| The Arc Network In Wisconsin Works With DHS and Legislative Leaders To Modify Language In The Budget Repair Bill
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In the original budget repair bill, there was language that would have made it possible for the Department of Health Services (DHS) to develop and implement major changes to Medical Assistance by promulgating emergency rules. As it stood, any changes would have been subject to 14 day passive review by the Joint Committee on Finance. If the committee felt no action was necessary, the proposed emergency rules would have been automatically implemented after 14 days. While The Arc-Wisconsin recognizes that significant changes to Medical Assistance programs must be considered in a timely manner, we felt it was critical that there be additional opportunities for legislative and stakeholder input than there would be under Joint Committee on Finance 14 day passive review.
The Arc-Wisconsin shared our concerns with DHS leadership and several legislators. As a result of our efforts to alert policy makers to our concerns and their willingness to address them, significant modifications were included in the budget repair bill that passed and was signed into law by the Governor. Under the modified language, any changes related to Medical Assistance rules will NOT be considered emergency rules changes. As a result, the proposed rules changes must be referred to the appropriate committee in each house of the Legislature. Should the changes be approved at the committee level after hearings are held, they must be approved by both houses of the Legislature.
The Arc-Wisconsin specifically thanks DHS Secretary Dennis Smith, DHS Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades, Senator Scott Fitzgerald and Senator Dan Kapanke for their willingness to listen to the concerns of disability advocates and take action to address those concerns. |
| Upcoming Opportunities To Make A Difference
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On Wednesday, March 23, the Department of Human Services will host a town hall forum to seek input for ways to make Medical Assistance programs more cost effective. This first of several forums will take place at 1:00 pm at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College In Green Bay. CLICK HERE for the meeting announcement.
Disability Advocacy Day will take place at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6. For more information, CLICK HERE. |
| Spring Training Isn't Limited To Baseball
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2011 Rehabilitation and Transition Conference, April 6-8, Elkhart Lake
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Pursuit of Behavioral Understanding, April 15, Wisconsin Dells
Update: DHS Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades to be the keynote speaker!
CLICK HERE for more information.
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