initiative 1107
In the 2010 legislative session, legislators worked to avoid an all cuts budget and to protect core public services by passing a small, temporary tax on soda pop, bottled water, candy and gum. Adding about 2 cents to a bottle of water or can of pop brings $352 million to our state over the next five years to help keep education, the Basic Health program and other services from being stripped. The legislature passed this tax only after having to cut $4 billion from Basic Health and nursing homes and suspending initiatives to reduce class sizes in education. I-1107 would repeal this small tax on items that are not essential to consumers. The tax does not affect food products, even though claims are being made to the contrary. It will actually increase B&O taxes for some businesses as well.
For additional information:
Washington Secretary of State
State of Washington Office of Financial Management
Washington State Budget and Policy Center
(put together by Washington State Arc)
Friday, July 30, 2010
FMAP funding has one last chance, ACT NOW!
CALL NOW! FMAP funding has one last chance! Take Action!
Ask to include amendment 4567 in HR 1586, vote is Monday!
Senator Murray is the lead sponsor of Amendment #4567 to H.R. 1586. This amendment includes a 6 month extension of the increased FMAP as well as additional money for teacher jobs. A summary is below.
Summary of Murray-Harkin-Reid-Schumer Amendment to H.R. 1586
FMAP. The amendment would extend and phase out increases in the Medicaid matching rate for six months, through June 30, 2011. This will ensure that states continue to receive these increases throughout state fiscal year 2011. The provision is estimated to cost $16.1 billion over 10 years.
Education Jobs Funding. The amendment would provide $10 billion for additional support to local school districts to prevent imminent layoffs. It is estimated that this fund will help keep nearly 140,000 educators employed next year.
This amendment will be voted on around 5:30 pm Eastern Time on Monday, August 2nd. Congress wraps up on August 9th. Action is need now.
Please call Senator Cantwell and ask her to support Senator Murray's amendment 4567 to extend the FMAP in HR 1586 which will be voted on Monday at 5:30 pm ET.
Please call Senator Murray and thank her for sponsoring amendment 4567 to HR 1586.
If the FMAP amendment does not pass, our Governor will be forced to make severe cuts to our needed services and the jobs that support them right now, because the FMAP extension funding was assumed in the last state budget.
Ask to include amendment 4567 in HR 1586, vote is Monday!
Senator Murray is the lead sponsor of Amendment #4567 to H.R. 1586. This amendment includes a 6 month extension of the increased FMAP as well as additional money for teacher jobs. A summary is below.
Summary of Murray-Harkin-Reid-Schumer Amendment to H.R. 1586
FMAP. The amendment would extend and phase out increases in the Medicaid matching rate for six months, through June 30, 2011. This will ensure that states continue to receive these increases throughout state fiscal year 2011. The provision is estimated to cost $16.1 billion over 10 years.
Education Jobs Funding. The amendment would provide $10 billion for additional support to local school districts to prevent imminent layoffs. It is estimated that this fund will help keep nearly 140,000 educators employed next year.
This amendment will be voted on around 5:30 pm Eastern Time on Monday, August 2nd. Congress wraps up on August 9th. Action is need now.
Please call Senator Cantwell and ask her to support Senator Murray's amendment 4567 to extend the FMAP in HR 1586 which will be voted on Monday at 5:30 pm ET.
Please call Senator Murray and thank her for sponsoring amendment 4567 to HR 1586.
If the FMAP amendment does not pass, our Governor will be forced to make severe cuts to our needed services and the jobs that support them right now, because the FMAP extension funding was assumed in the last state budget.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Disability Policy Seminar Fact Sheets
http://disabilitypolicyseminar.org/
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Gov. Gregoire signs supplemental budget
Gov. Gregoire signs supplemental budget
For Immediate Release: May 4, 2010
OLYMPIA – Gov Chris Gregoire today signed a supplemental budget that funds critical state programs while implementing new reform measures to streamline and reduce state government.
“This budget is a fair mix of cuts and revenue that ensures our most vulnerable receive the services they need, our young learners get the education required to be successful and productive, and our communities remain safe and protected,” Gregoire said. “Despite our difficult economic times – we managed to protect many core services that Washingtonians value, and at the same time reduce and streamline state government. That’s something to be proud of.”
