There is a critical need for volunteer ombudsmen throughout Snohomish County to assist the elderly living in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
As a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver. Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels. The common thread is an interest in serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
Volunteers receive four days of free training to become certified ombudsmen. They are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.
The next four-day volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29.
The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.
For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner at 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Take Action--Medicaid
What Will Happen to Medicaid?
Take Action!
Urge your Senators to support the extension of the FMAP increase
We are all anxious about Medicaid. Most states start their 2011 fiscal years this week and they are desperate for funding to keep their programs running. And Congress has just failed again to pass an extension of the increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP).
Without swift enactment of a six-month Medicaid FMAP extension, states may be forced to cut BILLIONS from their programs, including home and community based services, supported employment, dental care and even basic health care.
Advocates must make their voices heard to get the FMAP extension passed very soon.
Take Action
Please call your Senators' district offices during the Independence Day recess (July 2-12). The phone numbers and sample talking points are provided when you click on the "Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" box.
What to say:
• May I please speak to the staff person who covers health?
• I am calling to urge Senator _________________ to do everything possible to ensure that a Medicaid FMAP extension is passed.
• People with disabilities depend on Medicaid for their very survival. Without an extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase, we will lose vital services.
For this alert please call; do not email. Offices are keeping track of calls and personal visits.
Thank you in advance for your advocacy.
Take Action!
Urge your Senators to support the extension of the FMAP increase
We are all anxious about Medicaid. Most states start their 2011 fiscal years this week and they are desperate for funding to keep their programs running. And Congress has just failed again to pass an extension of the increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP).
Without swift enactment of a six-month Medicaid FMAP extension, states may be forced to cut BILLIONS from their programs, including home and community based services, supported employment, dental care and even basic health care.
Advocates must make their voices heard to get the FMAP extension passed very soon.
Take Action
Please call your Senators' district offices during the Independence Day recess (July 2-12). The phone numbers and sample talking points are provided when you click on the "Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" box.
What to say:
• May I please speak to the staff person who covers health?
• I am calling to urge Senator _________________ to do everything possible to ensure that a Medicaid FMAP extension is passed.
• People with disabilities depend on Medicaid for their very survival. Without an extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase, we will lose vital services.
For this alert please call; do not email. Offices are keeping track of calls and personal visits.
Thank you in advance for your advocacy.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Washington’s $9 billion balancing act
Washington’s $9 billion balancing act
How the Legislature closed a historic budget shortfall—without raising taxes
As vice chairman of the budget writing Ways and Means Committee, I had the dubious honor this session of playing the point for the Senate in the Legislature’s efforts to write a new, two-year operating budget. It amounted to being awarded a front row seat to a game with no winners.
Before it was over we found ourselves plugging a void in our state budget larger than any the state has seen since at least the Great Depression. We did so in large part by cutting government services deeper than any of us wanted to. And, defying past practices during such downturns, we balanced the budget without raising taxes.
This is the story of how we got into this mess and
how we started to pull ourselves out of it.
An economic storm blows in
Some will argue the investments we’ve made in recent years to bolster early learning, support the beginnings of all-day kindergarten and provide health insurance for poor children drove our budget shortfall. But the record shows something far different.
Thanks in part to a prolonged housing boom, Washington’s economy outlasted much of the rest of the country allowing the state to enjoy healthy budget surpluses well into 2008. But the economic storm that would ultimately shower red ink across 45 other states finally began creeping across our borders.
Credit markets froze nationally. Consumer spending slowed to a crawl. Unemployment began to creep up, then leap up. Home foreclosures climbed to historic highs.
The drop in consumer spending proved particularly damaging in Washington, a state that derives a little more than half (52%) its revenue from the retail sales tax. In September, the state’s forecast of anticipated tax collections plummeted by more than $500 million. In November it fell again — this time by a whopping $1.9 billion.
At the same time, demand for state services was climbing. In December more than 90,000 Washington residents applied for unemployment benefits, an all time record.
That month the governor unveiled a cuts-laden budget proposal to close what was then a $6.1 billion budget shortfall. In time, these would come to be referred to as the good old days.
