CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CDCAN)
CAPITOL NEWS REPORT #016-2005   www.cdcan.us 
March 2, 2005 - Wednesday
Linking people to disability rights and unified action

STATE BUDGET UPDATE
* Senate Budget Hearing Scheduled On IHSS Wages, SSI/SSP on 3/17
* Assembly Sets Hearings This Weekend On Budget Impact to Seniors
* Medi-Cal Redesign Info Hearing By Assembly Set for Monday
* Other Hearings On IHSS, SSI/SSP, Regional Centers Set for April

SACRAMENTO  -  The State Legislature has scheduled several important hearings on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget proposals that impact people with developmental and other disabilities and seniors, including an informational hearing scheduled this weekend in San Diego.  Both houses are moving forward with differing hearing schedules, though no final actions will be taken by either house until after the Governor releases his revisions to his proposed budget in mid-May - referred to as the "May Revise".

Also scheduled for hearing are several of the Governor's controversial proposals that call for major reductions in State funding for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), permanent suspension of the SSI/SSP cost of living adjustments that impact people with developmental and other disabilities and seniors.  In addition, a hearing on the closure of Agnews Developmental Center, and the Governor's proposed cuts and changes to community-based services (including regional centers) that serve and support people with developmental disabilities is scheduled for April 11th by the Senate.  The Assembly is expected to schedule a similar hearing on a different day in April. [note: please see CDCAN Action Alert on these hearings & rally,  to be issued later today].  All hearing dates and locations are subject to change.

The Assembly is not yet publicly released its full budget hearing schedule - though several hearings have been unofficially scheduled.  As with the State Senate, hearing dates and locations are subject to change.

Covered in this report are those budget hearings that cover the major budget issues that impact children and adults with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors people with mental health needs and others. Subjects include special education, crime and abuse against people with disabilities, mental health, community services for people with developmental disabilities, developmental centers, In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/SSP, and health care (including Medi-Cal).

MAJOR ISSUES SCHEDULED FOR HEARING AS FOLLOWS
Hearings on In-Home Supportive Services are currently scheduled for::
* Mar 17 (Senate Budget Subcommittee #3)
* Apr 6 (Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1)  [tentative]
* Apr 20 (Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1)  [tentative]

Hearings on SSI/SSP are currently scheduled for:
* Mar 17 (Senate Budget Subcommittee #3)
* Apr 20 (Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1)  [tentative]

Hearings on community based (including regional centers) and developmental centers under the Department of Developmental Services are currently scheduled for:
* Apr 11 (Senate Budget Subcommittee #3)
note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 will schedule similar hearing sometime in April

BUDGET HEARINGS SCHEDULED BY DATE
* The following informational budget hearings listed in current date order that have a focus or impact on people with disabilities and seniors.  In some cases the hearing date is tentative.  Not listed are those hearings scheduled for May where the agenda items are not yet known (or specific).
* No actions are taken at strictly informational hearings - and no final actions are taken at budget hearings in March and April and early May.  However that is the time for major public testimony that could influence the Governor and the Legislature prior to the release of the Governor's revisions to his proposed budget, in May.
* Final actions on the budget won't take place until after the Governor releases his revisions to his proposed budget, in mid-May.
* The new state budget year takes effect July 1, 2005.

MAR 06, 2005 - SUNDAY
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
1:00 PM    Kimball Senior Center, 1221 D Street, National City (near San Diego)
TOPIC: SENIORS
What is scheduled: Informational oversight hearing on "California Seniors - are we meeting our obligations?"
Priority:  Very high - people in the local area should go to this hearing. There will be opportunity for public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: Seniors, people with disabilities and those people who provide services and supports and other advocates.   Hearing will focus on the impact of the Governor's proposals on seniors, and also some related impacts to people with disabilities.

MAR 07, 2005 - MONDAY
* Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
Meets upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH
What is scheduled: budget hearing on Department of Mental Health budget issues covering state hospitals and community-based budget items.
Priority:  Very High. Likely to be the only Senate budget hearing on these specific mental health issues, prior to the Governor's revisions to his budget in May.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with mental health needs, mental health community based organizations and advocates, people with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors who have mental health needs and other advocates.

* Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 on Education
Meets upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 113
TOPIC: K-12 EDUCATION
What is scheduled: budget informational overview hearing on Proposition 98 (the constitutional amendment passed in 1988 that guarantees a certain level of funding for public education) and K-12 education.
Priority:  Important. Since this is an informational hearing, there probably won't be much time, if any, allowed for general public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: While the focus of the hearing is an overview of K-12 education in general and the state constitution's funding guarantee, special education programs and funding are included - even if not specifically mentioned.  Funding cuts or changes in funding will have a significant impact to the over 650,000 children with special needs enrolled in California special education programs.