Despite a $2.8 billion dollar deficit, Gregoire applauded state lawmakers for developing a budget that maintains several critical state programs, including the state’s Basic Health and State Need Grant programs. The budget also addresses several of the governor’s priorities, including job creation and reform.
“This budget includes significant strategies to put people back to work,” Gregoire said. “We have the potential to create more than 70,000 jobs over the next five years with this budget through tax incentives, green building enhancements and rural construction projects. Additionally – this budget goes a long way to reforming the way state government works – and I applaud the Legislature for that. They had the courage to reduce state spending by eliminating nearly 70 boards and commissions, close institutions and consolidate programs and agencies to increase efficiency.”
Gregoire vetoed some sections of the budget – including the provisions that would have put the Insurance Commissioner in the red and stripped the Life Sciences Discovery Fund of funding. Gregoire also vetoed 26 of the 52 reports assigned through legislation to the Executive Branch. Combined with vetoes to the Legislature’s revenue package -- the state’s ending fund balance is now expected to be approximately $453 million.
Overall, the state’s $2.8 billion deficit was filled by a combination of $747 million in cuts, $618 million in federal funding and $757 million in new revenue. This is on top of actions the state took to solve the $9 billion shortfall the state faced last year, which included $4.4 billion in cuts.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1488&newsType=1
Sections vetoed by the Governor:
Section 129, page 35, lines 19-20, Office of Financial Management, Change to Fiscal Year 2011 General Fund-State Appropriation
The reduction to the Fiscal Year 2011 appropriation is vetoed in order to retain sufficient funds to conduct two critical budget-related studies: an independent assessment of placements in residential habilitation centers in Section 129(6) and an analysis and strategic business plan for the Consolidated State Data Center and Office in Section 129(7). Insufficient funds were provided to prepare a valuable study, and no new funds were provided for the Data Center study. The agency will still implement all administrative reductions assumed in the budget as passed, and the additional spending authority will be used to accomplish the new work assigned to the agency. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 129, lines 19-20.
Section 129(6), page 38, Office of Financial Management
The $200,000 appropriation for this study is divided between two fiscal years so the Office of Financial Management will not be able to use half of the money, making it impossible to satisfactorily complete the review as envisioned. Therefore, I am vetoing section 129(6). In order to assess the status of people who currently live in residential habilitation centers, I am directing the Department of Social and Health Services to conduct assessments in a similar manner as is done for people in community residential programs. The assessments shall include interviews with all residential habilitation center residents or guardians of residents to determine the optimum setting for these individuals and shall include the option and choice to remain in a residential habilitation center. The Office of Financial Management shall contract with an independent consultant to review the assessments and determine whether there are funded options available in the community for residential habilitation center residents who indicate an interest in moving to a community placement and whether appropriate services and resources in the community exist or can be developed to provide adequate care for people with developmental disabilities. The consultant shall provide a report to me and the Legislature by December 1, 2010. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 129(6).
Section 205(1)(m), page 88, Department of Social and Health Services, County Employment Funding
This proviso prohibits the Department of Social and Health Services from reducing expenditures for contracts with counties for employment assistance for people with developmental disabilities. This restriction limits the Department’s ability to manage necessary budget reductions. Therefore, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(m).
Section 205(1)(n), page 88, Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Program, Agency Provider Savings and Hourly Rates
The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to report on the fiscal impact of Chapter 571, Laws of 2009 (Substitute House Bill 2361) and the relative hourly costs of agency providers and individual providers. However, no funding is provided for this purpose. Therefore, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(n).
Section 205(1)(o), pages 88-89, Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Program, Workgroup on Administrative Burdens for the Homecare Industry
The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to convene a new work group to address administrative burdens on the homecare industry and to report on its findings. However, no funding is provided. Therefore, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(o).
Section 205(1)(p), page 89, Department of Social and Health Services, Report on Placements for Residential Clients
This proviso requires a quarterly report on all placements for residential clients in the community protection and expanded community programs in the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Because of the cost involved, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(p) and am directing the Department of Social and Health Services to continue providing the quarterly reports, which cover only new residential clients added to the programs in the current biennium.
