Organizing for America does not have to be huge meetings, posters, and outcries. It can be good, wonderful, warm, and welcoming. To take a moment and share the moment. So nice to hold up an example of good. A model of the best of America. Let's organize around the positive. In your neighborhood there may be an individual you should welcome, say hello to, or otherwise include. I encourage you to reach out.
I want to share an exemplar from today: My brother and I went to the the studio of Sherry Vitale, a photographer in Hatsboro PA. I had met Sherry before and she was nice and competent. But today I was bringing my most precious gift, my brother, to the photo shoot. David is an individual with special needs and I was not sure how this would go.
Believe it or not, the reality of the situation in Cambridge is not race-based. It is about a personal sense of being disrespect and the response to them. This is the teachable moment. Race obscures the reality of the dynamics of the situation that happens in the US every day e.g. forced acceptance of authoritarian demands made by some individuals in public safety. Hypervigilance is defined as abnormally increased arousal, responsiveness to stimuli, and scanning of the environment for threats. Too many public safety employees come into situations primed to respond and reacting to individual responses in a negative way.
Perhaps the training we should be giving our public safety officials is sensitivity to and management of their own physiological state while being in the midst of an emotionally charged situation.
I was trying to put together a comprehensive framework to build a comprehensive committee for health care reform. As I was building this list I was amazed at how disproportionate the lobbying efforts are compared to the model. Take a look and make suggestions for changes. NOTE: when building the committee I advocate only looking for representation of sectors from 1.0 through 5.9.
Thanks - Janell Larocque
STAKEHOLDERS IN HEALTH CARE REFORM (created 07/14/09)
1.1 Public Health
1.1.1 CDC
1.1.2 FEMA
1.1.3 Research
1.1.3.1 FDA
1.1.3.2 NIH
1.2 Personal Health
1.2.1 Routine (Includes Wellness, Dental, Vision)
1.2.2 Emergencies
1.2.3 Chronic Care
1.2.4 End of Life Care
2.1 Urban and Suburban Care
2.1.1 Professional Office
2.1.2 Clinic
2.1.3 Hospital
2.1.4 Recipient’s Home
2.1.5 Rehabilitation Facility
2.1.6 Long Term Facility
2.1.7 Hospices
2.2 Local Health Departments
2.3 VA Hospitals and Health Care System
2.4 Rural Health Care
3.0 HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
3.1 Primary Physician
3.2 Specialists
3.3 Pharmaceuticals (Manufacturers and Pharmacies)
3.4 Laboratories (Equipment Manufacturers and/or Delivery Specialists)
3.5 Other Testing Resources (Manufacturers and/or Testers)
3.6 Other Treatment Resources (Manufacturers and/or Treatment Providers)
4.0 HEALTH CARE IMPACTED INSURER/INSURANCE PROVIDERS
4.01 Health Insurance Provider
4.01.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.01.2 Direct to recipient
4.02 Vision Insurance Provider
4.02.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.02.2 Direct to recipient
4.03 Dental Insurance Provider
4.03.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.03.2 Direct to recipient
4.04 Prescription Drug Insurance
4.04.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.04.2 Direct to recipient
4.05 Short Term Disability Insurance
4.05.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.05.2 Direct to recipient
4.06 Long Term Disability Insurance
4.06.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.06.2 Direct to recipient
4.07 Supplemental Insurance
4.07.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.07.2 Direct to recipient
4.08 Life Insurance
4.08.1 To employer (Third Party)
4.08.2 Direct to recipient
4.09 Specialized Short Term Health Insurance
4.10 Employers
4.10.1 Self-Employed
4.10.2 Small Business
4.10.3 Business
4.10.4 Government
4.10.4.1 For Career Employees
4.10.4.2 For Elected Officials
4.11 Medicare
4.12 Tri-Care
5.0 HEALTH CARE RECIPIENTS
5.1 Employees
5.1.1 Working Poor e.g. Full Time Low Income
5.1.2 Traditional e.g. Full Time Moderate Income and Above
5.1.2.1 Unionized
5.1.2.2 Non-unionized
5.1.3 Non-traditional
5.1.4 Retirees
5.1.1 Unionized
5.1.2 Non-unionized
5.2 Unemployed
5.2.1 No-choice
5.2.2 By Choice
5.3 College Students (non-dependent)
5.4 Veterans
5.4.1 Active duty
5.4.2 Reserve
5.4.3 Retired
5.5 Chronically Ill
5.6 Disabled
5.7 Mentally Ill
5.8 Elderly
5.9 Terminally Ill
5.10 Children
5.11 Pregnant Women
5.12 Victims of Sex Crimes
6.1 Schools, Educational Institutions, and Specialized Training Programs e.g. medical schools
6.2 Professional Organizations/Agencies
6.3 Manufacturer’s Trade Organizations
6.4 Credentialing Agencies
6.5 Regulatory and Standards Compliance Organizations
7.1 Abortion Practices
7.2 Birth Control Programs
7.3 Programs Involving Sexual Identity Conflicts With Sexual Physiology
7.4 Research Activities Using Stem Cells
Phrases like "group complexion" and "organizational fit" have become accepted. Yet they are ways that have been found to allow small minded people to maintain the comfort of their own cultural identity within a very small protective bubble. Without diversity groups and organizations cheat themselves because they do not expereince the whole range of human conditions & expereinces and the unique gifts bestowed by those events.
