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Disability Advocates - Wisconsin Network (DAWN) has reported that Governor McCallum has completed his review of Wisconsin's Budget Repair Bill and has taken action on it. Of relevance to Wisconsin's disability community is the veto of two items supported by disability advocates. The first is the veto of the creation of a Task Force to study the future of the State Centers for the Developmentally Disabled. The second is the veto of language regarding Medical Assistance provider fraud and abuse. On a more positive note, there were no funding cuts for the Community Integration Program (CIP), Community Options Program (COP), Family Support, Birth-to-Three and vocational rehabilitation services. For more on the Budget Repair Bill, visit the DAWN website.
Ohio House of Representatives passed landmark legislation creating a state drug repository to accept and distribute donated prescription drugs to those who cannot afford them. The bill calls for the State Pharmacy Board to adopt rules that govern the new program. The board will further determine eligibility requirements, largely based upon income, as well as distribution practices. Similar legislation, introduced by Rep. Dale Miller, calls for a much more far-reaching prescription drug discount plan. The bill, tabled by the House of Representatives with a vote of 53-41, is expected to go the Senate for further consideration.
In an effort to address the $1.1 billion deficit in the 2001-2003 state biennial budget, the Wisconsin State Senate has passed its version of the Budget Repair Bill. The bill, passed on Friday, April 5, 2002, significantly differs from the bill previously passed by the State Assembly. The greatest difference can be found in the area of Shared Revenue. Shared Revenue allocates funds to counties, cities, towns and villages to supplement the costs of municipal and county programs. While the Senate bill maintains Shared Revenue spending, the Assembly version proposes to decrease shared revenue by 59% or $114 million by 2003. This reduction could significantly limit the reach of county and municipality programs. However, the impact of a Shared Revenues reduction on disability services would vary depending upon locality and the decisions made by local governments. If you would like to share your thoughts on what the final bill should include, contact your local legislators. If you are interested in learning more about the two different versions, visit Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network (DAWN) online.
Wisconsin State Senate on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 attempted to override Governor Scott McCallum's veto of the Community Integration Program (CIP) slots, Community Options Program (COP) slots, and CIP rate increases included in the 2001-2003 biennial budget. While the vote of 18 - 15 was in favor of the override, a 2/3-majority vote is required to overturn the vetoes. While the Senate cannot vote again to overturn the vetoes, new legislation will be introduced this fall to restore the additional CIP slots and rate. For more on this issue and to learn how you can advocate for the passage of this new legislation, visit Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network (DAWN) online.
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