For your viewing pleasure!

The Joint Committee on Children’s Issues is a group of legislators (currently 5 senators and 5 representatives, both democrat and republican ) who have the charge to discuss things related to children. Luckily, the chair of that committee is Johnson County’s own Senator Lynn and the co-chair is Johnson County’s Representative Kiegerl. I say “lucky” because both are not only concerned about children, but concerned about children with disabilities!

This committee has agreed to allow the DD community two days of hearings!
· Tuesday, Dec. 7th the committee will hear about autism
· Wednesday, Dec. 8th will be devoted to the DD waiting list
· The hearings are held at the capitol in Topeka
· 9:00 start time ending around 4:00
· Hearings will be held in room 546
· There will be a break between noon and 1:30
· There is underground parking which can be accessed from 8th St (the North side of the capitol)
· This committee won’t officially take action, but will formulate recommendations that go to leadership

This hearing is open to the public so feel free to attend (part or all). It will provide a great opportunity to listen, learn, support and advocate. It is really an awesome experience!

We have a list of families that will be providing testimony and representing all of us concerned about these two issues. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they share their stories.

JCDS gets "YouTubing"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ASrJFwwmo&feature=player_embedded



Check out our attempt with modern media. We're a long way from the old VCR cassette tape aren't we? Life is grand....

There's No Place Like Home

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_kansas/johnson_county/homes-renovated-and-made-more-accessible-for-residents

Many thanks to Channel 41 KSHB TV for filming this spot about the latest Friends of JCDS accessible home. As Dorothy says..."there's no place like home"!

Monday Morning Update

Your Monday Morning Update:

Are you afraid to pick up your phone in the evening due to the possibility of having to listen to one more robocall? Are you tired of answering the door to view a well-meaning neighbor standing on your porch, anxious to provide you with a flyer about the merits of their candidate? Are you weary of seeing television ads about the dreadful or swell things that political contenders have been up to?

Well, the days of having to put up with all of this is almost over because General Election Day is just around the corner! Even through all the confusion and mixed messages, I hope you listened, read, learned and studied, because your vote will help to determine who will represent you and advocate for individuals with disabilities during the coming years.

· Advanced voting in person starts Oct. 19 through Oct. 30th. Go to www.jocoelection.org to find the location nearest you.

· Advanced voting by mail is an easy option for many. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm Oct. 29th. Obtain an application at www.jocoelection.org/advapp.pdf.

· Vote in person at your assigned location on Nov. 2nd (election day). Voting hours are 7am – 7pm. To find your polling location, go to www.jocopolo.com and put your address in the box labeled “address lookup”. Your location magically appears! Now how easy is that?


Please take the opportunity to vote because your vote DOES make a difference!

Kansas City Ability Day

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/10/17/2323057/ability-day-is-all-about-potential.html



Lately it seems that every time I pick up a newspaper, I see an article about disablities. Sometimes it's heartwarming news, sometimes sad news, sometimes it makes me angry and sometimes it motivates me. Regardless, it confirms that individuals with disabilities are part of our community. Here to stay. They are part of us. We are part of them! Progress begins with tiny steps.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-story-disabled-workers-olathe-100610,0,6843571.story


October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Thanks to WDAF TV (Fox 4), I'm please to share this story about a wonderful gentleman with a disability who is employed by the Olathe Residence Inn by Marriot. I hope you enjoy the story of their partnership!

King for a Day

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/oct/02/crowning-achievement-fshs-homecoming-opens-new-doo/

Sometimes I get the crazy notion that "all's good in the world" then I sit back and realize that I'm being a wee bit delusional! As I read the attached article, I think I'm justified in thinking "all's good at Free State High School". What do you think?

Fox 4 news story about a local family on the DD waiting list

This story aired on 8.17.10. Thank you, Fox 4 for bringing this important story to the airwaves! Click HERE to view.

I'm not a crier...well that is, I'm not usually a crier, but last night I shed a tear or two. I happened to sit down for a few minutes of television after a day of work and play, and watched an episode from the TV series "Glee". Thought I'd share so you might shed a tear or two also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ufTvuGGBU

Legislative Update

It is officially NOT Monday but I wanted to provide you a quick update on primary election results from yesterday. Those results can be viewed on the attached link. Be sure to click on the “unofficial final results” link and it will let you in on both winners and losers.

Statewide, there were 10 Republicans that had voted to support enhanced DD funding AND had primary races. There was quite an effort to replace those representatives with candidates that were more fiscally conservative.

Of those ten races, only one lost their primary bid. Jill Quigley from Johnson County (Lenexa area) was defeated by Kelly Meigs.

Regardless of one’s belief system; moderate/conservative, Republican/Democrat, Jill was a staunch supporter of individuals with developmental disabilities in Topeka. Her voice advocating for persons with DD will be deeply missed.

LATE BREAKING NEWS:
This morning, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 1586 which contains $16.1 billion in FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage). If you remember, these are the matching funds that the Feds put towards certain State medical and social service programs.

The Governor used these enhanced FMAP dollars to balance this FY’11 budget and if not extended, would place Kansas in a financial heap of trouble!

Passage of this bill will maintain the Federal match at 70%. This bill’s next stop will be the U.S. House and is expected to pass without much effort.

November elections will be upon us soon. Start studying!

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Vacuum and Beyond

Sometimes I feel like Kansas is in a vacuum and everything that happens, just happens here. Then I come to my senses. After viewing this link, I realized that we are smack dab in the middle of a nationwide epidemic that deems folks with disabilities as forgotten, invisible, obscure. I don't like it, not at all, not one teeny tiny bit.

http://www.youtube.com/noewait1

Latest JCDS newsletter!

Click HERE to read the July-Sept Images newsletter!

Now or Later

Ponder for a minute what these following examples have in common:

1- Your kitchen faucet continually drips so you replace the washer and stop the drip.
2- You patch your roof when it rains in your living room during a storm.
3- You change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.
4-You mend a tear in the seam of your favorite shirt.

If you answered "I spend money upfront to prevent spending more money in the future" you are absolutely correct!

Now...with that in mind, read the attached article and ask yourself the question "what would it look like if the Government spent money up front to prevent spending more money in the future?"

The me, the last paragraph of the article is key. "So often the programs to go are the early interventions that save money and keep people healthy,” Professor Davis said. “That comes back to bite you.”

After reading the article, I'm curious...what do YOU think?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/us/21aging.html?_r=2

Summer Friends of JCDS Update

THANK YOU MR. MAYOR!

