Disappointing End to the 2015 Legislative Session
There will not be a rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services. In the end, health and human services projected spending for the next two years was reduced by $300 million leaving a number of requests without additional funds.
Disappointing end to the 2015 Legislative Session
There will not be a rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services. In the end, health and human services projected spending for the next two years (starting July 1, 2015) was reduced by $300 million leaving a number of requests without additional funds.
The 5% Campaign Thanks You
The lack of a rate increase in 2015 is a huge disappointment. Whether you came to the Capitol for rally days, contacted your legislators by mail or email, shared your story on social media, hosted your legislator for a site visit, or attended a town-hall meeting, you helped to increase awareness of the workforce crisis and the disability community. And while it may not always feel like it, your advocacy IS making a difference. We are grateful for your strong advocacy and ongoing support!
Looking ahead
The 5% Campaign was formed in 2014 in response to not receiving a rate increase in 2013. While it is frustrating to find ourselves in the same position following the 2015 legislative session, we know as a community that we can come together to make positive change at the legislature.
Following the news of the final Health and Human Services budget agreement, The 5% Campaign received commitments from both the Chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, Rep. Matt Dean, as well as our long time champion, Sen. Kent Eken, to make additional funding for Home and Community-Based Services a priority for the 2016 legislative session. Next session is scheduled to begin on March 8th, 2016.
Leaders within The 5% Campaign will meet very soon to develop strategies for 2016. As we begin planning our next steps we know two things for certain:
- the job is not done yet
- our grassroots advocates know what it takes to do hard work
We are counting on you to lend your voice this summer, fall and into the next legislative session as we continue to fight for people with disabilities!