The Senate Appropriations and House Committees met the week of December 3rd to hear public testimony. 
The 2008 Legislative Session will officially begin on January 9th.  Go to http://www.moga.state.mo.us/ for hearing schedules and important dates. 

Below is a list of a few bills that have been pre-filed.  These bills are important to Missourians with disabilities. 
We’ll continue to provide updates on the status of these bills and others that are filed. 

SB 768 has been pre-filed by Senator Rupp, St. Charles.

This bill creates the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The
Commission will be composed of four legislators; seven state agency
representatives one each from the departments of education, mental health,
health and senior services, public safety, higher education, social services
and insurance; two representatives of institutions of higher education, a
local district special education director, a speech-language pathologist, a
diagnostician, a mental health provider, a primary care physician, three
parents of and one individual with autism spectrum disorder, and an private
or non-profit provider or organization.  All appointments will be made by
the Governor with Senate consent, except the legislators will be appointed
by the president pro tem and speaker.

Responsibilities of the Commission are to make recommendations to the
governor, general assembly and relevant state agencies regarding healthcare,
education and adult and adolescent services for autism spectrum disorder and
to make recommendations for a comprehensive statewide plan for integrated
training, treatment and services for individuals of all ages with autism
spectrum disorder.  The Commission is charged with issuing  preliminary
recommendations by July 1, 2009 to the general assembly.  It is assumed this
Commission would extend the work of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism, chaired
by Senator Rupp, that met in the summer and fall of 2007.  There is no
sunset clause, so it appears the Commission would be a new advisory body
permanently established in state law.

This bill has not yet been assigned to committee.

SB 717 - Senator Kennedy (Senator Shields co-sponsor)
HB 1345 - Rep. Portwood (7 co-sponsors)

These bills improve upon the Home Access tax credit that was signed into law
last session.

The measure that passed last session gives a tax credit for persons who have
expenses to make their home accessible.   Even persons who don't earn enough
income to pay state income tax can still receive the credit for their home
access expenses.  Persons who earn under $30,000 a year can receive a credit
for 100% of their home access costs up to $2,500.  Taxpayers who earn
between $30,000 to $60,000 would be eligible for a credit up to half of
their access costs up to $2,500.

Under the bill that was signed into law, the total amount of credits that
can be awarded statewide is $100,000.  Obviously, this sharply limits the
number of Missourians who could benefit.

SB 717 removes the $100,000 cap completely and the House bill would raise
the cap to $1 million.  Passage of either bill would make the credit a
significant tool in helping persons with disabilities remain in their homes
and communities.

SB 770 has been pre-filed by Senator Rupp, St. Charles.

This bill establishes scholarships for students with developmental
disabilities to attend a public school other than the one to which the
student is assigned (either a different building within the same district or
a different district) or to attend a private school.  The bill does not
provide or reference a definition of "developmental disability", but to be
eligible the student does need to have an IEP which would require IDEA
eligibility.  The bill identifies some examples of students with
developmental disabilities as those with mental retardation, a speech or
language impairment, a traumatic brain injury, or autism spectrum disorder.

To be eligible students must have attended a Missouri public school the year
prior.  Home schooled students and those participating in the Missouri
Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP) are not eligible.  The amount of the
scholarship is the per pupil state funding distributed to the school
district or the actual cost of tuition, whichever is less.

It appears this bill is patterned after the Florida statute (McKay
Scholarship Program) but there are significant differences.  The Florida
statute uses IDEA eligibility rather than "developmental disabilities" and
the scholarship amount appears to be substantially different.  In addition,
the option of attending an adjacent school district has different
implications in a state like Missouri with over 500 individual school
districts compared to 67 county-wide school districts in Florida.

SB 756 - MRDD NAME CHANGE has been filed by Senator Engler
This bill would change the name of the Division of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities to the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

SB 848 - CAPITOL ACCESS has been filed by Senator Shoemyer
This bill would require that all offices in the State Capitol building be
readily accessible and usable by persons with disabilities.

MOHealthnet

The MO Healthnet Oversight Committee also held it’s first meeting the first week of December.
There has been controversial debate in regards to the committee. 
A recent article in the Kansas City Star highlights this.  http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/388394.html.  

