Government News/ Taking Action

ALLY UPDATE (Part I of II)

It has been a busy time in the ALLY movement! Due to the level of activity in Richmond, we are breaking up this week’s update into 2 parts. The first update (below) deals solely with the state budget. The second update (coming tomorrow) will focus on the U.S. Department of Justice Findings Letter that was released on Friday, Nov. 11. The two topics are inextricably tied but both also involve a significant amount of information.

Shortcut to this week’s ACTION ALERT: Click here to ask your Delegate/Senator to stand up for the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

STATE BUDGET: OUTCOME OF 2/10 FLOOR VOTES, NEXT STEPS

OUTCOME OF FLOOR VOTES

On February 10, the House and Senate held floor votes on their respective budget bills (HB1500 and SB800). During the floor vote, Delegates/Senators can ask for certain budget amendment items to be removed from the “uncontested block” vote so that they can vote on and /or discuss that particular budget amendment item by itself.

Senate Vote:

The Senate of Virginia did not pull out any items related to ID/DD services.

House of Delegates Vote:

During the House of Delegates floor vote, a few items related to ID/DD services were removed from the block. The House held a separate vote for each of these budget items:

Item 297 #1h- adds 375 additional Intellectual Disability Waiver (ID) slots (275 for waiting list and 100 for institutions). Click here for the vote.
Item 297 #2h –adds 270 additional Developmental Disability (DD) DD Waivers slots for the waiting list. Click here for the vote.
Item 297#7h- cuts personal care hours for certain HCBS Waivers (DD, EDCD, HIV/AIDS) by capping at 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year. Click here for the vote.
The amendments adding new ID and DD Waivers were passed without any floor discussion and very little (if any) opposition votes.

When the item concerning a 40 hour/week cap on personal care hours came up, Delegate Patrick Hope (Arlington) spoke against it. In his floor speech, Delegate Hope said that the item will force people with disabilities into institutional care. Delegate Hope also spoke to the need for new ID/DD Waivers and condemned cuts to Medicaid Waiver services (respite services, reimbursement rates, environmental modifications and assistive technology). Delegate Hope reminded fellow legislators that in order to achieve sustainability, Virginia must transition to a community-based system of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Unfortunately, the House of Delegates voted to keep the cap on personal care in the budget. It is important to note that while this is very disappointing, it is not unusual. The General Assembly rarely changes the budget bill on the floor (but it can happen).

So to recap-- the House and Senate did not change any budget amendment items concerning ID/DD services from what was proposed by the money committees. The last budget update is still current. FOR A SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE BUDGETS, CLICK HERE. (Please note that this is the same side-by-side that was sent in our last email)
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What happens now?

The House’s budget bill now goes to the Senate and the Senate’s budget goes to the House. Each house will reject the other’s budget and then the two bills will go to conference committee, where a small group of Delegates and Senators will negotiate a compromise budget bill. House and Senate Budget conferees are expected to be appointed by February 16. We will continue to send updates throughout the conference committee process.

The conferees are scheduled to complete their work by February 22nd and the final budget bill is expected to be posted by February 24th. The final House/Senate floor vote is expected to take place on February 26th, the last day of General Assembly session.

MOVING FORWARD…

ADVOCACY EFFORTS CONTINUE TO BE CRITICAL. PLEASE HELP US ENSURE THAT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH ID/DD ARE PROTECTED IN THE FINAL BUDGET BILL

OUR KEY MESSAGE FOR LEGISLATORS:

“THE FINAL BUDGET BILL MUST DO MORE, not less, TO PROTECT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECUTAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. NO ONE SHOULD BE FORCED TO LIVE IN AN INSTITUTION BECAUSE SUPPORT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY!”

We need your legislator to urge conference committee members to do the following:

1. Support the 375 new ID Waivers (297#1h) and 270 new DD Waivers (297#2h) that were included in the House budget for people one waiting lists and in institutions. Funding for new ID/DD Waivers is critical in order to prevent/respond to crisis and ensure community integration.

2. Oppose a 40 hour/week cap on personal care hours for Medicaid Waivers (Item 297 7h). Enactment of this proposal would result in the institutionalization of people currently receiving Medicaid Waiver services. It is a violation of Olmstead and is a bad policy for the Commonwealth.