Legislature convenes dreary session
There was nothing happy about the new year that dawned for lawmakers when the Legislature convened its 105 day session on Jan. 12. We were acutely aware that many tough decisions lie ahead, that many of us would have to support tearing down a standard of service that we’d spent legislative careers building. But the worst was yet to come.
I immediately began meeting three nights a week with a small group of select budget staffers and, sometimes, a fellow senator or two to pour over the budget. After a full day of legislative meetings, hearings and floor sessions we’d retreat to a conference room on the third floor of the Senate office building for three hours or more. At first we reviewed each functional area of the budget in detail. Later we graduated to deciding upon actual cuts.
On Feb. 13, just one month and one day after the Legislature convened, the Senate approved a series of administrative cuts to come up with our first $735 million in savings.
When it was sent to the governor’s desk five days later it was the earliest any Washington Legislature had approved steep budget cuts in modern history.
It was a good thing, too, because a month later a new forecast of tax collections added another $2.9 billion to our budget shortfall, pushing it to a previously unthinkable $9 billion, or about a quarter of our operating budget. Incredibly, in a span of just four months, $4.8 billion in anticipated tax revenue had evaporated into thin air, burned off by a flaming recession.
This proved particularly challenging for myself and budget writers in the House because close to half our budget was either legally or practically off limits for cuts. About 7 percent of our operating budget is dedicated to paying off construction debt for university buildings, schools, prisons and facilities at other state institutions. Those payments can’t be skipped.
Also untouchable was funding to support core education programs protected by our state constitution. And there was funding for other unprotected education programs and some medical programs that draw federal matching dollars that no one was eager to cut.
This would mean that what was left of the budget would have to shoulder a massive burden.
Solving the problem
To our great fortune, the Obama administration stepped up and provided $3 billion in stimulus dollars that greatly helped mitigate the cuts we had to make to state services. The budget we sent to the governor’s desk also assumed $1.5 billion in use of reserves and fund shifts — most notably one from our state’s construction budget that left us with fewer construction projects funded for the next two years.
But by far the single largest component to our budget balancing strategy was $4.3 billion in deep cuts to valued government services. Individual cuts are far too numerous to list. In the health care and mental health component of our budget alone there were 39 cuts of at least $1 million. But consider some of our biggest cuts.
• As many as 8,000 public employees, including some teachers, will lose their jobs. Management employees will have their salaries frozen and $449 million was saved by reducing pension contributions.
• Suspending two voter approved initiatives to reduce class sizes and provide teachers with a cost-of-living pay raise saved almost $1 billion.
• Some $557 million was saved by slashing state college and university budgets by 17 percent. Some of that will be made up with tuition increases ranging from 7 percent at community colleges to 14 percent at Washington State University and the University of Washington in each of the next two years. But the cuts required will eliminate 9,000 enrollment slots statewide from our colleges and universities.
• More than $255 million was saved by removing subsidized health insurance for 40,000 among the working poor. To save hundreds of millions more we slashed funding for hospitals, nursing homes and local health districts and assistance to those who are unemployable due to a physical or mental disability.
Again, these are just a sampling of some of the biggest cuts. In truth, virtually every functional area of state government took a hit.
But as much as there is to dislike about this budget, I can say that our approach was judicious and forward thinking.
We focused on saving prevention programs, such as some health care programs, that can head off higher costs in an emergency room at a later date.
We also favored programs that appear to be most sustainable well into the future. We maintained a safety net, albeit a smaller one, to provide for our most vulnerable citizens. And we left a healthy budget reserve — about $750 million — to help us weather any aftershocks of the economic earthquake that has rattled our state and nation.
Let’s hope our economy continues to improve, so that we never have to make this
level of cuts to such core, vital services again.
How the Legislature closed a historic budget shortfall—without raising taxes
As vice chairman of the budget writing Ways and Means Committee, I had the dubious honor this session of playing the point for the Senate in the Legislature’s efforts to write a new, two-year operating budget. It amounted to being awarded a front row seat to a game with no winners.
Before it was over we found ourselves plugging a void in our state budget larger than any the state has seen since at least the Great Depression. We did so in large part by cutting government services deeper than any of us wanted to. And, defying past practices during such downturns, we balanced the budget without raising taxes.
This is the story of how we got into this mess and
how we started to pull ourselves out of it.
