AccessNorthGa.com mentioned our Efforts!

Shannon McCaffery with the Associated Press wrote this really nice piece with the AccessNorthGa.com - Senate budget increases funding for disabled, law enforcement on the Senate Appropriation Committee voting the budget out of committee yesterday

One of the biggest changes to the House version of the spending plan came in funding for the mentally and developmentally disabled. The state Senate added another 1,500 slots, which is expected to put a significant dent in the 6,511 person waiting list. "We wanted to unlock the waiting list," state Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, said. Advocates praised the move. "They've been pretty clear that is an important issue," said David Blanchard, lobbyist for the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities. The $35.7 million in state funding will allow more people with mental and developmental disabilities receive care without going to an institution. The budget approved on Monday also provides $3.3 million for 162 ICWP slots for Georgians with physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries.

The Senate budget actually proposes 142 ICWP slots in the FY07, and with the 10 ICWP slots in the FY06, the total is 152. (162 would be nicer, but a total of 152 is wonderful!) James Salzer with the AJC also covered the budget in his article, Senate set to vote on $18.6 billion budget. It looks like we have a ways to go...

When negotiators reach a deal, it will signal the end of the 2006 session is near. Traditionally, the budget is one of the last things lawmakers agree on. House Appropriations Chairman Ben Harbin (R-Evans), said lawmakers shouldn't hold their breath hoping for a quick deal. "I think we're going to be here awhile," Harbin said.

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