Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Info about CRS cuts
Please click here to read Stacy's post about the current and possible future cuts to the CRS (Children's Rehabilitative Services) program that (do and will) negatively impact a large number of children with disabilities in Arizona!
Please help a little one ...
The family of a darling little 2 year old girl I know, Ariana, is working on raising funds so that they and Ariana, who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, can travel outside of the U.S. (likely to China or to Mexico) one year from now so that she may receive umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy treatments which may very well make all the difference in Ariana's future abilities.
Her mother, Elisa, published a very well-written post on her blog about why she and her husband feel strongly about obtaining this treatment for their sweet daughter. Rather than re-post it in this space, please click here to read the post "Hope for Ari" on their family blog.
Of note is that Ariana's parents, Jake & Elisa, are part of the group of plaintiffs in the court case that was filed by AAPPD recently - the result of which, so far, has been the halt of the DDD cuts to services and provider rates, which, for now, has made an indescribable difference for individuals with disabilities throughout the state!
As the parents of three young children, Jake & Elisa have a lot on their plates - a major understatement - in spite of that, since the shocking announcement of the cuts to DDD and AzEIP services last month, they have not only made the time and put forth the extra effort to tell their family's story as part of the AAPPD lawsuit(Ariana has a twin brother, Gabriel - both children have received and benefited greatly from early intervention services) but they have also written letters, made phone calls, and are doing all that they can do as parents to advocate for all of the little children in the state of Arizona whose all-important support and therapy services are on shaky ground.
If you run across this blog, and this post and have stuck with me this far, please consider taking the time to learn more about this family's cause and then, if you would like to help, please click on the "ChipIn" widget on their sidebar and donate whatever you feel you are able to (even just $1! Every little bit counts!) and watch the "Hope for Ari" fund grow!
Thanks for reading . . . and for considering helping out sweet, beautiful Ariana! : )
Her mother, Elisa, published a very well-written post on her blog about why she and her husband feel strongly about obtaining this treatment for their sweet daughter. Rather than re-post it in this space, please click here to read the post "Hope for Ari" on their family blog.
Of note is that Ariana's parents, Jake & Elisa, are part of the group of plaintiffs in the court case that was filed by AAPPD recently - the result of which, so far, has been the halt of the DDD cuts to services and provider rates, which, for now, has made an indescribable difference for individuals with disabilities throughout the state!
As the parents of three young children, Jake & Elisa have a lot on their plates - a major understatement - in spite of that, since the shocking announcement of the cuts to DDD and AzEIP services last month, they have not only made the time and put forth the extra effort to tell their family's story as part of the AAPPD lawsuit(Ariana has a twin brother, Gabriel - both children have received and benefited greatly from early intervention services) but they have also written letters, made phone calls, and are doing all that they can do as parents to advocate for all of the little children in the state of Arizona whose all-important support and therapy services are on shaky ground.
If you run across this blog, and this post and have stuck with me this far, please consider taking the time to learn more about this family's cause and then, if you would like to help, please click on the "ChipIn" widget on their sidebar and donate whatever you feel you are able to (even just $1! Every little bit counts!) and watch the "Hope for Ari" fund grow!
Thanks for reading . . . and for considering helping out sweet, beautiful Ariana! : )
Monday, March 16, 2009
a little spot of budget-cut humor . . .
On the very day in February, a few weeks ago, that the drastic DES budget cuts were announced, I ran across this piece of "flair" on that silly facebook site. My stomach was all in knots that day - for the children losing services and also I feared (and, sadly, rightly so, it turned out) that the early intervention provider agency I have worked for since 1998 would not survive such drastic cuts.
This little piece of facebook flair was the one chuckle I had that day! (The sentiment could not BE any more appropriate for our situation in AZ, could it??)
Great info on other sites!
I have added to my sidebar the RSS feed for two of the most-informative resources I've found that are covering the same info as I am on this blog: The AZ Early Intervention Parents/Caregivers Yahoo! Group and the "Early Intervention in Arizona" blog maintained by Stacy, an early intervention provider in the Phoenix area.
I strongly encourage all visitors to this blog to check out my sidebar and browse the feed for both of the above-mentioned sites to see their latest postings!
I strongly encourage all visitors to this blog to check out my sidebar and browse the feed for both of the above-mentioned sites to see their latest postings!
More info re: filing requests for due process hearings
It is important for families whose early intervention services have been, are, or will be interrupted due to the DDD/DES budget cuts to file written requests for due process hearings. For more information, please see Stacy's post, here.
Info regarding cuts to Arizona CRS (Children Rehabilitative Services)
Stacy, an early intervention provider in the Phoenix area, has two blog posts up about the cuts to CRS services. Rather than re-posting all of the info on this blog, here are the links to her two posts:
1. If You Benefit From CRS Services
2. Cuts to CRS Funding (advocacy info)
The above information was initially distributed as an action alert by Raising Special Kids.
1. If You Benefit From CRS Services
2. Cuts to CRS Funding (advocacy info)
The above information was initially distributed as an action alert by Raising Special Kids.
Capitol Building Rally - March 19th
The Tungland Corporation has organized a rally at the Capitol for this Thursday, March19th, to raise awareness of the DES/DDD cuts. Click here to see the details that are posted on Stacy's "Early Intervention" blog!