Section 205(1)(r), page 89, Department of Social and Health Services, Self-Advocate Support
This proviso directs the Department of Social and Health Services to spend an additional $100,000 to provide instruction in self-advocacy to families of individuals with developmental disabilities. In these difficult economic times, it is not prudent to expand services. For this reason, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(r).
Section 205(1)(s), pages 89-90, Department of Social and Health Services, Community Support
The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to spend an additional $100,000 for parent-to-parent networks and community support groups for people with developmental disabilities. In a time when we are reducing other valuable core services of state government, we cannot afford to expand these services. For this reason, I have vetoed Section 205(1)(s).
Section 206(20), page 97, Department of Social and Health Services Aging and Adult Services Program, Agency Provider Savings and Hourly Rates
The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to report on the fiscal impact of Chapter 571, Laws of 2009 (Substitute House Bill 2361) and the relative hourly costs of agency providers and individual providers. However, no funding is provided. Therefore, I have vetoed Section 206(20).
Section 212(7), pages 121-122, Department of Social and Health Services, Autism Health Coverage Study
The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to report, in collaboration with the Health Care Authority, on the fiscal impact of state-purchased health care to cover autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and treatment for individuals younger than 21 years. This is not the time to engage in new studies to assess the expansion of state-paid services, no matter how worthy. Therefore, I have vetoed Section 212(7).
http://www.governor.wa.gov/billaction/2010/veto/6444.pdf
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Final 2010 budget Comparison--Updated
Disability Policy Seminar
Kelly Church (Arc of Snohomish Parent/Family Coalition Coordinator) had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC for the Disability Policy Seminar. While there she made appointments to meet with many of our Representatives. This is a picture of her with Senator Cantwell. Kelly was able to share about the concerns surrounding the population of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
2010 Final Budget Comparison
Click HERE for the 2010 Final Budget side by side comparison for developmental disabilities put together by The Arc of Washington State.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Respectful Language Bill HB 2490
Respectful Language Bill HB 2490 Signed by Governor March 17, 2010NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The purpose of this act is to move toward
11 fulfillment of the goals stated in RCW 44.04.280, to remove demeaning
12 language from the Revised Code of Washington and to use respectful
13 language when referring to individuals with disabilities.
View complete Bill HERE
Latest updated bills and budget side by side
Here is the latest updated bills and budget side-by-side (not final of course)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Side by side budget comparison
Go Here to see an up to date developmental disabilities side by side budget comparison.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Olympia Insider January 29, 2010
January 29, 2010
Work, work, work... while you can.
Last week is when a lot of committee work was being done. Bills are still being introduced, but at a much slower pace. Bills have to get a hearing and be exec'd (passed out of the committee) by next Tuesday for policy committees (February 2nd) or by next Friday for bills in the fiscal committees (February 5th). After those dates, bills still sitting in those committees are considered dead, well sort of. If a bill is considered Necessary To Implement the Budget (NTIB) it can still manage to stay alive if a legislator works to include it in the budget.
Some bills that got a hearing and were exec'd this week were HB 2801, which would expand tools and strategies for anti-harassment policies in schools, and HB 2865, which makes cases involving individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities eligible to be heard in a mental health court. Self advocates were thrilled that HB 2490, the Respectful Language bill that removes mentally retarded references from state law language was exec'd from committee. Self advocates were even happier after HJM 4024, which changes the "R" word to intellectual disability in Federal laws, was heard in the House Human Services committee. Representative Dickerson told the self advocates who had testified that they had shared the best testimony she had heard this whole session. She then stopped the hearing, went into Executive Session and immediately exec'd the bill.
A new bill introduced last week and that has a hearing this coming Wednesday at 8 am is SB 6780, introduced by Senator Keiser. This is a historic bill in that it really attempts to improve community services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). It restructures our current system in which 21% of the DD budget is spent on only 3% of the DD caseload who are served in Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC), the only entitlement available. The expertise in the RHCs would now be available to individuals with DD all around the state instead of only to people in the five institutions. Those individuals needing 24 skilled nursing would be able to remain and age in place.
