Helpful Resource: Advocating For Your Child's Education Manual

The Division of MHDDAD's Office of Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD), is pleased to provide a resource for family members and representatives advocating for their child's education.

Advocating For Your Child's Education is a manual that provides information about the laws that may be useful to, and supportive of, family members in their effort to advocate for their child’s right to a free and appropriate public education. There are names, phone numbers, websites, and addresses of people and agencies that may assist them in their efforts. There is also a list of resources, sample forms, and some ideas that may be useful as they try to achieve an appropriate education for their child in the least restrictive environment possible.

This resource is also posted on the Division of MHDDAD website at http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov. It can be accessed by selecting Services...Developmental Disabilities...Helpful Resources, or simply click here.

Training Announcement: Quality Management Series for Individuals with DD & Families

The Division of MHDDAD Office of Developmental Disabilities is providing a new Quality Management Series that includes three distinct trainings:

·Quality Management Used to Make Quality Choices

·Georgia Quality Management System for Individuals and Families

·Empowerment Through Your Own Management Plan

This training is the result of a partnership between the Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) and the Delmarva Foundation. The goal of the partnership is to improve the quality of supports for Georgia citizens living with developmental disabilities. The shared vision is to enhance the service delivery system in order to produce results that reflect communicated choices and preferences that matter most to the person.

The Quality Management Series is being presented throughout Georgia from April through June. Details about the individual trainings, the target audience, and how to register are found here on the Division’s training website: http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/training. Registration is quick & easy online at www.cviog.uga.edu/training/dhr.

Governor Perdue Signs $18.6 Billion Fiscal Year 2010 Budget

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that House Bill 119, the state’s FY 2010 budget, has been signed into law. The FY10 budget year begins July 1, 2009.

“Cutting the budget has forced a number of difficult decisions, but we have managed the state in a thoughtful, conservative way to ensure Georgians are receiving value for their tax dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “We have maintained triple-a bond ratings, saving the state tens of millions of dollars, and funded our top priorities to ensure the basic responsibilities of state government are being met.”

The $18.6 billion FY10 budget is $2.5 billion less than the original FY 09 budget passed during the 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Governor Perdue began reducing agency spending in the FY09 budget last summer, and submitted significant budget cuts in both the Amended FY09 and FY10 budgets to the legislature in January. The Governor revised the revenue estimate during the session, accounting for further reductions in tax collections and the availability of stimulus funding in certain state programs.

The FY10 budget includes $23 million for trauma funding, the first consistent funding of state’s trauma network approved. Increased fines on dangerous driving behaviors will finance the first sustainable source of funds for trauma in the state budget. Major reforms of state government passed this year, including the transformation of the Department of Human Resources, the creation of an Aviation Authority, and the first major alteration to the way that the Department of Transportation does business in decades – all are revenue neutral and will result in better service for taxpayers.

The Governor also signed 13 bills this year that either extend current tax exemptions or provide additional tax savings to citizens and businesses in Georgia. Many of these bills were already evaluated and calculated into the FY2010 revenue estimate.

Governor Perdue also issued three line-item vetoes and 12 agency directives to ignore intent language included in the budget. The budget is an appropriations act, not general law, and therefore intent language is non-binding. As the language is non-binding, the Governor may authorize agencies to utilize funds subject to non-binding intent language in accordance with the overall purpose of the appropriation and within their general law authority. Vetoed items and messages regarding non-binding information language to disregard are included below.

Line-Item Vetoes by the Governor
Section 33, pertaining to the Department of Natural Resources, page 222, line 507.1 and 507.100:
The General Assembly appropriated $25,000 in state general funds for the Georgia State Games Commission. State funding for this program is not justified, as the intention of this funding is inconsistent with the mission of the program. Therefore, I veto this appropriation.

Section 50, pertaining to State of Georgia General Obligation Debt Sinking Fund, page 316, line 397.261 BOND:
This language authorizes the appropriation of $22,700 in debt service to finance projects and facilities for the Herty Foundation, specifically for the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center to design and construct a covered biofuels testing facility through the issuance of $250,000 in 20-year bonds. The State of Georgia issued $2,000,000 in bonds for the Herty Foundation to fund renovations and equipment of which remains a balance of $900,000. Of this balance, $250,000 can be redirected to fund the design and construction of the testing facility. The need for this appropriation, therefore, is not evident at this time. Therefore, I veto this language (page 316, line 397.261) in the provisions relative to Section 50 State of Georgia General Obligation Debt Sinking Fund and the state general funds of $22,700.

