Regional Center Budget Cut Proposals

I have been very vocal - and pro-active - about my concern that budget cuts should be made furthest from the people who need services. That, for me, means cutting at the bureaucracy - cutting out the parts of the system that are irrelevant to people with developmental disabilities and their families. There's so little talk about cutting at other levels, it seems like the elephant in the living room. By requiring the cuts to be at the purchase of service part of California's Developmental Services budget, I have seen vendors turn against vendor - not the most productive way to operate.

Here is a summary of the proposals - thanks Marty Omoto:

Transportation:

This reduction would be achieved by maximizing “cost effective” transportation services that reduces costs to specialized or contract transportation services.


Day Program and Work Activity Uniform Closure Dates:

Reduction is achieved by implementing a 14 day Uniform Holiday Schedule for day programs, look-alike day programs, and work activity programs.

Day Program and Work Activity for Older Adults:

Reduction would be achieved by creating a new service for seniors at a reduced rate and with a corresponding increase in the staffing ratio.

Increased Volunteerism and Employment:

Reduction would be achieved by creating the “Custom Endeavors Option” (CEO) which would will offer the opportunity to develop a customized employment or volunteer option with support from existing providers for 5% of current population.

Supported Living and IHSS

This reduction would be achieved by prohibiting regional centers from purchasing personal care services for consumers who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries. All Supported Living Service (SLS) Agencies will be required to assist a consumer to apply for IHSS within five days of moving into a Supported Living arrangement. All Supported Living Service (SLS) Agencies will be required to assist a consumer to apply for IHSS within five days of moving into a Supported Living arrangement.

Quality Assurance Review

This reduction would be achieved by eliminating Regional Center funding and requirement for conducting a Triennial Quality Assurance Review of vendored Community Care Facilities.

Just a few - so.....what do you think?

How many of you have contacted your state assembly or senate representative? Invite them to your facility? Ask them what suggestions they have for cutting anything further from your budget.