To view a list of the committee: http://www.dss.mo.gov/press/2007/103107gov.htm.

If you would like to sign up for our legislative email alerts please call SCIL at 417-886-1188
or by emailing amcelwain@swcil.org.  We also have updates listed frequently on our
web site @ http://www.swcil.org.

Below is a list of legislation that was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed and is now awaiting the
Governor’s signature.  If the Governor does not sign or does not veto a bill by July 14, 2007, it
becomes law in the same manner as if the Governor had signed it.

A lot of hard work went into following SB577 to ensure that if it did pass it would include protections
for individuals with disabilities.  In the last days of the session a compromise was made between the
Senate version and the House version.  The Conference Committee report was adopted and that is
what passed.  The bill changes the name from Medicaid to “MO Healthnet.”  Medicaid is scheduled to
end June 30, 2008.  Many programs which the bill implements would start at that time.  The Ticket to
Work program should start sooner.  It is unclear at this time exactly when it should start. 

The following breaks down the bill and gives the page number and line for each subject. 
The bill is 146 pages and includes many other changes to Medicaid and healthcare in general. 
The list looks at the areas that will affect individuals with disabilities.  A link to the bill is also listed. 
SB577 was sent to the Governor on May 30, 2007.  It awaits his signature.

CCS HCS SS SCS SB 577

http://www.senate.mo.gov/07info/pdf-bill/tat/SB577.pdf

• Creates the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program (page 43 line 5) 

This program will allow individuals who meet the definition of disabled under the federal guidelines for
the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to be eligible for medical assistance if s/he is employed
and has proof that federal taxes are being paid. To be eligible, an individual must have a gross income less
than or equal to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), excluding any earned income between 250 and
300% FPL (approximately $30,000). Any person whose gross income exceeds 100% FPL shall be required
to pay a premium. If an individual who is eligible for this program is also eligible for employer-sponsored
insurance (ESI) that is determined to be more cost-effective, the individual must participate in ESI. In this
case, the state shall pay premiums, co-payments and other costs associated with ESI. The Ticket to Work
Health Assurance Program is subject to appropriations and has a six-year sunset.  Certain deductions and
asset limits apply to eligibility determinations.  These are listed below.

• Income disregards:  all earned income, first $65 and 1/2 of non-disabled spouses remaining earned
  income, $20 standard deduction, health insurance premiums, and $75/mo standard deduction for
  dental and optical insurance, $50 for SSDI, all of SSI payment, and a standard deduction for
  impairment - related employment expenses equal to 1/2 of the disabled worker's earned income.
• Premiums for incomes over 100% of FPL (federal poverty level) are on a sliding scale from 4% to 6% of
  a person's income. 
• Asset disregards:  $5,000/yr in medical savings accounts and $5,000/yr independent living accounts.
• Any income earned by individuals eligible for certified extended employment at a sheltered workshop
  is exempt.

NON-MEDICAID ELIGIBLE (page 120 line 19)
The sunset date for Non-Medicaid Eligible Consumer Directed Services Program (NME) was extended to 2019.
The program is subject to appropriations.
 
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (page 67 line 7)
Covers prescribed durable medical equipment as a MO HealthNet benefit. Adds that an electronic, web-based
system will be used to ensure prior authorization.

HOSPICE CARE  (page 67 line 12)
Hospice Care Is a Covered MO HealthNet Benefit.

DENTAL CARE (page 68 line 2)
Prescribed medically necessary dental care is covered, subject to appropriations.

VISION CARE (page 68 line 7)
Prescribed medically necessary optometric care is covered, subject to appropriations.

OPTIONAL SERVICES FOR SPECIFIC POPULATIONS  (page 68 line 25)
Funds for optional services will still be appropriated to needy children, pregnant women and
blind persons.

CO-PAYMENTS (page 71 line 3)
Starting July 1, 2008, the MO HealthNet Division pay requires additional co-payments for
covered MO HealthNet benefits.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE (page 78 line 6)
A “professional services” committee will design and maintain the guidelines for a pay-for-performance
program. Providers operating under a risk-based (managed care) plan and under administrative
services organization plans are required to participate in pay-for-performance. Providers operating
under the State’s coordinated fee-for-service plan “shall” participate.  The employers of physicians whose
work earns the pay-for-performance reward must pass on the pertinent portion to the physician, without
any corresponding decrease in the compensation to which they would otherwise be entitled. 