3. Support the Senate restorations of Medicaid Waiver respite services (297#10s), reimbursement rates (297 #7s), environmental modifications and assistive technology (297 #6s). Please protect existing community-based services by eliminating these cuts!

4. In order to achieve system sustainability and protect civil rights, help Virginia transition to a community-based system of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Doing so will help Virginia provide BETTER services and support MORE people in the community.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO:

SHARE THE KEY MESSAGE WITH YOUR DELEGATE AND SENATOR THIS WEEK. Ask them to urge conferees to protect existing services, improve access to support and take the steps necessary to transition to a community-based system.

As always, thank you for your advocacy on behalf of “A Life Like Yours”!

The Arc of Virginia

www.thearcofva.org

www.facebook.com/TheArcofVA

www.twitter.com/TheArcofVA

Posted 2/14/11

ALLY ACTION ALERT

STATE BUDGET ACTION ALERT:
The ALLY movement needs your help!

Budget Update: www.thearcofva.org
The Virginia General Assembly has been in session for two weeks and the budget process is moving quickly! Thanks to your advocacy efforts at the Budget Hearings and throughout the year, the "A Life Like Yours" (ALLY) movement began the 2011 GA session with a strong start!

Several legislators have submitted House and Senate amendments to Governor McDonnell's proposed state budget that add new Intellectual Disability (ID) and Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers and eliminate cuts to community services. Many members have also commented in commitee meetings about the testimony they heard in state budget hearings concerning ID/DD Waiver waiting lists, proposed cuts to Medicaid Waiver services and the need to move to a community-based system of support.

In addition to the budget, there has also been a lot of action on the legislative front. Yesterday, bills that would expand insurance coverage for children with autism passed the House of Delegates Commerce and Labor Committee and are now heading to the House floor (stay tuned for an action alert coming soon). Earlier that day, HB2146, a bill that would have made it more difficult to close Training Centers died in Health, Welfare and Institutions (HWI) Committee after a 45 minute discussion. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel spoke against the bill, stating the Governor's opposition. Secretary Hazel also announced that the Governor has directed HHR/DBHDS to develop a plan to close Virginia's institutions housing people with developmental disabilities and the plan is expected to be released in March or April of this year.

While such discussions have been heartening, our work is not done. This Monday, January 31, the House Appropriation HHR Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Medicaid Waivers in preparation for their upcoming budget decisions. On February 6, Superbowl Sunday, members of the House Appropriators Committee and the Senate Finance Committee will release their respective versions of the state budget. This will kick off a series of conference committee negotiations that will lead to a final budget bill being presented to the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia.

Bottom line-we've got to act quickly!

More on how the budget affects people with developmental disabilities...

The Arc of Virginia's 2011 Advocacy Booklet (provides an overview of key issues, background facts and budget priorities).

The Arc of Virginia 2011 Budget Priorities.

House Budget Amendments affecting ID/DD Services

Senate Budget Amendments affecting ID/DD Services

Waiting List by Community Services Board

The Arc of Virginia's Summary of Governor McDonnell's Proposed Budget (December 2010)

What do we do now?

We Write. We Call. We Visit.

NOW is the time to WRITE, CALL and VISIT your state legislators, reminding them of the importance of "A Life Like Yours" for Virginians with developmental disabilities. With so many issues being addressed at the General Assembly in such a short period of time, it is critical that advocates reach out legislators to remind them of the message of "A Life Like Yours".

We WRITE... Send an email through our action alert system or write a personal letter and send via fax or mail. Click here to find out who your General Assembly members are and to obtain their contact information. Remember, it is critically important that your letter is PERSONAL. Send a picture if you can. For tips on writing members of the General Assembly, click here.

We CALL...SAVE THE DATE! The Arc of Virginia and our advocacy partners will hold an "END THE WAIT" CALL IN DAY on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1. Together, we will ask Virginia to keep its promise to eliminate the ID/IFDDS Waiver waiting lists, as was stated in 2009 legislation. Stay tuned for more information coming soon...