CA OPTION AL MEDICAL AND IHHS BENEFITS CUT FOR THOSE IN VOC REAHB TICKET TO WORK, EVEN SOME SEVERELY AND MULIPLY DISABLED. CUTS WERE BACKFILLED IN STAKEHOLDERS MEETINGS WHERE LOBBY ISTS AGREED TO REIN STATE FOR MULITPLE SPECAIL INTERST GROUPS ONLY
- NOT BY MEDICAL NEED -
THOSE SEVERELY MULITPLEY DISABLED AND THOSE HOPING TO BE ABLE TO WORK WILL NOW SUFFER and be UN -ABLE .
FOR THOSE SOME LESS DISABLED ALREADY WITH MORE SUPPORTS BECASUE THEY HAD REPRESENTATION OF LOBBYISTS .
THIS VIOLATES ADA +/OR SECTION 504 .
THERE ARE NO advocates and no voice for severely and multiply disabled not attached to regional centers certain senior and other outside special interests.
This has been done by affiliation NOT medical need !
PLEASE ASK Washington to stand up for us and give us a voice!
CA LOBBYISTS BACK FILL some cuts for SPECIAL INTERESTS only!
CHECKS Were supposed to come out in May some DELAYED.
DID YOU - IF ON SSI OR SSDI - RECeIVE YOUR $250.oo STIMULUS?
if you have not call
1-800-772-1213
please reply here too.!
Obama on Clinton: A 'Loose Cannon' Who Tells 'Bald-Faced Lies'
Politics Daily More Links
Referring to the link below:
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/06/03/obama-bill-clinton-is-a-bald-faced-liar/?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl1%7Clink3%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicsdaily.com%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Fobama-bill-clinton-is-a-bald-faced-liar%2F
Just IN CASE for y'll out there supposedly SUPPORTERS of Democracy and HOW we got here...AND WHY THIS SITE and we EVEN Exist or have some little INPUTS in our Daily LIVES.
PULL ALL of Ya A..es OUT OF YOUR SleepyHEADS!
SI SE PUEDE!!!
It is evident that many businesses both public and private sector are not aware of the Federal ADA regulations and guidelines to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. It is urgent that everyone become familar with ADA guidelines and then advocate to help eliminate these barriers.
It has been my experience that the majority of the population does not realize that it is that law. For information on rights and other relevant information please visit http://www.ada.gov/.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/968952034?z00m=19760638
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin skyrocketed to the headlines when she became John McCain's surprise nominee for vice president in 2008 -- but even out of the spotlight of a national campaign, Palin continues to garner attention outside of Alaska.
Most recently, she made headlines for her take on accepting Alaska's portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -- commonly called the stimulus plan. Andrew Sullivan of the Atlantic does a nice job of running down her waffling statements.
But the most baffling part to me is that, of the $930 million allocated for Alaska, she only rejected the $28.6 million slated for energy efficiencymeasures. The New York Times explains:
The stimulus funds for states' energy offices come with other efficiency-oriented stipulations. To be eligible for the money, governors must offer assurances that their state will not only strengthen its building code, but also that they will make energy efficiency and renewable energy a priority when spending the funds. The states are also supposed to make sure that utilities have incentives to help their customers make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient...
Sounds great to me. But Palin has other ideas, claiming that "mandating universal energy building codes" was a bad idea for Alaska. The problem is, rejecting that money is an even worse idea for our environment. The future of this planet depends on everyone -- including residents of Alaska -- to start conserving energy now. And the best way to get started is through government-funded programs like the state energy grants Governor Palin just rejected.
Even fellow Alaskan Republicans agree; Alaskan Senate Resources Committee Co-Chair Lesil McGuire (an Anchorage Republican) sent Palin a letter formally urging her to take the energy efficiency funds. The Anchorage Daily News reports that Senator McGuire "said in an interview that Palin herself set a goal of Alaska receiving 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025. 'And then to come back and reject the implementation of an energy saving code the building community hasn't rejected and that other states are readily adopting, I think it sends a hypocritical message,' McGuire said."
