MondayMorning Memo, February 27, 2017
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Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.
…The Week Ahead
New Executive Director Starts March15, 2017
I am looking forward to Jordan Lindsey, our new Executive Director, officially joining The Arc family on March 15th, 2017. Both he and I will be meeting with some funders and the Lanterman Coalition prior to that time, but no sooner does Jordan start then The Arc and UCP of California hosts the 10th Annual Public Policy Conference on March 26-28 in Sacramento. You won’t want to miss it or meet him there! Please see updated information below, especially on the extension of room rates for one week. Are room block at the Holiday Inn is almost completely filled.
The Arc of the United States is a sponsoring organization for the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. on March 20-22.Chad Carlock has been helping to coordinate our visits on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 22th. If you or members of your chapter/organization are attending, please contact me so that we can try to visit as many legislators as possible in groups of 3-5 advocates. As you know, many legislators need a list of who will be visiting.
I will be meeting this Wednesday with a panel presenting advocacy proposals, coordinated by Nicole Vasquez, Assembly Budget Committee Consultant, addressing the Lanterman Coalition Budget Goals and Details for 2017-18.
I would like to officially recognize and thank The Arc of Alameda County and especially their President/CEO, Ron Luter, for the opportunity to serve as The Arc California’s Interim Executive Director. I have been a ‘loaned executive’ from their chapter since the beginning of December, in order to lead the Executive Search for Tony Anderson’s replacement and to keep our state chapter representing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Public Policy Conference March 26-28, 2017
REGISTER NOW! EarlyBird Registration Rates end Saturday March 4th!
The Arc/UCP California Collaboration presents:
10th Annual Developmental Disabilities Public Policy Conference March 26-28th.
Featured Keynote Speakers
We are so excited to announce our confirmed lineup of featured keynote speakers to compliment the 50+ content experts.
Sue Swenson,a lifelong advocate/mom and former US acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services(OSERS) is our Sunday lunch keynote speaker joining us to share her inspiring journey and speak about our"Fundamental Rights in a Changing World: Now What?"
Peter Berns,CEO of The Arc US is back by popular demand to discuss the new Congress and the new Administrationand what's at stake today!
Thomas Coleman,Legal Director of the Spectrum Institute is joining us as an expert on
Supported Decision-Making, essential knowledge for all as we promote more independence for people with disabilities.
OurLanterman Coalition Teamwill Kick Off our 2017 Campaign with details on the realities we face this year.
John Ariale,principal drafter of theABLE ACTwill be offering an intensive training with
Christina Elliott, Executive Director of CalABLE Boardon the implementation of this essential legislation for families and persons with disabilities.
Our Monday lunch keynoteis entitled"Diversity and its Discontents: Towards a More Inclusive Union"brought to us by
Jaideep Singh Ph.D.,Co-founder of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and professor at UC Berkeley, teaching courses focused on the centrality of race, ethnicity, gender and class.
Keeping with ourDiversity and Building Inclusive Communitytheme we will also host an
LGBTQ Paneldiscussing the realities of serving, advocating and participating in this community from all perspectives.
Barbara Merrill, CEO of ANCOR will be addressingThe Workforce Crisis and Why it Matters to Medicaid Reform(new HCBS rule).
TheBlueprint on Employment: Employing Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in CA will be presented by Joe Xavier, Director DOR; Kristin Wright Director Special Education Division CDE; Denyse Curtright, Works Services Division, DDS.
Mike Heraldof the Western Center on Law & Poverty will address SSI and Affordable Housing in today's climate.
Connie and Harvey Lapinwill share the Pros & Cons of CA's Self-Determination Program in 2017.
Ann-Louise Kuhnswill help us understand CCS as we Transition to Managed Care in CA
Karen Keeslar,Executive Director of CAPA andClaire Ramseyfrom Justice in Aging will share the latest on IHSS in CA
Health Wellness Programwill be delivered byHayne Slocum,a HealthMatters Trainer,Shannon Jurich, Ph.D.,and our ownTim Hornbeckerof The Arc Alameda Co.
Stay tuned right here for more details as they develop......
Here's a link to our Program:
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
DISCOUNT HOTEL RATE ($105/night) extended to FEBRUARY 24, 2017
Here is your booking link for The Holiday Inn, Sacramento forMarch 23-28, 2017:10th Annual Developmental Disabilities ConferenceFor anyone that prefers to call in to
(916) 446 -0010, the group code is simplyA10.On-line bookers should use the calendar icon to select Check In and Check Out dates before clicking on Check Availability to select available accommodations.
News from the National Office/ Disability Policy Seminar 2017: 27 Days Left!
4 Weeks till DPS 2017! Join us at this year's crucial Disability Policy Seminar to get informed, connected, and ready to protect the things that matter most. Access to our bedrock federal programs and civil rights protections are at risk. We MUST be diligent, informed, and ready to act! The event is packed with informative sessions from experts in the field, and opportunities to discuss key issues with others from your state. We need you there with us-register today!
