Make your plans now to come to Santa Fe during the Session.  Legislators appreciate having their constituents come to see them and are more than willing to listen to concerns that affect their district.  Freedom Days are on January 29th and 30th.  This is always a good day to come and be visible as part of the disability community. 

The Board of Directors for The Arc has set its legislative priorities for the up-coming session.  As always if something unexpected comes up a decision to support or not will be based on The Arc’s Mission statement and Position Papers.

1. Maintain Services – Issue:  Medicaid continues to be the crucial source of funding for people with disabilities that allows them to live in their communities with the supports and services they need.  Any reduction in the state appropriation or even a failure to appropriate sufficient dollars will result in a loss of services and a corresponding reduction in the individual’s quality of life.
Position:  Maintain current services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

2. Waiting List – Issue: Individuals with developmental disabilities continue to apply for services and then be placed on a waiting list (called the Centralized Registry by the Department of Health).  People should not have to wait for services that are important to their ability to live and participate in their communities in a safe and fulfilling manner.  Approximately 4000 individuals (un-served and underserved) are on the waiting list for developmental disabilities services.
The system of services currently in place will not be sustainable in future years, therefore, alternatives to the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver to necessary supports and services need to be expanded.  One program that is established now is the Self-Directed Family Support Program funded by state general funds and administered by the Center for Development and Disability at UNM’s Health Sciences Center.
A.  Position: Request additional appropriations for the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver for unserved and underserved individuals.
B. Position: Request addition appropriations for the Self-Directed Family Support Program.

3.  Medicaid Eligibility –Issue:  New Mexico has one of the highest rates of individuals without any form of health insurance.  This leads to higher insurance premiums for people who purchase health insurance and to more health care provided by the hospitals that is not reimbursed.
Position:  Support the Human Services Department’s efforts to increase the financial eligibility criteria for Medicaid.

4.  Guardianship Services –
Issue:  The funding for legal assistance for families seeking guardianship of a family member is not adequate to meet the need.  Furthermore, the funding for corporate guardianship services no longer meets the need and a waiting list for services exists.
Position:  Support the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council’s request for additional funding.

5.  Direct Care Staff Compensation – Issue: Programs providing services to individuals with disabilities, including self-directed services, need to be adequately compensated in order to continue to provide quality services.  Agencies are competing with businesses such as McDonald’s and call centers for employees.
Position: Support additional funds to reimburse community providers for services.