August 3rd, 2009 by John Dickerson
The Indianapolis Star recently reported that Indiana has spent received and spent $1.1 billion of federal stimulus funds. Of these dollars, $900 million of that funding has gone to stabilize Medicaid.
The real world impact of that is that the stimulus funds which last through 2010, have helped the state avoid massive cuts in services to Medicaid recipients. Without these funds, one can only speculate what would have happen. Many are wondering, what will happen if when these funds are exhausted.
The state ended the fiscal year with $55 million in the checking account that pays the state bills. If revenue does not increase – sales tax, personal income taxes, corporate taxes and gambling revenue – there will be further pressures on the on the system of education and human services.
Recently one of the highest regarded new initiatives of FSSA, INTRAIN, the training of Direct Support Professionals through Ivy Tech and IU, was summarily canceled on July 31. This project had made real impact in the lives of people and was just getting off the ground.
We understand these are extremely difficult times. We also understand we have to make tough choices. Yet we must make very careful decisions about how we get through this together. We; advocates, families, providers and the state have to work through this together – not unilaterally and not without considering the alternatives.
We are working hard to address these issues and hope you will use these pages to stay involved and add your voice to the call for responsible actions.
Tags: Add new tag, Developmental Disabilities Funding, fiscal crisis, state budget
Posted in John Dickerson's Blog, Public Policy | Leave Feedback
July 13th, 2009 by John Dickerson
With over 700 Self Advocates present, Friday’s annual SAI picnic was a resounding success. This was the largest ever picnic and kicked off the new election cycle for the SAI Board of Directors.
One of the constant reminders throughout the picnic is how important so many people were to not only the success of the picnic but to the lives of people. The entire INARF staff was present to help with many tasks from parking to snow cones - and thanks to them my photography equipment was not ruined in the rain- thanks guys. A special thank you also to the entire staff of The Arc of Indiana who were there as well.
We had numerous providers that made it possible for people to come from all corners of the state by making tranportation and staff available.
The leadership of the state was there from FSSA, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, IPMG and many more. The health screening by Indiana Special Olympics was busy all day and was a great addition to the day.
Helpers and support staff from each of the SAI chapters were present and our state board were remarkable as always. Thanks again for all you do.
Soon we will have photos up for people to order on line as in the past.
It was a great day added to the fact over 400 items of food were donated and taken to a food pantry on Saturday morning that works with homeless families in need. They were greatly appreciative of this effort and one we hope will only continue to grow in the future.
All in all a wonderful day with lots of people who made it possible. Once again our thanks to all.
Tags: Add new tag, self-advocates
Posted in General, John Dickerson's Blog, Self-Advocacy | Leave Feedback
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