We VISIT. .. To deliver our message in person, The Arc of Virginia is coordinating "A Life Like Yours" (ALLY) Days at the Virginia General Assembly. Each week, local chapters of The Arc and other advocacy partners will be visiting their legislators in Richmond to advocate for community-based services that provide "A Life Like Yours". For more information, please contact your local chapter. If you would like to organize an "A Life Like Yours" day at the General Assembly for your organization, please contact Jessica Fleenor at jfleenor@thearcofva.org

Posted 1/28/11

RALLY THE TROOPS!

Please send out the information (below) TODAY to all of your organizations, groups, list serves, facebook pages, and twitter accounts!

Let's get as many people out to support Maya's speech as possible!

See you all tomorrow

Saturday January 8, 2011
Local Delegation Budget Hearings
Stand to be heard!

Frank Stephens speaks at the Senate Hearings on Thursday Jan 6th.
Saturday January 8, 2011, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Govt Ctr Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035

Arrive at 8:45 am to receive your ALLY t-shirt and to find a seat before the hearing begins at 9:00 am. Maya Simoulan will be representing our issues as speaker #32 at approx. 10:30 am. When speaker #32 finishes we will all rise in solidarity and exit in unison.

Check out our YouTube video from Thursday's senate hearings.

What to bring: Bring written copies of your personal story. As we exit we leave behind all of the written stories for the legislators to read.

Why: We need to let the Fairfax Delegation of legislators know that we speak as one voice and we are a HUGE group of people. We need everyone there!

We need to fill up the auditorium so that when we leave in unison the auditorium will be almost empty without us.

Please RSVP to Elaine Eisenbaum for our headcount:

eeisenbaum@thearcofnova.org

We Made the News!
Check out the articles
The Washington Examiner:
Advocates Stage Organized Walk-out at Public Hearing

http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/01/advocates-stage-organized-walk-out-public-hearing

The Washington Post:
Hundreds Jam Appropriations Meeting in Search of Funding

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2011/01/hundreds_jam_appropriations_me.html

Around the State:
CBS Channel 6 in Richmond Va
http://www.wtvr.com/videobeta/4cfc7583-c1ff-40ba-bb61-807ebb54950e/News/State-Budget-Hearing

"A life like yours"
was developed as a way to educate the community that people with disabilities want the same things their peers want - a job, a home, a life in the community.

People who do not live with lifelong disabilities are often surprised to learn that:
"It's not so easy for someone with a disability to negotiate our community and get a job, a home and a life. With a little support from our friends, people and families living with disabilities can and do have the ability to enjoy a career, call a place home and participate in all aspects of a rich and rewarding lifestyle!

The Arc of Northern Virginia ~ 98 North Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 ~ 703-532-3214 703-532-3214 ~ www.thearcofnova.org

The Arc of Northern Virginia
Lynn Ruiz
Director of Community Relations
The Arc of Northern Virginia
Elaine Eisenbaum
Director of Advocacy
Posted 1/7/11

Legislative Agenda 2011

Do No Harm

PRESERVE and PROTECT the ability of the community-based system to meet the existing and critical needs of all Virginians with disabilities.

1.JOBS and Employment Supports for Virginians with disabilities

Jobs are a priority in Virginia. Jobs for Virginians with disabilities must be a priority as well. Like ALL Virginians - they want the opportunity to work, to earn wages, to pay taxes, to purchase goods in their communities, and to become self-supporting tax payers.

RESTORE funding that maintains jobs for 1,350 Virginians with disabilities. Critical employment supports were lost due to General Fund budget cuts at DRS between FY08-FY11. (LTESS/EES)
SUPPORT employment supports that develop jobs for 2,000 additional Virginians with disabilities.
PROMOTE the development of enhanced procurement opportunities, including an active State Use Program, that provide additional access to jobs for Virginians with disabilities.
RESTORE funding to eliminate the proposed 5% cut in waiver provider rates in FY12. Any cut will result in decreased provider capacity resulting in limited access to community services for families.
RESTORE funding to eliminate the 66% cut in HCBS Waiver respite services for families in FY12. Respite services are one of the most cost-effective services that waiver families receive.
SUPPORT funding for additional ID and DD waiver slots to significantly reduce current waiting lists – beginning with 900 ID Waiver and 275 IFDDS Waiver slots in FY12. Waiting lists exceed 6,000 individuals & families. Additional slots will help mitigate emergencies in the ID/DD service system.