Friend of JCDS chairman John Holt and Overland Park Mayor
and exiting board member, Carl Gerlach

It was our final agenda item of a busy summer meeting and it was bittersweet.
In 1990, a group of supporters gathered around a table, each tossing in a dollar or two. And so began what we know today as "Friends of JCDS".
One of those original members has stayed on our Friends board, allowed by our by-laws because he's a charter member. Always quick with a suggestion, or idea, or joke, he's been a solid supporter.
From his role as a charter member, to now mayor of Overland Park, Carl Gerlach has been a key player in the growth of Friend's fundraising, friendraising, and certainly its community presence. After two decades on the Friend's board, Mayor Gerlach graciously decided to step aside to make room for some fresh energy and ideas. He promised, as we awarded him the traditional farewell plaque (with beautiful JCDS consumer art), to stay engaged and available. We will miss him, but know he will indeed be there to guide us if we need him, whether providing a contact, or just a word of advice.
Thank you Mr. Mayor. You've made life for consumers and staff at JCDS more rewarding, and you've made a number of new "friends" on our Friend's board, including me. I'll always treasure that and know I'm not alone in my sentiments.

*******

No summer vacation for our board, staff, and supporters....from an Mixed Martial Arts Fundraiser at Outlaw Cigar in Overland Park, to renovations on House #11, to a fantastic JCDS Night at the Barn Players presentation of "The Boys Next Door", it's been a busy season. Work is already starting on next spring's Restyle Runway, and in September, we'll host an open house for our newest home, House #11! Whew!
Oh yes, the Spring Fling proved to be a fun event on May 27th, and mark your calendars for September 23rd, for a very special Dorothy K. Dorfman Picnic. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festive event!
Our committees have been hard at work, and even as we say goodbye to Mayor Gerlach, we welcome a new board member, Michelle Gressel. Great to have you Michelle!
Know that your "Friends of JCDS" board is active and engaged, and ready to serve. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions. That's what "Friends" are for! Have a great summer!

John Holt
President, Friends of JCDS

Monday Morning Update

Last week, SRS announced that within the next few weeks, they will be allocating funds to remove and serve 143 individuals from the DD waiting list! What joyous news that is for those lucky 143! This whittling of the waiting list was made possible by the votes of legislators who heard our message and determined that funding for disability services was a priority.

(Not to put a damper on the good news…we must not forget the more than 4,000 others that will continue to wait).

With primary elections nipping at our heels, many folks have asked how their current elected officials voted on the tax and budget bills that made it possible to serve these well-deserving 143 individuals.

You asked for it - You got it!

NOTE: I have highlighted those legislators facing a primary election

Representatives voting YES on both bills:
Benlon, Bollier, Colloton, Furtado, Neighbor, Quigley, Slattery, Spalding, Wolf, Worley

Representatives voting YES on budget bill and No on tax bill: Rardin, Talia

Representatives voting NO on both bills:
Brown, Donohoe, Kiegerl, Kinzer, Kleeb, Merrick, Olson, Schwab, Siegfreid, Yoder

The only Senator on the ballot in this election, Terrie Huntington, does have a primary election. Terrie voted YES for both the tax and budget bills benefitting those with disabilities.

Don’t neglect this primary election on AUGUST 3rd – your vote will help determine whether your legislators are there to represent those with disabilities next year. Your voice doesn’t count if you don’t vote.

- Advanced voting by mail begins July 14th
- Last day to register to vote is July 19th
- Advanced voting in person begins on July 20th
- Advanced voting closes 12:00 noon on August 2nd
- Fall Primary begins August 3rd.

I’ve attached a link to the Johnson County election site. It has information as to how, where, and when to vote.
http://www.jocopolo.com/

Warm Regards…and happy voting,
Lurena Mead

Seizures and Symphonies

Who would have ever guessed that music and epilepsy have something in common? Three KU professors have collaborated on a film which uses music to help the listener visualize what happens to the brain during a seizure. The "music metaphor" is indeed an interesting depiction of the disruption a seizure wreaks on the brain. Now sit back, close your eyes....and listen!

http://www.news.ku.edu/2010/july/8/epilepsy.shtml

To Vote or Not To Vote...That is the Question!

Fall elections will be upon us soon and each person over the age of 18 is faced with a decision as to whether to vote or not to vote.

There are plenty of excuses why people don't excercise this right to vote. Excuses such as "it's such a hassle, I don't have the time, my vote won't really make a difference, I don't know the candidates or their stance on the issues.

Fling those excuses into the wind and let's talk about the reasons why you SHOULD vote.

1- It allows you the right to express your choice in selecting individuals to lead our government.

2-Americans believe in Democracy and voting demonstrates support for this democratic structure.

3- Voting forces candidates to share their beliefs and ideas and leads to greater accountability.

4- Showing up to the polls sets a good example for others who tend not to want to excercise their right to vote.

5- Taking the time to vote demonstrates your pride in this nation and our government. As imperfect as it sometimes appears, don't surrender your right to show that you care about the direction that our leaders are taking us.

Dwight D. Eisenhower said "The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter."

Partake in this powerful gift. Don't surrender your right to vote.

Contact your Senators!

JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT’S SAFE TO GO BACK INTO THE WATER....danger looms!

Think back to a few months ago to when we talked about the "federal match". The real name for that is the "Federal medical assistance percentage" (FMAP). This is used to calculate the amount of Federal share of State expenditures for services.

When the Government implemented the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last year, they increased FMAP from a 60% to 70% match. That meant millions of extra dollars to Kansas. These dollars go towards community developmental disability services.

THE PROBLEM:

· The FMAP increase ends on December 31, 2010 and if isn’t extended, will result in State budget cuts that will jeopardize numerous private and public sector jobs.
· FMAP was just removed from H.R. 4213 and needs be added back in. This bill is now in the Senate.
· If this is not extended it could have major consequences for state budgets and the ability of people with disabilities to live in the community.
· Kansas has included the FMAP extension in their FY'11 budget and does not have a back-up plan if it does not pass.
· Now is likely the last opportunity to get the FMAP extension in a bill and passed by this Congress.

CALL TO ACTION:

If this is something you feel that you can support, please contact your Senator and ask him to support restoring the extension of the increased federal Medicaid match.

- For Senator Sam Brownback call (202) 224-6521
- For Senator Pat Roberts call (202) 224-4774

HOW DO I DO IT?

It’s really very simple. Your conversation may go like this:

"Hi my name is......and I am in the Senator's district. I am asking for his support to restore the extension of FMAP into H.R. 4213. If this is not added back, it will have negative effects on the already underfunded community disability services system. Kansas has included the increased FMAP into their FY'11 budget and will cause further cuts to services. This extension is necessary to relieve fiscal pressures on the Medicaid program. I can be contacted at....."

Thanks so much and hope you are having an enjoyable summer!

