Public Policy Advocacy
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New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget
Governor Christie's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 includes new money for supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The proposal totaled $56.7 million in new money, and provides $38.6 million to serve emergencies, individuals on the waiting list, and individuals aging out of their educational entitlement, and $18.1 million for the state’s Olmstead commitment.
Although the Governor’s budget addresses the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and includes funding for emergencies, individuals on the waiting list and individuals aging out of their educational entitlement, it does not provide increases to the community provider agencies to whom these vital tasks will be entrusted. It is critical that our community provider agencies receive some relief in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget so that they can continue to provide the high quality care and services that New Jersey’s citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve.
With the Budget now in the Legislature’s hands, The Arc of New Jersey has created a fact sheet outlining our recommendations and asking the Legislature to do two things: Preserve the funding in Governor Christie’s proposed budget for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and include a 3% increase in community provider agency contracts to cover the true cost of providing care.
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Deinstitutionalization
Currently there are over 2,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in institutions in New Jersey - more than every state in the nation other than Texas. The Arc of New Jersey believes that all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to live, and be fully included, in communities of their choosing, and we are actively advocating for the closure of five of New Jersey's seven institutions over the next 12-15 years. For more information, please see the following:
- Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey: Where New Jersey Stands in Services to People with Developmental Disabilities and National Policy Trends, a Policy Brief from the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
- The Arc of New Jersey's testimony before the Task Force on Developmental Center Closure
- The Arc of New Jersey's testimony before a legislative review panel on institutional closure
- The Arc of New Jersey's Fact Sheet, Proposed Closure of Vineland Developmental Center
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Medicaid
Medicaid is a lifeline that provides critical supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of New Jersey advocates on a variety of Medicaid issues. In addition to advocacy related to the Department of Human Services' Medicaid Waivers, The Arc of New Jersey is actively participating in The Arc's Don't Cut our Lifeline Campaign. For more detailed information, please see the additional resources below:
- The Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver, a web resource published by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
- What the Community Care Waiver Means for Your Family Member: A Guide to Understanding DDD's Community Care Waiver, a guide booklet developed for the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities by the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities.
- The Arc's Medicaid Reference Desk
- The Arc's Don't Cut our Lifeline Campaign
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Legislation
The Arc of New Jersey's legislative activities include monitoring and responding to all state legislation and budget issues that will impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and provider agencies. Currently, our legislative priorities include:
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Improving the System
The Arc of New Jersey engages in ongoing advocacy and oversight on issues related to transparency, communication and regulations within the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. Our program directors sit on a variety of committees, task forces and coalitions working on issues such as prevention, early intervention, special education, family support, employment, and healthcare.
e-Action Network
If you care about these issues and want to get involved, please consider joining our e-Action Network. It is a free and easy way to support our Advocacy efforts and to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