It also creates State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA), where state employees currently working in the RHCs can move to smaller community settings with the clients they currently care for, making the transition to the community easier. Quality Assurance studies in our state are done on individuals who move to the community from an RHC. These studies show that after 6 years, with very few exceptions, the individuals and/or their families are happy with the community setting and would not want to move back to an RHC. Please thank Senator Keiser for her leadership in working hard to improve community services and make the transition easier for individuals to move from an RHC to the community. Check out the Action Alert at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA
What about the budget?
We still are facing at least a $2.6 billion deficit but new economic forecasts just released are more optimistic than before. The Economic & Revenue Forecast Council will meet on February 12th for the next revenue review. The House and the Senate budget staff are working hard behind the scenes as the House and Senate budgets should be released shortly after the forecast. To see a chart of the issues affecting those with developmental disabilities in the Governor's proposed supplemental budget go to http://www.arcwa.org/state_budget.htm
A great turn-out for this year's first Advocacy Day!
Last Wednesday was the first of the 2010 Advocacy Days. Last year blue scarves were provided at the Independent Living Day rally to advocates for community services for people with developmental disability. Last year we only provided blue scarves to advocates, last week we provided a blue scarf with a "Develop Abilities" button on it to each legislator. Self advocates also gave each legislator a button with a message about banning the "R" word to add to their scarf. Other organizations will continue to deliver buttons to legislators to add to their scarves.
If you still have your scarf, you are encouraged to wear it each time you come to Olympia. If you don't yet have on, try to wear blue colors. Scarves will be handed out to advocates on the February 24th Advocacy Day to wear at the Independent Living Day rally. Last year we had over 700 people attend the rally. Our goal this year is to get at least 1,000 people there. Plan to attend on February 24th. Let us know if you need help to make this happen.
Last week we had an overview of this year's session, this week our topic is on the budget. We need to ensure that legislators are funding needed services for people with developmental disabilities in the community. You can help deliver messages to all legislators with your personal message. This is a great way to help legislators understand what is important to you. To learn more about Advocacy Day go to http://www.arcwa.org/advocacy_day.htm
What can you do to help?
Announcements for the Olympia Insider issues, the Olympia Insider Podcasts and Action Alerts are sent via The Arc of Washington State Action E-list at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA You can sign up there and the e-list makes it very easy for you to let your legislators know what is most important to you. When bills or budget items need emails or phone calls targeted to your legislator you will receive an email with basic information about the issues and a suggested email you can revise or just send that will go directly to your legislator from you with just the click of a button. It is also important to let the media know what is important to you so watch for Action Alerts for you to contact your local media through newspapers, radio and TV from your area as well as major outlets.
You can also participate in this process by letters, phone, email and personal visits to ask legislators to make sure that bills or budget items you are most concerned about get heard.
It is an exciting, stressful, passionate, frustrating, and rewarding journey but change is made by those who show up!
Diana Stadden
The Arc of Washington State
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Thursday, January 28, 2010
SB 6780
Community Living for
People with Developmental Disabilities
SB 6780
By November 1, 2010, DSHS is to submit a plan that:
Establishes additional community State Operated Living Alternatives, staffed by
many of the state employees from the RHCs, providing opportunities for staffclient
relationships from the RHCs to continue in the community;
Assesses and plans for each individual’s rights, health and safety, providing
appropriate support and services in a stable community setting;
Transitions all individuals who live in an RHC into their choice of either state
operated or private community supported living alternatives by December 2014;
Prepares clients and their families for transition to the community, including
visits to community living settings;
Assures that individuals moving from an RHC will be offered appropriate waiver
services and continue to be eligible for funding that meets their assessed need;
Starts transitioning portions of two RHCs, 1 on the east side and 1 on the west
side, to regional resources for crisis beds and respite as well as maintaining a
small number of skilled nursing beds to allow current RHC clients needing 24
hour skilled nursing to age in place.