Warm (no pun intended) Regards,
Lurena Mead

Mixed Emotions

I was thrilled that the Kansas Legislature delegated new money for the DD waiting list at the completion of their last session. I'm not so thrilled however, when I think about the thousands of individuals who will still be waiting once those new dollars are long gone. The DD waiting list is a national epidemic.

http://www.youtube.com/noewait1

Mark your calendars for JCDS Night for the Barn Players' production of The Boys Next Door!

On Thursday, June 10, JCDS will host a dedicated performance and reception celebrating the Barn Players’ production of The Boys Next Door. This hit Broadway play is a life-affirming comedy about four intellectually disabled men living in a group home and trying to make their way in a complicated world.
The men are supervised by Jack, an increasingly overworked social worker, who is struggling between earnestly caring for these men and trying to live an ordinary life. The play calls us to question our own definition of what “normal” means, and enhances awareness of how many things in everyday life we take for granted.
The Barn Players have been named the #1 Community Theater Group in Kansas City for 4 years in a row by KC Stage.
Tickets for JCDS Night are priced at only $10! Contact Patti Combs at patricia.combs@jocogov.org or 913.826.2670 for reservations.

Restyle Runway was a smashing success!

Thank you to all who came out to support Friends of JCDS at Restyle Runway, our one-of-a-kind fashion show fundraiser that was held on May 10, 2010 at the Overland Park Sheraton Hotel! For more pictures, please go to our Facebook Fan page!

Makes one ponder doesn't it?

http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/video/stops-grocery-clerk-abuse-10695340?&clipId=10695340&playlistId=-1&cid=siteplayer

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126673833

A fantastic and past boardmember of Friends of JCDS forwarded this link sharing a heartwarming story about incredible folks doing incredible things.

Monday Morning Update

A day late and a dollar short…

Legislators thought they would be done with the FY’11 budget by now, but at this point, there are still some final decisions to be made.

Current status:
· The Senate passed their budget bill.
· The Senate passed a tax bill.
· The House passed their version of a budget bill (would require some $300 million in revenue enhancements).
· The House is still debating their tax bill.

Differences in Senate and House budget bills:
· Senate bill cut a few million dollars from DD
· House bill left holds DD harmless with no cuts and adds an additional $3 million for the waiting list. This are dollars that can be matched by federal dollars with the 30/70 match!

Next step:
· House will work their tax bill today.
· The Senate and House budget bills will go to a conference committee for consensus.
· If the House tax bill is the same as the Senate tax bill, it’s a done deal!
· If the House tax bill is different than the Senate, it will go to conference committee.

I’m off for Topeka this very minute, so stay tuned for final results. Send those positive thoughts towards Topeka!

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Your Monday Morning Update:

· The rotunda of the Capitol is once again bustling with an assortment of people crying “but what about me?”. The corridors are crowded with lobbyists scurrying around to be seen and heard. Advocates for DD, are no different.

What about us? What about those 4,372 individuals on waiting lists? What about the multitude of folks that have had their services cut or eliminated? What about the devastating effect on families? What about us?

· InterHab’s Push Day was held on the Capitol grounds on April 28th with over 500 participants from across the state. We saw many of our friends from Johnson County, agency providers as well as a few parents! A big THANKS to those of you who were able to join us.

· Bob Hess from Fox 4 news, so enjoyed covering our “Walk a Mile” rally, held last week, that he requested being able to cover the rally in Topeka. He did a fabulous job and I believe that we have made a new friend!

Links to recent news:
Fox 4 story about Push Day
KC Star article posted last Monday

· I talked with several Legislators last week and heard reports that “we’re thinking of you, there are a few things in the works, we’ve got some ideas as to how to get you some money”. The reality is that raising or cutting $500 million is a tremendous task, so we will see…we will see.

· Friday morning, the Senate Ways and Means Committee agreed to a tax bill which included a 1% sales tax increase, a business tax increase, an increase in the cigarette tax and a wholesale tobacco product tax increase. This bill will go to the full Senate early this week to be argued, disputed, debated and squabbled. I’m sure that lots of backroom talks are going on at this very moment.

· Late Friday afternoon the State received their tax-only revenue figures which were $65.3 million less than estimated. This means that BOTH the House’s and the Senate’s budget bills need revising. Which will it be…more cuts or more revenue enhancements?

· The Legislature has this week to settle one final budget. They plan on long days and even longer nights.

No TO DO list this week!

I know you know what to do-

*BE THE FLEA*

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Push Day 2010!

Topeka was the final destination on the "Walk a Mile in Our Shoes" campaign. InterHab hosted a rally on the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol on April 28th, 2010. DD agencies from all over Kansas got together to advocate on behalf of Kansans with developmental disabilities and the enormous fiscal needs of the DD system!

Click on the link to see the Fox 4's coverage of Push Day 2010!

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-story-disabled-advocates-walk-042810,0,767101.story

Thank you to everyone involved in Push Day!

Legislative Update

From Lurena Mead-
Your Monday Morning Update:

· The Senate Ways and Means Committee spent Monday through Wednesday of last week trying to hammer out a revised budget bill which will be presented to the full Senate once they return to Topeka on Wednesday. The budget bill that the Senate proposed a month ago is now overspent by $486 million. The Committee was charged with the task of balancing the budget by making additional cuts or by coming up with a tax package that would offset spending. The Committee spent Monday morning through noon Wednesday going line by line through their budget bill. They added, they deleted, they tweaked, they altered.

· Key points of the revised bill affecting DD:
- They supported the Governor’s budget by reinstating the 10% cut to Medicaid.
- Restored the $3.1 million from the HCBS DD waiver that was previously cut.
- Did NOT recommend replacing CDDO Grant funds nor the DD State Aid.

· By Wednesday afternoon, the Committee was ready to work on “revenue enhancements”. Several tax scenarios/plans were presented but the Committee was unable to come to an agreement. The conversation got to be fairly brisk as well as brusque so the Committee decided to call it a day. Conversations will continue this week.

· The House Appropriations Committee met on Thursday to start working their budget bill.

· Key points of their negotiations so far:
- Support reinstating the 10% cut to Medicaid.
- Restore $6.9 million (bringing in $16 million in matched federal funds) for the DD and the Physically Disabled waiting lists. This was a pleasant surprise and one that we’ll be watching!

The Walk A Mile in My Shoes Rally at Miller Park in De Soto last Friday was a resounding success! The rain held off and Fox 4 television came for a visit. I’ve attached the link to story if you happened to have missed it. It ran three times Friday night! The baton carrying the 4,300 names of folks on the waiting list has now made its way to Atchison, KS. The baton will end up in Topeka on Wednesday during InterHab’s Push Day.

A reminder that Push Day is on Wednesday. Folks will be meeting at the south end of the Capitol around 10:00. Gary Lezak predicts mid 70’s and sunshine so bring a blanket, a lunch, a bottle of water and some sunscreen. Support the runners/walkers/rollers as they complete the last mile of the relay.