Important info for Parents: talking points, due process info!
The following information was passed onto me by Maureen Casey, Chair of the Arizona Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for Infants & Toddlers and it has been published via this blog with her permission:
1. Tips for telling your Early Intervention story when writing to Governor Brewer, and members of the legislature to protest cuts in early intervention services. (Although there is a current hold on the cuts to those services, it is only a temporary fix ... we are not out of the woods yet!)
2. Key statement to include in a letter requesting a due process hearing (see highlighted text at end of document)
If you want more information and to have your questions about requesting a due process hearing answered, I strongly encourage you to click here to view the AZ Early Intervention Parents/Caregivers Yahoo! Group messages. You may read the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! Group messages without joining the group (if you would like to post to the group you must first joing the group using your Yahoo! ID).
Maureen Casey & Kristina Park - Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the AZ ICC for Infants and Toddlers moderate and are active members of the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! group and they are SO knowledgeable and helpful!
1. Tips for telling your Early Intervention story when writing to Governor Brewer, and members of the legislature to protest cuts in early intervention services. (Although there is a current hold on the cuts to those services, it is only a temporary fix ... we are not out of the woods yet!)
2. Key statement to include in a letter requesting a due process hearing (see highlighted text at end of document)
If you want more information and to have your questions about requesting a due process hearing answered, I strongly encourage you to click here to view the AZ Early Intervention Parents/Caregivers Yahoo! Group messages. You may read the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! Group messages without joining the group (if you would like to post to the group you must first joing the group using your Yahoo! ID).
Maureen Casey & Kristina Park - Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the AZ ICC for Infants and Toddlers moderate and are active members of the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! group and they are SO knowledgeable and helpful!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
News article: "The human anguish of state's budget cuts"
From an article on azcentral.com
"A cut that eliminated services to developmentally disabled children from birth to age 3 was especially harsh, many said.
"It's just a blatant message: They're not important enough," Garcia said after she received one week's notice that daughter Mariah's therapy services would end.
Although Wednesday's court ruling means the services will continue for now, they're likely to be cut again as lawmakers deal with next year's budget and its deep deficit.
DES officials say they decided to spread the cuts broadly to avoid hitting one area harder than others. Although "gut-wrenching," agency officials said the cuts are necessary to contribute to balancing the state budget.
At the Garcia home in Maricopa, cheers broke out when Mariah, age 15 months, pulled herself up from her blanket into a push-up pose.
"If she's able to bear weight on her arms and legs, it shows she's getting strength," said Trudy Kopas, Mariah's occupational therapist.
Although most children her age are walking by now, Mariah hasn't yet started to crawl.
Yet Kopas said there has been progress. When she met Mariah in August, the baby was four to six months delayed in development for children with Down syndrome. Now, she's only one or two months behind.
Mariah has recently started to hold her baby bottle, another milestone.
If the specialized treatment Mariah gets is eliminated, Garcia said she'll try to do it herself. But it won't be the same.
"They're trained to see things in these kids that we don't see," she said of the therapists who have worked with Mariah.
Her private insurance isn't much help; Garcia said it would pay 42 cents per therapy session; sessions run at least $65 an hour. She and her husband say they could pay out of pocket, but it would make everything else tight on their one-income, two-child budget."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The injunction was excellent news, but keep making those calls & writing those letters!
I could write a post on this, but I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel:
Click here to read the excellent post of Stacy's (local early intervention provider) about the need for families to continue to make noise even though the preliminary injunction was granted yesterday.
Click here to read the excellent post of Stacy's (local early intervention provider) about the need for families to continue to make noise even though the preliminary injunction was granted yesterday.
COURT CASE MINUTES - from March 11, 2009
Click here to read the 21-page minutes from the case that was filed to block DDD budget cuts!
Good info for families re: finding out about restoration of services
Stacy, a local early intervention provider, has posted a great blog entry for parents and caregivers who are now anxiously waiting to learn more about their loved ones' services being reinstated. Click here to read Stacy's post.
DES news release re: court ruling
Click here to see DES's news release regarding yesterday's court ruling.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Victory!!!
The CEO of the agency that runs that early intervention program I work for has been one of those who testified in the case that was recemtly filed to block DDD cutbacks. This afternoon, I learned that the lawsuit, which was filed by the provider consortium (AAPPD) and families, has been won by the plaintiffs!!
This is very exciting! : )
Although this win will not save the early intervention provider I have worked for almost 11 years (we are closing on April 3, 2009 ... so, so, SO sad ...) it will eventually restore services to the little ones I see who have been facing a complete loss of support services as of this Friday, and that is excellent news!
As of now, it is not known how long it will take to restore services. I was informed that the judge will be making a final ruling this afternoon on the "speedy recovery" that was requested by the plaintiffs and will also put forth a timeline for DDD for the restoration of services.
As I learn any new information about this case, I will post it here, so stay tuned . . .
Also: watch the news tonight - I'm sure it will be covered!
This is very exciting! : )
Although this win will not save the early intervention provider I have worked for almost 11 years (we are closing on April 3, 2009 ... so, so, SO sad ...) it will eventually restore services to the little ones I see who have been facing a complete loss of support services as of this Friday, and that is excellent news!
