Print Friendly VersionADVOCACY ACTION NEWS
March 2005, Issue 87
IT'S TAX TIME
FEDERAL/NATIONAL
WISCONSIN
INTERNET
LOCAL
Mental Retardation Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
National Kidney Month
American Diabetes Alert Day, March 22nd
World Tuberculosis Day, March 24th
Monthly News Bulletin Published by IndependenceFirst
** P L E A S E N O T E **
You may now receive Advocacy Action News via email instead of print copy. Contact Alie at 414-291-7520 (V/TTY) or akriofske@independencefirst.org.
It's Tax Time
You Might Have Money Coming To You!
People with disabilities experience some of the highest rates of poverty in our nation. Almost three times as many adults with disabilities live in households with total income of $15,000 or less than adults without disabilities. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was legislated in 1976 as an effort to combat poverty. For nearly twenty years only people with children could claim the credit; however, in 1994 individuals without a qualifying child became eligible to receive EITC. While the $390 maximum credit available to for 2004 is not a great amount of money, it is a nice supplement for individuals who are dependent on SSDI and SSI for their basic support.
In 2001, the General Accounting Office (GAO) published a research paper. Using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data, they estimated that only 44.7% of eligible taxpayers claimed this credit. The IRS has a new online tool for determining Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility. The new “EITC Assistant,” available in English and Spanish on the IRS’s website, aids taxpayers in determining their filing status. In addition, they can estimate how much credit they will receive and find out if they can claim a child under the “qualifying child” guidelines. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html
Tax Preparation Assistance
The following is a link to the volunteer tax preparation assistance sites throughout the state. Tax forms for the state can also be downloaded from this site as well as additional information and a frequently asked questions section. http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/pcs/vita-loc.html
For forms and additional useful information on filing federal income taxes visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/index.html
Also remember that many public libraries and post offices often will have tax forms if you do not receive one in the mail or if you need additional copies.
BEWARE! Tax Refund Loans
As tax season approaches, some tax preparation companies and even some car dealerships offer "instant" or "fast" tax refunds for their customers. Although consumers may be attracted to the prospect of receiving their tax refund as quickly as possible, those who sign up for such programs may be paying unnecessary fees and interest to receive their tax refunds. This is because "instant refund" checks are not early tax refunds; they are actually high-interest loans from banks.
Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) mean high fees and interest rates for those who choose them. An average refund of $2,100 can carry RAL-associated fees of $225 or more. Plus, if a refund is delayed or denied for any reason, the consumer is responsible for paying back the loan as well as all fees, which typically increase dramatically after 10 days. Half of all RAL applicants are struggling to make ends meet and many are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a credit designed to aid low-income working families. These families are least able to afford giving up any of the money they will receive as a tax refund.
FEDERAL/NATIONAL
Grassley, Kennedy Re-Introduce Bill To Help Children with Disabilities
Edited Press Release
Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, and Sen. Edward Kennedy, ranking member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, re-introduced their bipartisan legislation to help children with disabilities and their families. The senators won Senate approval of this long-time priority measure last May, but negotiations with the House to find a budgetary offset broke down, and the bill never received final approval.
The Family Opportunity Act allows states to create options for families with children who have disabilities to buy into Medicaid while continuing to work. Parents would pay for Medicaid coverage on a sliding scale.
Private health plans often are much more limited in what they cover. And many parents can't afford needed services or multiple co-payments out-of-pocket.
The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Vows to Restore Funding for Critical Program
Edited Press Release from ATAP
It was just last October when the disability community was celebrating President Bush’s signing into law the Assistive Technology Act of 2004. The purpose of the law is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the technology they need to help them be independent in school, at home, in the workplace and the community.
However, the President’s new budget proposes to eliminate funding for the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, despite evidence that the programs have shown to benefit communities, the economy, businesses and people with disabilities.
ATAP vowed to work closely with the disability community, advocacy groups, technology companies, public-private sector interests and other stakeholders to educate the Congress about the importance of keeping the promise made last October.
http://www.ataporg.org
Contact: Deborah Buck, 518.439.1263 dbuck@nycap.rr.com
HUD: The Good News
Edited Press Release
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued new guidelines to public housing authorities (PHAs) that identify ways they can better assist individuals with disabilities or families who have a disabled member in their search for accessible housing under the Housing Choice Vouchers program, formerly known as Section 8.
The notice gives PHAs suggestions and information on how to administer their Housing Choice Vouchers programs, including the following:
Longer voucher term: HUD encourages PHAs to give families with a disabled member more time to find accessible units. Currently PHAs must give all families at least 60 days to find a unit. A PHA may approve a longer term if necessary.
