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