The Virginia Rehabilitation Association applauds the work of the House Appropriations Committee and House of Delegates in providing a budget that moves Virginia closer toward meeting the critical funding and service support needs of people with disabilities.  

 

We hope as you proceed with your deliberations you will retain the following House initiatives in your final budget proposal.  Again, thank you for your efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.

 

We request you:

 

SUPPORT: 650 new community MR Waiver Slots for a total of 800 for the biennium. for a total of $30.8 M

 

SUPPORT: Start-up funds for MR Waiver slots. $3.2 M

 

SUPPORT: 3.6% rate increase for MR Waiver congregate care - $5M each yr, $10M total

 

SUPPORT: Language amendment to realign Medicaid rates for supported employment to be same as DRS rates

 

SUPPORT: Expanded funding for mental health initiatives under the Department of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse (DMHMRSAS) as provided in House budget version

 

SUPPORT: Language directing the Secretary of Health and Human Resources with DMHMRSAS and DSS to identify and report on the programmatic changes needed to implement a portable auxiliary grant for certain individuals with mental illness.  Report due to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2008. 

 

SUPPORT: Wounded Warrior - Department of Veterans’ Services.  This provides $2.9 million each year from the general fund to establish a program pursuant to enactment of House Bill 475 that in concert with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Rehabilitative Services will monitor and coordinate mental health and rehabilitative services for Virginia's veterans, Virginia National Guard members, and Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves. This program will ensure these individuals receive timely assessment and treatment for stress-related injuries and brain disorders resulting from service in combat areas. The bill also directs the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services to actively pursue federal funds for this program and the Veterans Services Foundation is to make this program a top priority for fund-raising activities. The DVS Commissioner is to ensure maximization of federal and private funds to support this program

  

SUPPORT: Pay Raise: 2% salary increase for state supported employees as of 12/1/08 and possible set-aside for increase in FY 2010

 

OPPOSE:  eliminating state funding for 14 Drug Courts- ($5.9M).   Drug Courts have demonstrated a positive cost/benefit in that they save taxpayers money while at the same time demand a user address his or addiction rather than simply going to jail. 

 

The Virginia Rehabilitation Association (VRA) is a chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA); a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all persons with disabilities. NRA is the oldest, largest, and strongest advocacy organization for all persons with disabilities in the USA. Our membership represents Virginians from all parts of the Commonwealth including advocates, professionals, parents, and consumers of rehabilitation services.  We are a member of the Coalition for the Mentally Disabled Citizens of Virginia and collaborate with other advocacy organizations such as the Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs (va ACCSES), The Virginia Association of Persons in Supported Employment and the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL).