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Highlights from 2005
Legislative Session
Highlights from the 2005 Legislative
Session
By Donovan A. Fornwalt, Director of Governmental Affairs
After an incredibly bitterly partisan session in 2004 and no enacted budget,
anticipation was high for the 2005 Session. While Medicaid faced an enormous
$1.08 Billion shortfall for fiscal years 2005-2006, the disability community
managed to advocate effectively for stabilization of this critical program.
Kentucky Medicaid serves nearly 700,000 poor, elderly and disabled citizens
and is the primary funding source for most community & facility-based
programs in the state.
Nearly 700 advocates gathered for a human services rally on February 9th. To
everyone’s credit, the Capitol Rotunda and the 2nd & 3rd floor balconies
were full of people petitioning our legislators and Governor for support. It
was a good day and two-dozen legislators, including the Speaker of the House
and Governor Fletcher showed up to voice their support. Most major media
outlets covered the event and MR-DD issues were featured prominently in all
local newscasts and in the Courier-Journal. Thanks to all who volunteered
for media interviews and to our friends who faithfully attend these rallies.
Bills Impacting the MR-DD Community
The Budget Bill included $11.5 million to expand the Supports for Community
Living Waiver program. It is estimated that about 225 more people will
receive services. While this is a modest increase, it is noteworthy given
the size of Medicaid’s deficit.
Governor Fletcher devoted more dollars (over a 2-Year Budget Cycle) to shore
up Medicaid than any governor in Kentucky history. The Governor proposed and
the Legislature enacted an appropriation of State, Federal and Restricted
funds totaling $1.08 BILLION. This historic commitment will permit KY
Medicaid to remain fiscally stable for the next two years. Without stability
and eradication of shortfalls, it would prove impossible to continue
expansion of MR-DD programs.
House Bill 461 modeled after a 2004 bill that created more revenue for the
SCL program, HB 461 will generate tens of millions of dollars for the
regional comprehensive care programs. It assesses a tax on general fund
revenues (up to 4%) for each regional board and then those funds are used to
generate federal matching funds. The taxes will be recouped and then
addition dollars will be returned to increase services to people with mental
health, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, among other
things.
SJR 94 after a controversial start, we were able to lobby for a version that
would not threaten the rights of consumers and families to choose their
residential setting. It is a statement of “best practices” and encourages
the Cabinet to implement self-determination options within the service
system.
SJR 85 mandates the HB 144 Commission to conduct a study of the needs of
aging caregivers and to report conclusions to the Governor and Legislature.
A good bill!
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