As of now, it is not known how long it will take to restore services. I was informed that the judge will be making a final ruling this afternoon on the "speedy recovery" that was requested by the plaintiffs and will also put forth a timeline for DDD for the restoration of services.
As I learn any new information about this case, I will post it here, so stay tuned . . .
Also: watch the news tonight - I'm sure it will be covered!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Possible positive news ... UPDATE 3/6/09
3/6/09 UPDATE to this news item: The info I posted about the preliminary injunction in the AAPPD case vs. The State re: DDD cuts was incorrect. The judge has not yet made any rulings in the case, and is not scheduled to until next week.
Info available online re: AAPPD court case vs. State of AZ & DES
The civil case was filed in Superior Court of Marciopa County - (to find docket entries use case # CV2009-006509).
The Honorable Joseph B. Heilman initially presided over the case, and it appears - based on the minutes of 2/27/09 - that the case will be (or has been) changed to being presided over by The Honorable Bethany G. Hicks.
Official minutes recorded and posted regarding the proceedings can be found by searching here using the following case number: CV2009006509
The Honorable Joseph B. Heilman initially presided over the case, and it appears - based on the minutes of 2/27/09 - that the case will be (or has been) changed to being presided over by The Honorable Bethany G. Hicks.
Official minutes recorded and posted regarding the proceedings can be found by searching here using the following case number: CV2009006509
Where to send your appeal letter re: suspension of AzEIP services
Here is the page that describes the process of filing a complaint/appeal regarding your child's services: https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/main.aspx?menu=98&id=2366
Below the addresses to which you should send your complaint/appeals letters is the portion of the above-linked page that lays out the steps for filing a complaint with DES/AzEIP:
Send complaint/appeal letters to:
Arizona Center for Disability Law
5025 E Washington St, ste 202
Phoenix, AZ
AzEIP - Dispute
3839 N 3rd St
Suite 304
Phoenix, Az
KTaylor@azdes. gov
DDD - Disputes
1789 W Jefferson St., 4th floor
Phoenix, Az 85007
System Complaint
Below the addresses to which you should send your complaint/appeals letters is the portion of the above-linked page that lays out the steps for filing a complaint with DES/AzEIP:
Send complaint/appeal letters to:
Arizona Center for Disability Law
5025 E Washington St, ste 202
Phoenix, AZ
AzEIP - Dispute
3839 N 3rd St
Suite 304
Phoenix, Az
KTaylor@azdes. gov
DDD - Disputes
1789 W Jefferson St., 4th floor
Phoenix, Az 85007
System Complaint
If you believe there has been any violation of the requirements and regulations of IDEA, Part C, including a violation of your child's or family's rights, you may file a complaint with DES/AzEIP.
Steps in initiating a complaint:
- You must send a written, signed complaint to:
Executive Director, DES/AzEIP
3839 N. 3rd Street, Suite 304
Phoenix, Arizona 85012 - The written, signed complaint must include a statement that there has been a violation of a requirement or regulation of IDEA, Part C, and the facts of the situation.
- The Executive Director or a designee will review the complaint and decide if it is a valid complaint. A complaint will be judged valid if the alleged violation occurred not more than one year before the date the complaint was received, unless:
- the alleged violation continues for the child or other children; or
- the person making the complaint is requesting reimbursement or corrective action for a violation that occurred not more than three years before the complaint was received.
- If the complaint is judged to be valid, then the Executive Director or a designee will review all the relevant information and will:
- conduct an on-site investigation, if necessary; and
- give the person making the complaint the opportunity to submit additional information, either orally or in writing.
The Executive Director or a designee will make an independent decision as to whether there has been a violation of IDEA, Part C and send a written copy of the decision to all parties within 60 days of receiving the complaint.
Sample letter to appeal suspension of AZ DDD early intervention services
| This came from the Arizona Autism Coalition | |
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Video of last week's Rally at the capitol
Click here to see a news story/video from last week's rally at the capitol.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
10-day notices going out to families ... sad news ...
From the blog of a local early interventionist ...
To read the rest of her entry, go here: http://uponeagleswings.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-suppose-i-can-post-this.html
It will be public knowledge soon enough. I heard from a DDD support coordinator (and my supervisor heard from another source) that 10-day termination letters to families went in the mail today. My understanding is that means most services for children who do not qualify for long term care will end on March 13. We still have not been told when we'll have to stop providing services. It may become clearer when we actually see the letters that go out, but right now it isn't looking good. Families will still have the option of trying to get their insurance to cover therapies (which can be difficult), or paying privately (not cheap). Truly, though, we are in the 11th hour, waiting for a pardon.
To read the rest of her entry, go here: http://uponeagleswings.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-suppose-i-can-post-this.html
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
DES cuts hit elderly, children, families
Michelle Reese
Feb 28, 2009 (The Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Feb 28, 2009 (The Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
The cuts made by the state Department of Economic Security in the last few weeks have been reported in headlines and spreadsheets, on Web sites and editorials.
While the governor is taking steps to restore one of the most noted cuts -- childcare subsidies to working poor families -- through the use of federal stimulus funs, still many others are going forth.
