Funding cuts 

Hitting the most vulnerable: Proposed cuts target pregnant women, babies and children with special health care needs

(AMCHP, February 17, 2011)

In the revised continuing resolution bill (HR 1 ) funding for the Title V MCH Block Grant would be cut by $50 million. Leaders in the MCH community have called these cuts harmful and say they undermine protections for one of the most valuable resources in any society - mothers and children.  For the latest updates on the Federal FY11 budget and its potential impact on MCH programs, visit AMCH's legislative alerts page.

Arizona receives go-ahead to cut Medicaid rolls

A response from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Arizona's recent request for an exemption from the new health care law that requires states to maintain current Medicaid eligibility levels surprised state officials. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted that states are not required under the ACA to renew waivers that cover optional populations. The voluntary expansion of AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, to cover people whose incomes are twice the federal poverty level was approved by voters in 2000, but it will expire on September 30th, resulting in the loss of Medicaid coverage for approximately 250,000 people.

A step toward eliminating AHCCCS

Senate Bill 1519 which would repeal AHCCCS entirely was passed through the Senate Appropriations committee at about 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. It will next go to the full Senate for debate.

 Original text of bills can be found here 

Reminder: Special Day for Special Kids is coming up on

Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

In its 25th year, this event for families of children with special needs will include train rides, carnival activities, carousel rides, games, activity booths, clowns, face painting, petting zoo, plus lots of food and ice cream...all for FREE!

Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale (southwest corner of Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads)  Please register on the day of the event.

Sponsored by Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club, Phoenix El Puente Rotary, Raising Special Kids & Scottsdale Unified School District Service Learning Classes 

If you have questions, please call us at 620-242-4366 or check our website .

Preschool to Kindergarten Transition - Wed., 3/2/2011, 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

Turning 3 What's Next? - AzEIP to Preschool - Thur., 3/3/2011, 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

Location:  Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., #204, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Reservations are required. Our office location is a fragrance-free environment.

Call 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007 or register online at  the Raising Special Kids Online Calendar

 

En Español

Familias Resistentes - Viernes, 3/4/11, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Raising Special Kids staff are attending a conference:  "Apexing the Turns: Staying on Track in Special Education!" on Friday, March 4, 2011

Participating in the TBI Transition Conference by the Governor's Council on Spinal and Head Injuries: Saturday & Sunday, 3/5/2011 starting at 7 a.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix

Staff are presenting three workshops at Kids Blitz, a conference for Foster Families by Casey Family Programs on Saturday 3/5/2011 

Last week Raising Special Kids was represented among more than 50 participants at the AzDAC Day at the Capitol on February 23. The group received presentations from three legislators, attended a committee hearing and a House of Representatives session, reviewed information about current issues and bills of concern, and received guidance to register in the Legislative internet system (ALIS) that enables users to testify on bills through the internet. (This registration has to happen at the Legislature)

• Wednesday, 3/2/2011 at 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Sureno Elementary School
• Monday, 3/7/2011 at 12:30 to 2:15 pm at Broadmor Elementary School

• TBI Transition Conference at Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85040  - Saturday, 3/5/2011 - (anytime between) 7:00 am and 3:30 pm.  

"I just wanted to let you and your staff know that during my phone conversation with a staff member of Southwest Development in Payson they stated Raising Special Kids provides excellent Guardianship training for parents and they will be calling Raising Special Kids soon to arrange for more training in their area. Keep up the good work!" 

Ralph "Raphael" Figueroa, Jr.