Tell Congress to Keep Its Hands Off SNAP Access to nutritious food for millions of people in the U.S. is at risk Last week the U.S. House of Representatives defeated H.R. 2 (the Agriculture & Nutrition Act of 2018, or “Farm Bill”) that would have cut off or reduced basic food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition... Read more »
It has been a busy week! In this update we talk about: State legislative activity Electronic Visit Verification and connection to Homebased Self-Direction Assistance Changes 1115 waiver implementation and possible connection with IDD Lawsuit around Medicaid Issues Access Living Lawsuit about Chicago Special Education State Legislative Activity This was a committee deadline in the House. ... Read more »
Thanks to those who responded and are willing to offer insights about legislative and administrative changes needed to improve access to employment. Our focus will be two fold: What is needed to help to support agencies shifting people away from subminimum wage? What is needed to improve capacity and increase supported employment opportunities for people... Read more »
Just announced today: CMS released additional guidance for states around EVV. It is saying that excludes ICFDDs AND group home/congregate settings (see the FAQ link below). Guidance is here: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/hcbs/guidance/electronic-visit-verification/index.html The Arc of the United States is still advocating for general delay of implementation is struggling states like ours. New SDA billing rules A couple of... Read more »
New Member/Key Stakeholder Survey – Please fill out today. Here is a word document for those who need greater accessibility. Take 7 minutes or less to help the Arc of Illinois in its future direction! FEDERAL ADVOCACY SNAP Vote Potentially This WEEK! Call Your legislators now! You can click here to receive the contact number to... Read more »
The CILA Scorecard and SODC Scorecard will go live tomorrow. Here is the letter released yesterday from Secretary Dimas. Today – please submit a witness slip IN SUPPORT for the following bills: SB2424 – Diversion from Facilities, bearing May 16, 8 am House Human Services. Here is the link to fill out a witness slip. SB3237 – Expands and clarifies OIG appeal rights for people... Read more »
Sent from Secretary Dimas: It is with great pleasure that I announce that Melissa Wright has agreed to temporarily come out of retirement and become the interim Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). As a former Director of DDD, Melissa is uniquely qualified to step into this role. She worked her way up... Read more »
We must keep the pressure on 1) Call your legislators if you have any issues with Medicaid application, management or re-determinations that you cannot fix. Let them know that you, a constituent is one of the many people having problems. They have staff who can help you address the individual issues. BUT you also want... Read more »
It is not to late to join us May 3 in Alsip for the DSP Crisis: Know Your Options – Register here! Tomorrow – May 2 – The Going Home Coalition is holding a state call in day to Governor Rauner to demand a discussion of rebalancing. Here is some information and a script. Shirley... Read more »