Your TO DO list for the week:

- Please join fellow advocates in Topeka on Wednesday. Beautiful day for a drive and camaraderie for our shared mission!

- Make an appointment to visit your legislators to make sure they know that you EXPECT them to support DD funding!

- Be sure to visit www.invisiblekansans.org

- Remember that your involvement during the next two weeks is imperative.


Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

WDAF news coverage of the Invisible Kansans rally

On Friday, April 23, JCDS, Cottonwood and Lakemary Center hosted an Invisible Kansans rally to raise awareness about the developmental disability (DD) waiting list in Kansas. The KU Women's Basketball team was on hand to walk with them and sign autographs. Click below to watch the inspiring story!
http://www.fox4kc.com/wdaf-walking-for-disabled-kansans-042310,0,7826452.story

Legislative Update

From Lurena Mead:

Late breaking news! I had a Legislator “sighting” last week! They are starting to stir.
• Talking about Legislative “sightings” Senator Huntington, Representatives Bollier, Slattery, Wolf and Talia from northern Johnson County will be holding a forum at the Sylvester Powell Community Center at 7:00 pm on Tuesday April 20th. If you are in their districts, this would a good opportunity to advocate for individuals with DD. I’ll be there and hope to see you! One stop shopping!
• Now that the State’s April financials are in, it looks like the State will be $46.4 million dollars short in FY ‘10 (even after they made all those prior cuts). It’s kind of late to make more cuts, so many believe that they will just borrow money from the FY ’11 budget in order to make things balance. That means there’s an additional $46.4 hole to fill in an already underwhelming 2011 budget.
• The Senate Ways and Means and House Appropriations Committees will be getting back to work the week of April 19th in order to get a few things figured out before the whole Legislature returns on April 28th. They will talk cuts as well as tax increases. • I’ve attached information about InterHab’s Push Day rally which will held at the Capitol on April 28th. InterHab is a statewide resource network for individuals with disabilities and is based out of Topeka.
Your To Do list for the week:
Make plans to take your friends, families and neighbors to Topeka for InterHab’s Push Day rally on April 28th where we’ll end the “Walk a Mile In My Shoes” trek across Kansas.
I’ve ordered sunshine, so a rally on the lawn will be just to trick to make legislators sit up and take notice, as well as put a little color in your cheeks!
If you can’t open the Push Day link or need additional information, please call me. It would be grand to have hundreds of people gathering together to focus on our common cause. In this case, silence isn’t golden!
I have a feeling that the fleas will be biting!

Warm Regards and my sincere apology for sending opinion rather than fact, on my prior Update. It won’t happen again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlJ6MF9MQQU

Enjoy this heartwarming video about unlikely friends who look beyond their immense differences to find something special.

Making Friends

From Friends of JCDS chairman, John Holt:

That's what we do at Friends of JCDS....we make new friends. I've always believed you introduce someone to what JCDS is and does, and they find it hard to resist.
How do I know? It happened to me. Probably ten years ago. A tour of the facility was all it took. I joined the Friends board weeks later for my first two terms.
On April 8, a tour was hopefully all it took for some new friends. The chambers of Overland Park, Olathe, and Northeast Johnson County brought their Leadership classes to visit the Lackman facility. Nearly a hundred of Johnson County's networkers, professionals, and future leaders had a chance to learn all about JCDS and its mission and its challenges. And most important, it’s fantastic people: staff and consumers.
I related my story to them of how I was hooked...and yes....they took tours of the facility, to see JCDS in action, making lives more meaningful.
Just as I had some ten or so years ago.
Now, as Friends of JCDS chairman, serving my second round on the Friend's board, it's a thrill to help tell our story. How Friends works to supplement the fine efforts of passionate staff, and how fundraising and "friendraising" go hand in hand.
Oh yes, the man who helped take me on that tour back then? Mark D. Elmore. I remember him walking me through the building that would one day bear his name in memory of his contributions, after he left us too soon.
Hopefully the tours given to these chamber leaders, and the Lenexa and Shawnee leaders to follow, will have the same impact on them that he had on me back then.
It's all about making new...Friends.

Images Newsletter

Click HERE to read the latest JCDS Images newsletter!

Restyle Runway 2010!

These photos were taken at last year's Restyle Runway show!

Mark your calendars and spring ahead to the most eco-friendly, fashionable fundraiser in town! On May 7, Friends of JCDS will unveil the second annual “Restyle Runway” event, featuring a unique fashion show and competition.
The show’s theme will demonstrate how re-used and restyled clothing can be new, hip, and fun again-- as well as economical!
Restyle Runway will encourage up-and-coming Midwest design students and aspiring designers to think creatively about fashion despite limited resources.
They have been invited to join this juried design competition, and challenged to create collections of 3-6 complete ensembles using clothing from area Goodwill Industry stores. Collections will selected for the fashion show after being judged by local fashion gurus..
So far, 22 students from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska have eagerly accepted the challenge! Scholarships will be awarded to the following winners: First Place $1,000, Second Place $750 and Third Place $500. Judging will be based on competition guidelines that require each collection to include outfits that consist of
- Clothing embellished with buttons, trims, or fabric supplied by the designer, and
- Outfits that have been reworked, resewn, and/or combined with other garments (all from Goodwill).
Each student will be assigned his/her own team of models, with most teams including a model with developmental disabilities served by JCDS. In addition, local celebrities including Fox 4 news anchor John Holt, Mix 93.3 on-air personality Jenny Matthews and 38 The Spot’s Holly Starr will lend their talents to this year’s show. So far, there are also 15 professional models who will grace the runway.
We hope to see you at this fashion-forward, one-of-a-kind event!

Show Details:
When: Friday, May 7, 2010 at 6:00 pm.
Where: Sheraton Overland Park Hotel
6100 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66211
Cost: $75 per person
Info and tickets: (913) 826-2670 or visit our website at http://www.friendsofjcds.com/
Bonus: Celebrity judges and models, plus appetizers and drink ticket

Monday Morning Update

Good morning!

Significant Events of the last week:

1- On Tuesday at 9:00 the House Taxation Committee discussed HB 2593, the bill which would have doubled the alcohol (gallonage) tax. Revenues received were earmarked for DD and Mental Health.

2- Committee member discussion points:
· "It’s a ‘feel good’ vote but not sure whether the Appropriations Committee would keep the revenue allocated to DD and Mental Health. They could do anything with the money.”
· "Kansas restaurants would lose business to Missouri restaurants.”
· "It’s a worthy cause, but I have my pet projects that needs money too, what about them?”

3- On Tuesday at 9:08 the House Taxation Committee ‘tabled’ HB 2593. ‘Table’ means they put it in their right bottom drawer to gather dust. The ‘alcohol-tax’ bottle was thrown against the fireplace, which broke into a thousand pieces.