Describes by December, 2012, how to:
• Close Francis Haddon Morgan Center
• Close portions of other RHC’s
• Establish 2 community state staffed resource teams
By December, 2014:
• Close remaining RHC’s
• Maintain or establish a small number of nursing facility beds
• Report to the Legislature regularly on the progress of implementation and
satisfaction levels of individuals transferred to the community
Prepared by The Arc of Washington State
People with Developmental Disabilities
SB 6780
By November 1, 2010, DSHS is to submit a plan that:
Establishes additional community State Operated Living Alternatives, staffed by
many of the state employees from the RHCs, providing opportunities for staffclient
relationships from the RHCs to continue in the community;
Assesses and plans for each individual’s rights, health and safety, providing
appropriate support and services in a stable community setting;
Transitions all individuals who live in an RHC into their choice of either state
operated or private community supported living alternatives by December 2014;
Prepares clients and their families for transition to the community, including
visits to community living settings;
Assures that individuals moving from an RHC will be offered appropriate waiver
services and continue to be eligible for funding that meets their assessed need;
Starts transitioning portions of two RHCs, 1 on the east side and 1 on the west
side, to regional resources for crisis beds and respite as well as maintaining a
small number of skilled nursing beds to allow current RHC clients needing 24
hour skilled nursing to age in place.
Describes by December, 2012, how to:
• Close Francis Haddon Morgan Center
• Close portions of other RHC’s
• Establish 2 community state staffed resource teams
By December, 2014:
• Close remaining RHC’s
• Maintain or establish a small number of nursing facility beds
• Report to the Legislature regularly on the progress of implementation and
satisfaction levels of individuals transferred to the community
Prepared by The Arc of Washington State
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Olympia Insider
January 22, 2010
It’s a flash flood of legislation.
Things are moving fast in this very short session. Many bills have been introduced, already had a hearing, and been passed out of their committee, waiting for a floor vote to move to the other chamber and go through the process again. Some of the bills are wonderful ideas such as changing language in state law (HB 2490) and recommending Congress do the same (HJM 4024) to eliminate the “R” word. HB 2801 expands tools, information & strategies for anti-harassment in public schools. There are other bills protecting vulnerable students and vulnerable adults as well as protecting individuals with developmental disabilities from becoming homeless when they leave a Residential Habilitation Center.
Some bills are a bad idea such as HB 2955, which would require a means test (income limit) for families receiving services through the Individual and Family Services program. This program provides respite to families caring for a loved one with developmental disabilities at home. It also helps pay for some therapies and in-home modifications. Means testing has been tried before. It saves no money and uses valuable case manager time to collect and evaluate family incomes.
It is also inequitable for families who choose to care for their child at home to be means tested for this small amount of support when families who choose the state Residential Habilitation Centers for their child (at a much higher cost to the state) are not means tested. You can help stop this bill by calling committee members now. Check out the Action Alert at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA
The deficit is still a huge question.
We still are facing at least a $2.6 billion deficit. The Economic & Revenue Forecast Council will meet on February 12th for the next revenue review. The House and the Senate budget staff are working hard to decide which recommendations from the Governor’s budget proposals they will want to keep and what other ideas they may want to include instead. Keep posted for their budget proposals. There are still many areas in the DD budget that are proposed to be eliminated or reduced by the Governor that it is important to advocate to protect now so they don’t end up in the final budget. To see a more comprehensive chart of the Governor’s proposed budget go to http://www.arcwa.org/state_budget.htm
Advocacy Days are here again!
The Thirtieth Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception was held last Wednesday evening in Olympia. The Autism Society of Washington held their annual Autism Awareness Day earlier that day with a record attendance. Several legislators spoke about their support for individuals and families with autism, families shared personal stories and individuals on the autism spectrum rallied the crowd as well. A brief summary of current developmental disability issues was also well attended that afternoon with many new faces coming to Olympia that day. Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their providers wanted their concerns to be heard.
This Wednesday starts the 2010 Advocacy Days. Last year blue scarves were provided at the Independent Living Day rally to advocates for developmental disability services in the community. If you still have your scarf, you are encouraged to wear it each time you come to Olympia. If you don’t yet have one try to wear blue colors. Last year we only provided blue scarves to advocates, this Wednesday we will be providing a blue scarf with a “Develop Abilities” button on it to each legislator. Come to Advocacy Day on Wednesday and help us distribute them to legislators.