Agree it's hypocritical? You can let Sarah Palin know! Demand that she accepts the $28.6 million in stimulus funds for energy efficiency programs today by signing this petition.
here's the link to the action:
http://homelessness.change.org/actions/view/accessible_housing_for_all
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS TO HR 1408 IN FINANCE COMMITTEE
LETTER TO GO OUT IS EDITABLE and IS EASIeR TO READ THAN FRONT PAGE Which is JUST ThE DETAILS
LETS GET 10K SIGNATURES TO BEGIN REAL WORK ON ACCESSIBLE HOUSING FOR ALL.
From: John.Campbell@address-verify.com
Subject: April 27, 2009: From Congressman John Campbell's Laptop to Yours
Organizing for America Listening Tour (Meeting)
Organizing for America is dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization. We'll tell you about some lessons learned during the general election, and ask for your thoughts on how we can organize California going forward.
Your ideas will be used to write a California-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond. Come and make your voice heard!
Time:Sunday, May 17 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Host:Mary Jane Stevenson
Location:TBD (Irvine, CA)Irvine, CA 92602
CDCAN REPORT
CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK
ADVOCACY WITHOUT BORDERS: ONE COMMUNITY
REPORT #115-2009 APRIL 14, 2009 – TUESDAY
California Disability Community Action Network Disability Rights News goes out to over 45,000 people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, veterans with disabilities and mental health needs, their families, workers, community organizations, including those in Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, African American communities, policy makers and others across California.
To reply to this report write: MARTY OMOTO at martyomoto@rcip.com Website: www.cdcan.us
California Budget Crisis
ADVOCATES FEAR MORE MAJOR CUTS AS STATE REVENUES CONTINUE TO FALL
GROWING BUDGET DEFICIT WILL LIKELY MEAN GOVERNOR WILL PROPOSE MORE PERMANENT CUTS IMPACTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS & LOW INCOME WORKERS AND FAMILIES – REGIONAL CENTERS, IHSS & OTHER PROGRAMS MAJOR TARGETS
SACRAMENTO, CA (CDCAN) [Updated 04/14/09 03:00 PM (Pacific Time) ] - Advocates for people with disabilities, mental health needs and seniors fear that more permanent and devastating major cuts are almost certain now to be proposed by the Governor and Legislature in late May, as revenues continue to drop more sharply than previously expected when the 2009-2010 State Budget was passed in February (four months early). [CDCAN photo, left of crowd protesting cuts on February 19, 2009 in Sacramento before start of public forum by the Department of Developmental Services on regional center budget reduction. Similar protests are planned for April 22 and May 7th]
While the Schwarzenegger Administration has given assurances that it will not propose suspension of the landmark Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, Some advocates fear that cuts could mean a permanent major scaling back of the civil rights law that protects the rights of children and adults with developmental disabilities. California is the only state in the nation to have such a civil rights law. [CDCAN Note: In response to the current cuts and likeliehood of more major cuts coming, a protest march and sidewalk demonstration is set for April 22, beginning at 11 AM to 1 PM, from the Sacramento Convention Center to the State Capitol L Street sidewalk, just before the Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing on regional center and mental health budget cuts and issues. See CDCAN website for more details at www.cdcan.us]
That fear of more major cuts was underscored last week when State Controller John Chiang issued his monthly report on the state finances, showing a sharp drop in state revenues. That report by Chiang, who is a statewide elected official, largely confirms the findings last month by the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) – the non-partisan office that reviews budget issues for the Legislature – which projected a larger than expected drop in State revenues, which will mean the budget deficit will grow back to well over $8 billion by June 30, 2010.
These cuts are in addition to reductions that were already approved in September (as part of the 2008-2009 State Budget passed three months late) or approved in February (as part of the 2009-2010 State Budget passed four months early). Some of those cuts have already gone into effect, such as the cut to the federal SSI portion of the SSI/SSP grant’s federal cost of living increase money that went into effect January 1, 2009 that the State will begin withholding (cutting) effective May 1.
Other cuts, unless rescinded by the Legislature and Governor, such as cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, elimination of several Medi-Cal optional benefits and grant reductions to SSI/SSP and CalWORKS, and over $100 million cut in spending to regional centers are scheduled to go into effect in May – and others will go into effect July 1, 2009.
One senior legislative staffer told CDCAN that people should worry – because “if the Legislature was willing to make cuts to the budget that it never would have made before – to In-Home care, to Medi-Cal [optional] benefits – then other major cuts to previously sacred programs are really possible now, especially if some other cuts are restored.”