More than 700 employees in DES programs are without jobs, including some Child Protective Services investigators. About 9,000 must take furlough days between now and June 12. Not every case of abuse or neglect will be looked into, the DES Web site reports. Not every child will get services that may help development.
For Carrie Reed of Queen Creek, the financial impact of these cuts may be seen in the face of her 8-year-old daughter, Lauren.
"Lauren is nonverbal," Reed said. "Her only way to communicate is through song."
To read the rest of this article, click here: http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=97106506Monday, March 2, 2009
Write Governor Brewer re: using Federal Stimulus funds to restore services!
I learned at a meeting this morning, that it is imperative that families, service providers and concerned citizens of Arizona should write to Governor Brewer directly (contact info & link below) to request that she allocates Federal Stimulus funds that will be coming her way to the restoration services in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010 for children and adults with disabilities that have been swiped out from under them as a result of the recent DDD cuts!
The responsibility to decide how to use the Federal Stimulus funds will be solely Governor Brewer's, not DES's ... not DDD's ... not the State Legislature's ... only Governor Brewer's! These funds will be coming to Arizona very soon, so is vital that she receives letter after letter after letter urging her to use Fed. Stim. package funds to help restore services to the children and adults with disabilities who may very well suffer irreparable harm if their support and therapeutic services are not restored, and soon!
The responsibility to decide how to use the Federal Stimulus funds will be solely Governor Brewer's, not DES's ... not DDD's ... not the State Legislature's ... only Governor Brewer's! These funds will be coming to Arizona very soon, so is vital that she receives letter after letter after letter urging her to use Fed. Stim. package funds to help restore services to the children and adults with disabilities who may very well suffer irreparable harm if their support and therapeutic services are not restored, and soon!
- Here is a nice fill-in-the-blank letter (which you can personalize!) via the Children's Action Alliance website: http://action.voiceshub.org/campaign/fedstimulus_DEScuts
- Here is the link to contact Governor Brewer via email (also includes snail mail address & phone numbers): http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp
Sunday, March 1, 2009
"Families worry about (Early Intervention) DES cuts
Families worry about DES cuts
Advocates and parents are concerned children under the age of three with developmental disabilities will have to go without therapy after the Department of Economic Security announced budget cuts about a week ago. According to Southwest Human Development, the cuts would take away state-funded speech, occupational and physical therapy for these children, and essentially leave them without these therapies as they are too young to receive federal funding.
Parents like Shawnie Huff say they can't afford to wait three years. Huff has three children with down syndrome. Five-year-old Tyler knows how to write his name on his own. His older sister Tia is functioning in a normal first grade classroom despite both of them having down syndrome. Huff said these accomplishments would be impossible if it weren't for the therapy they received since they were just a few months old. "I can't imagine my kids not having it, because I know the growth that they did in the first three years," she said.
Developmentally disabled children are eligible for federal funding once they turn three, but that delay could end up costing the state more in the long-run. "There's a tremendous amount of research that says early intervention makes a huge difference," said Dr. Trudi Norman-Murch of Southwest Human Development. "Every dollar you spend helping children during the first few years pays off tremendously...just purely economically in terms of how much special ed they need later on, how much help they need in being independent."
Huff and her husband adopted two-year-old Max nine months ago and have seen major progress in his development. He also has down syndrome, and Huff said she can't imagine him no longer receiving therapy. "I keep telling my husband I hope I know enough," said Huff.
DES said all the cuts are difficult, but they have to manage within the resources the state gives them. The cuts are set to take effect March 1st. But advocates and parents are appealing to lawmakers and the governor to reconsider.
"Filing decries (DDD) disability funding cuts" in Arizona
Story found here: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/28/20090228dessuit0228.html
A coalition seeking to block steep service cuts for about 4,000 people living with disabilities will try to convince a judge next week that the state acted improperly.
The group, which includes service providers and their clients, filed a complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday seeking a temporary restraining order. If granted, the order would prevent the Department of Economic Security from reducing services provided through its Division of Developmental Disabilities.
About 4,000 people are scheduled to lose services Sunday as the result of cuts made in the wake of the Legislature's $1.6 billion budget fix earlier this year.
A coalition seeking to block steep service cuts for about 4,000 people living with disabilities will try to convince a judge next week that the state acted improperly.
The group, which includes service providers and their clients, filed a complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday seeking a temporary restraining order. If granted, the order would prevent the Department of Economic Security from reducing services provided through its Division of Developmental Disabilities.
About 4,000 people are scheduled to lose services Sunday as the result of cuts made in the wake of the Legislature's $1.6 billion budget fix earlier this year.
"What the state is proposing to do is to pull the rug out from under . . . some of our most vulnerable citizens," said John Dacey, attorney for the plaintiffs.
On Friday, Dacey argued that the Legislature violated the Constitution in January when it instructed DES to reduce its budget by $43 million.
Plaintiffs told the court that the Legislature improperly delegated its authority to the agency, which is part of the executive branch.
Lawyers for the state responded by saying that it has been the Legislature's standard practice to appropriate "lump sums" to state agencies and allow them to decide how to spend or cut money.
