Thanks to all who advocated for funding for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, which supports people who want to move out of institutions and in the community. Short-term three month funding for MFP passed the House as part of the IMPROVE Act. Due to a Senator’s hold on the Senate side, that bill will not come to a vote in the Senate. However, with your advocacy, the funding for a three month extension of MFP was included in the Senate Continuing Resolution (funding bill), that PASSED last night!
We expect a vote on the same bill in the House today and anticipate passage, then it will got to President Trump. Thank you for ALL your hard work and advocacy. We will fight for a longer funding package next year, but this will keep the programs afloat and allows people with disabilities to keep moving into the community.
Supports Waiver and Respite Discussion
Today, the Division of Developmental Disabilities is hold a meeting with a group of providers and independent service coordination agencies to talk about a potential supports waiver and share what they heard previously from listening sessions with consumer and family advocates. The idea of a supports waiver is to offer a range of funding based on a person’s need that allows an individual and family to pick off a menu of services provided in the community. The Division is trying to determine the possible scope of services for a supports waiver as well as who would be eligible. Arc leaders were at the previous three listening sessions, and we will share any outcomes from this meeting as well.
Following the supports waiver meeting, the Division is also holding a discussion on their efforts to re-bid respite grants in the state.
Happy Holidays!
Meg Cooch
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
Meg@thearcofil.org