Legislative Action Alert - February 16, 2010
Good afternoon friend of the DLC,
Take heart, we are almost halfway through! A lot happened on the appropriations front this week and I want to bring you up to speed on a couple of bills of interest.
First off, each of the appropriations committees finalized their Fiscal Year 2011 list of recommendations for executive appropriations. I have to say that, for the most part, I am pleasantly surprised with the results. At the urging of Representatives Powell and Ferry, along their Democratic colleagues, the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee members voted to preserve community-based provider rates and all DSPD state-only funded and waiver services. The only less than stellar news to come out of HHS appropriations was a reduction in community mental health services and a substantial cut to Adult Protective Services. After the meeting, I overheard Representative Powell comment on the influence that conversations with constituents have had on his understanding and appreciation of the community's concerns. Way to go, everybody!
In other appropriations news, it appears as though the Public Education Appropriations Committee accepted the recommendation of the Superintendent of the Utah State Schools for the Deaf and Blind to find savings by closing the residential program and shifting more experienced teachers into the classroom. Also, Commerce and Workforce Services Committee recommended no further cuts to the General Assistance program and requested that the Executive Appropriations Committee allow the Department of Workforce Services to reinvest any federal reimbursement of General Assistance funds in the program. Unfortunately, the Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee recommended that the remaining Juvenile Justice Services receiving centers be eliminated and that several community-based beds for youth in JJS custody be closed. I am still checking on the fate of any money for independent living and assistive technology.
After the final revenue projections come out this Tuesday, we will know whether further changes need to be made because the state has more or less money than it thought. Then, the action shifts to the Executive Appropriations Committee where members of leadership will finalize the budget for the coming year. As I mentioned, Executive Appropriations tends to follow the appropriations subcommittees' recommendations. However, it is always possible that things could change. Therefore, please thank your elected representatives and members of leadership for their efforts so far and urge them to do more, if possible. Clearly, there is still work to be done. For a list of members of the Executive Appropriations Committee, visit http://www.le.state.ut.us/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2010&Com=APPEXE.
As for non-money issues, the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee adopted intent language allowing the DSPD to redesign the home and community-based services waiver system to focus more on cost-effective proactive and preventive supports. The Committee also directed the Division to explore options for privatizing the Utah State Developmental Center. Of course, the DLC will be closely following and involved in both of these initiatives as they move forward.
On a potentially related note, please click here to read a factsheet on Senate Bill 160 by Sen. Dayton. The bill could have the effect of slowly enlarging the Utah State Developmental Center. It is my understanding that Sen. Dayton may be using this bill as a bargaining chip to preserve current funding for the USDC. Even so, as you talk to your elected officials, you may want to mention that the middle of an economic crisis is not the best time to be considering expanding our most expensive alternative. Instead, we should be promoting equal and equitable access to the full continuum of services so that individuals with disabilities and their families truly can choose the option that works best for them.
Finally, on Thursday the House passed Rep. Wimmer's First Substitute House Bill 67 by a vote of 53-20. The bill requires the Legislature to vote to implement each part of any federal healthcare reform that may become law in the future. To find out more about the potential consequences, please visit www.healthpolicyproject.org.
For the latest updates, please visit www.le.state.ut.us. For more information, please visit www.disabilitylawcenter.org/legislative-advocacy.htm. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. As always, thank you for your interest and support,
Andrew Riggle
Public Policy Advocate
1-800-662-9080 (Voice) or 1-800-550-4182 (TTY)
801-557-9182 (Mobile)
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org