The Arc of California

Board Meeting Minutes

May 30, 2012

2:00 p.m.

Attending: Dwight Stratton, President; Dick Fitzmaurice, Vice President; Sandy Waterbury, Secretary; Peter Bowers, Treasurer; Tony Anderson, Executive Director; Greg de Giere, The Arc of CA; Pat Heineke, Past President; Michael McGinnis, The Arc of Butte County; Bruce Mac Kenzie, Alpha Resource Center; Betsy Katz, Placer Arc; Elizabeth Marchant, Placer Arc; Tim Hornbecker, The Arc of CA; Shirley Dove, The Arc of Ventura; Gwen Lopez, The Arc of CA; Jim Baldwin, BARC; Jennifer Griffin, Alpha Resource Center; Jim Stream, The Arc of Riverside County, Patty Moore, Family Resource Center; John Kelly, The Arc of Solano; Fred Robinson, The Arc of Ventura County.

The meeting was called to order by President Stratton at 2:15 a.m. President Stratton welcomed everyone and all present introduced themselves.

Agenda: M/S/C Bowers-Heineke Approval of agenda.

President’s Report: We hope to continue to have an effect on the May Revise Budget. Tony and Greg are working hard in this area.

Executive Director’s Report: Tony thanked everyone for attending and requested their presence for tomorrow’s board meeting. He also mentioned that though attendance is lower, we can be a small but dynamic group.

Tony reported that approximately 2000 attended Capitol Action Day which was more that last year. He also previewed what will be discussed at today and tomorrow’s meetings.

CCE Report: Michael reported that CCE met last night and they have no items to bring to the board.

Arc US: There are 4 representatives on the board from CA (see handout.) Currently they are working on a sibling network to advise on policy issues that affect siblings.

Arc national is moving to get rid of “the rope.” Peter Burns is looking to have all NCE executive directors be members of the association and play a greater role.

The position statements for this year’s convention are included in the packet and were discussed by those present.

People First of CA: Funding has been cut for People First and Self Advocacy Network (SAN) has been started. The board discussed the way in which these two organizations differ. It can be confusing to have two organizations. People First is run by individuals with DD/ID and has set rules. The state office will continue to support People First in Sacramento.

Communications: Tony reported on the communications being maintained to keep members up to date. Our biggest list is the Action Alerts. We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Lawsuit Update: The lawsuit was filed in Sept 2011 with The Arc of CA and UCPSD as the main plaintiffs. The lawsuit is based on the fact that the cuts are illegal. The state changed rates to providers without doing a study to determine the impact on the constituency. They are also in violation of federal law regarding Medicare and Medi-Cal money. There are several other cases pending in the courts and they have won at every level. Our case is at the 9th district circuit and we are waiting to hear what the U.S. Supreme Court decides on the other cases.

We are looking for information on programs that have closed due to the cuts, as well as the affect on the quality of the programs. The board discussed different studies needed to show harm.

The board also discussed the cost of the lawsuit and how more donations will be needed. Arc of San Diego cannot accept the financial responsibility, but will continue to provide limited financial support. The case is stayed for now and we are waiting for the November elections to decide our course of action.

Community Organizing: Tim reviewed the community organizing agreement with the Gamaliel Foundation and the objectives. He also reviewed the outcomes of several successful actions such as community college requirements and a national program which is creating 1 million new jobs.

Tim also spoke about how legislation is needed to change liability to doctors who volunteer their time in Ca.

Recess: Meeting will continue at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

The Arc of California

Board Meeting Minutes

May 31, 2012

10:00 a.m.

The meeting was called to order by President Stratton at 10:00 a.m. President Stratton welcomed everyone and all present introduced themselves.

Finance Committee: Peter reviewed the financial statements noting that expenses are down this year due to the grant ending. Also, some of the travel expenses for Tony are covered by Arc US. Dues have also been increased and some have gone down, but the chapters are still contributing at the higher rate. There are several chapters that are significantly behind in dues. Our Balance Sheet is in a much stronger position than a year ago.

M/S/C Clark-Dove Approve financial statements.

Public Policy: Peter reviewed the successes this year in public policy. He also reviewed a bill we are co-sponsoring with Senator Pavley which would remove the R word from state code. We were also able to work with the author to improve the language in the Employment 1st bill.

Greg announced that the one year rate increase of 1 ¼ % will sunset in one year. He also reviewed bills regarding community colleges and how they help people with DD/ID. Bills in the criminal justice and civil rights area were also discussed.

Budget: Discussion was held regarding matching funds from federal government and people on the waiver. There was also discussion regarding dental care and whether regional centers or Medi-Cal will pay for it.

No close date yet for Lanterman Developmental Center.

Prevention: Theresa reported that the prevention luncheon raised $1,700 in March. She also spoke about the lifejacket loan program and the water safety campaign. Theresa would like to purchase life vests and donate them to the Dept. of Boating throughout the state. We could have our logo on them and raise community awareness.

Theresa also discussed bill AB 540 which would bring in federal money for alcohol and drug screening.

Workforce Development: Tony discussed increasing the quality of direct service professionals through learning programs such as Essential Learning and College of Direct Support. He encouraged chapters to have some form of learning for DS professionals.

Tony also reported that as the state chapter for Alliance in Full Participation we have added about 15 new members. We will have presenters at our next Supportive Life Conf.

Business Development: The board discussed starting a Corporate Colleagues Program with businesses we already have a relationship with. Business could meet with us to sale their products and could also do advertising. Several ideas for fundraisers were also mentioned.

Minutes: M/S/C Kelly-McGinnis Approve minutes.

IPP: Approximately 1000 people have been through IPP training. This might be a way to develop membership. We are looking for a grant so we could create an online training program. Patty suggested webinar training in the mean time.

Tony discussed a letter from DDS sent to all regional centers regarding the IPP and strengthening people’s rights through training.

Employment: Alliance for Full Participation (AFP) is looking for ways to improve employment outcomes. They are looking at service clubs to reach out to for help. They are also looking at government programs and way to improve them.

AB2338 – Employment 1st Bill – its goal is to increase employment outcomes for people with DD/ID.

Tony also discussed how paper SSI checks will be discontinued next year. You can have direct deposit or a debit card.

Lanterman Coalition: Tony reviewed the efforts of the Lanterman Coalition which is currently meeting regularly with Terri Delgadillo. Art Bolton has recently joined the group. His goals are to close all developmental centers and develop a pact that protects the Lanterman Act and the IPP.

CASACC: Tony discussed the CASACC and how they focused on giving the message that the 4.25% cuts must sunset.

CA FASD: Arc CA chairs this group that looks at public policy issues and ways to get word out to not drink while pregnant. Tony discussed 9-9 event at the capitol.

New Business: CCE meeting 9-20 12 in Bakersfield. Date of next meeting 11-9-12 in Ventura.

Adjourn: 2:47