See the original mailing here:
https://mailchi.mp/thearcofva.org/immediate-action-needed-974363?e=09b0bc21cf
On September 25th, both bodies, the House and Senate presented their versions of a Budget for State and CARES Act funding. They both woefully underfunded the DD System. People with Developmental Disabilities Deserve More! 1% is NOT Enough COVID-19 has created stress on an already stressed system that provides support to people with developmental disabilities. To help industries devastated by COVID-19, the Federal Government has given States money from the CARES Act to provide relief to those industries. The DD System is one of those systems here in Virginia, and despartely needs relief. Virginia received 3.1 BILLION from the CARES Act to support the needs of Virginians suffering impacts caused by the pandemic. But, the proposed Budget for Virginia, only gives the DD Waiver System 1% of that funding. That is not enough. Now We Must Act
Join The Arc of Virginia and vaACCSES in asking the General Assembly and the Governor for the following COVID-RELIEF FUNDING:
Should be ADDED to Budget:
In Home Supports
Supported Living
Sponsored Residential
Group Homes
Group Supported Employment
Currently in Budget and Should Remain:
Hazard Pay for Attendants
Group Day Support
Community Engagement & Coaching
Note: The language is not completely clear, but from discussions, we believe that both CE and CC are included.
State Fund Needs
Allow Virtual Supports
Fund Increase to DD Waiver Rates: NOT Contingent on Budget Forecasting Effective July 2021
In Home
Supported Living
Sponsored Residential
Group Home
Community Engagement/Coaching
Workplace Assistance
Group Supported Employment
Group Day Support
Therapeutic Consultation
Peer Mentoring
Community Guide
VIRTUAL RALLY Details
October 8th 6:45 pm - 7:15 pm
We Must Convince Legislators and the Administratioin that Funding DD Services MATTERS to Virginians! A few hundred people won't do it.... we need ONE THOUSAND People to Attend the Virtual Rally
With 14,000 on the DD Waiver Waiting List, 37,000 Attendants (DD Waiver &CCC+) and thousands of people who already receive services through the DD Waiver, but need Rates to Increase,....we should be able to get at least 1,000 people to attend!
It's Our NO EXCUSE Rally No Traveling Required Only lasts 30 minutes And You Don't Even Have to Wear Pants Because DD Deserves More!
REGISTER & ATTEND VIRTUAL RALLY
CALLS & EMAILS
Along with the Rally, we need everyone Calling and Emailing the General Assembly and the Governor's office. Go to the Take Action Now Page of The Arc of Virginia to find sample messages and easy links to all Contacts.
Background of how we got here and why this is so important.
COVID turned all of our worlds upside down. Virginia is no different. In 2020 Governor Northam and the Virginia General Assembly allocated desperately needed funding for the Developmental Disability System. The funding included DD Waiver Slots and multiple investments in Rate Increases. Both of these moves were necessary to shore up a system in crisis with low rates, critical staffing shortages and over 3,000 people on a priority one waiting list to address critical needs. In March 2020, COVID hit every part of our society, devastating the already struggling and under funded system that supports people with Developmental Disabilities to live their lives in their own communities. As the Administration worked to provide relief to the economy, previously funded investments in rate increases were withdrawn, just as providers were either forced to shut down, or continue to serve with soaring costs in order to keep people safe. Now, Governor Northam and General Assembly members have two major tasks to complete in the next couple of weeks: 1) Distribute 1.1 Billion dollars of CARES Act funding to save industries devastated by COVID. 2) Develop a State Budget based on the current economy. Without intervention, countless providers will close permanently, leaving people with disabilities without the support they need. On September 25th, both bodies, the House and Senate presented their versions of a Budget for State and CARES Act funding. They both woefully underfunded in the DD System.