2. MAINTAIN access to quality community-based services for Virginians with disabilities

SUPPORT funding to preserve critical case management and core services to Virginians with brain injury including veterans and wounded warriors.
SUPPORT funding for regional crisis stabilization services.
PROMOTE the development of a cost-based rate methodology for Medicaid services to ensure the availability and choice of providers to meet the needs of Virginians with disabilities.

3. PROMOTE the expansion of choice by all Virginians with disabilities in the delivery of community-based services that ensure quality, cost effectiveness and choice in their service delivery options.

4. PROMOTE language or influence action to diminish over-regulation of community-based providers of services.

For more information contact Karen Tefelski, Executive Director, ktefelski@vaaccses.org or 703/200-7660

Posted 1/6/2011

TAKE ACTION

Please help us stand up for "A Life Like Yours"!

                                                                     REMINDER More Info

                                                               January 6 Budget Hearings

                                                             JANUARY 6 BUDGET HEARINGS

                                                                     WE NEED YOU THERE!

The Arc of Virginia is urging self-advocates, family members, providers and concerned citizens to speak in support of "A Life Like Yours" on Thursday, January 6th at the regional public hearings on Virginia's budget. The hearings will take place:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2011 AT 10am

Fairfax County: Fairfax County Government Center, Board of Supervisors Auditorium

Abingdon: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2011, at 12pm

Norfolk: Norfolk State University, New Student Center, Room #149

Chesterfield County: John Tyler Community College, Chester Campus, Nicholas Auditorium

Lynchburg: Central Virginia Community College, Merritt Hall, Multi-purpose room

                                                                  2011 Budget Hearing Toolkit

To assist you in your advocacy efforts, The Arc of Virginia has prepared the 2011 Budget Hearing Toolkit, which includes:

How to prepare a budget hearing statement
Budget Hearing Tips and Logistics
Our KEY MESSAGE
The Arc of Virginia Budget Hearing Guidance
Sample Talking Points
Background facts on Virginia ID/DD Services
ID Waiver Waiting List Count by CSB
Ideas for how to tell your story
General Assembly Letter Writing
Directions to the budget hearings
How to stay connected with the "A Life Like Yours" movement
Click here to download The Arc of Virginia's 2011 Budget Hearing Toolkit.

Still have questions or need help preparing your statement? Contact your local chapter or The Arc of Virginia state office for assistance.

Our presence at the budget hearings is critical...

Virginia's budget still contains significant cuts to community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. If these budget items are not amended during the 2011 General Assembly session, the cuts will take effect on July 1, 2011.

In addition to the cuts, 6,400 Virginians with intellectual related developmental disabilities are on waiting lists for community-based services. While Governor McDonnell has proposed funding for 275 new Intellectual Disability (ID) Waivers in his introduced budget, additional Intellectual Disability (ID) Waivers and Developmental Disability (IFDDS) Waivers are needed to help people on the waiting lists access the services they need.

For more background on the state budget and what it means to people with developmental disabilities and their families, click here.

Please Send Us Your Story

As The Arc prepares for the 2011 General Assembly session, we need to know... How is your family affected by the policies contained in the current budget? Are you on a waiting list? Are you impacted by the cuts in reimbursement rates for services? Are you affected by reductions in respite, assistive technology or environmental modifications? Please send us your budget hearing testimony and/or personal story, letting us know if you give permission to share with legislators, your local chapter and/or the media. Stories can be sent to Jamie Liban at jliban@thearcofva.org.

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of "A Life Like Yours"!

www.thearcofva.org
Posted 1/5/2011

New Tax Assessment Changes Effective January 1, 2011
May Benefit Residential Providers

This bulletin provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. The excellent analysis was produced by Jeannie Cummins Eisenhour, Investment & Development Manager, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

Info Alert: Changes in Real Estate Tax Assessment Approach May Benefit Residential Providers

The General Assembly made changes to the Code of Virginia in 2010 that affect how localities assess the value of properties which operate as affordable rental housing. These changes*, which become effective January 1, 2011, may benefit residential provider organizations by reducing the real estate taxes on supportive housing units they own.