Pay-for-performance shall ensure quality of care, foster the relationship between the patient and provider,
use accurate data, evidence-based measures, provide fair and equitable program incentives, and not
discourage providers from caring for those with complex/high-risk conditions.

COLA (COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (page 77 line 26)
Allows Social Security cost of living increases to be disregarded until the federal poverty level for such
year is updated. COLAs are implemented before the federal poverty level is updated.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARY EMPLOYER DISCLOSURE ACT
(Page 101 lines 17) The Department of Social Services must prepare a quarterly report that documents
the number of individuals who are a beneficiary, or the financially responsible spouse or custodial parent
of a MO HealthNet beneficiary of each employer with more than 50 employees. The report also must
include whether the employees are full or part time, whether the employer offers insurance as a benefit,
and the cost of MO HealthNet benefits being provided to the employer’s employees.

SPENDDOWN (page 78 line 1)
There is a provision that may make it easier for some persons with disabilities to meet their spend-down
amount.  If a recipient has out-of-pocket medical expense during a month in which they have already paid
their spend-down, the recipient can carry over those medical expenses for future required spend-down
amounts for up to three months from the date of the expense.

HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLANS (page 121 line 13)
The bill requires the Department of Social Services to create health improvement plans including, but not
limited to, risk-bearing managed care plans, administrative services organizations (ASOs), and coordinated
fee-for-service plans.  Enrollment into plans will begin July 1, 2008 and be completed by July 1, 2011. 
The managed care plans and ASOs will be required to meet quality targets or be penalized financially.

Every participant shall be provided a health care home.  All health improvement plans are required to help
participants remain in the least restrictive level of care possible.  All health improvement plans shall use best
practices that are evidence based.

MANAGED CARE (page 122 line 5)
Older adults, blind and disabled will not be required to sign onto a managed care option.  However, most
of the description of services for all the managed care type plans was removed, and as a result the health
plan development is left up to the departments and oversight committee. The bill states, "No provisions of
any state law shall be construed as to require any aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) person to enroll in a
risk-bearing coordination plan".  It is not known whether the Department of Social Services might still
choose to enroll the ABD population in managed care, perhaps on a voluntary basis or through a pilot project.

PUBLIC INPUT (page 123 line 1)
The bill states "the Department of Social Services will engage in a public process for the design, development,
and implementation of the health improvement plans and other aspects of MO HealthNet.  Such public process
shall allow for but not be limited to input from consumers, health advocates, disability advocates, providers,
and other stake holders".

MENTAL HEALTH CARVE OUT (page 63 line 21)
Services under the state plan provided by community mental health facilities operated by the department of
mental would be provided.

PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS (page 140 line 8)

Protects Access to Psychotropic Medications for those in Fee-For-Service Plans.

COMPREHENSIVE ENTRY POINT (page 129 line 3)

The oversight committee will designate a subcommittee devoted to advising the department on the
development of a comprehensive entry point system for long-term care.  Members of the committee
will include a wide variety of representatives appointed by the Governor.  This includes a representative of
Centers for Independent Living.

CHILDREN’S PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS (page 106 line 7)

Regarding CHIPS, Health insurance plans that do not cover an eligible child’s preexisting condition shall
not be considered affordable employer-sponsored health care insurance or other affordable health care
coverage.

CREATES “PREMIUM OFFSET” PILOT PROJECT (page 82 line 3)
Subject to appropriations, the Department of Social Services” can choose one rural and one urban area
in the state and implement a pilot program that makes insurance available to uninsured individuals that qualify.

AREAS OF DEFINED NEED AND ELIGIBLE FACILITIES (page 36 line 3)

The Department of Health and Senior Services may designate eligible facilities in “areas of defined need”.
The factors that will contribute to the establishment of these eligible facilities will include: the health status of
the local population, the ability of the population to pay for health care services, the accessibility of health
care services, and the availability of health care professionals in the area. These facilities will be eligible to
receive funds from the Healthcare Access Fund.

OTHER BILLS THAT PASSED…..