March 20 - 22, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
NATIONAL REQUEST from The Arc of the Unites States:
Seeking input and participation from families or unrelated caregivers in I/DD Community!Dear colleague,
We are writing to you as a follow up to an e-mail we sent to you on January 26 regarding theFamily and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) Survey. As mentioned in previous correspondence, we have officially launched the 2017 FINDS survey in both print and electronic formats. In our efforts to gather survey data which is insightful and reflective of the diversity of the United States, we are asking our colleagues to help us disseminate the survey to their respective audiences through email lists, newsletters and social media channels. We are hoping that you would join us in this outreach effort.
You can find information about the 2017 FINDS survey here.
We are inviting family or unrelated caregivers aged 18 years or older who provide primary paid/unpaid and frequent support to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) living in the United States and U.S. Territories to participate in the survey. We are not seeking respondents whose primary relationship with an individual with IDD is as a direct support professional or paid caregiver for that individual(s).
We are hoping that you could help us by either sending out the link to our survey to your organization’s email contacts, posting the survey link on your social media channels, or forwarding this email to others that you think would want to participate. Promotional materials, including sample Twitter and Facebook posts, emails, newsletter blurbs, andpaper-based surveys in English and in Spanish, are also available here.
We greatly appreciate your support in this endeavor. Please feel free to forward this email on to any interested parties. If you have any questions, please contact:
Amie Lulinski, PhD, Director of Research and Evaluation, The Arc of the United States.
We thank you in advance for your participation.
Calendar:
MondayFebruary 27, 2017 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2017 Innovation Conference
sponsored by Let’s Get Healthy California
Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J Street
Tuesday February 28, 2017 9:30 AM
Public Testimony on Inclusive Playgrounds
Board of Supervisor’s Chambers
70 West Hedding Street, 1st floor,
San Jose, CA
Wednesday March 1, 20172:30 PM
Assembly Advocacy Panel Hearing, Room 444 (tentative)
Lanterman Coalition Goals and Explanations
Thursday March 2, 2017 8:00 AM
Staff Meeting at The Arc California
Friday March 3, 2017 12 Noon
Meeting with the May and Stanley Smith Foundation
…Public Policy Reports
Help Stop Service Program Closings
Dear Developmental Disability Friends,
We love it when the minimum wage goes up and the hard-working, under-paid professionals who care for people with disabilities get a little more in their pay checks.
The problem is that the state sometimes doesn’t cover the costs to the community agencies that hire and pay these dedicated workers. Most of our community agencies are always on the financial edge, and a minimum wage increase -- with no money to pay for it -- sometimes forces service programs to shut their doors.
This is an especially major problem now, with local governments throughout the state raising their minimum wages. Many services for people with disabilities could be crushed.
Please take about 40 seconds today to send one email supporting Assembly Bill 279 by Assemblymember Chris Holden to make the state cover these costs and save these service programs. Just click here and follow the prompts.
These point-and-click emails are easy, and legislators know it, so it can take a lot of them to make a difference. Please take the time to do it now.
And thank you for your advocacy,
Greg deGiere
2017 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR FIRST YEAR OF BIENNIUM CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY 2017–18 REGULAR CALENDAR 2017
Mar. 1 – Assembly Budget Hearings
Mar. 31 —Cesar Chavez Day.
Apr. 6 —Spring Recess begins upon adjournment (J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 17 —Legislature reconvenes from Spring Recess (J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 28 —Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees fiscal bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(2)).
May 12 —Last day for policy committees to hear and report to the Floor nonfiscal bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(3)).
May 19 —Last day for policy committees to meet prior to June 5 (J.R. 61(a)(4)).
May 26 —Last day for fiscal committees to hear and report bills to the Floor (J.R. 61(a)(5)). Last day for fiscal committees to meet prior to June 5 (J.R. 61(a)(6)).
May 29—Memorial Day observed.
May 30-June 2 —Floor Session only. No committee may meet for any purpose except Rules Committee, bills referred pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2, and Conference Committees(J.R. 61(a)(7)).
June 2 —Last day to pass bills out of house of origin (J.R.61(a)(8)).Committee meetings may resume (J.R. 61(a)(9)).
June 15 —Budget Bill must be passed by midnight (Art. IV, Sec.12(c)(3)).
July 4—Independence Day.
July 14 —Last day for policy committees to hear and report fiscal bills for referral to fiscal committees (J.R. 61(a)(10)).
July 21 —Last day for policy committees to hear and report bills (J.R.61(a)(11)). Summer Recess begins upon adjournment, provided Budget Bill has been passed (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Aug. 21—Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Sep. 1 Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills to the Floor (J.R. 61(a)(12)).
Sep. 4 —Labor Day.
Sep. 5-15 —Floor Session only. No committee may meet for any purpose except Rules Committee, bills referred pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2, and Conference Committees (J.R.61(a)(13)).
Sep. 8 —Last day to amend on the Floor (J.R. 61(a)(14)).