The legislative changes now allow a residential unit of any size to be assessed as affordable housing. So, qualified single family homes and condos that are rented as affordable housing can now be assessed this way. Residential providers must apply through their local real estate tax assessment offices to have their residential units qualified as "affordable housing." If qualified, the local assessor will assess the property using the income approach to valuation instead of a sales comparison or replacement cost approach. The income approach involves capitalizing the net income from the operation of the property into a value estimate by using a capitalization rate that provides a return on and of the property investment.

The income approach to valuation must be based on the property's current use, income restrictions, and provisions or restrictions of any arm's-length contract. This means applicants will have to submit documentation such as (a) the property's most recent annual income and expense statement, (b) a certified rent roll, and (c) copies of recorded loan documents or easements/restrictive covenants the owner has with any federal, state or local affordable housing loan programs that specify the property must be used as affordable housing and that identify any income or occupancy restrictions. In addition, residential providers that pursue this type of assessment will have to calculate a contract rent for each resident, charge this rent separately from service fees, and create a specific line item for rent in their budget and income/expense statements.

Properties that qualify for this alternative assessment approach must operate according to the locality's definition of affordable housing. It is unclear whether all localities have an ordinance or resolution establishing a definition of affordable housing for this purpose. Therefore, residential providers should contact the tax assessment office in the city or county where their property is located to inquire whether the property meets the locality's definition of affordable housing.

Assessments using the income approach to valuation can result in a sizeable adjustment in a property's assessed value. Compared to market-rate multifamily units in Fairfax County, affordable multifamily units had an average assessment discount of about 34% in 2010. The discount for single family homes is not known because 2011 will be the first year a property with fewer than four residential units can apply. If real estate tax rates remain steady or fall, residential providers could see a considerable decrease in their 2011 real estate taxes for qualified properties.

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* For Reference Only - Code of Virginia

Code of Virginia § 58.1-3295
§ 58.1-3295. (Effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2011) Assessment of real property; affordable housing.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in determining the fair market value of real property operated in whole or in part as affordable rental housing, in accordance with the provisions of (i) 26 U.S.C. § 42, 26 U.S.C. § 142(d), 24 CFR § 983, 24 CFR § 236, 24 CFR § 241(f), 24 CFR § 221(d) (3), or any successors thereto; (ii) applicable state law; or (iii) local ordinances adopted by the locality wherein such real property is located, the duly authorized real estate assessor shall consider:
1. The contract rent and the impact of applicable rent restrictions;
2. The actual operating expenses and expenditures and the impact of any such additional expenses or expenditures; and
3. Restrictions on the transfer of title or other restraints on alienation of the real property.
The owner of real property that is operated in whole or in part as affordable rental housing in accordance with the definition of affordable rental housing established by ordinance or resolution of the locality in which the real property is located may make an application to the locality to have the real property assessed pursuant to this section. Notwithstanding the exception in § 58.1-3294 for an owner of four or fewer residential units, upon application by such an owner, the duly authorized real estate assessor may require the owner to comply with all provisions of § 58.1-3294. The application shall be granted by the locality if (i) the owner charges rents at levels that meet the locality's definition of affordable housing and (ii) the real property does not have any pending building code violations at the time of the application.
The duly authorized real estate assessor shall also consider evidence presented by the property owner of other restrictions imposed by law that impact the variables set forth in this subsection.
B. Federal or state income tax credits with respect to affordable housing rental property within the purview of subsection A shall not be considered real property or income attributable to real property.
C. For property where only a portion of the units are operated as affordable housing, as defined in § 42 of the Internal Revenue Code or as required by state law or applicable local ordinance, only the portion determined to be affordable housing shall be subject to this section.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision in this section or other law, the real property governed by this section that is generating income as affordable housing shall be assessed using the income approach based on: the property's current use, income restrictions, provisions of any arm's-length contract including but not limited to restrictions on the transfer of title or other restraints on alienation of the real property, the requirements of subsection B, and all other provisions of this section.
(2006, c. 688; 2009, c. 264; 2010, cc. 552, 791, 824.)

Jeannie Cummins Eisenhour
Investment & Development Manager
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
Posted 12-22-10

Governor McDonnell's Budget

Summary of Governor McDonnell's Budget Amendments More Info

How are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities affected?