SS SCS HCS HB 327 -- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This bill includes language from SB8 that creates the accessible home credit that provides a tax credit for
persons who incur expenses to make their home accessible.  Taxpayers earning up to $30,000 a year would
be eligible for a credit for 100% of the cost they incur or $2,500,whichever is less.  The credit is refundable
which means that even taxpayers who would not normally earn enough income to be eligible can still receive
assistance from the credit.  Taxpayers earning between $30,000 to $60,000 would be eligible for a credit up
to 50% of their costs or $2,500, whichever is less. Total credits statewide would be capped at a maximum of
$100,000 per year.

CCS HCS SCS SB 82
Modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles.  This bill modifies
various provisions relating to motor vehicles, was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed.  The bill includes language
to exempt persons ages 65 or older from having to provide a physician's statement when renewing disabled
license plates or placards.

HCS HB 181-ELECTRONIC VIDEO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
This is the bill that requires publishers or manufacturers of video instructional materials designed for
educational institutions to be captioned.  A penalty of three times the amount paid by the purchaser to have
the video captioned will be assessed to a publisher or manufacturer who fails to comply. 

SS HB 579 -EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

This bill transfers the State Emergency Management Agency from the Office of the Adjutant General to the
Department of Public Safety and allows for the deployment of any health care professional who is licensed,
registered, or certified in this or any other state and volunteers during an emergency declared by the Governor. 
Currently, only workers licensed, registered, or certified in this state are allowed to be deployed.  The bill grants
the volunteers immunity from civil damages for their services.  The Department of Health and Senior Services is
allowed to recruit, train, and accept the services of citizen volunteers to dispense medication in a public health
emergency. The bill contains an emergency clause.

BUDGET-During the budget process to appropriate funds for the 08’ fiscal year, a few increases were appropriated
to increase programs for individuals with disabilities.

Independent Living Centers received $560,000 increase.  This will be divided among the 18 centers that are not
regarded as being at the national level of funding.  $150,000 was appropriated to add a Blind Skills Specialist to
the public school system to work with children who are blind.  There was an increase to Vocational Rehabilitation
that was needed to bring down a little over $1 million in federal funds.  This money should decrease the waiting
time for people seeking services from VR.  There was also an increase for Department of Health and Senior Services
to reduce the waiting time for individuals who need assessments to receive Home and Community Based Services.

 

Summarized by :
Shelby Butler, Public Policy Advocate
Southwest Center for Independent Living/Ozark Independent Living

Three weeks left in the session and all eyes are on SB577 (Healthnet).  Representative’s Schaaf’s Special Committee on Healthcare Facilities has listened to over 30 hours of testimony regarding Medicaid Reform.  Schaaf is writing a committee substitute for the bill that should be available soon.  There will be an opportunity for testimony after the substitute comes out.  They will then write a second substitute to be voted on.  They will take a vote and send it to the House floor.  It then has to go to the floor for a vote and then over to the Senate.  Go to http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/hearings.htm for a list of house hearings.

The committee as a whole seemed to be supportive of keeping people with disabilities out of the managed care system.  They also had discussion regarding restoring the poverty level for kids or for the AGB (Aging, Blind and Disabled).  They claimed there wasn’t enough in the budget do both.  They also talked about restoring dental care.  We’ll see how it plays out.  It is still hard to say.

HB39 (Ticket to Work) should come up on the Senate floor this week.  The floor substitute that Senator Koster will offer is closer to the original bill.  Below is a comparison of the floor substitute and the Senate Committee Substitute that was voted out of committee several weeks ago.  Please ask for support from your Senator for Koster’s version. 

This program will eliminate the disincentive to work for people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for health care and personal care.

• The Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program will assist individuals with disabilities to transition into the work force by providing access to health care and attendant services.

 

• Workers with disabilities who verify that they pay FICA and Medicare taxes will be able to keep more of their income. Currently, earned income of workers on Medicaid causes unaffordable spend downs.

• Individuals should not have to choose between necessary healthcare and contributing to their communities through meaningful employment.

 

What we are asking for

• Bring the floor substitute offered by Sen. Koster to the Senate floor for a vote quickly and vote “yes” on the bill. The floor substitute will:

 

• Keep the program income limit for the program at 350% of federal poverty level ($35,753 for an individual, $47,915 for a couple). This income level will eliminate the “glass ceiling” that keeps people from working themselves into self-sufficiency.