Section 50, pertaining to State of Georgia General Obligation Debt Sinking Fund, page 320, line 397.605 BOND:
This language authorizes the appropriation of $145,280 in debt service to finance projects and facilities for the University System of Georgia, Board of Regents, specifically to acquire and renovate strategic property for Darton College in Albany, Dougherty County through the issuance of $1,600,000 in 20-year bonds. The Albany Museum of Art is housed on this property. Due to current economic conditions, the museum will remain at this location, which will delay sale of the property to Darton College. Therefore, I veto this language (page 317, line 397.605) in the provisions relative to Section 50 State of Georgia General Obligation Debt Sinking Fund and the state general funds of $145,280.

Intent Language Considered Non-binding

Section 15, pertaining to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, page 44-45, line 174.98:
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the department as to the operation of the Adult Developmental Disabilities program. This language dictates a matter controlled by general law and is therefore null and void.

Section 15, pertaining to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, page 45, line 176.98:
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the department as to the operation of the Adult Forensic Services program. This language dictates a matter controlled by general law and is therefore null and void.

Section 15, pertaining to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, page 47, line 177.98:
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the department as to the operation of the Adult Mental Health Services program. This language dictates a matter controlled by general law and is therefore null and void.

Section 15, pertaining to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, page 53, line 188.98:
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the department as to the operation of the Direct Care and Support Services program. This language dictates a matter controlled by general law and is therefore null and void.

Section 16, pertaining to the Department of Community Affairs, page 62, line 57.4:
The General Assembly seeks to appropriate $175,000 in OneGeorgia funds for the Communities of Opportunity grants. The use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to fund Communities of Opportunity grants through the OneGeorgia Authority.

Section 16, pertaining to the Department of Community Affairs, page 62, line 57.10:
The General Assembly instructs the Department of Community Affairs to transfer two rural economic development positions to the OneGeorgia Authority. The use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by, the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to transfer two rural economic development positions to the OneGeorgia Authority.

Section 16, pertaining to the Department of Community Affairs, page 66, line 61.9:
The General Assembly seeks to appropriate $121,153 in OneGeorgia funds for the Rural Development Council. The use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by, the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to fund the Rural Development Council through the OneGeorgia Authority.

Section 16, pertaining to Payments to OneGeorgia Authority, page 68, line 65.2
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the OneGeorgia Authority to transfer funds for implementation grants for the Communities of Opportunity program to the Department of Community Affairs. However, the use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by, the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to fund Communities of Opportunity grants through the OneGeorgia Authority.

Section 16, pertaining to Payments to OneGeorgia Authority, page 68, line 65.3
The General Assembly seeks to transfer two rural economic development positions to the OneGeorgia Authority. The use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by, the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to transfer two rural economic development positions to the OneGeorgia.

Section 16, pertaining to Payments to OneGeorgia Authority, page 68, line 65.4
The General Assembly seeks to transfer funds for the Rural Development Council. The use of OneGeorgia funds is directed through, and requires approval by, the OneGeorgia Board and cannot be appropriated through the legislative process. The department should disregard language to fund the Rural Development Council through the OneGeorgia Authority.

Section 17, pertaining to the Department of Community Health, page 96, Two Language Paragraphs:
The General Assembly seeks to direct the department to implement a direct bill system for collecting the employer share of premium costs for the State Health Benefit Plan, effective January 1, 2010 and further directs the department to calculate the employer contribution rates utilizing specified percentages of payroll. While this is the general intent of the executive branch, this language dictates a matter controlled by general law and the Board of Community Health, and it is therefore null and void.

Section 22, pertaining to the Department of Economic Development, page 124, line 110.8:
The General Assembly seeks to earmark $98,325 for the Bainbridge Welcome Center within the Tourism program. The department is authorized to utilize these funds to identify the highest-need projects on a state-wide basis in accordance with the purpose of the Tourism program and the general law powers of the Department.

Governor Perdue Announces April Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of April 2009 (FY09) totaled $1,399,047,000 compared to $1,761,180,000 for April 2008 (FY08), a decrease of $362,133,000 or 20.6 percent.

The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY09 compared to FY08 is 9.5 percent.

Click here for the pdf of April Revenue Figure Details

Managing in Changing Times - Conference June 23 and 24

Join the Arc of Georgia and GSU's Center for Leadership in Disability for two days of presentations and workshop activities examining ways to help your organization sort out the wrong way, the half-way, and the best way to assist people with disabilities to lead full, meaningful lives.

Click here for flyer and registration.

