Budget Marathon Moves On to Conference Committee           
Next Step on Day Hab Supports Yet to Be Determined
Individual and staff in day hab setting

As a result of the Senate Budget not addressing Day Hab Supports restorations, EOHHS, DDS and Mass Health will have to make tough decisions in the next few days that will likely have significant ramifications for consumers, families, providers, state agency personnel and legislators.

Unless the Conference Committee resolves their differences on this issue fairly quickly, DDS may need to begin notification of service cut offs almost immediately.

By federal law, because the Day Hab wraps are a waiver service, participants are allowed 60 days to file an appeal for the loss of service, during which the State must pay for the service; and by state law, providers are required to be given 45 days notice of a service cut off. 

It is estimated that 1000 individuals will likely lose the ability to participate in day habs without these supports. 

If the House position on this Line Item 5920-2025 is adopted then this dilemma can be avoided. 

Other options available to the State can include continuing service as is, awaiting the outcome of the Conference Committee, and filing a later FY 16 Supplemental Budget to cover these expenses, should the House position not prevail.

Stay tuned and we'll advise what we learn from EOHHS, DDS and the Legislature.
  
L'Italien Senate Amendment Increases Respite & Family Support
  
Early this morning, shortly after midnight, the Senate gave its final approval to a $38.1 Billion Budget that included a critically needed boost to DDS Respite and Family Support programs.

Accepting an amendment proposed by Senator Barbara l'Italien and co-sponsored by Senators Keenan, Brownsberger, Timilty, Lewis, Gobi, Chang-Diaz, Fattman and Moore, the Senate appropriated $56,386,141 to DDS Respite and Family Supports Line Item 5930-3000.  This amount is nearly $500,000 more than the House appropriation.  Advocates view the 39-0 support of this amendment as indicative of Senate support for the importance of helping families stay intact and using limited DDS dollars wisely.

Other ADDP priorities and how they were addressed in the Senate:

Day and Employment:  The Senate did not restore the $9.7 million for Day Hab Wraps providing assistance with toileting, feeding and behavioral supports of program participants.  This will be a top priority for ADDP in the Conference Committee supporting the House Position.

Autism:  The Senate only increased Autism Funding by $300,000 over the SWM Recommendation ($6 million below the House and Governor's House One), but earmarked those dollars for the operation of an Autism Commission.  In Conference Committee, ADDP will urge that the Adult Autism Account be fully funded at $12.7 million in accordance with the House and Governor's budget. 

Transportation:  The Senate Amendment restoring $3 million was not approved.  ADDP recommends the House position on this matter in Conference Committee.
                         Spilka Steps Forward
ADDP wishes to thank Senate President Stan Rosenberg, SWM Chair Karen Spilka and all of our Senate allies including all Senators who voted to support disability priorities.
 
Going into Conference Committee ADDP and disability advocates feel encouraged knowing that both Senator Spilka and Rep. Dempsey have  long and distinguished records of supporting disability issues.  Both Spilka and Dempsey have been honored by ADDP as Legislators of the Year.  Each has a unique understanding of our community.
 
As wise legislative participants have advised: the budget process is a marathon and never over until one reaches the finish line of the Conference Committee Report.
 
We have faith in our legislative champions and have seen them in action over the years.