$8 Billion Gap Comes Just Weeks After Budget Passed Closing $41 Billion Hole
That $8 billion shortfall projection comes just weeks after the Governor and Legislature hammered out a budget deal that saw passage of an early budget in February, for the State budget year that begins July 1 and ends June 30 next year, closing a over $41 billion deficit through major permanent spending cuts, temporary tax and fee hikes, fund shifts and borrowing. [CDCAN photo of Anna Wang, parent of child with autism, part of larger crowd protesting outside federal courthouse Feb. 18, against Medi-Cal, regional center, IHSS, SSI/SSP and other cuts]
The new $8 billion budget hole however is expected to grow dramatically by the end May when actual and new projections of state spending is factored in (the $8 billion figure is based on revenue numbers only). If the ballot propositions that call for spending caps, fund transfers and shifts impacting mental health and children’s programs are rejected by voters – as seems likely at this point barring a massive successful campaign by supporters including the Governor to win passage – the budget shortfall projections could easily swell to over $18 billion by June 30, 2010.
Growing Budget Shortfall Makes More Cuts Almost Certain
A budget hole of that size – even one of over $8 billion, would almost certainly mean proposals calling for major permanent spending cuts ranging in the billions of dollars – with a focus on health and human services.
Raising additional taxes and fees – even temporarily – at this point does not seem likely politically, especially if the spending cap initiative – which includes a provision to extend by another two years, the temporary tax increases passed in February , are rejected by voters.
Another factor complicating solving the budget crisis is the coming 2010 Statewide general election when the governorship and other statewide offices, all 80 seats in the Assembly and half of the State Senate are up for election.
Health & Human Service Programs Vulnerable For More Cuts
Though cuts to health and human service programs important to people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and low income families, were approved by the Legislature and Governor in previous budgets, including the 2008-2009 State Budget passed three months late in September 2008, and the 2009-2010 State Budget passed in February (four months early), those same programs and populations are especially vulnerable for more likely cuts again when the Governor issues in late May his budget changes and revisions (called the “May Revise”).
Especially vulnerable, advocates fear, are even larger “devastating” and permanent cuts to regional center funded community-based services and supports that serve over 240,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Other programs vulnerable and likely targets for more cuts – and already subjected to cuts in previous years and this year and next – include In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/’SSP, CalWORKS, senior programs and other human services programs.
KEY DATES AND NEXT STEPS
· April - Assembly and Senate budget subcommittee hearings [key hearings on April 22 by the Assembly budget subcommittee on Health and Human Services dealing with regional center cuts and mental health, April 23 by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services dealing with Medi-Cal cuts, including optional benefits, and mental health; May 7th by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services dealing with regional center cuts. ]
· May – subcommittee hearings continue
· May 5 – voter registration deadline
· May 19 – statewide special election (several ballot measures linked to budget)
· May 25 – date when Governor is expected to release his budget revisions (this date could be a few days later). Advocates expect more major permanent budget cuts to be proposed.
· June – additional (and final) budget subcommittee hearings on new proposals by the Governor – and final action on any “open” budget issues. Legislative leadership and Governor likely to meet in order to reach agreement (unlike in previous years, these meetings would be about a budget already passed).
· June – any action to rescind previous cuts and restore funding (such as cuts to In-Home Supportive Services or elimination of several Medi-Cal optional benefits) will likely need to happen this month before those cuts go into effect July 1, 2009.
· July 1, 2009 – Start of 2009-2010 State budget year. Many cuts – unless restored – go into effect at this point, including cuts to IHSS, 2.3% grant cut to SSI/SSP, 4% grant cut to CalWORKS, over $100 million in state dollars cut to regional center spending and continuation of 3% regional center provider payment reduction through at least June 30, 2010.
· September 1, 2009 – additional 7.1% cut to regional center provider payments (on top of the existing 3% cut) will go into effect if another “trigger” in the 2009-2010 State Budget is pulled by the Legislature if they don’t believe the Governor’s proposal (issued by the Department of Developmental Services on April 6) that details changes in state law, will achieve the over $100 million cuts in State general fund spending between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. With the deficit exploding to over $8 billion, and a strong push to restore cuts either to IHSS and some of the Medi-Cal optional benefits , some advocates now believe that this additional 7.1% regional center provider payment cut (on top of the existing and ongoing 3% cut) is much more likely to happen regardless of an “trigger”.
· January 10, 2010 – Governor must submit by this date, a proposed budget for 2010-2011.
· December 31, 2010 – End of the period of funding – unless Congress makes a change in federal law – from the federal economic stimulus bill.
URGENT!!!!
PLEASE HELP CDCAN CONTINUE ITS WORK!!!
CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings, reports and alerts and other activities cannot continue without your help.
To continue the CDCAN website, the CDCAN News Reports. sent out and read by over 45,000 people and organizations, policy makers and media across California and to continue the CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings which since December 2003 have connected thousands of people with disabilities, seniors, mental health needs, people with MS and other disorders, people with traumatic brain and other injuries to public policy makers, legislators, and issues.
Please send your contribution/donation (make payable to "CDCAN" or "California Disability Community Action Network):
CDCAN
1225 8th Street Suite 480 - Sacramento, CA 95814
You can also donate via credit card – paypal on the CDCAN site working again!
