Are we going to see more cuts to education and services to people with disabilities? Larger classes, fewer services, more people released from jails in our communities? YOUR ACTION WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! The 2009-11 budget was developed using three strategies: reductions in services, use of federal stimulus dollars, and targeted changes in some taxes. Petitions are now circulating to bring the tax reform increases to a vote in January.
The DD Coalition urges you to get involved in this critical issue. DON’T SIGN PETITIONS and JOIN THE EFFORT to support these tax reforms. Some facts to remember:
· Amount raised by these measures to avoid further cuts in education, healthcare, and public safety: $733 million
· Percentage of corporate profits tax paid by corporations whose headquarters are outside of Oregon: 75%
· Proportion of corporations who paid just the $10 corporate minimum tax last year: 2/3
· Percentage of taxpayers affected by the personal income tax increase: 2.45%
· Percentage of registered voters who can force a statewide election on these measures by signing the referenda: 2.56%
Make your voice heard! For more information and ways to get involved go to Defend Oregon
Changes in the Legislative Interim
As a result of a 15% reduction in the Legislative budget, House and Senate leadership have changed the way the Committees meet during the Interim, the approximately 18 months between regular legislative sessions.
All committees will meet over a three day stretch from September 29-October 1, then again from November 17-19, and a third time from January 12-14. The Senate will also meet Oct. 1, 2009 to consider executive appointments.
The legislature is expected to meet for a month long “special” session in February, 2010. The Committees will be holding hearings and developing legislation for introduction in February. Individual Members will also be allowed to introduce legislation.
Legislative Report:
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has released the 2009 Legislative Report on activity in the Session that relates to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Click here to access the report.
Do your children have health care?
The State and its community partners are now enrolling the first group of uninsured children under the Healthy Kids initiative passed in 2009. Right now, children in families with incomes up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($40,792.50 for a family of four) can get covered. Beginning in October, coverage will extend to children in families up to 200% FPL ($44,100 for a family of four). And, beginning in January 2010, children in families between 200% and 300% FPL ($44,100 to 66,150 for a family of four) will be able to enroll in coverage with premium assistance and children in families above 300% FPL will be able to buy into the program at full cost.
Abuse and Neglect Report
The Oregon Office of Investigations and Training has issued its annual report with 2008 data on abuse and of individuals who receive Mental Health or Developmental Disabilities Services. Approximately 5% of the over 17,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services had an allegation of abuse or neglect. 43% of those allegations, or 423 individuals, were substantiated for abuse or neglect. The data in the report reflects both adults and children and is provided by service element and county. Click here for a copy of the report
Don’t miss your chance!!!! APPLY NOW for Partners in Policymaking
This is just a reminder that we are currently accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2010. This program is only offered every two years. Don’t miss this great opportunity!!! The application deadline is September 25, 2009.
Oregon Partners in Policymaking (PIP), is an intensive 5-month leadership course for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities. The program is operated by The Arc of Oregon and funded by the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. It is free to participants.
The PIP program provides participants with the information to understand the past, the present, and the future for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides PIP members with the practical skills to positively affect their own lives and influence broader disability policy. Many of the over 180 Oregon Partners in Policymaking Graduates since 1994, have found participating in PIP has been a life-changing experience. Oregon Partners graduates have made a huge difference in our state on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. We hope that the Class of 2010 will continue to lead the fight for equality of opportunity, inclusion, and community participation.
Self-Advocates Host Teleconference Series on Healthy Relationships
The Riot! staff invites self-advocates, family members, and healthcare providers to join them for "real talk" about intimate relationships, personal safety, and advice from peers in the remaining two calls in their new teleconference series, A National Conversation on Healthy Relationships
Don’t miss out. REGISTER NOW!
Each teleconference will last 90 minutes, will begin at 3pm EASTERN TIME, and will be facilitated by Julie Petty, a nationally respected self-advocate. During each call, speakers will have time to talk with one another and then will answer questions from you and others across the nation.
The registration fee for each teleconference is $25. You can listen on your own or bring people together around a speaker phone. This is a GREAT WAY to hear about what is going on and to join with others nationally.
Schedule and topics:
Teleconference #2: October 5, 2009. What are the dynamics of a healthy, intimate relationship? Issues of sexuality, personal safety, and safe sex/birth control will be discussed. Begins 3 p.m. Eastern Time (90 minutes)
Teleconference #3: November 2, 2009. Self-advocates give their peers advice, "Dear Abby" style. Begins 3 p.m. Eastern Time (90 minutes)
Autism Society of Oregon is hosting Special Education Law and Advocacy Training with Pete Wright of Wrightslaw
Is your child on an IEP? Then this conference is for you. This October 29th conference is also targeted to special educators and any specialists working with a child with a disability. This conference will focus on special education law, tests and measurements to measure progress & regression, smart IEP’s, tactics and strategies for effective advocacy.
Cost is $35 for a parent ($50 for a couple) and $65 for a teacher/professional. Stipend money available for parents to attend this conference. Please call the ASO office for more details. For more information, program schedule and to register online visit Autism Society of Oregon.
When someone needs help navigating the Oregon Health Plan. . .
If you or someone you are working with has a question or problem with getting Oregon Health Plan services, there are preferred ways to resolve issues.
University of Washington Autism Research Center
U of W is looking for more families to participate in research they are conducting. Please visit their website.
Sent to you by the Oregon DD Coalition. Contact: info@oregonddcoalition.org
The mission of the Oregon DD Coalition is to promote quality service and supports which respectfully further the rights, equality, justice, and inclusion for all Oregonians with developmental disabilities and their families.