• Keep the dental and optical insurance premium disregard. This will allow workers to have access to needed medical care.

 

• Keep the sliding scale for program premiums. Workers who are earning low wages can’t afford a large premium.

 

 

Bill Provision	Sen. Koster’s Floor Substitute	Senate Committee Substitute
Eligibility	Gross income of 350% FPL ($35,735/yr for individual and $47,915/yr for a couple).	Lowered income ceiling at 250% FPL ($24,500/individual, $33,000/couple) makes it almost impossible for workers to earn their way off dependence on the program
Income Disregards	all earned income $20 standard deduction health insurance premiums SSI payment standard deduction for work-related disability expenses equal to ½ of disabled worker’s income first $65 of spouse’s income ½ of remaining non-disabled spouse’s earned income $50 for vision/dental plan premiums	Same except no disregard for vision/dental plan premium – removing this disregard means those services will be unaffordable for participants
Asset Exclusions	Independent Living Accounts - $5,000 and Medical Savings Accounts -$5,000	same
Premiums	Sliding scale: Premium from $34 to $179/mo based on income. 4% of income at 100% FPL 4% of income at 150% FPL 5% of income at 200% FPL 6% of income at 250% FPL 7% of income at 300% FPL	No sliding scale: almost doubles the premium for lower income workers compared to original bill ($62 compared to $34) 7% of income 100% FPL ($62-$83) 7% of income at 200% FPL
Number of people served	2700 workers with disabilities in integrated settings, 1300 in sheltered workshops	Eliminates potential  coverage for 900 workers

Good news for Centers for Independent Living…the Senate Appropriations Committee put back in the requested increase.  If appropriated for the next two years as well all 22 centers will be at the national level of funding.  Thank those committee members if you can. 

• Chuck Gross, 23rd, Chair
• Gary Nodler, 32nd, Vice-Chair
• Norma Champion, 30th
• Rob Mayer, 25th
• Chuck Purgason, 33rd
• Luann Ridgeway, 17th
• Frank Barnitz, 16th
• Joan Bray, 24th
• Tim Green, 13th
• Yvonne Wilson, 9th

SB577 passed the Senate April 11.  The Bill passed 26 to 7 with Senator Purgason ‘absent’, and only 7 “NO” votes from Senators Barnitz, Bray, Coleman, Graham, Justus, Smith and Wilson.“YES” votes included Senators Shoemyer, Callahan, Days, Green, McKenna, and Kennedy, plus all Republicans except Purgason. 

• It creates bureaucratic barriers between patients and their health care providers

• It does nothing to restore coverage to the more than 100,000 people cut in 2005;
• It ‘privatizes’ the Medicaid system, allowing insurance middlemen to capture more money for allowing access to less care.

The bill will now be assigned to the House Committee on Healthcare Facilities.  Contact those members and tell them what you don’t like about the “MO Healthnet.”  A series of hearings regarding provider testimony will continue this week. 
Schaaf, Robert, Chair
Tilley, Steven, Vice Chair
Brandom, Ellen
Dougherty, Curt
Hunter, Steve
Kingery, Gayle
Page, Sam
Talboy, Mike

HB39 (Portwood) “Ticket to Work” was passed out of the Senate Health and Mental Committee last week but many things were taken out.  The Senate committee dramatically changed the language and provisions within the bill. Original eligibility allowed individuals to earn up to $35,735 per year, but it was cut to $25,525 per year. The lower income guidelines do not allow people with disabilities to earn enough income to be able to transition off of public benefits. An individual earning $26,000 is still unable to pay for personal attendant services out of pocket. In addition, it prevents workers with disabilities from obtaining higher paying jobs.  The Senate Committee also changed the premium level from a sliding fee scale to a set rate of 7.5% of their annual income. These changes will result in approximately 1,000 fewer individuals eligible to participate in the program.  This bill is scheduled to hit the Senate floor for debate where advocates will fight to restore the provisions cut in the Senate Committee Substitute. Missouri is in need of a program that assists working persons with disabilities to make a living and still afford necessary medical services. Contact your senator and let them know the Senate Committee Substitute is not the bill to support. 