MANY, MANY THANKS to HOPE SERVICES in San Jose, FEAT of Sacramento (Families for Early Autism Treatment), RESCoalition, Easter Seals of Southern California, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Westside Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, Friends of Children with Special Needs, UCP of Orange County, UCP of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Alta California Regional Center, Life Steps, Parents Helping Parents, Work Training, Foothill Autism Alliance, Arc Contra Costa, Pause4Kids, Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self Reliance, UCP, California NAELA, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc (CDR) including CDR chapters, CHANCE Inc, , Strategies To Empower People (STEP), Harbor Regional Center, Asian American parents groups, Resources for Independent Living and many other Independent Living Centers, several regional centers, People First chapters, IHSS workers, other self advocacy and family support groups, developmental center families, adoption assistance program families and children, and others across California
CDCAN ACTION ALERT
California Disability Community Action Network
Advocacy Without Borders: One Community
APRIL 14, 2009 - TUESDAY
To reply to this email alert: Marty Omoto – martyomoto@rcip.com or go to the CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us
MAJOR PERMANENT CUTS TO REGIONAL CENTERS, MEDI-CAL, IHSS, SSI/SSP COMING
APRIL 22nd and MAY 7th MARCH & SIDEWALK DEMONSTRATION FOR RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS & SENIORS, LOW-INCOME WORKERS AND FAMILIES
Also: Come to April 23 Budget Hearing on Medi-Cal Cuts & Mental Health Issues
· California (and the nation) is going through the worse financial crisis since the Great Depression in the 1930’s, with California’s budget shortfall still growing by billions of dollars despite major spending cuts and new revenues and fund shifting and borrowing made in the 2009-2010 State Budget passed in February (four months early).
· Major permanent cuts impacting regional centers, SSI/SSP (federal/state grants to the lowest income persons with disabilities, the blind and seniors), CalWORKS, In-Home Supportive Services, permanent elimination of several Medi-Cal optional benefits including adult dental, mental health services, are already in the budget unless the Legislature and Governor rescind their previous actions and restore funding.
· With budget shortfall growing once again, additional huge permanent cuts are almost certain to be proposed by the Governor in late May.
· These are protests to stand up for the rights of children and adults with disabilities, with mental health needs, seniors, those with traumatic brain and other injuries, those with MS, Alzheimer’s and other disorders, their families, and the community organizations and low income workers who provide critical supports and services.
· This is about an individual’s right to live in their own home and community, rights that the Governor and Legislature have a responsibility to protect – not take away.
· This protest march and demonstration is also to let the Governor and Legislature know that our community of children and adults with disabilities, with mental health needs, with traumatic brain and other injuries, with MS, Alzheimer’s and other disorders, seniors and low income families should not be the ones bearing the burden to pay for California’s recovery. Our community has a right to share in the recovery too.
· Californians can lose their homes, employment and even lives not just by foreclosure or when retail businesses close – but also when the Governor and Legislature (and local government) cut funding for critical services (such as Medi-Cal, regional center funded services, In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/SSP, senior and mental health services) that results in a person being forced out of their home or job.
APRIL 22, 2009 – WEDNESDAY
REGIONAL CENTERS – MENTAL HEALTH CUTS (ASSEMBLY)
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (be on time!)
PRIORITY: VERY HIGH!
WHERE:
Meet at the Sacramento Convention Center sidewalk area on 13th and K Streets (facing rear entrance of Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Esquire Grill restaurant)
WHAT:
· Meet at 11 AM in the sidewalk/plaza area in front of the Sacramento Convention Center FACING 13th and K Streets (across from Esquire Grill and the Hyatt Regency Hotel rear entrance)
· March from there, crossing 13th Street, marching down K Street Mall, crossing 12th street (stoplight) to 11th Street (walking mall), turning left marching down the 11th Street walking mall to the State Capitol, crossing L Street (stoplight) to the sidewalk facing the Capitol building (where the sidewalk demonstration will occur).
· Sidewalk demonstration until 1:00 PM for rights of children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and low income families.
WHY:
· Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (agenda will focus on cuts to regional centers and mental health services) meets at 1:00 PM, April 22, 2009 Wednesday afternoon in the State Capitol. Public testimony will be taken on cuts to regional centers. These permanent cuts include the details from the Governor (through the Department of Developmental Services) on needed changes in state law to implement cuts of over $100 million in state general fund money to regional center funded services between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 and beyond. Advocates expect ,more and even larger permanent cuts in late May when the Governor submits his budget revisions – including more cuts to regional centers.
· March and sidewalk demonstration will protest the continued cuts made by the Governor and Legislature to regional centers that fund critical services to children and adults with developmental disabilities (including autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy) AND the prospect of MORE additional permanent cuts coming in late May and January as the State budget shortfall grows worse. Protest will also focus attention on cuts to mental health services.
