Legislative & Public Policy Committee (LPPC) Minutes
October 17, 2013
Members Present / Members AbsentRay Ceragioli, Chair
Jennifer Allen
Tho Vinh Banh
Dan Boomer
Lisa Davidson
David Forderer
Connie Lapin
Janelle Lewis
April Lopez / Brian Gutierrez
David Mulvaney
Others Present
Mark Polit
Bob Phillips
Karim Alipourfard
Michael Brett
1. Call to order
Chairperson Ceragioli called the meeting to order at 10:08 AM.
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM
A quorum was established.
3. INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Members introduced themselves and announcements were made. Chairman Ceragioli announced that he is stepping down as Chair, as his term on the Council will be expiring in 2014. He spoke about the success of legislation this year, especially AB 1041, SB 468, and SB 555, and how much it means to people with developmental disabilities and their families.
4. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 22, 2013 MINUTES
Connie Lapin moved and Jennifer Allen seconded to approve the August 22, 2013 minutes. Motion passed 7-0-1.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Many members of the committee thanked Chairman Ceragioli for his leadership, mentorship, and his friendship during his time as Chair of the committee. Under his leadership, the committee has functioned harmoniously and productively.
6. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
A. Summary of State Legislation Outcomes. Mark Polit updated the committee on the status of Council supported and Council sponsored legislation.
B. Legislative Platform and Existing Policies
Discussion of this agenda item was deferred to the next meeting.
7. PROPOSAL FOR A SERVICE DOG WEEK
No action was taken by the committee.
8. FORMATION OF AN EDUCATION POLICY WORK-GROUP
Connie Lapin moved and Daniel Boomer seconded to form an educational policy sub-committee. The motion was adopted 9-0-0.
9. NEXT STEPS – POLICY FOCUS OF THE COUNCIL
Tony Anderson, Executive Director of the Arc of California, and Chris Arroyo, Interim Executive Director of Area Board 10, presented on the last several years of budget reductions. The committee discussed creating priorities for restoration of budget cuts. The committee wanted to hear from Area Boards on their ideas, based on their local experience. Therefore, staff will query the Area Board directors for that purpose. The LPPC will meet again November 12 to have a more extended discussion.
To help assess priorities, the committee asked for a 45 minute presentation from Tho Vinh Banh on regional center data on equity in service delivery. Janelle Lewis moved and April Lopez seconded. The motion carried 9-0-0.
Tony Anderson distributed a draft letter from the Lanterman Coalition asking the Council to sign on. Mark Polit explained that three new developments have a significant impact on labor costs for DD providers: (1) Increase in minimum wage to $10/hr., (2) revised rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act on the Companionship Exemption to overtime, and (3) employer requirements to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Polit emphasized that the committee did not need to approve the exact language of the letter, just agree to the policy idea that rates should be adjusted to help compensate for these additional labor costs. Exact wording would be left to staff. David Forderer moved and Daniel Boomer seconded to sign on the letter. The motion passed 7-1-1.
10. NEXT MEETING AND 2014 CALENDAR
The next meetings were scheduled for November 12, 2013 and January 14, 2014.
11. Adjournment
Chairman Ceragioli adjourned the meeting at 3:12 PM.
Page 3 of 3