An economic storm blows in
Some will argue the investments we’ve made in recent years to bolster early learning, support the beginnings of all-day kindergarten and provide health insurance for poor children drove our budget shortfall. But the record shows something far different.
Thanks in part to a prolonged housing boom, Washington’s economy outlasted much of the rest of the country allowing the state to enjoy healthy budget surpluses well into 2008. But the economic storm that would ultimately shower red ink across 45 other states finally began creeping across our borders.
Credit markets froze nationally. Consumer spending slowed to a crawl. Unemployment began to creep up, then leap up. Home foreclosures climbed to historic highs.
The drop in consumer spending proved particularly damaging in Washington, a state that derives a little more than half (52%) its revenue from the retail sales tax. In September, the state’s forecast of anticipated tax collections plummeted by more than $500 million. In November it fell again — this time by a whopping $1.9 billion.
At the same time, demand for state services was climbing. In December more than 90,000 Washington residents applied for unemployment benefits, an all time record.
That month the governor unveiled a cuts-laden budget proposal to close what was then a $6.1 billion budget shortfall. In time, these would come to be referred to as the good old days.
Legislature convenes dreary session
There was nothing happy about the new year that dawned for lawmakers when the Legislature convened its 105 day session on Jan. 12. We were acutely aware that many tough decisions lie ahead, that many of us would have to support tearing down a standard of service that we’d spent legislative careers building. But the worst was yet to come.
I immediately began meeting three nights a week with a small group of select budget staffers and, sometimes, a fellow senator or two to pour over the budget. After a full day of legislative meetings, hearings and floor sessions we’d retreat to a conference room on the third floor of the Senate office building for three hours or more. At first we reviewed each functional area of the budget in detail. Later we graduated to deciding upon actual cuts.
On Feb. 13, just one month and one day after the Legislature convened, the Senate approved a series of administrative cuts to come up with our first $735 million in savings.
When it was sent to the governor’s desk five days later it was the earliest any Washington Legislature had approved steep budget cuts in modern history.
It was a good thing, too, because a month later a new forecast of tax collections added another $2.9 billion to our budget shortfall, pushing it to a previously unthinkable $9 billion, or about a quarter of our operating budget. Incredibly, in a span of just four months, $4.8 billion in anticipated tax revenue had evaporated into thin air, burned off by a flaming recession.
This proved particularly challenging for myself and budget writers in the House because close to half our budget was either legally or practically off limits for cuts. About 7 percent of our operating budget is dedicated to paying off construction debt for university buildings, schools, prisons and facilities at other state institutions. Those payments can’t be skipped.
Also untouchable was funding to support core education programs protected by our state constitution. And there was funding for other unprotected education programs and some medical programs that draw federal matching dollars that no one was eager to cut.
This would mean that what was left of the budget would have to shoulder a massive burden.
Solving the problem
To our great fortune, the Obama administration stepped up and provided $3 billion in stimulus dollars that greatly helped mitigate the cuts we had to make to state services. The budget we sent to the governor’s desk also assumed $1.5 billion in use of reserves and fund shifts — most notably one from our state’s construction budget that left us with fewer construction projects funded for the next two years.
But by far the single largest component to our budget balancing strategy was $4.3 billion in deep cuts to valued government services. Individual cuts are far too numerous to list. In the health care and mental health component of our budget alone there were 39 cuts of at least $1 million. But consider some of our biggest cuts.
• As many as 8,000 public employees, including some teachers, will lose their jobs. Management employees will have their salaries frozen and $449 million was saved by reducing pension contributions.
• Suspending two voter approved initiatives to reduce class sizes and provide teachers with a cost-of-living pay raise saved almost $1 billion.
• Some $557 million was saved by slashing state college and university budgets by 17 percent. Some of that will be made up with tuition increases ranging from 7 percent at community colleges to 14 percent at Washington State University and the University of Washington in each of the next two years. But the cuts required will eliminate 9,000 enrollment slots statewide from our colleges and universities.
• More than $255 million was saved by removing subsidized health insurance for 40,000 among the working poor. To save hundreds of millions more we slashed funding for hospitals, nursing homes and local health districts and assistance to those who are unemployable due to a physical or mental disability.
Again, these are just a sampling of some of the biggest cuts. In truth, virtually every functional area of state government took a hit.
