Legislative Update - March 26, 2003

Directors,

Wanted to follow up on HB 402 DSS Workers Right of Entry Bill. The Ways and Means committee met today and there was a strong turn out of folks against the Bill. The bill was moved to last on the agenda and was not heard. The co-chairs knew people (i.e. Susan Osborne and her Lt. Chief of Police) had come to Raleigh to present but they changed the order anyway. I believe that Susan was irritated enough that she is now determined to be there even if it means a return trip!! (-:

Some other updates:

• We have Jeff Barnhart working with us on a bill to increase the Foster/Adoption reimbursement rate. It should be going to the draft writers on March 27, 2003 and introduced next week.
• We are working to get representation on the H468 Living Income Study Commission; S262 MH Oversight Study Integration of Care; S273 Guardianship Study if any of them are passed.
• The HHS Joint Appropriations committee is meeting twice a day Tuesday - Thursday to work on the budget. They have had educational presentations on Medicaid and are working on DCD. It is obvious by their many questions that the freshman legislators and a few long-timers are confused on both issues and believe there are ways to make cuts to eliminate things such as the "administration waste" and giving money to families making "$40,000" so they can have reduced child care. I am currently working on some talking points with Peggy Ball about the child care subsidies that I will send out to all of you. It is evident that we will need Directors to educate their legislators on the HHS Appropriations committee about this issue.
• I have been asking Directors to come to Raleigh to go with me to meet with Legislators on bill issues and the budget this week. So far this week (it is Wed) I have met with 12 legislators. I am scheduled to meet with 5 more tomorrow. This is where the decisions get made and it is critical to influence decisions so THANKS to all the Directors that have come so far!
  
  Karen