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LEGISLATIVE NEWS |
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Mental Health Parity Write
your Legislator NOW After seven years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, victory is finally within reach. We are so close to the enactment of Mental Health Parity, legislation that would end the discrimination in health coverage between mental illness and “physical” illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. In March, following the Senate’s passage of SB 558, and House passage of HR 1424, informal negotiations began to create one, final bill. Now that both bills have been passed in both houses, it would be so easy to take a break or move on to the next issue. But, we can’t ! Unfair barriers still exist that continue to block millions of Americans from getting the treatment, they so desperately need. Send a letter NOW!Due to the need for Congress to lift those barriers, and a limited number of legislative days to do so, it is crucial that a compromise bill is reached. A bill that both House of Representatives and the Senate can agree on. Your
legislators need to hear from YOU, the voters back home . Please, send letters
to all of your legislators NOW. Ask them to work together to reconcile
any differences between the two versions of the bill. Ask them to call
on their colleagues in the House and Senate to negotiate a strong Mental
Health Parity law. Simply put, we can’t wait forever. Mental Health Parity
needs to be passed this year.
SENATE
REPRESENTATIVES Jerry F. Costello (D) Illinois 12th
"Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act" This legislation is now under consideration. First, it would build on the existing law known as Section 255 which requires telephones to be designed so that they are accessible to people with disabilities. The legislation would also require video description of TV programs and will require that controls like on-screen menus and electronic program guides be made usable by those who can’t see the screen. For individuals who are deaf-blind, the legislation enables funds to be used to help pay for braille displays and other technology needed to use textelecommunications devices and call relay systems. Finally, the legislation also includes several improvements for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.More information visit www.coataccess.org
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Legislative Bill Updates HB 618 - Would increase the personal needs allowance to $50. No change. Still in rules in the Senate. HB 148 - Would allow people with disabilities under age 65 to apply for Medicare. No change. Still in rules in the Senate.
HB 1301 - Allows People under age 60 to utilize ombudsman's services. Passed unanimouslyay. Leaves it up to each office whether to serve or not. Ombudsman's office called LINC to coordinate a group that would discuss how the Ombudsman's office could best serve the under 60 population.
HB 374 - Would expand the Family Medical Leave Act to include some extended family members living in the household. Passed the house, moved on to the Senate for reading.
SB 593 - Changes the wording in the Illinois Human Rights Act to be more politically correct and includes safeguards against discrimination in non sectarian daycare, nursery, school law offices and other public settings. Awaiting Governor's signature.
SB 0765 - Money Follows the Person Implementation Act (old Olmstead bill), awaiting Governor's signature.
SB 259 - Governor Blagojevich signed the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 on September 12, 2007, which became effective immediately. As part of the law, the Illinois Board of Interpreters must be established. HB 5613 - Bill to Halt Medicaid Regulations Forward. The Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 5613, a bill that would impose moratoria on seven separate Medicaid regulations until April 1, 2009. These Medicaid regulations, including one on the rehabilitation option and one on target case management, would limit the ability of states to provide services to people living with serious mental illness, many of whom are homeless. A similar bill, SB 2819, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Edward Kennedy (D-MA). The Senate bill would not only place moratoria on the seven Medicaid regulations, but would also provide $12 billion to states to deal with revenue shortfalls.
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LINC
educates communities regarding the needs, rights, and talents of persons with
disabilities. As such, our staff works diligently in the community making disability
awareness presentations at area schools, businesses, and service organizations.
In addition to consumer services, LINC also provides services for area business
to help increase their knowledge of persons with disabilities, the ADA, technical
assistance, accessibility, and employment benefits.
Puppet Ministry
This innovative and educational method of teaching disability awareness and breaking stigmas was an overnight success. The Puppet Outreach Theater is sponsored in part by Perando Special School District. Volunteers for The Puppet Ministry are always needed.
LINC has a Speakers Bureau that consists of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers that actively promote the programs and services available from the agency. Our speakers talk about the Independent Living Movement, the civil rights of persons with disabilities as well as the vital role Independent Living Centers provide in our state and nation.
To request a speaker for your organization or business, please contact LINC at (618) 235-9988.
For the past 18 years, LINC has been dedicated to ensuring that the needs and desires of people with disabilities are known in St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph counties. We would now like to know what your thoughts are in promoting the civil rights of persons with disabilities in our community.
We cordially invite anyone interested in furthering the inclusion and accessibility of persons with disabilities by attending our Metro East Disability Advocates (MEDA) meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 1:00-3:00pm.
This is an exciting group of people who are dedicated to speaking up and working with legislators on issues which will make a difference in our community. In the last 3 months, our members have participated in:
discussions on bills which deal with increasing personal allowances for nursing home residents and ensuring supplemental insurance will be available to people with disabilities under 65 years of age
a Federal legislative forum with representatives from Senator Durbin’s and Rep. Shimkus’ offices
following the progress of Olmstead Implementation (increasing funding for community options vs. long term care)
If you would like to be involved in the MEDA group, please call (618) 235-9988.