GOVERNOR MCDONNELL'S BUDGET

On Thursday, December 16, Governor McDonnell sent a press release about his proposal to increase funding for behavioral health and developmental disability services. Speaking about these proposals, Governor McDonnell said "This additional funding is a 'down payment' toward addressing critical concerns and moving Virginia closer to a community-based model of services and supports. The initiatives we are putting forward will enable those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a more self-determined life and support those with mental illness on their journey to recovery". To read the press release in full, click here.

Governor McDonnell officially released his proposed 2010-2012 state budget on

Friday, December 17.

Here is a summary of what was in his proposed budget:

$9.8 million ($19.5 million total with federal funds) was provided to fund 275 new Intellectual Disability Waivers. These waivers will help people on the ID Waiver waiting list, as well as people with ID living in state institutions, receive community-based services in FY12.
There was no new IFDDS Waivers in the budget. This means that unless the General Assembly provides additional funding, there will be no new waivers for individuals and families on the IFDDS Waiver waiting list through June 30, 2012.
$5 million was provided to create community-based crisis stabilization services in FY12 for people with co-occurring intellectual disability and mental health support needs to avoid admissions to state institutions.
No funding was provided to eliminate the 5% cut in Medicaid Waiver reimbursement rates. This means that unless the General Assembly restores the funding, reimbursement rates for all Medicaid Waiver services (except skilled nursing in the Tech Waiver) will be reduced by 5%, effective July 1, 2011.
No funding was provided to eliminate the 2/3 cut in Waiver respite services. This means that unless the General Assembly restores the funding, the annual limit on respite hours would be reduced from 720 hours per person to 240 hours per person, effective July 1, 2011.
No funding was provided to eliminate reductions in Environmental Modifications and Assistive Technology. This means that unless the General Assembly restores the funding, the annual limits for Environmental Modifications and Assistive Technology will both be reduced from $5,000/per person to $3,000/per person effective July 1, 2011.
$400,000 was provided for five positions at DBHDS to work with residents of state institutions and their families to plan for transition from facility to community settings.
$7.1 million was provided for Virginia's state-operated institutions to "address staffing ratios and ensure the safety of all training center residents."
$514,641 was provided to add six licensing positions at DBHDS in order to "increase the capacity to monitor community-based providers of services to individuals with behavioral health or developmental disabilities."
$200,000 was provided for DBHDS to contract with consultants to provide staff training at DBHDS state institutions.
The Governor's budget also includes proposed additional changes to intellectual and developmental disability services. While these "language amendments" do not focus on funding, they do affect services and supports.

Here is a summary of language amendments affecting people with ID/DD:

One amendment allows the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to "develop and implement a care coordination model for individuals receiving services in the Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities (MR/ID) waiver to be effective July 1, 2012."
Another amendment says that DMAS may "allow all individuals currently enrolled in home and community based care (HCBC) waivers to also be enrolled in Medallion II managed care organizations for the purposes of receiving acute care medical care services effective January 1, 2011."
A third amendment says DMAS may "implement a care coordination program for Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction (EDCD) waiver participants effective October 1, 2012. These services would be provided to adult EDCD wavier participants on a mandatory basis."
There are other amendments that refer to expanding principles of care coordination to "all services, populations and services under programs administered by the department".
Finally, an amendment allows EDCD Waiver participants who have an intellectual disability "to receive respite services from a children's residential facility licensed for respite for children with ID".
Advocates are still in the process of researching the intent of the proposed "care coordination" language so we can interpret how these amendments would affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What you need to know:

This budget provides $15 million in state funds to improve Virginia's community-based system for people with developmental disabilities. For the first time since 2006, new waivers for individuals/families on waiting lists were provided in the Governor's budget.
Nearly $40 million (state funds) in services for people with disabilities was cut in this budget ($79 million total with federal funds). By not taking action on proposed cuts to ID/DD services, the Governor approved the implementation of cuts in reimbursement rates, respite, environmental modifications and assistive technology.
The impact of some budget items remains unclear. The Arc will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and members of the General Assembly to clarify the intent of those items and in response, we will continue to advocate for the best services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Background on the Budget Process:

Every year, prior to General Assembly session, the Governor introduces his proposed state budget. Virginia's budget is a biennial budget, covering two fiscal years. Each fiscal year starts July 1st and ends June 30th. We are currently in FY 2011. July 1, 2011 will mark the start of the second year of the budget, FY12. The Governor's Budget begins the budget development process.

