Unanticipated budget shortfall causes Governor Gregoire to consider special session
Paul Strand, Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Action DD

Olympia -- Governor Chris Gregoire met with reporters today to inform them that new budget shortfalls and an anticipated Medicaid payment cut, may cause her to call a special session of the legislature. But, she doubts that the legislature can come up with a new budget fast enough, she said, 48 to 72 hours to approve her budget proposal. Failure to meet such an unreasonable time limit would make an executive order her likely choice.
      An executive order would cut all programs by as much as 4 percent across the board, with some exceptions for basic education, debt payments and pensions.  There would be no exception for programs for the developmentally disabled.  She mentioned the closing of institutions but it wasn't clear if she meant RHCs or prisons.
      She will make her decision sometime after August 9th.
     

School for Developmentally Disabled to Celebrate Groundbreaking For $22.5 million School Expansion
Beth Peterson, Monday, July 26, 2010
NBC News

Binghamton, NY -- Springbrook will break ground on Thursday, July 29, 2010 for the construction of the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook in Oneonta, New York. This is a $22.5 million expansion and renovation for a school serving children with developmental disabilities. The project will create construction jobs for area vendors and contractors. It will also bring 112 new, full-time jobs in the health, human services and education sectors to the Central/Leatherstocking Region.
View full story

Washington budget-cutting ideas big hit on state website
By Paul Strand, Thursday, July 22, 2010
ActionDD

Want to help fix next years budget deficit?  Now's you chance.  Gov. Chris Gregoire's website on transforming the budget lit up with more than 80 comments in its first hours.  At last check, there were over 1200 ideas.  A search on " developmental disabilities" found seventeen ideas with at least some mention of DD, addressing a range of topics from drug testing to RHC closure. 
      You can leave you own suggestion, or you can agree or disagree with existing suggestions.  You can also leave your own comments.  Take advantage of this opportunity now.  The website closes July 30th. Remember to register when you get to the website.
Go to the Governor's website now to see ideas

Virginia Training Centers topic of extensive Washington Post report
By Paul Strand, Thursday, July 22, 2010
ActionDD

The Washington Post published an in depth article on the state of their Training Centers.  The article addresses controversy over building a replacement center for the aging Southern Virginia Training Center, and the value of Training Centers in general.  This article sites documents and studies pertinent to all states and should be read by anyone aligned with or against such facilities.
Read the Washington Post Article

Ever wonder what other countries do for DD?
By Paul Strand, Thursday, July 22, 2010
ActionDD

Here's a short article from India where some one wants action for mentally challenged beggars. Note the suggested solutions and count your blessings as an American.
Read the Indian Article (Give it a moment to come up. It comes from India)

Top 5 Reasons to Retain our RHCs

No savings in closing an RHC
Part of a needed continuum of care, and choice
Efficiently provides a full array of services
Provides respite care and other services to community based clients
Only safety net when other services fail

Take ACTION to fight legislation that would harm our most vulnerable citizens.

Take ACTION to keep a full continuum of care in Washington State. 

            Speaker of the House Frank Chopp told us, "We need a full continuum
            of services for people with developmental disabilities."

Take ACTION with your donations.  Your financial support is crucial.  Be assured that every cent goes to taking action for people with developmental disabilities.