Many community advocacy groups have pins or buttons that represent their voice. You can help deliver those to all legislators with your personal message and ask them to add the button or pin to their blue scarf. This is a great way to show unity and help legislators recognize the need. To learn more about Advocacy Day go to http://www.arcwa.org/advocacy_day.htm
Make sure to come to the rally on the February 24th Advocacy Day where we will be providing more blue scarves to advocates (there is no cost to you). Last year we had more than 700 rally participants in blue scarves on the capitol steps. This year we want to reach 1,000 participants so plan ahead!
What can you do to help?
The Arc of Washington State has an Action E-list at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA you can sign up for that makes it very easy for you to let your legislators know what is most important to you. When bills or budget items need emails or phone calls targeted to your legislator you will receive an email with basic information about the issues and a suggested email you can revise or just send that will go directly to your legislator from you with just the click of a button.
You can also participate in this process by letters, phone, email and personal visits to ask legislators to make sure that bills or budget items you are most concerned about get heard.
Don’t forget to check the Olympia Insider website (www.olympiainsider.org) every week for new podcasts, and to subscribe using iTunes or another RSS tool in order to be notified automatically when something new is posted. Remember you can download these to your video-enabled handheld devices!
Advocacy Day needs you there because change is made by those who show up!
Diana Stadden
Arc of Washington State
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Phone calls needed now on HB 2955!
| Phone calls needed now on HB 2955! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Protect the Individual and Family Services program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phone calls are needed now through Wednesday, January 27th to House Human Services committee members. The committee will consider House Bill 2955 on Wednesday morning. The bill would require a means test (income limit) for families using the Individual and Family Services program. Individual and Family Services is a low cost program that provides a respite break for families caring for their child with developmental disabilities at home in the community. It also helps pay for some therapies and in-home modifications needed. There would not be a cost savings for the state as the cost of having case managers use their time to collect and evaluate family income would be more than what could be saved. It is inequitable for families who choose to care for their child at home to be means tested for this small amount of support when families who choose the state Residential Habilitation Centers for their child (at a much higher cost to the state) are not means tested. Call committee members and let them know this is not a good bill. Don't hurt families who save the state millions of dollars by caring for their child with developmental disabilities at home and just need an occasional break.
Direct calls to these legislators' offices are best but if you are unable to call long distance you can call the Legislative Hotline toll free at 1-800-562-6000 and leave a message for each one. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday, January 22, 2010
Capitol Insider
Action Alerts
Major Events Last Week
Health Care Reform
President Obama increased his involvement in negotiations with the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate to resolve differences between their bills. On Wednesday, he reportedly spent over six hours in these negotiations. The leadership had hoped to resolve all differences and send a revised bill to the Congressional Budget Office for a cost estimate by the end of the week, but did not meet that deadline.
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, recently released a compendium of disability statistics for 2009. The Annual Disability Compendium brings together in one place disability statistics published by various federal agencies. It may be useful when individuals or organizations needs disability statistics for press or public information activities, advocacy materials, grant writing or other matters relating to persons with disabilities. See: www.DisabilityCompendium.org
------------
ADA/Technology
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reached agreements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Pace University in New York City, Arizona State University and Reed College in Portland, OR, regarding the use of electronic book readers, which read text aloud. The schools were using the Kindle DX. A student using the Kindle DX could have the text read aloud but could not use the menu and navigational controls. Without access to the menus, students had no way to know which book they had selected or how to use the Kindle DX. Under the agreements the universities will not purchase, recommend or promote use of the Kindle DX, or any other electronic book reader, unless the devices are fully accessible to students who need assistance in order to read textbooks.
Major Events Ahead
Obama Administration
The White House has announced that the President will deliver his State of the Union Address on Wednesday, January 27. President Obama will then release his Fiscal Year 2011 budget request to Congress on Monday, February 1.
U.S. Congress
The Senate returns to work on Wednesday after a fairly brief holiday recess.
Health Care Reform
The fate of the health reform bill may rest on the outcome of today's special election in Massachusetts to fill the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's seat. The Republican candidate has vowed to oppose any health reform bill. If he wins, Senate Democrats will lose their 60 vote filibuster-proof supermajority that allowed for passage of the Senate health reform bill. White House and Democratic Congressional staff are meeting to discuss fast track strategies for a final vote on health reform (such as the House voting on the Senate bill) if the Republican candidate wins.