Sep. 15 —Last day for any bill to be passed J.R. 61(a)(15)). Interim Recess begins upon adjournment (J.R. 51(a)(4)).
Oct. 15 —Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before Sept. 15 and in the Governor’s possession after Sept. 15 (Art. IV, Sec.10(b)(1)).
(SOME DATES INCLUDED IN THIS CALENDAR ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Greg deGiere
Public Policy Director
The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaborative
1225 Eighth Street, Suite 350, Sacramento, CA 95814
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Also, sign up for: The Arc US Capitol Insider
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Project Status Report
Advocacy and Community Organizing
The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaborative
The Assembly hearings start on March 1st. I was asked by Nicole Vasquez, Assembly Budget Consultant, to present the Lanterman Coalition 2017-18 Budget Goals and Explanations. I have listed them again in this week’s MMM because of their importance. Almost all the subcommittee members are new and not knowledgeable about our issues. This is true on our federal level as well, so all of us need to reach out and educate our newly elected. Below are both our goals and explanations.
Lanterman Coalition 2017-18 Budget Goals and Explanations
1. Prevent the loss of federal funds that would result from noncompliance with the new Home and Community Based Services rules.
The DDS community service system today depends on $2 billion in federal Medicaid funds annually. As ALL of California’s Medicaid funding is subject to change, given the new proposals at the federal level for block granting, per-capita allotments, or otherwise reducing available federal funds for health care financing, we must urge state budget deliberations regarding MediCal to include some recognition of the continuing need for sustaining the services in the DDS system in the future. As the Lanterman Act is California’s unique program celebrated for stabilizing community living for more than 300,000 residents with developmental disabilities, preserving the use of federal funds is a direct offset to state general funds which would otherwise be needed for the same service supports if it disappears. Please emphasize the importance of this funding in any deliberations state policymakers have in communicating with the federal government. ANY loss in federal funds will not only hurt the consumers involved but it will also preclude this state’s ability to comply with federal Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) regulations by the present deadline of 2019 or ever.
2. Restructure state and community-based agency responsibilities by: (a) expeditiously completing the closure of the developmental centers, and thus also recapturing federal funding currently suspended due to the inadequacy of the DCs; (b) providing timely and sufficient funds to assure community services are available to consumers moving out of the DCs; and (c) retaining state funds and assets currently devoted to the DCs and utilizing them for the community-based system.
The Lanterman Coalition continues to urge closure of the remaining DCs expeditiously, while keeping each individual’s health and safety central. These centers have lost federal funding, and the state General Fund has been forced to backfill these lost dollars. When transferred to the community, residents of DCs, by definition, will be eligible for federal funding, restoring federal participation in their care and support.
The Governor’s Budget anticipates a DC population of 760 residents at the beginning of the year, declining by 490 by the need of the 2017-18 fiscal year. This translates into a cost of nearly $600,000 per person.
We support the transfer of the consumers into the community and the provision of whatever dollars are necessary to provide appropriate support in the community –- significantly less than in the DCs. We also support transfer of the entire DC budget allocation to the community to support these residents, address unmet community needs, and help cover the rising costs of exiting community services and supports.
3. Guarantee funding required to comply with federal, state and local mandates.
Community service providers have no choice but to comply with state and local minimum wage increases and all other government mandates. Yet while the state covers some of these costs through often cumbersome and expensive procedures, others go unfunded.
We ask legislators to adopt a simple mechanism to make providers whole.
4. Save community-based services that otherwise would close and would cost the state more to replace.
Rate freezes have locked into place the rates of programs across the board. There have been only sporadic and usually highly-targeted increases, most often for wage/benefit increases and not for other unavoidable operating costs. Some programs are locked into very old rates and have seen mandate-driven and location-specific costs go up with no way to meet them.
While all programs are hard-pressed, some are far closer to the brink of failure than others. When programs fail, the lives of people they serve are severely disrupted. When they are transferred to other existing programs, or when new programs are created for them, the cost of service is often significantly higher to the state than if the original programs had been stabilized.
We support providing DDS with authority to permit programs on the brink of collapse to apply for relief and to negotiate rate increases sufficient to save the programs -- rates no higher than the cost of replacement programs, including any increased transportation costs. Such authority would be more appropriate, clearer and more expeditious than the current health and safety exemption, and would provide the state with a cost avoidance strategy.
5. Assure that the state selects a consultant for the 2019 rate methodology study who will incorporate the actual costs for delivering quality community services.
ABX2-1 requires DDS to create a new rate system to pay vendors serving people with developmental disabilities. DDS is hiring consultants to create the new rate structure. We ask legislators to work with the disability community and DDS, ensuring:
a. Transparency in the process. We urge a continued commitment to keeping the community closely apprised on the progress of this work, including rate operating principles and procedures, not just through updates to the RFP on Cal e-Procure, but also via the DDS web site.
b. Extensive community input opportunities. We need a dedicated committee of vendor
representatives, consumer groups, family groups, advocacy groups, regional centers, worker representative organizations, and DDS officials to oversee the consultants' work.