One of the great criticisms on the “war on terror” is that we are always planning to stop the last attack from happening again. It may be a truism for more than the war on terror.
As the state, advocates, providers and consumers look to use existing funds more efficiently, control costs, redirect resources and, at the same time, work to meet the ever increasing needs of people - we too may be guilty of “stopping the last attack” instead of thinking ahead.
This week the topic of federal deficits is capturing attention, including the possibility of creating a new federal deficit commission. Key to any discussions such a commission has will be the topic of entitlements. We can be certain that they will not be looking to expand entitlements, which consume the overwhelming portion of federal resources, but rather, will likely focus on how such entitlements can be reduced. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are the big three, all of which people with disabilities depend on.
Much has been written about the tea-bagger movement - some praising it and some ridiculing it for the fringe elements involved. But it may be missed by many that people in the middle are fed up with business as usual and “spending that is out of control.” People are worried about deficits and what that means for them and their children.
What brings me to this point? This week I will spend hours on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families working with FSSA on how Medicaid is used to fund very important services through Medicaid Waivers. Many times I feel the argument is over nickels and dimes. For example, there is currently a great deal of discussion on spending on supported employment, even though it represents only 3/10ths of one percent of the state’s Medicaid Waiver budget. At the same time, there is little focus on residential services which consumes 90 percent of the budget - using a model developed 20 years ago. That model depends on a work force of direct support professionals - people who are expected to provide support and care to vulnerable people while adhering to strict compliance to regulations, yet who make so little, many at $8.75 an hour, that they often qualify for food stamps.
This week I will also take part in a national call to help design a national campaign to end waiting lists throughout the country. Such an effort will take tremendous resources - particularly if states keep following existing models and systems for providing services.
Last week, State Senator Luke Kenley told us that to get through these times it will take sacrifice. He is right, but I do not think he sees sacrifice in the same way I do.
Too often the discussion of sacrifice and entitlements comes back to support for cutting “your” entitlement, but not “mine.” That thinking will not help anybody.
We all must work together to get through these difficult economic and political times. Sacrifice will mean rethinking what we can and must do, breaking old molds and expectations and more wisely investing through the taxes we all pay.
It will not be easy and it will not happen unless politicians begin working together - working not simply to win the next election, but working together for all the people of this country.
I don’t have much in common with the teabagger crowd, and I am not even sure if the people The Arc represents would be welcome at their rallies. But I do know that if we do not start really working together, rather than fighting with each other, we will all lose.
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