Disability Matters

Disability Matters

About UsAbout Us

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) is a broad-based coalition comprised of multiple advocacy and provider organizations all dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities. We address public policy issues that impact people with disabilities by collaborating with others, advocating, educating, influencing change and creating awareness for understanding.

www.mnccd.org

MN-CCD Town Hall ForumMN-CCD Town Hall Forum

Program Agenda

1. 2011 Legislative Session Impacts2. Ideas to make a difference in 20123. Advocacy Skills/Telling Your Story4. Engage with Elected Officials

State Budget BreakdownState Budget Breakdown

* 2012/13 Biennium, General Fund Dollars

Health & Human Services

Energy & Economic Development

Transportation

Public Safety

Agriculture & Veterans

State Government Services

K-12 Education

Higher Education

Property Tax Aids

Tough Times for Disability Programs & Services Tough Times for Disability Programs & Services

• Within Health and Human Services, disability services have experienced more than $600 million in cuts and fee increases since 2002.

• This also includes cuts in federal funds as the federal government ‘matches’ state dollars spent on some disability services, so when the state eliminates their program funding, the federal government stops as well.

Health CareHealth Care

• Increased Co payments for prescriptions and office/ER visits

• Cuts to providers for basic care services

• Managed care expansion with opt – out

• Care coordination focus

• MA benefit changes (chiropractic and specialized maintenance)

• MA reform waiver

• Limit critical access dentistry providers

Long Term Services and Supports Long Term Services and Supports

• Adult and Children’s mental health grants cut by over $13 million

• County Children and Community Services Act Grants (CCSA) cut by $22 million

• A 1.5% cut in rates for long-term care waivers, home care, disability grants, and aging and adult services grants

Long Term Services and Supports Long Term Services and Supports

• Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Alternative Funding (30 min per person per day for those with 1ADL and/or level 1behavior)

• 20% wage cut for non-legally responsible family member PCAs (effective Oct. 1, 2011)

• Waiver Enrollment Caps for 12/13 biennium: CADI: 60 per month, DD: 6 per month, No limits to CAC and TBI

Long Term Services and Supports Long Term Services and Supports

• Statewide Quality Assurance - State will provide $100,000 per year funding for Region 10 Quality Assurance and $200,000 for the biennium for statewide quality assurance council for persons with disabilities

• Authorizes Minnesota to move forward with Money Follows the Person federal grant aimed at reducing institutional services and improving community services.

EmploymentEmployment

•Day training and habilitation providers experienced a 1% across the board cut

•Vocational Rehabilitation was not cut, and more individuals will be served as a result

•Fee increases for MA-EPD participants will total over $8 million for the 2014-2015 biennium

HousingHousing

• Waiver Provider Rate Reduction – Across the Board Rate Cut of 1.5%– Contingent Rate Reduction– Targeted Rate Cuts of 10%

• Low Needs Congregate Care

• Licensing Changes– Increased Fees and Bed De-licensure

TransportationTransportation

• Reduces rates for Medicaid transportation services, including ambulance, special transportation (STS) and access to transportation services (ATS) by4.5%

• Greater MN transit cut $2.7 million

• Metropolitan council cut $51.7 million

Special EducationSpecial Education

• “Payment Shift” (delayed payment) of $2.1billion to schools

• Special Education funding protected

• Prone Restraints can currently be used in emergency settings only until August 1, 2012

• School must report to Minnesota Department of Education within 5 days of using prone restraint

Make a Difference in 2012Make a Difference in 2012

• Economy still recovering from recession

• State has experienced budget deficit for past several years and will likely again this year

• Nearly 1 in 3 current legislators were new to the capitol in 2011

• Significant ideological differences amongst policy makers

Current Climate

Make a Difference in 2012Make a Difference in 2012

•Stable and equitable tax system

•Self Direction

MN-CCD Guiding Principles

Your Challenge for 2012Your Challenge for 2012

Join the MN-CCD grassroots activities and policy subcommittees and become involved in disability advocacy!

Become a Disability AdvocateBecome a Disability Advocate

• Educate yourself about the issues

• Tell Your Story

• Talk with Policymakers

• Talk to your friends, family, and community

• Stay involved and active in MN-CCD and other organizations

Steps to Make a DifferenceSteps to Make a Difference

• You have already learned about the 2011 legislative session and how the resulting legislation may impact you and the broader disability community

• Now it’s time to share our stories about the role of disability services in our lives.

Steps to Make a DifferenceSteps to Make a Difference

1. Introduction and background on you

2. Relate a specific personal experience

3. Frame the issue: Problem – Solution

4. Tell them what you want/ ask for a commitment

5. Thank them for their time

Tell Your Personal Story

Steps to Make a DifferenceSteps to Make a Difference

• How have programs and services improved your life or the life of your family?

• What challenges would you face if these programs and services were reduced or eliminated?

• Ask your elected official for specific action on your issue

Key Messages

Keys to SuccessKeys to Success

• Who you are

• What happened

• What it is like now

• What works, what doesn’t

• 3-4 minutes max. • Pick a focus for your talk

Be Brief

Be Real

Now is the TimeNow is the Time

Meet and talk with elected officials, family members and friends

Pass on the MessagePass on the Message

• Talk with your friends, family and community about these issues

• Help them learn about key health and human service programs

• Ask them to get involved with you and bring them along to activities and events

• No one person can do this

We Must All Work Together!

Get InvolvedGet Involved

• Stay active with the organization(s) that reflect your concerns

• Attend organizational events and other activities to stay involved such as advocacy days

• Join coalitions and volunteer on task forces or advisory committees

Your Call to Action - ReviewYour Call to Action - Review

• Learn the Issues

• Tell Your Story

• Hold your elected officials accountable

• Talk to family, friends and the community

• Become involved with MN- CCD and other organizations to stay active

Find UsFind Us

Web: www.mnccd.org

Blog: www.mnccd.wordpress.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/minnCCD

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Minnesota-Consortium-for-Citizens-with-Disabilities/114886788026