As we work to keep the needs of people with autism and their families in front of our state legislators this session; we are also working on federal autism legislation. This week, staff were invited to meet with Sen. Hagan’s NC State Director, Deputy Director and her DC Health Policy staff (who joined the meeting by…
The Case for Raising Revenue
Without additional revenue, let’s review what is at stake: (The Autism Society of North Carolina supports this analysis from the Arc of NC.) LME services cuts ($65 million ): This includes a $50 million dollar cut to services without specifics, a $16 million cut to services to people with DD who also have a CAP…
Federal Autism Legislation
While ASNC staff are advocating at the N.C. General Assembly on behalf of people living with autism, we are also monitoring federal autism legislation. Once the N.C. state budget is finalized, we will be visiting with our N.C. Congressional Delegation members to solicit their sponsorship and support for several federal autism bills (listed below). Please…
Bullying Bill Passes N.C.House
Last night, the N.C.House passed the Bullying Bill, SB 526 /HB 548: School Violence Prevention Act, by a one vote margin. Since the bill was already passed by the Senate, the bill now moves to the Governor for her signature. Our state legislators stood up and voted on what is right for all students, especially the…
Please pass the bullying bill!
If I have to note all of the reasons bullying by anyone to anyone is wrong, this blog would be very long. Today, our state house can demonstrate to all kids who have ever been bullied and to any child who will in the future, that the protection of children is one of the most…
Bullying Bill – 2nd vote completed. Action Needed today prior to final vote.
SB 526/ HB 548: School Violence Prevention Act (Bullying Bill) passed its second reading in the House on a close 59-57 vote last night (6/22). For a complete list of how members voted click here. http://ncleg.net/gascripts/voteHistory/RollCallVoteTranscript.pl?sSession=2009&sChamber=H&RCS=817 The final House vote will be sometime today. We need one more day of calls to our House Representatives….
Budget Update and Advocacy Events
The budget bill that restores some of services for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and addictive disease is expected to pass in the House by Saturday morning. This is a solid step in the right direction but the budget process – and our advocacy efforts – are still not over. The budget process does…
Thoughts on State Funding
There is no question that our state is experiencing some of the most difficult financial times ever. Accordingly, the need to examine service funding reductions and new sources of revenue is certainly now needed. But, as our elected officials proceed with this difficult, but required process, can we ask them that they use the same rationale…
Proposed Budget DRASTICALLY Cuts Services – ACT NOW
Action alert : June 9, 2009 Proposed House Health and Human Services ( HHS) Budget DRASTICALLY Cuts Services The House HHS budget has moved to the full House Appropriations Committee with $3 billion in cuts to health and human services programs and services. The impact of these cuts will be felt by every person with autism and other…