Provide referral and housing search services: In addition to providing a list of accessible units in the community, PHAs are asked to provide a list of local support service organizations that can provide additional services, such as funding for moving expenses. PHAs may also offer specialized housing search assistance.
Form alliances: PHAs are encouraged to work with other local government or private agencies that are accustomed to working with this population in setting policies and sharing resources. PHAs may set a preference for admission with families with a disabled member.
HUD: The Bad News
Edited Press Release from the National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
In President Bush’s year 2006 budget request to Congress, the HUD budget is reduced by 11.5%, from $32.3 billion in 2005 to $28.5 billion in 2006. Specifically:
Community Development Block Grants
The most drastic cut in the HUD budget request is the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant program. This 30-year-old program will be moved to the Commerce Department where it will be incorporated into a $3.7l billion program, “Strengthening America's Communities” grant program. It is not clear how the funds would be distributed in the new program, if housing activities would be a part of the new program, what part of the $3.71 billion in the Commerce Department's budget request represents CDBG activity vs. activities of any of the other 17 federal programs rolled into this new program.
Set-asides that have supported the Housing Assistance Council, the Enterprise Foundation, LISC, Habitat for Humanity, the National Council of La Raza, and the Native American Indian Housing Council are gone.
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
In the President’s 2006 request, housing for persons with disabilities is cut in half, from $238 million to $120 million.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
The President requested a total of $15.85 billion for the section 8 housing choice voucher program in 2006.
Project-Based Rental Assistance
There is a dramatic dip in the funding request for 2006 for project-based housing, about $228 million.
Public Housing Capital Fund
Notwithstanding the $21 billion backlog of public housing modernization needs, the President's budget requests $2.327 billion for the public housing capital fund, $273 million less than was appropriated in 2005. The budget also calls for cutting the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program by more than half, from $53.5 million to $24 million.
HOPE VI
For the third year in a row, the HOPE VI program is slated for elimination. In past years, Congress has not allowed this program to be eliminated.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
The President's request for HOPWA would cut the program from $281 million in FY05 to $268 million in FY06.
HOME
The HOME program was increased about $41 million but the requested set-aside for down payment assistance was increased by $150 million to $200 million, leaving the HOME block grant cut from 2005's level.
Homeless Assistance Grants
The 2006 budget request increases funding for the homeless by $200 million dollars for a total of $1,440 billion. The increased amount includes $25 million specifically for prisoner re-entry housing, which has not been authorized by Congress.
Rural Housing and Economic Development
The President's request would eliminate HUD's office of rural housing and economic development.
Housing for the Elderly
This program is cut from $746 million to $741 million. Project rental assistance contracts are cut from five to three years.
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
The HUD request would cut the Fair Housing Assistance Program from $26 million to $16 million and cut the Fair Housing Initiatives Program from $20 million to $16 million.
Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
The FY06 request cuts the lead hazard reduction program from $154 million to $119 million.
USDA's Rural Housing Service
The President seeks a steep cut in the Section 515 program, going from $99 million in 2005 to $27 million in 2006.
CMS Issues New Guidance on Power Wheelchairs
From the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
In February, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a draft National Coverage Determination for "mobility assistance equipment," which includes wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and scooters. This CMS action followed closely after the completion of a request for public comments to the recommendations of the Interagency Wheelchair Work Group (IWWG) and reflected many of the IWWG's recommendations. Positive news in the National Coverage Determination includes the replacement of the "bed or chair confined" requirement with a functional assessment. Under the new standards, beneficiaries could obtain coverage if it allows them to complete one or more "mobility-related activity of daily living," such as eating, grooming or toileting. However, the CMS draft National Coverage Determination does not substantively address the objections of the ITEM Coalition and the Medicare Rights Center to the "in-home restriction."
In a statement issued in response to the preliminary coverage determination, the Medicare Rights Center gave voice to these grievances. "CMS remains in the Dark Ages by proposing to retain an inhumane coverage policy that leaves people with disabilities isolated in their homes and walled off from their communities... The President has a special moral obligation to lead Americans to independence, and his federal agencies should not be permitted to continue policies that breed isolation and dependence." NCIL is a member of the ITEM Coalition and submitted comments consistent with its recommendations during the recent public comment period. Be assured that NCIL will continue to monitor this issue and update advocates as developments warrant.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers and the State Independent Living Council Legislative Visit Day Madison, Wisconsin, February 9, 2005.
Staff and consumers from the eight Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in Wisconsin partnered with members of the State Independent Living Council and spent time at the Capitol meeting with legislators about long term care and other issues related to persons with disabilities. Visits were made to over 100 State Senators and Representatives, including all 42 legislative representatives from the IndependenceFirst four county service area.