But as much as there is to dislike about this budget, I can say that our approach was judicious and forward thinking.
We focused on saving prevention programs, such as some health care programs, that can head off higher costs in an emergency room at a later date.
We also favored programs that appear to be most sustainable well into the future. We maintained a safety net, albeit a smaller one, to provide for our most vulnerable citizens. And we left a healthy budget reserve — about $750 million — to help us weather any aftershocks of the economic earthquake that has rattled our state and nation.
Let’s hope our economy continues to improve, so that we never have to make this
level of cuts to such core, vital services again.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2009 developmental disabilities legislative forum
Parent Family Coalition Would Like
You To…
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
2009 Legislative Forum
Thursday November 5th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Everett Station Weyerhaeuser Room
3201 Smith Avenue, Everett
As parents and families doing the best we can to provide opportunities, education and care for our loved ones with
developmental disabilities we’d like to encourage you to
save the date of November 5th and help us influence
positive change in our community.
Your personal stories and connections with your legislators
can and will make a difference!
If you have any questions or would like to help out with the event please contact
Kelly Church at Kelly@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x107 or Tracie Diemert
at Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x111.
Driving Directions:
From Lynnwood & South: Take I-5 Northbound to the Pacific Ave. exit #193. Turn left onto Pacific to the overpass. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave.. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
From Marysville & North: Take I-5 Southbound to the Everett Ave. exit #195. Turn right onto Everett Ave. Turn left onto Cedar St. then turn right onto Pacific Ave. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
*Parking is available North of the building between Everett Station and Pacific Ave overpass.
www.arcsno.org
For legislative information check out the Parent/Family Coalition blog at: www.snocopfc.blogspot.com
You To…
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
2009 Legislative Forum
Thursday November 5th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Everett Station Weyerhaeuser Room
3201 Smith Avenue, Everett
As parents and families doing the best we can to provide opportunities, education and care for our loved ones with
developmental disabilities we’d like to encourage you to
save the date of November 5th and help us influence
positive change in our community.
Your personal stories and connections with your legislators
can and will make a difference!
If you have any questions or would like to help out with the event please contact
Kelly Church at Kelly@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x107 or Tracie Diemert
at Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x111.
Driving Directions:
From Lynnwood & South: Take I-5 Northbound to the Pacific Ave. exit #193. Turn left onto Pacific to the overpass. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave.. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
From Marysville & North: Take I-5 Southbound to the Everett Ave. exit #195. Turn right onto Everett Ave. Turn left onto Cedar St. then turn right onto Pacific Ave. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
*Parking is available North of the building between Everett Station and Pacific Ave overpass.
www.arcsno.org
For legislative information check out the Parent/Family Coalition blog at: www.snocopfc.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"The Impact"
TVW’s show “The Impact” is taking email questions from citizens for a show they will air next week. They will pose selected questions to legislators. Here’s the link to the TVW page for their show The Impact:
http://www.tvw.org/search/theimpact.cfm?eventtype=1&CFID=3225045&CFTOKEN=23787234&bhcp=1
(SEE QUESTION SUGGESTIONS BELOW)
Find out how the issues of the day – the state budget, health care, education, the environment, transportation, and more – impact citizens and communities throughout Washington. Host Jennifer Huntley interviews and profiles the policy experts who make the decisions in Olympia and the people who are impacted back home.
| | | The Impact airs: |
The Impact is sponsored with generous support from Comcast and the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters.
SEND EMAILS TODAY ASKING:
WHY DID THE HOUSE BUDGET CUT $80 MILLION FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (WHERE THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE) AND ONLY CLOSES TWO SWIMMING POOLS IN STATE DD INSTITUTIONS?
WHY ARE THE CUTS IN DD COMMUNITY SERVICES AND STATE DD INSTITUTIONS NOT EQUITABLE?
WHY DID THEY NOT CLOSE AT LEAST ONE OF THE FIVE DD INSTITUTIONS AS THE GOVERNOR AND THE SENATE DID?
