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Sean Delaney went to Washington D.C. to open the eyes of our Congressional leaders and to share stories of life as a Direct Support Professional serving people with developmental disabilities. Please watch Sean's music video, "Open Your Eyes" and share it with everyone you know, help tell their story.
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Upcoming Events
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Tuesday, 16 February 2010 |
· SELF-ADVOCATES MEET WITH WHITE HOUSE ABOUT THE R-WORD
· GOVERNOR RELEASES 21-DAY AMENDMENTS
· HOTLINE BILL INTRODUCED IN STATE LEGISLATURE
· STATE ASSEMBLY SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS GOVERNOR CALLS SPECIAL ELECTION FOR 13th SENATE DISTRICT
· YAI WINS ANCOR DSP CAPITAL CHALLENGE
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NYSACRA News & Views 2-12-2010
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Issue No. 142-10
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February 12, 2010
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Join the Direct Support Professional Alliance of New York State
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NYSACRA Calendar
Executive Positions
Action Center
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Greetings NYSACRA Members!
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· SELF-ADVOCATES MEET WITH WHITE HOUSE ABOUT THE R-WORD
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A national movement to purge the word "retarded" from law books and medical terminology is nearing success, gaining support this week from White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel who apologized to self-advocates for using the term during a private meeting last summer. The campaign is led by self-advocates, who are gaining momentum and are clearly articulating the need to stop using the word, and have it removed from professional terminology and state offices. The meeting was covered by the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/04/AR2010020402602_2.html. Why not join 59,000 others who have taken the pledge at www.r-word.com? |
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· GOVERNOR RELEASES 21-DAY AMENDMENTS
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Governor David Paterson released the 21-day amendments to the proposed 2010-11 Executive Budget on Tuesday, February 9th. The amendments include actions which close the projected $750 million deficit in the 2010-11 budget which was announced by the Governor on February 3rd. The projected $750 million gap is a result of continued revenue decline and increases in Medicaid enrollment throughout New York State.
The 21-day amendments reflect an assumed increase of $1.06 billion to the State from the proposed extension of federal stimulus funding. While the extended federal stimulus funding will come from Medicaid, it may be used for other than health care purposes. Funds have not yet been approved, but have been included in the Presidents proposed budget as well as legislation in the both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The Governors 21-day amendments include other revenue generating recommendations which include the sale of wine in grocery stores, an increase to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Mobility Tax and reduced funding for Local Efficiency Grants.
With the State Legislatures joint fiscal committee budget hearings near complete, negotiations on the proposed 2010-11 Executive Budget should commence. The State Legislature is scheduled for break next week with the Assembly and Senate reconvening on Monday, February 22nd. NYSACRA will keep you updated as to budget negotiations and legislative activity. |
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· HOTLINE BILL INTRODUCED IN STATE LEGISLATURE
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Last week, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg introduced legislation to establish procedures or mechanisms for the reporting of abuse and mistreatment of individuals with mental or developmental disabilities. The legislation is specific to individuals residing in state operated or state licensed residential care facilities. The bill was introduced on February 2nd and was reported from the Assembly Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee on February 9th. The Senate companion bill, S.6772 was introduced by Senator Morahan on February 4th. |
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· STATE ASSEMBLY SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS GOVERNOR CALLS SPECIAL ELECTION FOR 13th SENATE DISTRICT
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A special election was held on Tuesday, February 9th to fill vacancies in the 3rd, 15th, 24th and 89th State Assembly Districts. With less than 200 votes on election night, Dean Murray had a lead in the 3rd Assembly District (Suffolk County) to replace former Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington. Michael Montesano becomes the Assemblyman representing the 15th Assembly District (Nassau County) filling the seat previously held by Assemblyman Rob Walker. In the 24th Assembly District (Queens County), David Weprin replaces his brother, former Assemblyman Mark Weprin and in the 89th Assembly District (Westchester County), Bob Castelli becomes the Assemblyman to replace Adam Bradley.
Governor Paterson called for a special election to be held on Tuesday, March 16th for the 13th Senate District formerly held by Hiram Monserrate. The State Senate voted to expel Monserrate on Tuesday, February 9th by resolution which termed his conduct not compatible with his oath of office. The vote was 53-8. Monserrate filed a civil rights suit on Thursday, February 11th to reverse the expulsion and bar the special election to fill the Senate seat. |
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· YAI WINS ANCOR DSP CAPITAL CHALLENGE
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This week, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) announced the winner of the Direct Support Professionals Capital Challenge. YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities was recognized by ANCOR for generating contact with Members of Congress in support of H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act. The three month competition yielded an increase of 33 new House sponsors of H.R. 868 and increased awareness as to the critical supports that Direct Support Professionals provide each day to individuals with disabilities. |
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