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| Tom Diedrick and Sandy Popp of Options for Independent Living meet with Representative John Gard | Sen. Lena Taylor checks out our calendar featuring persons transitioned from nursing homes into the community |
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| John Nousaine, of North Country Independent Living, meets with Senator Robert Jauch |
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| IndependenceFirst staff meet with Representative Pedro Colon’s legislative aid, Andy Janssen. Clockwise, from left to right: Jodi Schwark (Sign Language Interpreter), Andy Janssen, Kristin Stern, Patrick Blum, and Leah Simmons |
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| Roxan Perez and Allison Campbell of SILC |
Bruce Nelsen, of Society’s Assets, Presents the WCILC Advocacy Award to Senator Judith Robson |
The Governor’s Budget as it Relates to the Dept of Health & Family Services (DHFS)From an email by Michael Blumenfeld
One of the Governor's five major themes for the budget is preserving health care. To that end, the budget does not contain any cuts in benefits or more onerous eligibility requirements in any Medicaid programs, including BadgerCare and SeniorCare. There are no increases in recipient cost sharing in any program. Maintaining the programs will be paid for, in part, by some undisclosed but "sure to be controversial" revenue strategies, using money from the transportation budget and decreasing reimbursement for pharmacies. Maintaining the programs, as the Governor proposes, would be quite an achievement given the massive cuts being implemented in other states that are under difficult budgetary times.
The budget's major long-term care reform initiative expands on DHFS's "life lease" program by more aggressively downsizing nursing homes. The budget increases the number of community-based placements, as compared to DHFS's proposal, and modifies nursing home reimbursement rates by using a methodology based more on acuity, with less people presumably being classified as "skilled care." It also makes the downsizing permanent rather than a "lease" (i.e., if someone being served in the community leaves the program or dies, the money stays in the community to serve someone else). In addition, the budget would provide increased funding for children's long-term care redesign.
The budget improves the situation with wait lists for services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Currently, there are over 10,000 people on the wait list, and it will grow to 13,000 by the end of this fiscal year. The Governor's budget would add $1.2 million in fiscal year 2005-2006 and $1.4 million in 2006-2007 to DVR's base funding to reduce the list by an estimated 1700 and 1800 people in each respective fiscal year.
Submit Your Comments on Wisconsin’s Consolidated Plan
By Karen Avery
The WI Department of Commerce has recently developed its 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan for distributing federal and state dollars for a variety of housing, community and economic development programs in Wisconsin. This 5-year expenditure plan provides direction on HUD-funded and state-funded programs that are targeted to assist low- and moderate-income Wisconsin residents.
A draft summary of the new Consolidated Plan is available on the Department’s website (http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/housing/cd-boh-home.html), or by contacting Jeanne Storm at (608) 264-6110 or e-mail jstorm@commerce.state.wi.us.
Comments on the Plan will be accepted from the public until March 28, 2005.
New Hotline for Tenants Statewide
The Tenant Resource Center offers information and referrals regarding tenant-landlord issues via a toll-free hotline at 1-877-238-RENT (877-238-7368). Initial hours of availability are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Tenant Resource Center has also an e-newsletter. If you would like to subscribe send an e-mail to trc@choiceonemail.com stating that you would like to be added to the newsletter list. Please send your message directly to that address, from the address you would like added.
LOCAL
Milwaukee County SSI Managed Care
By Karen Avery
The state has begun implementing it’s SSI Managed Care pilot in Milwaukee County. Beginning in February 2005 and throughout the year, approximately 300 people with disabilities per week who receive SSI disability benefits and Medicaid will begin receiving managed care enrollment packages in the mail. People receiving only these benefits will be required to enroll in a managed care program for a minimum of 60 days. For anyone who receives both SSI and SSDI benefits, with Medicaid and Medicare, enrollment in a managed care organization is voluntary. In addition, individuals in a waiver program (such as COP) are excluded from participating in this program.
Upon receiving an enrollment package, there are several managed care organizations (MCOs) a person can choose from. To enroll, individuals contact Automated Health Services (AHS), an agency completely separate from the MCOs. AHS staff can assist in determining which MCO meets the person’s needs best. AHS has comprehensive information on which providers are in each MCO’s network. Prior to contacting AHS, it is a good idea to write down the names of all providers utilized, such as doctors, physical therapists, personal care, therapists, speech therapists, etc. In addition, write down any services already authorized, such as personal care, surgery, medications, etc. Once all of these are identified, it will be easier for AHS to help the individual determine which MCO to choose. The contact number for AHS is 1-800-291-2002 (V/TTY).