· March and sidewalk demonstration also continues earlier protests against huge permanent cuts impacting cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/SSP, CalWORKS, senior services, low income children.
APRIL 23, 2009 – THURSDAY MORNING
MEDI-CAL – MENTAL HEALTH CUTS (SENATE)
09:30 AM or upon adjournment of Senate floor session
PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
State Capitol – Room 4203
· No outside protest or demonstration planned.
· Attend and testify at Senate Budget Subcommittee hearing that will focus on Medi-Cal, including cuts in the budget now that, unless rescinded before July 1, 2009, will permanently eliminate several Medi-Cal optional benefits including adult dental, incontinence creams and washes, podiatry and other critical services for persons not living in a nursing home or other similar health facility.
· Also hearing will focus on mental health services, Healthy Families and California Children Services budget issues
MAY 7, 2009 – THURSDAY MORNING
REGIONAL CENTER CUTS (SENATE)
09:00 AM (until start of hearing)
State Capitol – L Street sidewalk
Sidewalk demonstration for rights of people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors. Meet on sidewalk on L Street facing the State Capitol (at 11th Street). More details coming.
· Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (agenda will focus on cuts to regional centers) meets at 09:30 AM (or when the Senate floor session adjourns that morning – could be later than 9:30 AM) May 7, 2009, Thursday morning in the State Capitol in Room 4203. Public testimony will be taken on cuts to regional centers.
· This sidewalk demonstration will continue the protests against cuts impacting not only regional centers, but cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/SSP, CalWORKS, mental health, low income children.
WHAT TO BRING TO APRIL 22 & MAY 7 EVENTS:
· Pictures of loved ones impacted by all these cuts, including those of workers.
· Posters and signs (“No More Cuts” “People with disabilities, mental health c needs and seniors deserve a better California” “Governor and Legislature: Do the Right Thing: Rescind Cuts to Disabled and Seniors”, etc) .
· Make signs as individualized as possible. This is about an individual’s rights to live in their own home and community and to share in the recovery of California and the nation and not be the ones made to pay for it.
· Bring your own lunch or snacks and water for April 22 and May 7 – it will be long a day!
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER AVOIDING
· Avoid personal attacks on posters and signs as it takes focus away from the issue of the rights of a child, of an adult (including seniors), with disabilities, who are blind , mental health needs, or a disorder or injury.
· If coming with a group, consider NOT wearing the same color shirts (not just unions, but also community organizations, regional centers, or associations who sometime like to have their members wear the same outfit or shirt). This suggestion of not wearing the same type of t-shirt or holding the same exact mass produced sign is not an attack on any group – all groups are welcome.
· Wearing the same colored t-shirt (either one promoting a regional center, union, or association or other group) takes away from the focus of an individual – that of a child or adult or senior with disabilities, with autism, with traumatic brain injuries, with Alzheimer’s, with mental health needs. A person who is deaf or blind.
· The cuts are attacking and harming individuals – a child, an adult, a senior, a low income worker.
· Dress as an individual – as you would normally – because THAT is the best way to show California – to show the Governor and Legislature and others that this is about how these terrible cuts are harming a child with disabilities and mental health needs, an adult with disabilities and mental health needs, a senior, a low income worker. We want to make California see us in that way – and to hear the voices of individuals who are being harmed. Si Se Puede.
WHO SHOULD COME
· Cuts impact children and adults with developmental disabilities – including those with autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome; children and adults with other disabilities, children and adults with mental health needs, seniors including those with Alzheimer’s, persons with MS and other disorders, children and adults with traumatic brain and other injuries, children and parents from low income families, community organizations and facilities and low income workers who provide critical supports and services, regional centers, independent living centers, and more. All should come.
· These hearings are just three in a series of budget hearings that have been held all this past year – with more to come. There have been hearings on In-Home Supportive Services, mental health – and more will be scheduled likely on those and other issues – and we will organize events also on those dates.
· For April 22 and May 7, both the Assembly and Senate budget subcommittees will focus on major cuts to regional centers that fund community-based services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Cuts include those that will children in Early Start (California’s early intervention program), transportation, supported living and a wide range of other services – in addition to on-going cuts passed last September and in February, which have already been implemented (including 3% cuts in regional center provider payments retroactive to February 1, 2009). The April 23rd Senate budget subcommittee hearing will focus on cuts to Medi-Cal, mental health.
· Just as important as focusing on cuts already proposed or already passed, is a focus that MORE permanent cuts of hundreds of millions of dollars in state spending is certain to come in the coming months, if the state’s budget situation continues to grow worse – as most expect it will.
· The Governor will propose revisions to the State budget for 2009-2010 that was passed in February four months early. But the deficit that was closed by that budget (which goes into effect July 1, 2009) has grown by a projected $8 billion, a number that will likely grow even larger in the coming months.