Health Care and Long Term Supports and Services Reform

The United States Congress will debate the need for healthcare reform sometime between now and September. For us in the disability community we must ask: Will the institutional bias in long term care be removed? Will health disparities/inequity's related to disability be addressed? Will the uninsured get coverage? Will long term supports and services be a part of this conversation?

The disability community has a time limited opportunity to weigh in. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, ADAPT and others (add) will be hosting a call to discuss strategy for advocates in Georgia. We'll be joined by those in Washington who are working on this issue. We are working on having representatives from inside the administration, Congress and advocacy organizations participate on this call.

We want to know if you are interested in participating and/or being a contact for your Congressional district. Please let us know if you are interested by clicking here and e-mailing Eric Jacobson.

Training Announcement:

Quality Management Series for Individuals with DD & Families - Albany, May 12, 2009

The Division of MHDDAD Office of Developmental Disabilities is providing a new Quality Management Series that includes three distinct trainings:

·Quality Management Used to Make Quality Choices

·Georgia Quality Management System for Individuals and Families

·Empowerment Through Your Own Management Plan

This training is the result of a partnership between the Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) and the Delmarva Foundation. The goal of the partnership is to improve the quality of supports for Georgia citizens living with developmental disabilities. The shared vision is to enhance the service delivery system in order to produce results that reflect communicated choices and preferences that matter most to the person.

The Quality Management Series will be presented for persons with developmental disabilities and their families/representatives. The training is taking place throughout Georgia from April through June 2009. This announcement reflects the two training sessions scheduled in Albany (Region 4) on May 12. Announcements will be out soon for the remaining May and June sessions. Details about the individual trainings, the target audience, and directions for how to register can be found by clicking the following links:
Georgia Department of Human Resources Training
Training Calendars and Registration

Please share this information with families statewide and especially in Southwest Georgia.
Thank you!

HB 228: Governor Signs Legislation to Restructure the Department of Human Resources

Monday, May 4, 2009

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed House Bill 228, reorganizing the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Department of Community Health (DCH) and creating a new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. HB 228 was introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Butler and carried in the Senate by Sen. Renee Unterman.

“Signing HB 228 will allow us to deliver greater value for Georgians’ healthcare dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “The legislation reorients our approach to healthcare by shifting the focus from inputs to results.”

The bill will result in three agencies reorganized to provide more focused results – the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities will be responsible for all mental health, developmental disability and addictive disease programs currently under DHR. The department will report directly to the Governor, increasing transparency.

The Governor announced that Dr. Frank Shelp will serve as the new agency’s commissioner. Dr. Shelp currently works as the Clinical Director at Georgia Regional Hospital in Savannah. The Governor also appointed Dr. Bill McDonald to serve as Special Advisor to the Governor on Mental Health. Dr. McDonald currently serves as professor of psychiatry at Emory University. He is the chair for late life depression and chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry. Gwen Skinner, who has been an integral part of DHR’s mental health service delivery, will serve as a Deputy Commissioner for the new agency during the transition until her retirement later this year.

DCH will be reorganized to include all the public health and long-term care regulation programs of DHR. This change establishes one lead agency to focus on improving Georgia’s health and streamlines health related activities currently in two separate departments. This agency will be led by current DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows.

DHR’s remaining services will be housed under the Department of Human Services. Programs included in this department include Aging, Division of Family and Children Services and Child Support. Commissioner B.J. Walker will head the Agency.

The bill largely resembles the recommendations made by the Health and Human Services Task Force, which convened last year and studied these issues at length. Sen. Renee Unterman, Sen. Jack Hill, Rep. Ben Harbin and Rep. Mark Butler all served on the Health and Human Services Task Force. Rep. Pat Gardner and Sen. Johnny Grant also worked for passage of the bill and joined the Governor at today’s bill signing.

“Today we begin building a new stronger foundation for health and human services in the state of Georgia,” said Rep. Butler. “This foundation is just a beginning, and the real work lies ahead. We must continue to strive and make our public and mental health systems the best and most efficient in the nation. I want to thank the Governor and the leadership of the House and Senate for making this new day a reality.”

“This is a great day for Georgia and the many citizens that receive healthcare services from the state,” said Sen. Renee Unterman. “I am confident that these changes will result in improved care for our state’s most vulnerable residents.”

From the Desk of Gwen Skinner

"MHDDAD has committed to providing current information on a variety of subjects, most importantly Division activities in an effort to keep all interested parties well informed. The volume of information Glynda King is managing has become quite large and in an effort to keep it manageable we will begin to send only information generated by DHR/MHDDAD and very limited outside sources. As we transition to the new Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities we will be assessing the information and email function going forward."

