The wrong and short of it

This coming Monday marks the first day of a short 60-day session. This means it will take some people much less time to lose ground, others to gain it, and the rest to hold on to what they've got. In many ways it's not as painful as a 105-day session, which can be as arduous as coaxing wet concrete through a latte straw, but its speed can really take one's breath away.

One of the main dramas to follow this year will be the fate of the budget surplus. Be sure to follow both sides of everyone's mouths on this one. At the same time that prudent spending is hailed as the antidote to next year's anticipated budget crunch, additional funding will assuredly flow to those items considered high priority for re-election later this year.

If the Governor's budget proposals are any indication, funding for developmental disabilities does not even rise to the level of low priority. Despite the growing unmet need, inadequate provider wages, and the continued starvation of a central office administration that's overburdened every year with new assignments and fewer staff, there's nothing in the budget to suggest concern for people with developmental disabilities. Additional funding, however, was proposed for other programs within DSHS -- none of which have DDD's caseloads of 1:500 or waiting lists of 9,500.

The House and Senate will each come up with their own version of priorities for a supplemental budget in the final stretch of session. It's up to advocates (that's you) to make sure legislators see the plight of children and adults with developmental disabilities and respond with needed funding and policies.

The Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition has set the following legislative agenda:

Budget Priorities

• Employment/Day services for High school transition graduates

• Home and Community-Based Services for individuals over age 40 who are living
  with their parents ("senior families") and adolescents with behavior challenges at risk of institutionalization

• Short-term community-based out-of-home respite for adolescents in crisis

• DD provider wage increase

Policy Priorities

• Caseload forecasting for developmental disabilities

• Amending the flexible family support proviso to include therapies and remove
  the parent income declaration

• Birth-to-Three Early Intervention

• Disability Access Voting

• Prohibiting the use of vaccines that contain mercury

The CAC is also asking that waiver capacity for Home and Community Based Services be maintained by filling waiver vacancies caused by attrition. Currently, waiver enrollment has dropped by more than 1,000 in just over a year. With so many people waiting for waiver services such as employment and residential support, advocates are asking that the state stop this amazing shrinking act.

During this short legislative session, some will take their lumps and walk away, others will take what they can get and run, and the rest will stand and demand what they deserve. The outcome often depends on the actions of a few or the inaction of many. Don't be one of the many who do nothing. It takes so little to do a lot. Make a phone call to the legislative hotline, respond to an email alert, attend one Advocacy Day, enlighten your neighbors and co-workers on the issues... get involved.

Take Action and Stay Informed

Toll Free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000

Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day

Hearings of Interest

Bills of Interest:

Upcoming Events

Every Wednesday:
Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day
10:00 am
Come be part of the action in Olympia! Learn the latest news first hand and
how to be heard on the hill. Advocacy Day happens every Wednesday during
legislative session. The day begins at 10:00 with an hour briefing on
issues, questions and answers, and opportunities for an afternoon of
advocacy.

For more information, contact 1-888-754-8798, ext. 105 or
bean@arcwa.org  Limited stipends for travel, respite and interpreters are
available on a first-come first-served basis.

January 11highlighted topic: Session Overview, plus bills of interest,
budget issues and tips for successful advocacy.

Wednesday, January 18
The 26th Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception
Where legislators and their constituents from all over Washington meet to
discuss issues of the disability community.
5:30 -- 8:00 pm
3rd Floor of the Legislative Building

Wednesday, January 25
Autism Rally
1:00 pm
Capitol Steps
Rally to raise awareness of autism and promote legislation that benefits
children and adults with autism.