Capitol Update

January 20, 2009 - Special Session Edition

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL 32301-2981

Phone: (850) 488-4180 / (800) 580-7801 ~ Fax: (850) 922-6702 ~ TDD (850) 488-0956 / (888) 488-8633 http://www.fddc.org/

The Special Legislative Session started 2009 with warnings of tough times ahead and a harbinger of a difficult Regular Legislative Session for Florida. The state made $2.8 billion in budget cuts to cover $2.4 billion in lost revenue and to provide a cushion that will probably be needed in the next few months.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities had a cut of 4 percent that had been held back at the Governor’s request last year. This represents 175 FTE vacant positions which saved $7.3 million; $3.6 million was General Revenue. Provider Reimbursement Rate Reduction to the Developmental Disabilities Home and Community Based Waivers (DD/HCBS) was $41.7 million; $18.6 million was General Revenue or 5 percent. This excluded the following services: adult dental, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, environmental modifications and personal care assistance.

Children’s Medical Services sustained a 4% cut of $1.1 million in General Revenue cuts that did not include cuts to Part C/Early Steps which receives more than three fourths of their funding in federal matching funds.

Despite vigorous advocacy efforts from many stakeholders this cut was made even after there have been cuts totaling over $200 million in the last two years. The cuts go into effect on March 1, 2009, unless the Governor vetoes these line items. The Council supports a veto to support individuals with developmental disabilities who are among the states most vulnerable citizens.

Many providers of DD/HCBS waiver services may have to join those who have already gone out of business.

The Majority of legislators who voted on this budget explained these cuts with the following assertions:

· Florida’s Constitution requires a balanced budget and, unlike the U.S. Congress, we cannot spend money that we do not have. Thus, we are forced to make difficult choices and set priorities with our state’s limited dollars.

· Health and Human Services comprise 35 percent of Florida’s budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. Thus, it is impossible to make the necessary reductions to the budget without affecting health and human services programs. Therefore, when examining potential reductions for such programs, the House had to prioritize its options – reduce provider rates, reduce or eliminate beneficiaries for Medicaid, Cash Assistance or Food Stamps, or eliminate or reduce services available to our most vulnerable Floridians. The House opted to reduce provider rates, preserve eligibility groups, and maintain services to the greatest extent possible.

· Challenging times demand that the Legislature prioritize Florida’s budget to meet the needs of Floridians. Florida’s service providers must prioritize their budgets to ensure that Florida’s most vulnerable citizens receive the care and services they require.

Public Policy Staff Contact

Margaret J. Hooper Public Policy Coordinator

margaretd@fddc.org

(800) 580-7801 or (850) 488-4180

Capitol Update - January 20, 2009

January 20, 2009 - Special Session Edition