Judge Joseph Heilman scheduled a hearing for Monday to further discuss the issue. He declined to issue a restraining order Friday, saying a few days' delay would not cause irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2010 AZ State Budget ALERT!
February, 2009
To balance the FY 2009 state budget, devastating cuts were made to services for persons with developmental disabilities.
· Nearly 100 DDD employees have been terminated following a lengthy “freeze” on filling many job vacancies, and all remaining DDD employees have been furloughed so they will be working less. Caseloads will exceed the mandated 1:39.5 ratio. DDD will not be able to comply with case management, timeliness, monitoring, medical and quality management services.
· All state funding for early intervention services was eliminated, so that therapy and other services for 850 children will either be lost or reduced.
· All non-residential state-only services will be suspended in March. More than 4,000 individuals will lose their services, such as habilitation, therapies, employment supports, attendant care, respite and transportation.
· Provider rates are reduced across-the-board by 10%. Many expect this will result in the loss of already scarce providers and services in the rural communities.
· DES will NOT be able to investigate all reports of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults and children.
We MUST let our Governor and legislators know how these cuts are affecting individuals and families and we MUST tell them that these types of cuts cannot be continued in FY 2010. They are working on the FY 2010 budget NOW. PLEASE tell our lawmakers your stories and tell them to preserve vital services for persons with developmental disabilities.
· Services for Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their families are life-sustaining necessities and a vital investment in our community.
· Persons with disabilities and their families are already facing economic stress and insecurity, with high rates of unemployment and rising transportation and food costs.
· All reasonable revenue generating options should be utilized to resolve the budget deficit, including bonding, and critical services for Arizonans with disabilities should be spared from cuts. Such cuts will severely burden these individuals and their families, and could result in greater costs associated with institutional and emergency room care.
PLEASE HELP US HELP
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
· Call the Governor Jan Brewer (602-542-4331 or 800-253-0883) and tell her to protect DES/DDD from further devastation.
· Contact Republican Leadership and tell them the same:
SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
Senate President – Bob Burns (Peoria), rburns@azleg.gov, 602-926-5993
Majority Leader – Chuck Gray (Mesa), cgray@azleg.gov, 602-926-5288
Majority Whip – Pamela Gorman (Anthem), pgorman@azleg.gov, 602-926-5248
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
Speaker of the House – Kirk Adams (Mesa), kadams@azleg.gov, 602-926-5495
Majority Leader – John McComish (Ahwatukee), jmccomish@azleg.gov, 602-926-5898
Majority Whip – Andy Tobin (Paulden), atobin@azleg.gov, 602-926-5172
· Contact your legislators and make sure you tell them if you live or work in their District. (To find out who your legislators are and how to reach them, contact the House of Representatives Information Desk at 602-926-4221 or 1-800-352-8404.)
Please Send your personal stories to...
The Arc of Arizona at thearcaz@gmail.com
5610 S. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: 602-234-2721
Fax: 602-234-5959
(Requests for Confidentiality will be Honored)
Thurs - Feb 27 RALLY AT THE CAPITOL!!
THURSDAY - FEB 27 - AAPPD Rally at the Capitol!!!! - 9 AM - 4 PM
RALLY AT THE CAPITOL THIS THURSDAY.
The Rally will last all day (9am to 4 pm).
THE PLAN: AAPPD will be providing signs for families and consumers to carry as they walk around the capitol. AAPPD will also have a podium for providers and/or families who have a personal story to tell.
AAPPD has reserved the “Ice Cream Parlor” in the Old Capitol (adjacent to the Capitol Mall) and is planning a little continental breakfast for legislators in the morning. They will also use this as a base for providers and families (although it has a capacity of 75 at one time).
The Budget Hearing for the FY 2010 DES Budget is at 2 pm, and AAPPD will testify if allowed.
RALLY AT THE CAPITOL THIS THURSDAY.
The Rally will last all day (9am to 4 pm).
THE PLAN: AAPPD will be providing signs for families and consumers to carry as they walk around the capitol. AAPPD will also have a podium for providers and/or families who have a personal story to tell.
AAPPD has reserved the “Ice Cream Parlor” in the Old Capitol (adjacent to the Capitol Mall) and is planning a little continental breakfast for legislators in the morning. They will also use this as a base for providers and families (although it has a capacity of 75 at one time).
The Budget Hearing for the FY 2010 DES Budget is at 2 pm, and AAPPD will testify if allowed.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Concise info re: DDD cuts and how to contact government leaders!
http://www.swhd.org/documents/CutsinServicesforwebsite.pdf
Monday, February 23, 2009
March 5 - Tucson - Public Hearing!
The University of Arizona, Tucson
Thursday, March 5th, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Student Union Memorial Center building
South Ballroom
Paid Visitor Parking available in the 2nd Str. Garage
Located at 2nd Str. and Mountain Ave.
For more information about the 2009 Republican budget
that recently passed the Legislature, go to :
http://www.azleg. gov/jlbc/ FY09BudgetPlanwi thFloorAmendment .pdf
For additional information contact:
Cynthia Aragon, Community and Constituent Liaison, House of
Representatives
602-926-3591 � caragon@azleg. gov
Thursday, March 5th, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Student Union Memorial Center building
South Ballroom
Paid Visitor Parking available in the 2nd Str. Garage
Located at 2nd Str. and Mountain Ave.