4- If you wonder why it was dismissed—it’s still too early in the session for most Legislators to demonstrate that they are willing to raise taxes. There is potential that it may be back, but don’t hold your breath. Being the optimist that I am, I did buy some Superglue just in case!

5- Most Legislators agree that there will be some sort of tax increase, but claim that it will be done in the last days of the session.

6- Kate’s Law (SB 12) had hearings in the Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee. This bill would mandate health coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Committee worked the bill on Thursday but did not vote on it. That vote will come at a later date.

7- The Kansas Autism Coalition has been working tirelessly on this bill. Information can be found at: http://web.mac.com/wasmer_ms/KCAL/Kates_Law.html

8- The House Commerce and Labor Committee had hearings on HB 2669 a.k.a. the “Employment First” Bill. This bill would establish integrated, competitive employment as a first priority for Kansans with disabilities. The Committee will be working the bill towards the end of the month. I spoke to several Johnson County Legislators on the Committee, and all had encouraging comments. One positive thing for Legislators, is that the bill has no real cost attached to it, so they could pass a bill to help folks with disabilities, yet it wouldn’t cost the State any money. If this bill passes, be looking for that on their campaign posters.

9- A wonderful website created to help promote the concept of community employment can be found at: http://www.kansasemployability.com

I wanted to share an excerpt from Representative Mike Slattery’s latest newsletter. Representative Slattery understands the disastrous effects of putting Social Service funding on the chopping block. He writes:

“It is important to understand that these (Social Service) agency budgets don't grow due to wasteful spending. They grow because the services they are responsible for providing are received by persons who are entitled to funding by the federal government. As our economy lags, many Kansans turn to the government for help. This places additional pressure on our social services agencies, which then experience highly increased demands for assistance.
These cuts will make it even harder for hurting Kansans to address immediate needs in their lives. The primary function of state government is to address the needs of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable citizens among us. Vulnerable citizens will require our help eventually. If we fail to provide it now, we will pay for it later after conditions get even worse and the needs of citizens grow more serious due to delayed assistance.”

And with that, your TO DO list only has one task this week:
· Have a conversation with your Legislators to make sure they understand that the needs of citizens grow more serious due to delayed assistance. Spent a little money now, to save a little money in the future. Representative Slattery understands it, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that your Legislators understand it.

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Monday Morning Update

Monday Morning Greetings!

Welcome to the “Dance of Government” with one step forward and two steps back!

Forward
1- Last Friday Governor Parkinson signed into law Senate Substitute for House Bill 2222 – also known as the FY 2010 ‘Rescission Bill’. The bill included the amendment which shifted DD state funds to cover the 10% cut in the HCBS DD Waiver.

Back
1- Just when we thought that FY ’10 was taken care of, monthly revenue for February was released. It was less than expected causing the State to be $105 million in the red.
2- The Governor held a press conference last Friday and announced additional cuts, shuffles and savings worth $85 million.

Forward
1- The Governor did as he promised earlier, and did not touch Social Services or Education in his cuts.

Back
1- The biggest chunk of dollars came from the State Highway Fund set aside for highway maintenance. Don’t bother getting your tires balanced.
2- Two of the Governor’s suggestions can be done without Legislative approval and the other four recommendations require action from the Legislature. We have all witnessed how well this Legislature works together…

Forward
1- A sub-committee of the Senate Ways and Means Committee held hearings last week on the effects of cuts to the DD and MH (mental health) system.

Back
1- One of the conferees was a parent from the Wichita area. In my opinion, her testimony was caustic, accusatory and disrespectful of the Senators on the Committee. Providing a truthful testimony and an insolent testimony are two different things. Something for us to remember if we are ever asked to provide testimony.
2- Questions were asked how not-for-profit organizations would fare if their tax exemptions were taken away. Agencies were put on the spot. Do they risk agreeing to an elimination of their tax exemption for a potential chance that the State would put more dollars into the DD or MH system? Hard question to answer when businesses are struggling so.

Forward
1- The last question asked by the Chair of this subcommittee was “Have you talked to your business leaders and Legislators about raising taxes?” Most individuals providing testimony reported to have planted the seed.

Enough of that, I’m getting dizzy! No more steps “back” for this one!


Your TO DO list this week:

1- Give yourself a pat on the back. MANY of you wrote Representatives Yoder and Merrick last week as a result of Wednesday’s ‘call to action’. I know they heard your message but hope they share your message with the Appropriations Committee.

2- During Governor Parkinson’s latest round of cuts he said “We cannot balance the next budget or protect our schools, public safety and safety net services without new revenue. I look forward to the Legislature to coming to the table, putting politics aside, and raising the revenue we need to get Kansas back on track.”

Talk to your family, friends, neighbors, business partners and Legislators about the importance of increasing taxes. I know It’s not ideal, but neither is remaining on a waiting list of 4300 individuals, provider pay equal to that of a fast food worker or cuts so deep that companies/individuals can’t remain in business.

Let’s go to the dance, but let’s take the lead!


Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make ever the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” --- Marian Wright Edelman

Johnson County Sun opinion column

Click on the link to read the Johnson County opinion column on Kansas' budget crisis.
http://sunpublications.com/201003033843/opinion/kansans-caught-in-budget-squeeze.html

Kansas City Star opinion column

Click on the link to read the latest KC Star opinion column on Kansas and Missouri state budgets.
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/03/1787321/giveways-are-too-costly-states.html

You know, some things can really make your day. A parent sent this link to me, and I must confess...it made my day! Hope you enjoy it too!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngzyhnkT_jY

Monday Morning Update

Good Monday Morning to you!
Significant events from last week:

1- HB 2593 (the act to amend the alcohol tax by increasing taxes on alcohol and directing the revenue to a newly created Developmental Disability supplemental programs fee fund and Community Mental Health fund) had a hearing in the Tax Committee.

· This bill basically doubles the taxes on liquor. This tax hasn’t been increased since 1977.

· Proponents of the bill did a good job addressing how cuts during the past few years have been devastating to their agencies and how revenue collected as a result of this bill would be used.

· JCDS Executive Director, Maury Thompson testified on behalf of Developmental Disability agencies.

· The bill would be earmarked for Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health and estimated to bring in an additional $22 million. The revenue would be split between the two newly created fee funds.

· Liquor and Restaurant lobbyists spoke about the ill effects this tax would have on their industries.

· Fear that residents of Kansas would go to neighboring states to purchase alcohol was a major focus of the opposition’s testimony.

· This morning as I was watching Channel 9 News, information about this bill scrolled along the bottom of the screen. No mention of how the revenue would benefit DD or MH, so my guess is that the Lobbyists are working really hard to get the community riled up!