Gwendolyn B. Skinner, Director
Division of MHDDAD

NOTES FROM THE SENATE

BY SENATOR JACK HILL, 4th DISTRICT

May 1, 2009

As the April Revenue figures come out this week, maybe this is a good time to quickly review both the 2009 Amended and 2010 General Budgets, also an update on where the state stands in revenue collections through April. Finally, it bears repeating the critical position the state is in over the next fiscal year and beyond.

Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Director of the Senate Budget & Evaluation Office, released a review this week that succinctly outlines both the Amended 2009 Budget and the 2010 General Budget with sources and uses of funds. This column is derived from that information.

AMENDED 2009 BUDGET

At $18.9 billion, the Amended budget projected a $2.68 billion (-13.3%) shortfall from the original FY09 budget as passed one year ago and signed by the Governor. Unbelievably, the final Amended 2009 Budget is 6.8% less than the FY 2008 final budget. This shortfall, starting last summer with Gov. Perdue ordering the withholding of allotments to agencies across state government, was met in the end by using $627 million in stimulus funds, $408 million in reserves (including $387 million from the Revenue Shortfall Reserve) and $1.6 billion in cuts.

A total of $579 million was drawn from surpluses that had accumulated in the State Health Benefit Plan. Because the Legislature was vitally interested in the HTRG (Homeowners Tax Relief Grant) being funded, the leadership proposed a series of cuts to help make up that $428 million for the HTRG. Prior to the stimulus bill being passed by Congress, the legislative leadership proposed a $95 million cut to local k-12 systems that could be taken as furloughs for teachers possibly from post planning days. As days passed, the stimulus bill passed which included a total $3.15 billion in federal funds. The House and the Senate proposed in their budgets and in the final appropriations bill to utilize stimulus funds to fund the cut required to pass on the HTRG as well as to fund $50 million in austerity cut reductions. It now appears from press reports that the Governor does not intend to use the stimulus funds for that cut of $145 million as the budget outlines, so systems may be getting a huge cut in the final quarter of the fiscal year with few post planning days left to furlough teachers.


2010 GENERAL BUDGET

State funds in this budget total $18.6 billion. Comparing this budget to the original 2009 budget proposed by the Governor in January of 2008, there is a $3.3 billion shortfall (-16.5%) that had to be addressed. Governor Perdue has wisely projected a continuing decrease in state revenues for 2010 of -8.9% under the FY 2008 Budget two years ago and -2% under the final Amended 2009 Budget.

Here is how the shortfall was met through reserves, cuts to agencies, federal stimulus and increased Medicaid match funds:
Reserves - $476 million (Includes $258 million from the Revenue Shortfall Reserve)
Stimulus Funds - $661 million
Increased Medicaid match - $735 million
Agency Cuts - $1.26 billion

Along with other cuts plus the adds discussed below.

The added complicating factor that made this such a difficult task was the fact that there was growth in Medicaid ($140 million) and growth in K-12 education formula ($98 million) and in the formulas used for higher education because of increased enrollment ($151 million) as well as $204 million to cover a pre-existing shortfall in Medicaid. The pay raises given to educators in the 2009 budget along with college faculty had to be annualized which was part of the new k-12 and higher education spending. The shortfall plus the growth amount was covered by the budget cuts mentioned earlier. These cuts included $219 million from the teaching formula for the Board of Regents, $309 million in cuts to the QBE formula for k-12 schools, $124 million in Medicaid reductions, and the elimination of the $428 million HTRG for 2010. The net budget cuts totaled $1.4 billion

Also costly were the replacement of the 10% Medicaid cuts proposed earlier to hospitals and 6% cuts to other providers, as well as the $29 million restoration of cuts to the school nurse program and the $23 million for trauma expected to be replaced by the "Super Speeder" fines.

When you look back and see how large the numbers are in retrospect, it seems amazing these two budgets were balanced without more repercussions.

THE OUTLOOK FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS

If present trends continue and no altering or flattening of the slide in revenues occurs, Georgia will use up all or much of the $565 million in reserves to balance the states books at the end of this June. If the revenue line does not flatten or turn up over the next few months, the Governor and Legislative leaders could be looking at a special session to reduce appropriations even more. A next round of cuts could drastically alter state services as the public has come to expect them.


Senator Jack Hill may be reached at:
234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-5038 (phone)
(404) 657-7094 (fax)
E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov
Or Call Toll-Free at
1-800-367-3334 Day or Night
Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811