At the beginning of General Assembly session (which will convene on January 12, 2011), legislators submit amendments to the Governor's proposed budget. These amendments are then reviewed by the House Appropriations Committee or the Senate Finance Committee. The deadline for submitting amendments is usually within a week from the start of session.

There is then a series of dates established for the discussion and narrowing of the budget amendments between now and the end of General Assembly session. Click here for a chart that provides more information on Virginia's budget process.
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What happens next?

The Arc of Virginia will send our legislative agenda in response to the proposed budget soon, as well as talking points and tips for the January 6 statewide budget hearings.

Questions?

If you are unsure how you or someone you care about might be affected by the proposed budget, please contact your local chapter of The Arc for more information. A local chapter listing can be found on our website at www.thearcofva.org/about/local_chapters.html. Don't have a local chapter of The Arc in your community? Contact The Arc of Virginia with questions and for information about how you can help get a chapter started in your hometown.

The Arc of Virginia
www.thearcofva.org
www.facebook.com/TheArcofVA
www.twitter.com/TheArcofVA

Not a member of The Arc?
Please help support our advocacy efforts-JOIN TODAY!

Posted 12-22-10

    FMAP Update

FMAP Update More Info

Please keep the phone calls coming!

Last week, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the tax extender bill which includes a six-month extension of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's temporary increase in the federal share of Medicaid spending (FMAP). As we have mentioned in previous alerts, several cuts to critical community-based services for Virginians with developmental disabilities will go into effect without the swift enactment of FMAP.

While last week's vote to move the bill forward was 56Y-40N (60 votes are needed), it is important for you to know that Senator Warner and Senator Webb both voted YES. Please call and say THANK YOU!

A compromise bill is currently being considered in the Senate. Another vote is likely to occur tonight or tomorrow. While the new FMAP funding provided in the compromise bill is lower than what it was in last week's bill, the compromise bill would still help to ensure many critical services stay intact.

How you can help:

Please call Senator Warner 202-224-2023 and
Senator Webb                             202-224-4024         202-224-4024                       202-224-4024         202-224-4024 as soon as possible.
Posted 6-25-10

The Message:

1. Thank you for your support of the FMAP extension last week.

2. Virginians with developmental disabilities and their families are counting on you. Without the swift enactment of FMAP, critical community-based services will be eliminated here in our state.

3. Please continue to fight for the FMAP extension. By doing so, you are protecting "A Life Like Yours" for Virginians with developmental disabilities!


Help Avert Drastic Medicaid Cuts

Take Action!

Ask Your Representative to Sign on to the Medicaid FMAP Dear Colleague letter

Background

The clock is ticking on state budgets. Nearly all states are finalizing their 2011 budgets that begin on July 1. And many have already factored in an increase in the federal governments share of Medicaid (known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)). At least 25 states including Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington are already relying on this increased funding in their FY11 state budgets.

Without swift enactment of a six-month FMAP extension, states will be forced to make very deep cuts in programs, including home and community based services, supported employment, dental care and even basic health care.

Congress must pass the FMAP extension NOW.

Several members of Congress have drafted a "Dear Colleague" letter to urging the leadership in this House of Representatives to help enact legislation to extend the Medicaid FMAP. Click here to read the letter.

Take Action

Please call your representative's office as soon as possible. The phone number and sample talking points are provided when you click on the "Take Action" link.

What to say:

May I please speak to the staff person who covers health?
I am calling to urge Representative _________________to sign-on to the FMAP Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representatives Pingree, Baldwin, Green and Capps.
People with disabilities depend on Medicaid for their very survival. Without an extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase, we will lose vital services.
The deadline for signing on is the end of this week. Offices that agree to sign-on should contact jennifer.taylor@mail.house.gov in Rep. Pingree's office.

Please call. The reality is that staff on Capitol Hill rarely read constituent email anymore. There is just too much of it to keep track of. The best measures they have about what constituents need are telephone calls or personal visits.

Thank you in advance for your advocacy.