· That will almost certainly mean more proposed cuts – including those impacting specifically regional centers – and also other health and human services critical to people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and low income families across California. Unlike in previous years, these cuts will almost certainly be permanent.
HOW A PERSON CAN TESTIFY AT HEARINGS
· Nearly all of the budget subcommittee hearings allow time for the public to provide testimony or comments – but that time is very limited, especially if there is a large crowd waiting to testify.
· The subcommittee chair will, usually after each agenda item, ask for comments from the subcommittee, then will ask for any testimony or comments from the public (you don’t fill out a card requesting to speak in advance that is often the practice at local government type meetings) [CDCAN Note: agendas for these hearings are usually not available until the day before the hearing. Agendas are available in the hearing rooms – CDCAN will also send out copies and post on the CDCAN website as soon as agendas become available]
· People simply line up to speak (at the podium or table, depending on the hearing room). In the larger hearing rooms the subcommittees will often have wireless microphones available for persons unable to make it up to the podium easily.
· Give your full name and where you are from. If you have a picture – show it (including to the audience behind you).
· Keep comments focused on the specific agenda item that the subcommittee chair is asking people to speak on. Sometimes that is not always possible if the agenda doesn’t include the issues you want to talk about.
· Time to speak is very limited, especially if there are a lot of agenda items and also if there are a lot of people waiting to also testify. Persons should try to make brief comments, lasting not more than a minute or so.
· Talking longer is NOT more effective – and it simply takes away time for another person to speak (you can give written comments to the subcommittee in addition to speaking). And taking time away from another person waiting to speak is taking away their right to participate too.
· Think of how long a good commercial on radio or TV lasts – usually 30 seconds. But a strong and compelling point can be made in that time – in part also because if there are others lined up to speak too – then each person’s testimony is being supported and emphasized by everyone else.
· Be respectful to the subcommittee chair, members and staff – and also the sergeant at arms in the hearing rooms.
· CDCAN Note: more information about the specific hearings, including committee members and other ideas will be sent out later – and also at the two protests/demonstrations prior to the hearings.
1225 8th Street Suite 480
Sacramento, CA 95814
MANY, MANY THANKS to HOPE Services of San Jose, FEAT of Sacramento (Families for Early Autism Treatment), RESCoalition, Easter Seals of Southern California, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Westside Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, Friends of Children with Special Needs, UCP of Orange County, UCP of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Alta California Regional Center, Life Steps, Parents Helping Parents, Work Training, Foothill Autism Alliance, Arc Contra Costa, Pause4Kids, Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self Reliance, UCP, California NAELA, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc (CDR) including CDR chapters, CHANCE Inc, , Strategies To Empower People (STEP), Harbor Regional Center, Asian American parents groups, Resources for Independent Living and many other Independent Living Centers, several regional centers, People First chapters, IHSS workers, other self advocacy and family support groups, developmental center families, adoption assistance program families and children, and others across California
Dear All APF members,
FDA Briefing on Unapproved Opioids was held on April 9, 2009.
An emergency stakeholder briefing was convened via conference call by the FDA to address concerns that have been raised by the pain and palliative care communities regarding warnings to nine companies to stop manufacturing and distributing 14 opioid analgesics within 60 days. APF participated in this briefing. A replay of the briefing will be available until April 15, 2009 at 11:59 PM EDT. To hear the replay, callers can dial 1-866-419-2678.
Douglas Throckmorton, M.D., Deputy Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research stated that the FDA understands that patients dealing with terminal illness have unique needs that should have been taken into consideration. The FDA reported that they are taking immediate corrective action regarding the availability of the 20mg/ml morphine sulfate solution. They regretted that they failed to include representatives from hospice and palliative care organizations in deliberations over this particular issue and will improve their consultation process with key stakeholders in the future. The FDA commented that they were not aware of the extent of disruption in patient care because of their ruling or that a critical shortage of some of these medications already exists. We would like to acknowledge them for their swift action in this case as they became aware of the impact this disruption was having on the community. In order to help remedy this; they would like to hear from providers if there are critical shortages in medications to help manage patients optimally.
Action:The FDA has asked to be notified of drug shortages in your area as they arise. Contact FDA by emailing this information to drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov. All correspondence should include your professional information, name of the drug, your location, name of wholesaler (if available) and identify yourself as an APF member.
To stay informed of drug shortages, visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/shortages/
Our voices can make a difference.
If you are receiving this e-mail for the first time as a forward from a friend, please register here to continue to receive news and action items regarding pain management.
Sincerely,American Pain Foundation
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ALREADY many OBAMA FEDERAL STIMULUS funds for adultS disabled are being diverted to other programs - huge cuts including to psychologists are planned !
PLEASE VOTE NO ON 1E BECAUSE THAT BILL IS THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY !
DON'T ALLOW MH SPECIFIC $ TO "DISAPPEAR" IN THE CA GENERAL FUND.!!!!!!!!!!
