Public Policy Advocacy
One of the primary activities of The Arc of New Jersey is Public Policy Advocacy. Below are the key public policy issues The Arc of New Jersey is currently working on.
January, 2012: Legislative Update!
We are pleased to report that the Data Bill (A2028) - legislation mandating that the Department of Human Services collect and disseminate critically-needed data about the individuals with developmental disabilities they serve - was signed into law. The Arc of New Jersey was instrumental in the creation and passage of this bill, working with sponsors and the legislature during the process, as well as working closely with the Department to create budget-neutral legislation that preserved the bill's efficacy. The Arc of New Jersey is grateful to these allies and the developmental disabilities community for their help and support.
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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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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 a legislative review panel on insitutional closure
- The Arc of New Jersey's Fact Sheet, Proposed Closure of Vineland Developmental Center
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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. Our priority legislation includes:
- A Data Bill that requires the Department of Human Services to collect and disseminate data about people with developmental disabilities. We are thrilled to report that after two years of work this bill was signed into law by the by the Governor on January 9, 2012!
- The Arc of New Jersey's Fact Sheet, Joint Resolution Establishing a Parents’ Bill of Rights for
Parents of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - The Arc of New Jersey's Fact Sheet, Legislation Establishing a Developmental Disabilities Trust Fund
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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 viariety of committees, task forces and coalitions working on issues such as prevention, early intervention, special education, family support, employment, and healthcare.
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New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget
Our developmental disabilities service system was dangerously underfunded before the financial crisis and has been decimated by the recession. Services now seem limited to only those deemed an “emergency". In Governor Christie's State of the State speech, he talked about how New Jersey is making a come back and announced that the State now has enough money to offer tax cuts to all residents.
Individuals with disabilities in New Jersey should also benefit from this improved economic climate by having access to a fully funded service system. The Arc of New Jersey feels strongly that it is time that the budget for the Division of Developmental Disabilities reflect the true needs in all areas of our system. The Arc of New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request aims to outline the amount of funding necessary to provide appropriate levels of support and services for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the community, and we have asked the Governor to keep these numbers in mind as he puts the finishing touches on his budget.
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.