* Joint Hearing - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services and Assembly Health Committee
3:00 PM    State Capitol - Room 4202
TOPIC: MEDI-CAL
What is scheduled: Informational budget oversight hearing on the Governor's proposed Medi-Cal redesign on managed care expansion proposed to go into effect January 2007; payment of premiums (or share of cost); limits on dental benefits; and changes in eligibility determination.
Priority: High - though public testimony will likely be limited as this is more an overview, as most of the comments will likely come from department officials, the Legislative Analyst Office and others on the Governor's proposal.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs and others, community-based providers and other advocates.

MAR 10, 2005 - THURSDAY
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
Meets upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: SENIORS
What is scheduled: budget hearing some social service departments, including Department of Aging budget items.
Priority:  High. Likely to be the only Senate budget hearing on these specific Department of Aging issues, prior to the Governor's revisions to his budget in May.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: Seniors, people with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, community organizations and other advocacy groups

MAR 17, 2005 - THURSDAY
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
Meets upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session  [likely mid-morning]  State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES & SSI/SSP, DEPT OF REHAB & EDD SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
What is scheduled: budget hearing on Governor's proposed changes and reductions to Department of Social Services budget items specifically on In-Home Supportive Services (including CHMIPS II); proposed suspension of the January 2006 SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program) cost of living adjustment; also budget items under the Department of Rehabilitation and specific Employment Development Department services impacting people with disabilities.
Priority:  VERY HIGH! Likely to be the only Senate budget hearing on these specific issues, prior to the Governor's revisions to his budget in May.  Note: see CDCAN Alert for rally on this date.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs, community organizations and providers, and other advocacy groups.

MAR 18, 2005 - FRIDAY
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
09:00 AM    Indio City Hall - Council Chambers  100 Civic Center Mall, Indio
TOPIC: STATE HEALTH CARE CRISIS
What is scheduled: Informational hearing on the issue of "State Health Care Delivery in Crisis".
Priority:  Important. There should be some time allowed for public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People in the local area with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs, community organizations and providers, and other advocacy groups as the issue of access to health care in the State has tremendous direct impact.

MAR 23, 2005 - WEDNESDAY
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
4:00 - 7:00 PM    University of California San Diego Medical Center Auditorium, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego
TOPIC: STATE HEALTH CARE CRISIS
What is scheduled: Second informational hearing on the issue of "State Health Care Delivery in Crisis".
Priority:  Important. There should be some time allowed for public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People in the local area with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs, community organizations and providers, and other advocacy groups as the issue of access to health care in the State has tremendous direct impact.

APR 4, 2005 - MONDAY
* Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 on Education
Meets at 1:30 PM OR upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 113
TOPIC: K-12 EDUCATION
What is scheduled: budget informational hearing on Governor's proposals on K-12 education.
Priority:  Important. Since this is an informational hearing, there probably won't be much time, if any, allowed for general public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: While the focus of the hearing is an overview of K-12 education in general , special education programs and funding are included - even if not specifically mentioned.  Funding cuts or changes in funding will have a significant impact to the over 650,000 children with special needs enrolled in California special education programs.

* Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
Meets at 1:30 PM OR upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: MEDI-CAL
What is scheduled: budget hearing on the Medi-Cal program (though specific budget items or issues not yet scheduled for this hearing). Also budget issues impacting Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (under the Department of Health Services).
Priority:  Important - though priority can't be determined until specific issues to be heard are known.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: Medi-Cal impacts people with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs, community organizations and providers, and other advocacy groups - though whether people should go to this hearing will depend on what specific issues are scheduled.

APR 6, 2005 - WEDNESDAY
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
1:30 PM    State Capitol - Room To Be Announced
TOPIC: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
What is scheduled: Budget hearing on Governor's proposal for to reduce State's funding for IHSS wages. A second (tentative) hearing by the Assembly on this issue is set for 4/20 on IHSS Quality Assurance
Priority: VERY HIGH.  Note that this hearing date is tentative as of this writing.  See CDCAN Alert and possible rally info.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs and others, IHSS workers, IHSS public authorities and advisory committees, community-based providers and other advocates.

