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Budget Impact
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Information on the
Budget Impact |
Matrix is providing families with information on the current budget crisis that will affect the special needs community so that they may learn how to get involved and give valuable input.
State Budget:
Prevention Program Policies and Procedures:
State Budget Trailer Bill language changed eligibility for the California Early Intervention Program. Children at high risk for a developmental disability who will not be eligible for the Early Intervention Program will be served through a new “Prevention Program." It is described as primarily a case management program whose principal intent is to provide intake, assessment, case management, and referral to generic agencies. Parents due process rights are restricted to eligibility determinations. Funding for regional centers to purchase direct services is described as “capped” and “limited”, however regional centers may purchase services if it has been determined that generic services are not available. Each regional center is required to develop a local prevention plan specific to their area to assist families in understanding the program and to train the service coordinators who will provide case management. To read more about specific policies click here.
Historic Cuts:
California budget reduces Regional Center services to people with disabilities | During 2009, many changes were made to the law that directs how services can be delivered by the regional centers for people with developmental disabilities. For families with children of any age and for adults who receive these services, it is important to know what the changes are and what rights you have. Disability Rights California has 28 Fact Sheets in seven languages describing these service reductions and the protections that are available. These are available at www.disabilityrightsca.org
Federal Budget
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will make a large influx of funds available to schools/districts/states. The following brief, "ARRA: Key Points from the U.S. Department of Education" summarizes the guiding principles of the act, the funds available, and the importance to parents and the parents' role.
Marin SELPA now has a link on their website about ARRA dollars and how they will be used. Click here for more information.
Getting Involved
Want to stay up to speed on current budget news? You can receive up to date information from The California Budget Project at www.cbp.org. Their website is very informative and there are updates on the budget cuts to all human and social services and education areas (SSI, Medi-Cal, CALWorks, IHSS, education, etc.) You also can receive weekly updates from The Arc of California as well as information on disability services updates from www.disabilityrightsca.org. For educational updates you can check the website for the California Department of Education Newsroom and Hot Topics at www.cde.ca.gov.
Please note: Matrix does not endorse, lobby, or recommend any position, campaign, or philosophy that families may encounter from the information and resources listed.