It is VERY IMPORTANT for people who receive enrollment packages to contact AHS and make their MCO selection. If AHS does not hear from the person within a certain period of time, the person is likely to be randomly assigned to a MCO, which may or may not be the best choice for the person.
Depending on a person’s circumstances, needs, and providers, enrolling in a MCO may be quite beneficial. For others, it may be a difficult transition. For these reasons, the state has worked with consumers and advocates to include provisions in the SSI Managed Care pilot that will minimize any negative impacts on consumers. It is important that consumers be actively involved in this process and learn the options available to them. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Brown Deer Library, 5600 West Bradley Road. There is no charge to attend this meeting. If you have a disability-related accommodation request to attend or participate in the meeting, please notify Sean Gartley at 608-267-9313 (V/Relay). In addition, reimbursement for transportation to these meetings is available for consumers. Reimbursement forms will be available at each meeting or you may contact Sean Gartley to request a reimbursement form in advance.
ATTENTION: Mental Health Consumers
& Family Members
from the Consumer Satisfaction Team
The Consumer Satisfaction Team is conducting interviews regarding consumers’ and family members’ satisfaction with Milwaukee County’s Mobile Crisis Team and Crisis Line.
What’s involved? Participants will fill out a brief survey and answer some questions about their experiences with these services. The surveys and interviews are confidential. We prefer to conduct the meetings in person, either at our office (912 N. Hawley Road) or at a place that’s convenient to participants. It is possible to do it over the telephone. The average interview takes about 20 minutes.
What’s the timeline? We are looking for individuals who have used the Mobile Crisis Team or called the Crisis Line in 2005. This project will continue through May 2005.
Why are we doing this? CST’s job is to improve consumers’ satisfaction with mental health services provided by the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and its contract agencies. We do this by soliciting feedback from users of these services. We are currently focusing on crisis prevention and intervention services.
How will the feedback be used? We will share the participants’ feedback with Milwaukee County Crisis Service staff. Interviewees’ names will be kept confidential. We will make recommendations to improve services and follow up this fall to make sure staff address any concerns.
What is CST? The Consumer Satisfaction Team is a private nonprofit agency that advocates for mental health consumers and their families. Each CST employee has personal experience with mental illness, either as a mental health consumer in recovery and/or a family member.
How can you participate? If you are interested in participating, or if you have any questions, please contact Advocacy Specialist Anne Fleury at (414) 771-4368.
INTERNET
Captioned Media Program (CMP)
http://www.cfv.org
The CMP provides a free-loan media program of over 4,000 open-captioned titles (videos, CD-ROM, and DVD). Deaf and hard of hearing persons, teachers, parents, and others may borrow materials. There are no rental, registration, or postage fees. Several hundred titles are also streamed on the CMP website. An additional service is a clearinghouse of information and materials on the subject of captioning. These resources are available in print or online to consumers, agencies, businesses, and schools. The clearinghouse also maintains a database of captioned media available for purchase.
Wisconsin Legislation
The Wisconsin Legislative Notification System allows anyone the opportunity to follow legislation by receiving daily or weekly emails for specific legislative activities. You can choose items by Proposal, Committee, Author or Subject and can select the activities for which you would like to receive notifications. http://notify.legis.state.wi.us
EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
EEOC Issues New Training Guide For Small Businesses And Supervisors
Press Release
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the publication of a new employer training guide, The ABCs of EEO for Small Businesses and Supervisors, to assist small business owners and front-line supervisors. The guide is available for purchase at a cost of $14.95 (either paperback or CD version) through the agency's web site at www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov.
The ABCs of EEO is organized by the human resource issues that employers face every day, such as hiring, harassment, accommodation, evaluations, promotions, discipline, discharge and job references. For example, in the chapter on workplace harassment, the guide discusses employer liability for harassment created by supervisors, employees, contractors and customers. Other topics include what an employer should do in the event that an applicant or employee files a discrimination charge against his or her company or agency. The book also contains a glossary of terms, helpful checklists and reference and resource lists to assist the reader further.
If you do not have access to the internet and would like a copy of any online item referenced in Advocacy Action News, please contact Alie at 414-291-7520 (V/TTY) and she will try to assist you in obtaining the information.
Advocacy Action News is published by IndependenceFirst on or about the 1st of each month. Submissions of articles are due by the 15th of each month prior to publication. For consideration, send your articles or announcements to Karen Avery, via e-mail to kavery@independencfirst.org.
Advocacy Action News is available by request in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, on disk or audiotape. It is also made available via our website.
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