For more information about the 2009 Republican budget
that recently passed the Legislature, go to :
http://www.azleg. gov/jlbc/ FY09BudgetPlanwi thFloorAmendment .pdf
For additional information contact:
Cynthia Aragon, Community and Constituent Liaison, House of
Representatives
602-926-3591 � caragon@azleg. gov
Speak out via the Children's Action Alliance!
Use Fed Stimulus to Restore DES Cuts
http://action.voiceshub.org/campaign/fedstimulus_DEScuts/CONTACT YOUR STATE LEADERS!
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEADERS!(posting on a parent support message board)29,000 DISABLED ARIZONANS ARE ABOUT TO LOSE THEIR FUNDING!
29,000 of Arizona's neediest, most vulnerable people - people with disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy - are about to become victims of state budget cuts.
These are people whose lives and welfare depend on services they can't begin to afford on their own. Services they get from agencies throughout Arizona that provide people with disabilities with housing, health maintenance services, personal care, training for jobs, and many, many other essential services that the state wants to cut!
The state of Arizona wants to take away funds from these vulnerable people - cutting 10 % from the funds used by service providers to help the disabled. This will put many service provider agencies at risk of closing down - and put people with disabilities at the severest risk.
We say NO! Many people with disabilities who depend on services can't speak for themselves, so we need to speak for them - and we need you to speak with us!
Call, write, email, or fax Governor Jan Brewer and tell her you don't want budget cuts for your neighbors and fellow citizens with disabilities.
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN! STAND UP FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS!
The Honorable Janice Brewer
Governor of Arizona
Office of the Governor
1700 West Washington Street
Capitol Executive Tower - 9th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp
Telephone (602) 542-4331
Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883
Fax (602) 542-1381
The Honorable John Kavanagh
Chair, Committee on Appropriations
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 West Washington Street - Room 114
Phoenix AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5170
Fax Number: (602) 417-3108
Email: jkavanagh@azleg.gov
The Honorable Andy Biggs
Vice Chair, Committee on Appropriations
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 312
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4371
Fax Number: (602) 417-3022
Email: abiggs@azleg.gov
The Honorable Rick Murphy
Chair, Committee on Ways and Means
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 111
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3255
Fax Number: (602) 417-3009
Email: rmurphy@azleg.gov
The Honorable Debbie Lesko
Vice Chair, Committee on Ways and Means
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 129
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5413
Fax Number: (602) 417-3109
Email: dlesko@azleg.gov
The Honorable Russell Pearce
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 110
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5760
Fax Number: (602) 417-3118
Email: rpearce@azleg.gov
The Honorable Al Melvin
Vice Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 303
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4326
Fax Number: (602) 417-3259
Email: amelvin@azleg.gov
The Honorable Jim Waring
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 302
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4916
Fax Number: (602) 417-3250
Email: jwaring@azleg.gov
The Honorable Barbara Leff
Vice Chair, Senate Finance Committee
Arizona Senate1700 W. Washington - Room 302
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4486
Fax Number: (602) 417-3270(N.B.: Senator Leff is a professional clinical social worker.)
AZ DEPT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Linda Blessing
Interim DirectorDepartment of Economic Security
1717 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix AZ 85007
Phone 602-542-5678
29,000 of Arizona's neediest, most vulnerable people - people with disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy - are about to become victims of state budget cuts.
These are people whose lives and welfare depend on services they can't begin to afford on their own. Services they get from agencies throughout Arizona that provide people with disabilities with housing, health maintenance services, personal care, training for jobs, and many, many other essential services that the state wants to cut!
The state of Arizona wants to take away funds from these vulnerable people - cutting 10 % from the funds used by service providers to help the disabled. This will put many service provider agencies at risk of closing down - and put people with disabilities at the severest risk.
We say NO! Many people with disabilities who depend on services can't speak for themselves, so we need to speak for them - and we need you to speak with us!
Call, write, email, or fax Governor Jan Brewer and tell her you don't want budget cuts for your neighbors and fellow citizens with disabilities.
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN! STAND UP FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS!
The Honorable Janice Brewer
Governor of Arizona
Office of the Governor
1700 West Washington Street
Capitol Executive Tower - 9th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp
Telephone (602) 542-4331
Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883
Fax (602) 542-1381
The Honorable John Kavanagh
Chair, Committee on Appropriations
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 West Washington Street - Room 114
Phoenix AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5170
Fax Number: (602) 417-3108
Email: jkavanagh@azleg.gov
The Honorable Andy Biggs
Vice Chair, Committee on Appropriations
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 312
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4371
Fax Number: (602) 417-3022
Email: abiggs@azleg.gov
The Honorable Rick Murphy
Chair, Committee on Ways and Means
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 111
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3255
Fax Number: (602) 417-3009
Email: rmurphy@azleg.gov
The Honorable Debbie Lesko
Vice Chair, Committee on Ways and Means
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington - Room 129
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5413
Fax Number: (602) 417-3109
Email: dlesko@azleg.gov
The Honorable Russell Pearce
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 110
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5760
Fax Number: (602) 417-3118
Email: rpearce@azleg.gov
The Honorable Al Melvin
Vice Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 303
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4326
Fax Number: (602) 417-3259
Email: amelvin@azleg.gov
The Honorable Jim Waring
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington - Room 302
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4916
Fax Number: (602) 417-3250
Email: jwaring@azleg.gov
The Honorable Barbara Leff
Vice Chair, Senate Finance Committee
Arizona Senate1700 W. Washington - Room 302
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-4486
Fax Number: (602) 417-3270(N.B.: Senator Leff is a professional clinical social worker.)