· The next step is just a “wait and see” as to what the Committee will choose to do with this bill. They can sit on it or decide to send it on to the House for a vote. Since it is a tax increase, I wouldn’t look for it to move anywhere for the next couple of months. The Legislature isn’t really addressing tax increases---yet!

· Click HERE to read the Kansas City Star article from Saturday’s paper discussing this tax bill.

2- The 2010 Rescission bill is in the final stages of making sure all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. News is that the bill will be going to the Governor for his signature soon. The Governor is not expected to sit on it. Time to get busy on the 2011 budget.

3- I want to clarify that the 10% SGF/Medicaid swap from the Rescission bill only affects the HCBS MR/DD Waiver. Targeted Case Management is not part of this waiver.

4- Several Case Managers have sent news that many durable medical equipment providers (think wheelchairs and similar types of equipment) have decided to longer take Medicaid. With their 10% pay reduction, they are losing money and have decided to get out of the Medicaid business. This will be perilous for individuals needing updated or new equipment.

5- My highlight of the week was when I was forwarded a letter from a father to the Governor. This father has a son with significant disabilities. The son is fortunate to have Day Services but the father wrote on behalf of those that don’t. I’d like to share part of the letter:

“Extremely disconcerting to me is the fact that thousands of individuals are on waiting lists for similar opportunities, because the state of Kansas cannot find ways for adequate funding to these services. It seems to me that the leadership of our state should be trying to find ways to adequately fund these programs instead of applying its leadership in trying to do away with them. There are thousands of Kansas citizens with handicaps severe enough that their families and the individuals themselves need these services. Is there any chance that you or any one of our elected officials can step up and advocate strongly for them?”


Your TO DO list for the week:

1-Sit down, put your feet up and get a cup of hot coffee or ice cold beverage. Now that you’re comfortable, how would you respond if your legislator asked you this question?

“Would you be willing to pay more taxes, if those taxes would be used to fund DD services?”

· With the financial woes of the State, revenue enhancements (taxes) are about our only option.

· Legislators are under the belief that no one wants to pay more taxes. What is your opinion?

2-Send off your www.invisiblekansans.org letter! Keep those emails going!

Until next week!

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Why Autism in a gift

CNN interviewed Temple Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University who sees her autism as a gift, not a disability. Her life is the subject of a new HBO film starring Claire Danes. Check out the video!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/01/temple.grandin.ted/index.html?hpt=C2

Kansas City Star article

Click HERE to read the Kansas City Star article on increasing the tax on liquor to fund disability programs.

Johnson County Sun Letter to the Editor

Here is a letter to the editor regarding budget cuts to DD services which was published in the Johnson County Sun newspaper on 2.24.10.

No more cuts

The state of Kansas has made severe cutbacks on the order of $1 billion to services and agencies. Cuts to services are landing heavily on the backs of people with disabilities. At The Whole Person, a non-residential Center for Independent Living serving Kansans with disabilities, we have grave concerns for the ability of Kansans with disabilities to live with dignity and safety in the community, and avoid nursing home placement.
These cuts will reduce employment and valuable services that Kansans need. Staff reductions, Medicaid reimbursement cuts, and reduced funding for home- and community-based care are creating longer and longer waiting lists for 3,600 people with disabilities. Many people can’t afford the wait. People are literally dying while waiting for services.

In addition, durable medical equipment suppliers are curtailing services for delivering/servicing complex rehabilitation equipment such as wheelchairs and other services. People are being forced to live without critical equipment that keeps them safe and independent.
The irony in all this is that nursing home care is much more expensive to taxpayers.
If your family encounters tight times, do you stop buying food and medicine for your most vulnerable members? Or do you find a way to increase your income?
Legislators, you have to find the revenue to balance the budget and keep Kansans safe and healthy. We cannot live with more cuts.

Barney Mayse
Independent Living Specialist, The Whole Person
Prairie Village

Monday Morning Update

Good Monday morning to all!

· Thursday, the Senate debated the Rescission Bill and after little discussion, voted to approve it. The final vote was 33-6. The bill went to the House later that afternoon and passed 114-5. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature. We have every indication that the Governor will sign the bill!

· Thank you all for your notes, letters, emails, and calls to legislators. This is YOUR win!

· Folks have been wondering what the reimbursement process will look like once the SGF/Medicaid swap is reinstated. As you know, providers have been paid 10% less for Medicaid-eligible services provided after January 1st 2010. According to the Rescission Bill, the swap is retroactive so folks should be reimbursed for the 10% hit they took during their January and February billing. S.R.S. has not shared how they will do the “pay-back”. Look for information in a future update. Any billing after the bill is signed into law will be paid at the original rate.

· Remember, this swap is only for the Home and Community Based DD waiver. There are other waivers that are not impacted by this swap.

· One more thing to remember is that the reinstatement of the Medicaid cut only applies to the 2010 budget which ends June 30th. The Legislature now has the perilous task of hammering out the 2011 budget which starts July 1st of this year. Unless the legislature finds a way to increase revenue, the 10% cut may be reinstated. Don’t rest easily yet, we have much work to do during the next few months.

· I’ve attached an article which was posted in the KC Star about the budget and the potentially devastating effects on folks with disabilities.

Your To Do list for next week:

1. I’m still waiting to see your Letter to the Editor….did I have any takers?

2. Almost all Legislators do a weekly/monthly email newsletter that goes out to constituents during the legislative session. Email your legislators and request to be put on this email list. These newsletters will help you know a little more about your legislator, what is important to them as well as their stance on specific issues.

3. Many Legislators want to know what is important to their constituents and hold forums in their district. Find out if your legislators hosts these events. If so, plan to go. Ask questions about DD funding.


Thank you for your advocacy the past month. With the passage of the Rescission Bill, we have won the battle, but are far from winning the war! Your ideas, thoughts, and strategies are welcome. Be sure to visit www.invisiblekansans.org!


Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Global Warming: Message from Friends of JCDS chairman, John Holt

Friends of JCDS chairman John Holt graciously accepts money raised by JCDS consumers during a Valentine's Day carnation sale. All proceeds go to Friends of JCDS!

Let the debate on global warming rage on. On this there is no debate: your Friends of JCDS Board is "heating" things up as the young year tries desperately to get through winter!
We have four committees that meet in the board's off months: The Projects and Programs Committee, which oversees our housing project among other things; The Fundraising and Communications Committee, very busy right now preparing for Restyle Runway in May; The People Committee, charged with recruiting and maintaining solid board membership; and our newest committee, Advocacy, which will, as its name implies, advocate for people with disabilities and educate the public.
It's a real team effort, with each board member selecting a committee or two that best fits their skills and interests! Outside ideas are always welcome....so let us know if you have any thoughts and we'll put you in touch with our committee chairs.
It's a labor of love for all of our board members, and I thank them for "heating" things up, even in the dead of winter!
Meantime, I'll talk to our Fox 4 weather team about speeding up spring!

