Legislative Agenda 2012

Do No Harm

PRESERVE and STRENGTHEN the ability of the community-based system to meet the existing and critical needs of all Virginians with disabilities.

• JOBS and Employment Supports for Virginians with disabilities
  Jobs are a priority in Virginia. Jobs for Virginians with disabilities must be a priority as well. Like ALL Virginians - they want the opportunity to work, to earn wages, to pay taxes, to purchase goods in their communities, and to become self-supporting tax payers.
  
  • RESTORE $1.8M in funding that provides critical employment supports and maintains jobs for 1,717 Virginians with disabilities (LTESS/EES).  The proposed 2012-2014 Biennium budget cuts of $538,063 and previous budget cuts of $1,271,759 between FY07-FY12 have had a dire impact on jobs and essential income for Virginians with disabilities. 
  • PROMOTE the development of enhanced procurement opportunities that increase employment opportunities for Virginians with disabilities.
  • SUPPORT Employment First for all Virginians with disabilities with the necessary resources to offer appropriate assessment, job development, job supports and other services to maximize employment. 
  • SUPPORT elimination of the waiting list for vocational services currently under Order of Selection at the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS).
  • SUPPORT the strengthening of employment services for Virginians with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.
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  • MAINTAIN access to quality community-based services for Virginians with disabilities

SUPPORT funding for 1,500 new ID waiver slots and 275 DD waiver slots to significantly reduce current waiting lists.  Current waiting lists exceed 7,000 individuals. 

SUPPORT restoration of Brain Injury funds and increase funding to secure critical case  management and core services to Virginians with brain injury including veterans and wounded warriors. 

SUPPORT restoration of rates in the ID, DD and Day Support waivers to July 1, 2008 levels.

SUPPORT funding to provide services for 1,000 Virginians with disabilities who do not quality for Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver funding.

SUPPORT funding for regional crisis stabilization services.

PROMOTE the development of a cost-based rate methodology for Medicaid services that incorporates the complex medical and behavioral needs of Virginians with disabilities and ensures the availability of choice of community-based providers.

OPPOSE proposal to reduce the income limit for optional Medicaid eligibility group from 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to 250% of SSI.

• PROMOTE the expansion of choice by all Virginians with disabilities in the delivery of community-based services that ensure quality, cost effectiveness and choice in their service delivery options. 
• PROMOTE language or influence action to diminish over-regulation of community-based providers of services.
  

For more information contact Karen Tefelski, Executive Director, ktefelski@vaaccses.org or 703/200-7660