For a list of senators go to http://www.senate.mo.gov/07info/senalpha.htm.

This has been a weekly update.  If you would like to receive legislative alerts as a part of our “alert system” please contact SCIL @ 417-886-1188 or 800-676-7245.   These alerts will include any federal or state issues that need immediate action or attention.  Please call and add your name to our list. 

As the session continues to move ahead with six weeks remaining, many bills are moving and many have stalled.  Over 1000 bills were filed this year and many of them related to the disability population.  At this point an advocate has to look at what bills need attention and which ones don’t.  Many bills that have not moved will be back next year.  We can start early next session with the bills that didn’t make it through and use them as a starting point.  There are some bills that are good, but need just a little work.   

SB577 (Healthnet) will most likely pass out of the Senate and then move over to the House.  This is a good opportunity to discuss the bill with your representative.  There has been a bill filed to extend the sunset for Medicaid to allow more time for the legislature.  An important issue with SB577 is that is does not address those individuals who were cut from the program in 2005 or those that have large spend downs.  We would like to see a bill that restores the cuts made and returns the eligibility back to 100% of the federal poverty level.  Families USA released a report last week that highlights other issues they see with the bill.  You can access this report @ http://www.familiesusa.org.  Other places to go to read reports of Medicaid reform and current legislation are http://masw.org and http://mobudget.org.  Both Missouri Association for Social Welfare and Missouri Budget Project are making healthcare a top priority. Voters polled around the state are also saying that healthcare should be the top priority.  You can view this poll @ http://www.mffh.org/LakeTarrancePoll.pdf.   The more educated we are about the research that has been done will only add to our advocacy efforts. 

Below is a list of bills that have shown movement in the past weeks.  You can always check out a full listing of bills filed that relate to people with disabilities on the Governor’s Council on Disability website @ http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/.  You can email the Council and ask to be signed up for weekly legislative updates.  The list of bills below came from the Council’s update.  There is also a link to the Legislative Education Project (LEP) on their website.  If you know of a disability related group that would like to attend the project and learn more about what goes on at the capital let them know LEP is a free training.  The week of March 27th eight people from the Springfield area attended LEP and were able to visit with area legislators. 

 

SB 621 – Engler (R)
Changes name of Division of MR/DD
Status: 4/3/07 SCS Voted Do Pass               

HB 646 – Young (D)
Relating to disabled parking signs
Status: 4/3/07 Voted Do Pass

SB 11 – Coleman (D)
Creates a hot weather rule for maintenance of utility services
Status: 4/10/07 S Formal Calendar S Bills for Perfection W SCS

HB 98 – Parson (R)
Authorizes each Area Agency on Aging to establish a volunteer transportation program for the elderly
The SCS authorizes each area agency on aging to establish a volunteer program for the transportation of elderly individuals to scheduled, health care-related appointments.  Participating volunteers must use their own vehicles and may be reimbursed by the agency at the same rate as state employees for any mileage allowance or reimbursement due.  Subject to appropriation, each area agency may request funding of up to $1,000 annually from the Department of Health and Senior Services to assist with the administration costs of the program. The provisions of the substitute will expire six years from the effective date.
Status: 4/3/07 Rules Reported Do Pass       

HB 573 – St. Onge (R)
Relating to disabled windshield placards
Status: 3/1/07 HCS Voted Do Pass              

HB 646 – Young (D)
Relating to disabled parking signs
Status: 4/3/07 Voted Do Pass           

HB 796 – Dethrow (R)
Relating to renewal of disabled license plates or placards
Status: 4/5/07 Referred Transportation (S)

SB 577 – Shields (R)
Enacts the “Missouri Health Improvement Act of 2007”
Status: 4/102/07 S Informal Calendar S Bills for Perfection w SCS      

HB 1194 – Schaaf (R)
Extends sunset date for Medicaid
Extends the expiration date of the Missouri Medicaid Program from June 30, 2008, to June 30, 2009.
Status: 4/5/07Referred Special Comm. On Healthcare Facilities

HB 891 – Kratky (D)
Authorizes a tax credit for employing a disabled worker
Status: 4/4/07 Referred Fiscal Review

SB 08 – Kennedy (D)
Provides a tax credit for modifying a home for a disabled person
Status: 4/10/07 S Consent Calendar