APR 7, 2005 - THURSDAY
* Senate Budget Subcommittee #5 on Public Safety, Labor & Veteran Affairs
Meets upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 112
TOPIC: CRIME AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES/SENIORS
What is scheduled: budget hearing on Governor's proposals impacting public safety agencies, including Office of Emergency Services.
Priority:  Important. While the issue is not focused specifically on people with disabilities and seniors, the Office of Emergency Services is responsible for some key programs and initiatives regarding crime and abuse against people with disabilities and seniors.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: Advocates for people with disabilities and seniors

APR 11, 2005 - MONDAY
* Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
1:30 PM    State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES - COMMUNITY-BASED & DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS
What is scheduled: budget hearing on Governor's proposals impacting community-based (including regional centers) services and developmental centers under the Department of Developmental Services.
Priority:  VERY HIGH.  Most of the key budget issues - including proposed cuts to regional center funded services, closure of Agnews Developmental Center (and proposed reduction to developmental centers) will be heard.  Please see CDCAN Alert for rally regarding this hearing. Likely to be the only hearing where public testimony will be taken on these issues, prior to the Governor's revisions to his proposed budget in May.
Who Should Go To This Hearing:  People with developmental and other disabilities, seniors, community-based organizations, workers, regional centers, developmental center and other advocacy groups and individuals.

APR 18, 2005 - MONDAY
* Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 on Education
Meets at 1:30 PM OR upon adjournment of the Senate Floor session    State Capitol - Room 113
TOPIC: FEDERAL FUNDING FOR K-12 EDUCATION
What is scheduled: budget informational hearing on federal funding overview impacting K-12 education
Priority:  Important. Since this is an informational hearing, there probably won't be much time, if any, allowed for general public testimony.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: While the focus of the informational hearing is an overview of federal funding for K-12 education in general , special education programs and funding are included - even if not specifically mentioned.  Funding cuts or changes in funding will have a significant impact to the over 650,000 children with special needs enrolled in California special education programs.

APR 20, 2005 - WEDNESDAY
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
1:30 PM    State Capitol - Room 444
TOPIC: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES & SSI/SSP, SENIORS
What is scheduled: Budget hearing on IHSS Quality Assurance (inc CMIPS and CMIPS 2); Governor's proposal to suspend the January 2006 SSI/SSP cost of living adjustment (both under the Department of Social Services) and also budget issues under the Department of Aging.
Priority: VERY HIGH.  Note that this hearing date is tentative as of this writing.  See CDCAN Alert and possible rally info.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs and others, IHSS workers, IHSS public authorities and advisory committees, community-based providers and other advocates.

APR 27, 2005 - WEDNESDAY
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
1:30 PM    State Capitol - Room To Be Announced
TOPIC: COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING
What is scheduled: Budget hearing on budget issues impacting Community Care Licensing under the Department of Social Services. Many programs and facilities that serve people with disabilities and seniors are licensed under Community Care Licensing.
Priority:  HIGH.  Note that this hearing date is tentative as of this writing.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs and others, community-based providers and other advocates.

MAY 5, 2005 - THURSDAY
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
Meets upon adjournment of Senate Floor Session    State Capitol - Room 4203
TOPIC: COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING
What is scheduled: Budget hearing on budget issues impacting Community Care Licensing under the Department of Social Services. Many programs and facilities that serve people with disabilities and seniors are licensed under Community Care Licensing.  In addition, other budget items from other human service departments could be scheduled as needed.
Priority:  HIGH.
Who Should Go To This Hearing: People with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, seniors, people with mental health needs and others, community-based providers and other advocates.
 

CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED TO CONTINUE EFFORT CAN CONTRIBUTE VIA NON-PROFIT 501(c)3  see below
Many many, thanks again,  to the friends, people with disabilities and their families, community organizations and others who have sent in generous and needed contributions and donations.  Contributions from people and organizations is very urgently needed to keep the advocacy efforts going for the next several months, as we work to establish non-profit status which we are working on.. Apologies to anyone who have not yet received a thank you - email, letters, calls have been overwhelming!  Your help is needed though to keep the effort going in 2005.
Please make check or money order  to:  California Disability Community Action Network  (or abbreviate CDCAN) OR, if for tax deduction purposes, you can make the check out to TTSR (Training Toward Self Reliance), which is a 501C-3 non-profit organization, and indicate on check that contribution is for support for "CDCAN".
A method to contribute by credit card (through Paypal) is NOW set up on our website, at www.cdcan.us  [new site address]  Send contributions to: California Disability Community Action Network (see below for mailing address)
* How To Receive CDCAN Capitol News Reports and Alerts
The California Disability Community Action Network is a non-partisan link to thousands of Californians with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injures, seniors and their families, community organizations and providers, direct care and other workers, and other advocates. These action alerts and news reports is for all of them.   If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that  request to:  martyomoto@rcip.com  OR sign up via the NEW CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us   Sharing information is part of our organizing effort. Please feel free to forward or copy  this (attribution is nice). We're all in this together!
* How To Contact CDCAN
Marty Omoto, director/organizer  New WEBSITE address:  www.cdcan.us 
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814   VOICE PHONE: 916/446-0013
FAX number: 916/446-0026        email: martyomoto@rcip.com