AZ DEPT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Linda Blessing
Interim DirectorDepartment of Economic Security
1717 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix AZ 85007
Phone 602-542-5678
Feb 23 (tonight!) Public Hearing at ASU (Tempe) - be there!
FEB 23 (tonight!) - Public Hearing at ASU (Tempe) Campus:
THE ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES Invite you to Public Hearings on the State Budget
Join us and let your voice be heard!
Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be in attendance to hear citizens' questions and concerns about the state budget shortfall and proposed solutions!
Arizona State University - Main Campus, Tempe
Monday, February 23rd, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Memorial Union (MU) building
Ventana Room, Second Floor Room 241
Paid ($2/hr) Visitor Parking available in Parking Structure 1
Located at Apache Blvd. and College Ave.
THE ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES Invite you to Public Hearings on the State Budget
Join us and let your voice be heard!
Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be in attendance to hear citizens' questions and concerns about the state budget shortfall and proposed solutions!
Arizona State University - Main Campus, Tempe
Monday, February 23rd, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Memorial Union (MU) building
Ventana Room, Second Floor Room 241
Paid ($2/hr) Visitor Parking available in Parking Structure 1
Located at Apache Blvd. and College Ave.
Sign an ONLINE PETITION!
ONLINE PETITION against DDD Therapy rate cuts: http://gopetition.com/petitions/stop-ddd-rate-cuts.html
ACTION ALERT: YOUR ACTION NEEDED!!! (Special Joint Budget Hearing)
Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES TOOK A BIG HIT DURING THE FY09 BUDGET FIX.
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES TOOK A BIG HIT DURING THE FY09 BUDGET FIX.
Legislators are still in the process of resolving an even greater budget deficit (estimated $3 billion) for FY 2010.
If protecting critical services from even worse cuts is important to you, then the time to ACT is now!!!
Next Thursday, Legislators will be meeting to facilitate hearings on the FY09-10 Budget for the Department of Economic Security (DES) and other agencies.
DES provides a number of critical services that people with disabilities and their families depend on!!!
Although we cannot guarantee you'll be afforded a chance to speak, it probably still makes sense to show up if you can since this could potentially affect you and those you care about!!!!
If you plan to attend, you'll need to sign up to request to speak at the hearing. You can do so by signing up for an account at any of the kiosks located in the lobby area of either the House or Senate buildings. If you have trouble, ask one of the staff to help you. You'll also need the Hearing Information so it's a good idea to print this email and take it with you.
If you already have an active account and want to submit your concerns to the Committee without attending in person, you can do so by logging in at, http://alistrack.azleg.gov/rts/aplogin.asp
Note: The username and password is the same information that you use to log in at the kiosk located in the State Senate lobby and House of Representatives' lobby.
If you cannot attend, AT THE VERY LEAST, please contact the legislators below who are assigned to this Committee and let them know that you're counting on them to PROTECT SERVICES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES DEPEND ON, FROM ANY FURTHER CUTS!!!!!!
YOU MUST ACT NOW AND THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS IF YOU HOPE TO INFLUENCE WHAT IS DECIDED ON YOUR BEHALF!!!!
If you cannot attend, AT THE VERY LEAST, please contact the legislators below who are assigned to this Committee and let them know that you're counting on them to PROTECT SERVICES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES DEPEND ON, FROM ANY FURTHER CUTS!!!!!!
YOU MUST ACT NOW AND THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS IF YOU HOPE TO INFLUENCE WHAT IS DECIDED ON YOUR BEHALF!!!!
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES AND HAVE THEM DO THE SAME!!!
YOU CANNOT ACT ONCE AND CALL IT A DAY. IF YOU HOPE TO INFLUENCE THE PROCESS YOU MUST KEEP ADVOCATING EACH AND EVERY DAY IN EVERY REASONABLE WAY YOU CAN. YOU SHOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO DO SO.
IF YOU ABSOLUTELY ARE PRESSED FOR TIME AND CAN ONLY CALL A FEW, THEN CALL THE ONES HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW (THEY ARE THE CHAIRS OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES AND/OR MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE).