HB 104 – Meiners (D)
Relating to sales tax and modifications of a vehicle for a person with a disability
Status: 4/5/07 First Read S
    
HB 39 – Portwood (R)
Establishes eligibility requirements of an employed disabled person requesting medical assistance under the TWWIIA
Status: 4/3//07 Public Hearing Conducted S

SB 112 – Rupp (R)
Removes the reference to sunset of the statute that provides authority for special education of age 3 to 21 population
Status: 4/5/07 Referred Special Comm. On Family Services H

SB 16 – Scott (R)
Requires a comprehensive vision examination for each child enrolled in kindergarten or first grade
Status: 4/5/07 Referred Rules Pursuant to Rule 25)26)(f)

 

This has been a weekly update.  If you would like to receive legislative alerts as a part of our “alert system” please contact SCIL @ 417-886-1188 or 800-676-7245.   These alerts will include any federal or state issues that need immediate action or attention.  Please call and add your name to our list. 

SB8 (home modification tax credit) It is still on the Senate Consent Calendar. 

HB39 (Ticket to Work) It is still awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.  Senator Koster will be handling this bill.

SB455 (Requires the balance of all state funds in excess of 200 percent be transferred to the state General Revenue Fund every two years) This bill was heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee last week.

HJR20 (TABOR) proposes a constitutional amendment establishing limits on total state revenue appropriations.  It has been assigned to the House Budget Committee and a hearing has not been scheduled.  To get a list of committee members go to http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/commit/com011.htm

HB 181 (requires captioning of electronic video instructional material for use in educational institutions) is scheduled for public hearing in the House Higher Education Committee on Tuesday, February 27 at 5:00pm in Hearing Room 3.

HB104 (sales tax exemptions to modify new or used vehicles) was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee last week.

House Appropriations for Health, Mental Health, and Social will meet Monday, Feb. 26 at 10:00 AM in Hearing Room 5 for budget review on the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services, and Health and Senior Services.  The Committee will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 2:00 PM in Hearing Room 5 for continuation of budget review for the Department of Social Services.

To ensure people with disabilities receive services to stay independent the following need to happen…

1. $339,349 General Revenue to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to bring in $1,253, 838 in federal matching funds.

2. $500,000 General Revenue to the Centers for Independent Living as the first of a three year plan to move Missouri's funding level to the national average.  House Appropriations for Education are listed below.  Please ask for their support of these two funding items. 

Fares, Kathlyn, Chair
Baker, Brian, Vice Chair
Bringer, Rachel L.
Hodges, Steve
Lampe, Sara
Robb, Edward
Stream, Rick
Thomson, Mike
Todd, Tom
Wilson, Kevin

SB 577 (Shields) was introduced in the Senate last week. Entitled, "The Missouri Health Improvement Act of 2007," this bill addresses many of  the recommendations for MO HealthNet made by Governor Blunt in his State of the State Address and the Departments of Social Services, Health and Senior Services, and Mental Health.  Advocates continue to look through this bill to see how people with disabilities will be affected.  Stay tuned for more details.

At the federal level:  President Bush hopes to cut Medicaid funding by $24.7 billion over the next five years.  Proposed Medicaid regulations will have a devastating impact on the ability of Medicaid patients and the uninsured to receive necessary health care services. Advocates state the proposed regulations will be specifically targeted on providers serving America’s most vulnerable children, seniors, people with disabilities and low income families through Medicaid programs.  Missouri Senator Kit Bond has signed on to a bi-partisan letter (Durbin-Dole letter) http://www.aha.org/aha/letter/2007/070215-let-dearcolleague.pdf .  Senator Claire McCaskill did not sign on to the letter.  Contact Senator McCaskill’s office and urge her to preserve Medicaid and that capping and cutting federal Medicaid funding would be devastating to state economies and to those who depend on Medicaid for their health care lifeline, including people with disabilities.

Senator Claire McCaskill

United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-6154
mccaskilltransition@mccaskill.senate.gov  
       
This has been a weekly update.  If you would like to receive legislative alerts as a part of our “alert system” please contact SCIL @ 417-886-1188 or 800-676-7245.   These alerts will include any federal or state issues that need immediate action or attention.