Much is at stake for the disability community in the health care reform bills. To learn about specific provisions that affect people with disabilities, read the recent letter from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), which includes The Arc and UCP, at:
http://www.c-c-d.org/task_forces/health/CCD-House-SenateConferenceLetter810.pdf
http://www.c-c-d.org/task_forces/health/CCD-House-SenateConferenceLetter810.pdf
Debt Limit/ Entitlement Commission
The Senate is set to begin debate tomorrow on legislation to increase the debt limit so that the federal government can meet its debt obligations. The debate on increasing the debt limit may be prolonged by numerous amendments and filibusters. Key issues to be debated include the pay as you go system (PAYGO) and the creation of an entitlement commission. An entitlement commission, likely to be appointed by the Congress and the President, would be of great concern to the disability community as its primary purpose is to recommend savings (i.e. cuts) in major entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Those recommendations would have to be voted up or down by the Congress, without amendments.
Announcements
ODEP Listening Session & Talking Points
The DPC has prepared talking points for advocates to participate in the Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) series of listening sessions on improving employment for people with disabilities. Beginning on January 21 in Dallas, Texas and continuing through March 3 in Boston, Massachusetts, ODEP and its federal partners will hold a series of six disability employment Listening Sessions. Sessions are also scheduled for Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. To learn more about the Listening Sessions and how to register and comment, see:
The DPC has prepared talking points for advocates to participate in the Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) series of listening sessions on improving employment for people with disabilities. Beginning on January 21 in Dallas, Texas and continuing through March 3 in Boston, Massachusetts, ODEP and its federal partners will hold a series of six disability employment Listening Sessions. Sessions are also scheduled for Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. To learn more about the Listening Sessions and how to register and comment, see:
To read the DPC's talking points and supporting data, see:
Disability Data
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, recently released a compendium of disability statistics for 2009. The Annual Disability Compendium brings together in one place disability statistics published by various federal agencies. It may be useful when individuals or organizations needs disability statistics for press or public information activities, advocacy materials, grant writing or other matters relating to persons with disabilities. See: www.DisabilityCompendium.org
Employment Training Event
A federal government-wide hiring event for people with disabilities is scheduled for April 26, 2010. In preparation for this event, several federal agencies have developed a "Call to Action: Hiring People with Disabilities" event on February 9, 2010 to train human resource officials, hiring managers and other federal personnel to develop an improved pipeline and process for hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Interested federal personnel must register by February 3 by emailing their full name, title, agency and email address to Michael.Aguenza.Ctr@tma.osd.mil
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Please note that you can view previous issues of the Capitol Insider, at thearc.org anytime by choosing "Capitol Insider" under "Public Policy."
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:
mailto:acosta@thedpc.org
mailto:acosta@thedpc.org
Sincerely,
Annie Acosta
Director of Communications and Grassroots Advocacy
Disability Policy Collaboration
Director of Communications and Grassroots Advocacy
Disability Policy Collaboration
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Bills of Interest Week One
Here are the bills of interest from the first week of session. For questions or more information contact Kelly Church at the Arc of Snohomish County (425)258-2459 ext 105 or Kelly@arcsno.org
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Autism Insurance Reform SB5203/HB1210 (Shayan’s Law)
Washington has Full Mental Health Parity and laws requiring home healthcare to protect the
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Changes Proposed For Medicaid Waiver
By Shaun Heasley
June 22, 2009
Public comment is now being sought on proposed changes to the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services is proposing two regulatory changes to the way the waiver program is administered. The public has until August 21 to submit comment on the issue.
The waiver is the major vehicle by which people with disabilities receive funding for support services to live within the community. The proposed changes would impact the way people are identified as qualifying for waiver services and where they are allowed to live while receiving waiver money.
The proposal comes following the launch of President Barack Obama’s initiative, “The Year of Community Living,” earlier Monday in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case Olmstead v. LC and EW. In that decision, the court determined that states have an obligation to provide community-based living options for people with disabilities.
Information about the proposed changes and instructions for commenting on them can be found by clicking here.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/22/waiver-changes/3810/
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