Legislators to contact include:
Senate Appropriations Committee
Chairperson: Russell Pearce (R-18)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5760
Email Address:rpearce@azleg.gov
Vice-Chair: Al Melvin (R-26)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4326
Email Address: amelvin@azleg.gov
Member: Pamela Gorman (R-6)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5284
Email Address: pgorman@azleg.gov
Member: Ron Gould (R-3)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4138
Email Address:rgould@azleg.gov
Member: Sylvia Allen (R-5)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5219
Email Address:sallen@azleg.gov
Member: Paula Aboud (D-28)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5262
Email Address:paboud@azleg.gov
Member: Amanda Aguirre (D-24)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4139
Email Address: aaguirre@azleg.gov
Member: Rebecca Rios (D-23)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5685
Email Address: rrios@azleg.gov
Member: Albert Hale (D- 2)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4323
Email Address:ahale@azleg.gov
Member: Jack Harper (R-4)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4178
Email Address: jharper@azleg.gov
Member: Steve Pierce (R-1)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5584
Email Address: spierce@azleg.gov
House Appropriations Committee
Chairperson: John Kavanagh (R-8)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5170
Email Address:jkavanagh@azleg.gov
Vice-Chair: Andy Biggs (R-22)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4371
Email Address:abiggs@azleg.gov
Member: Steve Court (R-18)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4467
Email Address:scourt@azleg.gov
Member: Olivia Cajero Bedford (D-27)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5835
Email Address:ocajerobedford@azleg.gov
Member: Cloves C. Campbell, Jr. (D-16)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3042
Email Address:clcampbell@azleg.gov
Member: Russell Jones (R-24)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3002
Email Address: rjones@azleg.gov
Member: Rich Crandall (R-19)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3020
Email Address:rcrandall@azleg.gov
Member: Matt Heinz (D-29)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3424
Email Address:mheinz@azleg.gov
Member: Nancy McLain (R-3)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5051
Email Address: nmclain@azleg.gov
Member: Rick Murphy (R-9)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3255
Email Address: rmurphy@azleg.gov
Member: Kyrsten Sinema (D-15)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5058
Email Address: ksinema@azleg.gov
Member: David Schapira (D-17)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3028
Email Address: dschapira@azleg.gov
Member: Vic Williams (R-26)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5839
Email Address: vwilliams@azleg.gov
YOU CANNOT ACT ONCE AND CALL IT A DAY. IF YOU HOPE TO INFLUENCE THE PROCESS YOU MUST KEEP ADVOCATING EACH AND EVERY DAY IN EVERY REASONABLE WAY YOU CAN. YOU SHOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO DO SO.
IF YOU ABSOLUTELY ARE PRESSED FOR TIME AND CAN ONLY CALL A FEW, THEN CALL THE ONES HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW (THEY ARE THE CHAIRS OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES AND/OR MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE).
Legislators to contact include:
Senate Appropriations Committee
Chairperson: Russell Pearce (R-18)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5760
Email Address:rpearce@azleg.gov
Vice-Chair: Al Melvin (R-26)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4326
Email Address: amelvin@azleg.gov
Member: Pamela Gorman (R-6)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5284
Email Address: pgorman@azleg.gov
Member: Ron Gould (R-3)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4138
Email Address:rgould@azleg.gov
Member: Sylvia Allen (R-5)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5219
Email Address:sallen@azleg.gov
Member: Paula Aboud (D-28)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5262
Email Address:paboud@azleg.gov
Member: Amanda Aguirre (D-24)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4139
Email Address: aaguirre@azleg.gov
Member: Rebecca Rios (D-23)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5685
Email Address: rrios@azleg.gov
Member: Albert Hale (D- 2)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4323
Email Address:ahale@azleg.gov
Member: Jack Harper (R-4)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4178
Email Address: jharper@azleg.gov
Member: Steve Pierce (R-1)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5584
Email Address: spierce@azleg.gov
House Appropriations Committee
Chairperson: John Kavanagh (R-8)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5170
Email Address:jkavanagh@azleg.gov
Vice-Chair: Andy Biggs (R-22)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4371
Email Address:abiggs@azleg.gov
Member: Steve Court (R-18)
Phone Number: (602) 926-4467
Email Address:scourt@azleg.gov
Member: Olivia Cajero Bedford (D-27)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5835
Email Address:ocajerobedford@azleg.gov
Member: Cloves C. Campbell, Jr. (D-16)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3042
Email Address:clcampbell@azleg.gov
Member: Russell Jones (R-24)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3002
Email Address: rjones@azleg.gov
Member: Rich Crandall (R-19)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3020
Email Address:rcrandall@azleg.gov
Member: Matt Heinz (D-29)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3424
Email Address:mheinz@azleg.gov
Member: Nancy McLain (R-3)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5051
Email Address: nmclain@azleg.gov
Member: Rick Murphy (R-9)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3255
Email Address: rmurphy@azleg.gov
Member: Kyrsten Sinema (D-15)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5058
Email Address: ksinema@azleg.gov
Member: David Schapira (D-17)
Phone Number: (602) 926-3028
Email Address: dschapira@azleg.gov
Member: Vic Williams (R-26)
Phone Number: (602) 926-5839
Email Address: vwilliams@azleg.gov
Take action against DDD budget cuts!
If you have reached this blog you are likely aware of and very concerned about the cuts that the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities has made and may be making in the near future that significantly affect the vital home and community based services children and adults with disabilities receive! There are a lot of emails and postings floating around out there about how to let your voice be heard, whether you are a parent, a provider, a consumer or a concerned Arizona resident. It's a little confusing, so I have listed here all of the info I have received about how to take action. If you know of additional venues, please let me know (pedslp at gmail dot com)!
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