SB8 (home modification tax credit) passed out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  It will now be assigned to a committee in the House.  It has a 0$ fiscal note and is considered a consent bill.  This is a good talking point and will give it a good chance to move forward. 

HB39 (Ticket to Work) finally passed out of the House on the third read Thursday and will move to the Senate.  It will be assigned to a committee soon.

SB455 has been introduced by Senator Gross to replace SB208.  This is the
bill that sweeps balances in dedicated state funds.  This could affect people with disabilities. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  A hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 19th at 2:30 PM in SCR 1.

HJR20 (TABOR) proposes a constitutional amendment establishing limits on total state revenue appropriations.  It was read a second time but a hearing has not been scheduled.  This could affect funding that will directly affect people with disabilities across the board as well as all state funding.

SB435 (required closed captioning on educational materials) does not have a hearing as of yet.  It is in the Senate Commerce and Environment Committee.  Contact these members to ask for a hearing.

• Kevin Engler, 3rd, Chair
• Brad Lager, 12th, Vice-Chair
• Matt Bartle, 8th
• John Griesheimer, 26th
• Chris Koster, 31st
• Luann Ridgeway, 17th
• Joan Bray, 24th
• Victor Callahan, 11th
• Tim Green, 13th

HB104 (sales tax exemptions to modify new or used vehicles) was assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.  A hearing has not been scheduled.  The members are:

• Sutherland, Mike, Chair
• Scharnhorst, Dwight, Vice Chair
• Chappelle-Nadal, Maria
• Onder, Jr., M.D., Robert F.
• St. Onge, Neal C.
• Storch, Rachel
• Threlkeld, Kevin
• Zweifel, Clint

House Appropriations Committee on Education continues to meet and discuss issues in the DESE (Department of Secondary and Elementary Education) budget.  Please contact them and ask them to support adding funding to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to support vocational rehabilitation services and independent living services

1. $339,349 General Revenue to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to bring in $1,253, 838 in federal matching funds.

2. $500,000 General Revenue to the Centers for Independent Living as the first of a three year plan to move Missouri's funding level to the national average.
Fares, Kathlyn, Chair
Baker, Brian, Vice Chair
Bringer, Rachel L.
Hodges, Steve
Lampe, Sara
Robb, Edward
Stream, Rick
Thomson, Mike
Todd, Tom
Wilson, Kevin

The House Appropriations Committees have finished hearing public testimony and are now discussing the testimony and what should be recommended to the House Budget Committee.
           
This has been a weekly update.  If you would like to receive legislative alerts as a part of our “alert system” please contact SCIL @ 417-886-1188 or 800-676-7245.   These alerts will include any federal or state issues that need immediate action or attention.

HB 39 (Ticket to Work for workers with disabilities):  It passed out of committees (Ticket to Work and Rules) with unanimous votes and is now on the schedule for the House Floor and should be debated next week.  Ask any and all representatives for support of this bill.

SB 8: (Tax Credit for home modifications).  It is still in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  Testimony has been heard and it is now waiting to be voted on.  Please contact the committee and ask for their vote.

• Carl Vogel, 6th, Chair
• Chris Koster, 31st, Vice-Chair
• Jack Goodman, 29th
• John Griesheimer, 26th
• Brad Lager, 12th
• Frank Barnitz, 16th
• Joan Bray, 24th
• Ryan McKenna, 22nd

SB 435:  This bill would require would require that beginning January 1, 2008 manufacturers and publishers of electronic video instructional materials (CD, DVD, videotape, film, etc) marketed in Missouri caption those materials.  This bill is in the Senate Commerce Energy and Environment.  These are the committee members.

• Kevin Engler, 3rd, Chair
• Brad Lager, 12th, Vice-Chair
• Matt Bartle, 8th
• John Griesheimer, 26th
• Chris Koster, 31st
• Luann Ridgeway, 17th
• Joan Bray, 24th
• Victor Callahan, 11th
• Tim Green, 13th

This has been a weekly update.  If you would like to receive legislative alerts as a part of our “alert system” please contact SCIL @ 417-886-1188 or 800-676-7245.   These alerts will include any federal or state issues that need immediate action or attention.  Please call and add your name to our list.