WARning: CA CUTTING CARE TO DISABLED ADULTS on ssi/ssp THROUGHOUT all PROGRAMS increasing disability and inability among Adults with mh and multiple disability!
Act Now To Defeat Proposition 1E
California's Special Election is less than two months away. We must act quickly and take the necessary steps to defeat Proposition 1E.
From NAMI California by Grace McAndrews, Executive Director, March 26, 2009
It's up to us to act now to defeat this harmful act.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Attached for your convenience is a Fact Sheet & Contribution Form and Endorsement Forms for Individuals and Organizations. Please be as generous as you can. We ask that you share this information with all of your contacts, including members of your affiliate, neighbors, co-workers and friends listed in your address book. Post information on your web site and in your newsletter. Write letters to your local newspaper. Hold parties to support the campaign. Do whatever else is necessary to get the word out.
GET OUT THE VOTE
Voters who are registered to vote must vote at their polling place or vote-by-mail. This is critical. People who are not registered to vote must register by the deadline and vote either at their polling place or use the vote-by-mail ballot. This is critical as well. Historically, voting is light in special elections. We believe there is a good chance that t hose who opt for the vote-by-mail ballot may very well dictate the results of the May 19th election.
Those who wish to vote-by-mail can use the application printed on their Sample Ballot which will be sent prior to the elections, or one can apply in writing to their county elections official. If choosing the latter, you will need to submit a completed application or letter to your county elections official between 29 days and 7 days before the election. You can find the telephone number and address of your county elections official by looking in the front of your telephone directory in the White Pages Government Listing section under County Offices. Look for “Elections”, Registrar of Voters”, “County Clerks”, or “Voting.” For complete “how to” information of Registering to Vote and vote-by-mail, visit the following web site: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections Go to Voter Reigstration, click on Vote by Mail.
Critical Downloads:
Click Here to download the Fact Sheet and Contribution Form
Click Here to download the Endorsement Forms for Individuals and Organizations
NOTE: 501©3 affiliates can participate in this process as well as donate money to the campaign. Your affiliate's non-profit status will not be affected.
Thanks for helping to defeat Proposition 1E!!
Source: NAMI California
Link: http://namialifornia.org
*please note rules for hud housing occupants medical and disability deductions are different than tax/irs rules
www.hud.gov/.../both.cfm
Tax Deductions for People with Disabilities
Read Estate Planning for People with Disabilities to find out what you need to know before planning your estate.
Hi everyone,
The standoff in the Indian Ocean continues for a second day - with armed Somali pirates holding the captain of an American cargo ship on a lifeboat. A U.S. Navy Destroyer is now keeping close watch, and the FBI is sending in a hostage negotiating team to win the captain's release. Meanwhile, the cargo ship is on the move, toward Kenya, to carry out its original mission to deliver relief supplies. David Martin will have the latest.
David will be back later in the broadcast with an in depth report about the shocking increase of suicide among U.S. troops. He has an exclusive interview with a top general who admits the military needs to do more to address this problem.
Barry Petersen reports from the world's number one car market - China. Sales are booming there, and you might be surprised to learn that Ford and GM are selling lots of cars there. In fact, the Chinese market is providing a much-needed boost to Detroit.
When most people hear about spring break, they think of sandy beaches and late-night parities. But Dean Reynolds has a story about students from Howard University taking a different type of spring break, in order to inspire high school students.
See you tonight!
Katie Couric
Subject: [DoctorsforObama] Calling All Doctors -- Tell Congress to Fund Health Reform
Dear Doctors @ Organizing for America:
President Obama has asked Congress to fund health reform in his proposed
budget. Without these funds, health reform will not happen this year.
*Doctors AND MEDICAL STUDENTS must tell Congress that we cannot afford to wait another year for
health reform.
*
*http://drsforamerica.org
PATIENTS:
http://standwithdrdean.com/dfa2
PLEASE
Give America a choice. We support healthcare reform that allows individual Americans to choose either a universally available public healthcare option like Medicare or for-profit private insurance. A public option is the only way to guarantee healthcare for all Americans and its inclusion is non- negotiable.
Any legislation without the choice of a public option is only insurance reform and not the healthcare reform America needs.
STOP MEDICAL CUTS TO DISABLED IT WILL MAKE US UNABLE TO SEE DO PAINMANAGEMNT ETC TO GET EDUCATED AND OFF THE DOLE. MANY OTHER CUTS THIS HIGHLIGHTS MEDI-CAL CUTS. ON TOP OF LOSS OF SSI/SSP INCOME -NOT COST OF LIVING.
PLEASE EMAIL THE CA TREASURER ,BILL LOCKYER,
cdiac_education@treasurer.ca.gov
FROM #104-2009 MARCH 27, 2009 – FRIDAY REPORT
www.cdcan.us