ADD OTHER BUDGET QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
Diana Stadden
Arc of Washington State
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Cell (Call-Text-Email): 253.576.6351
Email: Diana@arcwa.org
Monday, March 30, 2009
PROPOSED SENATE 2009-11 OPERATING BUDGET just released
The proposed senate budget was just released. Click Here to view it.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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
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
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
Friday, January 30, 2009
Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Wednesday February 4th, 2009 in Olympia
12:00 NOON in the Capitol Building Rotunda
Dear Friend, You are encouraged to communicate with your legislators. Please come to the event with the following ‘letter’ completed, one for each of the three legislators from your district. *At the event, you will be given information on how to find your legislators’ offices so you can give their Legislative Assistant your ‘letter,’ if the legislator is not available. I have personally contacted all legislators to inform them that their constituents, who are concerned about autism issues, will be at the Capitol on Feb. 4th. I encourage you to follow up with a personal communication to them, with your two representatives and one senator.
If you do not know your legislators by name, go to this website, and click on ‘Find your Legislator’
If you wish, you may use the following ‘letter’ format. YOU MUST KEEP IT BRIEF!
Look forward to seeing all of you Wed. Feb. 4th
Patty Gee, Pres. and Exec. Dir. of ASW
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
PattyJGee@comcast.net
Home: 360-754-2584
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, FEB. 4TH 2009
Dear Legislator____________________________Building*______________Rm_________
Our situation is:
Our needs include:
How you can help:
Thank you. Name_____________________________________ Phone________________
Address__________________________________________city_______________zip_______
Wednesday February 4th, 2009 in Olympia
12:00 NOON in the Capitol Building Rotunda
Dear Friend, You are encouraged to communicate with your legislators. Please come to the event with the following ‘letter’ completed, one for each of the three legislators from your district. *At the event, you will be given information on how to find your legislators’ offices so you can give their Legislative Assistant your ‘letter,’ if the legislator is not available. I have personally contacted all legislators to inform them that their constituents, who are concerned about autism issues, will be at the Capitol on Feb. 4th. I encourage you to follow up with a personal communication to them, with your two representatives and one senator.
If you do not know your legislators by name, go to this website, and click on ‘Find your Legislator’
If you wish, you may use the following ‘letter’ format. YOU MUST KEEP IT BRIEF!
Look forward to seeing all of you Wed. Feb. 4th
Patty Gee, Pres. and Exec. Dir. of ASW
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
PattyJGee@comcast.net
Home: 360-754-2584
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, FEB. 4TH 2009
Dear Legislator____________________________Building*______________Rm_________
Our situation is:
Our needs include:
How you can help:
Thank you. Name_____________________________________ Phone________________
Address__________________________________________city_______________zip_______
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Obama's To-Do List article
Disabilities Front And Center On Obama’s To-Do List
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Leading Participative Meetings Workshop
A Leadership Presentation with
Greg Abell, Sound Options Group, LLC.
“Leading Participative Meetings”
Saturday February 7th
9:00am-4:00pm
Snohomish County Building 3200 Rockefeller Ave, Everett
First Floor Meeting Room 1 East
All parents and professionals welcome!
Free lunch is provided*
**Approved Washington State Educational Clock Hours Available
If you want clock hours the cost is $18 per person for 6.5 hours.
This one day interactive course provides the essential skills and knowledge to run effective meetings. Participants will explore how to prepare before, during and after meetings to ensure that the meetings achieve their intended purposes.
Major topics to be covered:
• How to engage in learning conversations;
• Strategies which can expand the possibilities for achieving results and improving relationships;
• The relevance of these skills for those responsible for facilitating IEP meetings.
To pre-register contact Tracie Diemert at:
Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 ext 111
Greg Abell, Sound Options Group, LLC.
“Leading Participative Meetings”
Saturday February 7th
9:00am-4:00pm
Snohomish County Building 3200 Rockefeller Ave, Everett
First Floor Meeting Room 1 East
All parents and professionals welcome!
Free lunch is provided*
**Approved Washington State Educational Clock Hours Available
If you want clock hours the cost is $18 per person for 6.5 hours.
This one day interactive course provides the essential skills and knowledge to run effective meetings. Participants will explore how to prepare before, during and after meetings to ensure that the meetings achieve their intended purposes.
Major topics to be covered:
• How to engage in learning conversations;
• Strategies which can expand the possibilities for achieving results and improving relationships;
• The relevance of these skills for those responsible for facilitating IEP meetings.
To pre-register contact Tracie Diemert at:
Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 ext 111
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