This morning, the Full Appropriations Committee of the Senate approved their recommendations for the budget for FY07. The chair of the Subcommitee on Human Development, Senator Rene Unterman(R-Buford), recommended 3,000 MRWP waiver services for the FY 07 budget. As she introduced her budget recommendations, Sen. Unternman commented that their "number one priority this year is to unlock the waiting lists." For the ICWP, 142 slots were added for the FY07 budget, with 10 slots already approved for the FY 06. Senator Greg Goggans(R-Douglas) said that this committment "represents a tremendous dent in the waiting lists this year." Going on to say that they "remain dedicated to these individuals."
We expect the budget will move on to the full Senate for a vote quickly - more than likely this week. Your advocacy is working! Following the vote by the full Senate, the budget will go the budget conference committee which is made up of three members of the house and three members of the Senate and then on to the Governor.
Thank you for continuing to write, call and email. We are in a holding pattern until the Senate votes. We will report back as soon as we have more information.
What do you think about the level of committment that the Senate is showing the disability community today?
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is Atlanta's preeminent resource on developmental disabilities, providing support services to families for more than 55 years. We are often the one place where people with developmental disabilities can go to achieve personal empowerment, family stability and community participation. AADD provides family support; public policy and advocacy; and community engagement.
1 comment:
We have been fighting for this for so long that I am numb and shocked and greatful all at the same time. It seems that our hard work is beginning to reap the harvest. I hope we can continue to educate our law makers and communities at large that people are better served in their community of choice. I think that the people who provide the home and community based services will appreciate their jobs more and become more qualified and receive increased salaries as well, so it will be a win/win situtation. Thanks to everyone who is advocating for improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
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