KC Star article about state budget woes affecting people with disabilities

Click HERE to read the article, published on February 16, 2010.

Monday Morning Update

This year’s Legislative session reminds me of the Winter Olympics:

1- Competition is tough with many vying for the top prize.
2- Winning isn’t based on who you know, rather how forcefully you compete.
3- You never know how it’s going to end up until someone crosses the finish line.
4- Spandex only looks good on athletes.

Here is a summary of last week’s action:

· HB 2533, the newly amended version of the Kansas Act Against Discrimination, passed out of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. This bill aligns the State of Kansas with the Federal 2008 ADA Amendments Act. The bill will now go to the Senate for approval. It is expected to pass.

· You deserve credit for one of the most important wins of the week! On Wednesday, Jo Co Rep. Pat Colloton, introduced an amendment to the House Rescission bill that would eliminate the 10% cut in the Medicaid DD waiver by swapping with State General Funds. The amendment passed! There was only a voice vote (meaning it was obvious that there was a “winner”) with only a few quiet “no’s” being heard. Great job to all of you for contacting your Representatives!

· The new and amended House Rescission bill went up for “final action” (the official vote) on Thursday and passed 113- 7.

· Speaking of the SGF/Medicaid swap, we’re close to the finish line, but the race isn’t won yet. Since the Senate and the House each have their own version of a Rescission Bill, the negotiation moves to a “joint committee”. This committee is made up of three Senators and three Representatives, both Republican and Democrat. Two scenarios are possible:

1)The committee agrees on either the House or Senate version of the bill. If that happens, it’s a done deal.

2) If the committee comes up with a newly negotiated version, the new version will need to go back to both the Senate and the House for another vote.

Keep your fingers crossed that the Committee agrees upon the House version which includes our amendment. I’m not so sure this will happen, as the Senate likes to have the last say! The good news is that the legislature has an incentive to get this bill out of the way so they can begin working on the budget for 2011. They should move quickly.

· I had replies from many of you about HB 2593 ( the alcohol/malt beverage tax bill). Folks said that if this bill passes, they promise to drink more! What a great example of team support!


Your To Do List for next week:

1) Since “variety is the spice of life”, I’m not going to ask you to send a letter to your legislators. Instead, write a Letter to the Editor of the KC Star. Don’t shake your head and think “there’s no way”. This is not as difficult as you think. The Star has been very supportive of developmental disability issues and welcomes your letters!

a) In an email, tell your story in 150 words or less.
b) Don’t use an attachment, just put your message in the body of your email.
c) Add your name, city and phone number.
d) Send it to: letters@kcstar.com.
e) The Star will call to verify that you are the author. It may take several weeks to be printed so don’t get discouraged. If you don’t take the paper, Letters to the Editor are also on the web version.

2) Pat yourself on the back. You did a great job contacting your Representatives about the SGF/Medicaid swap. You are my heroes!


We’ve passed the starting gate and are fighting to get to the finish line first. Persistence is the key. We need to keep our eye on the goal and continue to work hard. You are fierce competitors! Until next week…

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

CNN story on the "R-word"

Click on the link to check out CNN's story about the use of the "R-word"
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/02/08/costello.dnt.r.word.cnn?hpt=C2

Monday Morning Update

1) Things are starting to shake, rattle and roll in Topeka!
· Shake - State revenue deficit continues to grow while confidence decreases.
· Rattle - Legislators continue to upset the applecart by proposing new cuts and changes to State Agencies in order to save money.
· Roll – Friday is the last day to introduce bills (with the exception of a few committees) so legislators are rushing to meet the deadline.

2) Talking about bills - an important bill (HB2593) was introduced last week in the Tax Committee by Representative Pat Colloton. This bill would increase the tax rate on some alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages. It will have a hearing in the committee during the next 60 days. Hopefully it will pass out of committee and then go to the House floor for debate. If passed, this tax is estimated to bring in an additional $22 million. The beauty of this bill is that it designates that half of the revenues received goes into funding the DD waiting list and the other half goes to fund community mental health programs. This alcohol tax is above and beyond the current tax and won’t affect revenue currently received by cities.

This is definitely a bill to watch! I’ll keep you updated about its progress.

3) Many legislators are talking about taxes as a way to increase the State’s revenue. Some legislators want to do this by eliminating certain taxes and others want to increase taxes. Other legislators want to leave taxes just the way they are and cut programs. An important thing to remember is that Kansas relies on taxes to provide the basic services of government. Ask yourself whether serving vulnerable Kansans is one of those basic services of government. I know my answer, what about yours?

4) The House Appropriations Committee completed hearings on their Rescission Bill (HB2222). This bill made it out of committee (meaning that it was approved by the committee and now can go to the House floor to be “worked”). This is slated to happen this week. If you remember prior Monday Morning Updates, I’ve shared information about the State General Fund (SGF)/Medicaid swap. Our hope is that this “swap” will be introduced as an amendment during bill discussion. If the amendment is approved by the House, we’ll still have the hurdle of having it pass the Senate. If the swap is not approved, the 10% cut to Medicaid remains in place and businesses, providers and consumers will see disastrous results!

5) What do I mean by disastrous results?

· I’m aware of one JoCo Urgent Care provider that is no longer accepting Medicaid.
· Some Medical equipment providers are turning away customers whose primary payment source is Medicaid.
· A provider of DD services in a bordering county has eliminated their community employment and life enrichment programs limiting consumer options.
· And…it’s still early.

Your To Do List for the week:

1) Call your Representative (Senator - not necessary this week) and ask them to support the “SGF/Medicaid Swap”. For many of you, making this phone call will mean getting out of your comfort zone. Remember that drastic times call for drastic measures!

· It is very important to call Monday or Tuesday.
· Call their Topeka office (their number is listed in the chart I sent you last week).
· If you are fortunate enough to speak to your Representative, introduce yourself as a constituent, a person who cares about individuals with developmental disabilities and ask them to support using DD State General Funds in place of the 10% cut to Medicaid.
· If your Representative is not available (very probable) leave the same message with the assistant. She/he will pass on your message.
· This won’t take more than 5 minutes of your time, but is a huge issue that must be addressed this week! If this swap doesn’t get approved, the cuts to Medicaid will continue, allowing further damage.

2) Get our your calendar, find March 3rd and write “InterHab Day at the Capitol”. I’ll provide more information later about this event.

As usual, thanks so much for your attention and devotion to our cause. Remember to visit www.invisiblekansans.org for additional updates.

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

Interesting article on a potential "cure" for Fragile X

http://www.kansascity.com/439/story/1720957.html

Monday Legislative Update

Greetings! Another week…another update!

1- The House Tax committee debated the Governor’s sales tax bill last week. Many legislators have taken a pledge not to raise taxes and stood by their vow. The bill failed in committee but rather than being termed “dead”, has been put in the bottom drawer to be pulled out again later in the session if needed.

2- The Senate debated their rescission bill last week. A rescission bill cancels previously approved but unspent funds and allows a new bill to identify future spending. Since there is less money coming into Kansas than what was anticipated, the State has to amend their budget by submitting a rescission bill. Both Senate and House have their own versions of this bill. Once passed in each respective chamber, legislators must work together to agree on one final bill.

3- Our own JoCo Senator, Jeff Colyer offered an amendment to the Senate’s rescission bill which would have restored the 10% cut to Medicaid. This would have been done by borrowing money from the 2011 budget. Many legislators felt it was not a good idea to “rob Peter to pay Paul”. The amendment failed but the Senate’s rescission bill did pass 36 – 4. The 10% cut to Medicaid was not restored.

4- Friday, the State received their latest tax revenue figures. Bad news prevailed as revenues were almost $34 million below where they were projected to be. The House Appropriation committee will be working on their rescission bill in the next week. They will have to take into account this additional shortfall.

5- A committee had the charge to look at the potential closure of one or both of the State’s two DD hospitals. The committee’s final report recommended closure of KNI in Topeka with claims that this would save the State money by serving folks in a less costly community setting. In addition, the committee recommended that money saved by closure should be used to take folks off the DD waiting list. After thoughtful deliberation, Governor Parkinson decided that the State should work towards “downsizing” our two DD hospitals and “work towards” closure. So much for a new funding source to eliminate the waiting list.

6- Many of you have forwarded me your legislators responses to your very personal emails. It gives me hope that legislators are hearing you, tells me which legislators need a little more work, and gives me an idea as to what legislators are thinking. Keep those valuable relationships growing. Thank you so much for sharing, but more importantly, thank you for taking action!

Your TO DO list for next week:

1- Send an email to your Representative and ask them to restore the 10% cut to Medicaid by adopting the State General Fund swap for DD. As I said earlier, Legislators will be working and voting on this within the next week or two. Time is of the essence.

2- Visit www.invisiblekansans.org and send your weekly email.

3- Share the above site with two new people.

4- If you would be willing to tell your story and be video-taped, please let me know. We are trying to strengthen the Invisible Kansans website and no one tells your story better than you!

Remember…be the flea!

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

New ad campaign uses humor to promote hiring employees with disabilities

Click HERE to read more about the Think Beyond the Label campaign.
Many businesses that employ our workers here locally report that their workers with disabilities have become true assets to their organizations, actually setting an example for non-disabled workers through their dependability and strong work ethic. They also often help create a more caring and inclusive working environment. Bravo!

Johnson County Sun opinion column

Click HERE to read The Sun's opinion column regarding tax increases and Kansans with disabilities.

Legislative Update

From JCDS Community Relations Manager Lurena Mead:

Last week was an interesting week in Topeka. Here are some of the highlights:

1- Maury Thompson, Executive Director of JCDS, testified before the House Appropriations Committee. He shared how the 10% cut to Medicaid funding would negatively impact consumers, providers and the encumbered State. Since this committee’s main focus is money, committee members were interested in the loss of the $5.5 million in Federal dollars.
2- Scuttlebutt around the Capitol is that many legislators want to address this cut to Medicaid and may offer a bill early in the session to reverse that cut. Legislators understand that the cut hurts people, but is also fiscally imprudent. Leaving “free” money on the table is not a good idea during these trying times.
3- The Aging and Long Term Care Committee also had hearings about the effect of the cuts to Medicaid. There were some compelling testimonies presented. The committee members were very attentive and asked some good questions. These committee members were sympathetic to the impact on people not necessarily dollars.
4- Go to the website www.khi.org for a couple of articles about the waiting list. One article is entitled “Waiting lists for state services expected to grow” and another called “Family awaits help”. The family discussed in the last article are active advocates from Johnson County! I appreciate their willingness to share their story. There was also a great Letter to the Editor printed in the KC Star on Saturday submitted by a mother whose child is on the waiting list. Great job…keep ‘em coming!
5- Rep. Rob Olson from the Olathe area came to JCDS to tour and learn about DD services and our needs. Rob said that he has a stack of letters from his constituents advocating for DD. He said he “keeps every one” demonstrating that your letters do make a difference!
6- We met with the new representative from the Mission Hills area. Rep. Barbara Bollier seemed very sympathetic to our cause. She said that her very first job was working in a hospital for disabled children. I think she “gets” us! If you live in her district, please touch base with her. She has much to learn about many topics but we’d like to keep a focus on DD.
Your TO DO list for next week:
1- Just because legislators may introduce a bill to reverse the cuts to Medicaid, doesn’t mean that it will happen. Contact your legislators and ask them to support reversing the damaging cuts to Medicaid. If a bill is introduced, I’ll make sure you get the bill number.
2- If you belong to a community group, special interest group, church group or networking group, please feel free to forward this weekly email. The more individuals that read our message, understand our needs and act on our behalf, the more powerful we become. One mother sends this email to over 200 individuals! One, ten or twenty will help make a difference.
3- Send your www.invisiblekansans.org letter.
As Martin Luther King said “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
My plea is: Don’t be silent, our message matters!

Warm regards-
Lurena Mead

Time To Get Going! A message from John Holt, President of Friends of JCDS

January always marks a fresh start. We resolve to eat right, be more organized, act nicer, exercise, and, well, you know the drill.
I refuse to resolve to anything, lest I break the resolution six weeks in! But I do acknowledge January is a "fresh start," and that's true for Friends of JCDS!
We have much to do in the year ahead as we continue our work to improve the lives of our consumers and their families. In a cash-strapped economy, it's even more critical. We are excited about adding an 11th home to our portfolio, providing more quality, affordable housing to people with disabilities. Planning for Second Annual Restyle Runway is well underway after a smashing debut. There are deserving programs and opportunities we look forward to funding. And to guide us all, a new strategic plan is being developed following a board retreat.
We have a solid committee driven board, thanks to the vision and energy of our outgoing board President Jean Hughes. Thanks Jean, for leaving us in good shape with your leadership. Yours will be big shoes to fill!
We're also welcoming some new members who will add new energy to these efforts. A big hello to Mike Hughes, Jace McClasky, Scott Tschudy, and Joe Vader.
Last but not least, a strong and supportive staff at JCDS who make it all come together flawlessly!
I'm honored to be your new board President, and look forward to hearing your suggestions and ideas.
Time to get a start now, on our "fresh start". Here we go......

John Holt
President, Friends of JCDS

KC Star article on autism therapy and cost-savings

Click on the link to read the article!
http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/1675589.html