September 11, 2023
Minutes
Minutes
Attendees via Zoom: Alexandria Twombly, Amanda Karomba, Ann-Marie Mayberry, Betsy Hopkins, Bonnie Robinson, Brenda Smith, Bryan Gordon, Carol Snyder, Carrie Hobbs Guiden, Darla Chafin, David Cowing, Debbie Dionne, Elizabeth, Heidi Mansir, Helen Hemminger, Jamie Whitehouse, Janet DiBiase, JC Edelberg, Jen Frey, Joyce Daggett, Julianne Zaharis, Kathy Rickards, Kelsey Lachance, Kim Humphrey, Laura Cordes, Lily Lin, Liz Hansen, Maggie Hoffman, Margaret Cardoza, Robin Levesque, Scott McKeough, Shelly King, Staci Converse, Todd Goodwin, Mark Kemmerle, J Richardson Collins, Vickey Merrill, Cullen Ryan, and a few people who didn’t identify themselves and/or left prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted. For the sake of time, Cullen read the names of participants.
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP). meacsp.org Topic: Overview of the results of the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature and what to expect in the Second Session.
Cullen: I am pleased to welcome Laura Cordes, Executive Director of the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP), who is here to present an overview of the results of the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature and what to expect in the Second Session. This was obviously a very busy Legislative Session. I want to thank Laura for continuously keeping this group apprised of numerous bills pertaining to ID/DD so we were informed and could raise our voices at the State House. I want to thank Laura for her tremendous work and thank everyone in this group for raising their voices and telling their stories. Our collective advocacy was very powerful and truly helped Legislators make good decisions for the system of care for people with ID/DD in Maine. Thank you again for all of your work, Laura, and thank you for being here!
Laura Cordes: Thank you for having me! Over the past few years, I’ve built a Google doc to support the MCHQS' interest in monitoring and engaging in bills of interest in the 131st Legislature. The doc contains an updated list of bills of interest, links on how to testify in person, by zoom, and/or how to submit testimony, as well as a list of Committee members (click here for more information). The First Session generally runs December through June. It’s not uncommon for the Legislature to go longer or have a Special Session, which it did, as the Legislature didn’t adjourn until late July. This was the first Legislative Session since 2020 that felt like it was back to pre-pandemic normal. There were a record number of bills this past Session, which is why things took longer.
Begin presentation (Click here for the presentation).
Laura provided an in-depth overview of initiatives funded in the Budget and bills that passed and/or were funded as part of the budget. Please see the presentation for more information.
Laura: Regarding the Lifespan Waiver Bill that was included as part of the Budget – it will be Major Substantive the first-time rules are promulgated, then it will be routine technical moving forward. I don’t have as much background information on the Statewide transition from children to adult services pilot project report bill, if anyone else here has information I’d be happy to hear it.
Betsy: This bill was submitted separate from the pilot that we had already developed, which we’ve shared here. In the Department’s testimony we highlighted the pilot project underway, and the bill was amended to have us report to the Legislature on that versus establishing a separate pilot project. Our eventual plan is to make this a statewide program, but we’ll see how that plays out. We’d be happy to provide updates here on that pilot project as well.
Laura provided an in-depth overview of bills that were carried over. Please see the presentation for more information.
Laura: Though LD 744 was carried over, it was announced that there is a comprehensive rate study underway, so it appears that there won’t be much to do with LD 744 next Session.
Cullen: It’s not that unusual for a bill to spark a dialogue that leads to change, even if the bill itself doesn’t pass. This is a positive outcome and can often be implemented more quickly.
Laura provided an in-depth overview of bills that died and won’t move forward unless reintroduced in the Second Regular Session.
Please refer to the Bill Tracking Google Doc for the comprehensive list of bills that were funded in the budget, passed, carried over, or died in the last Legislative Session.
Laura: Looking at the next session – cloture for the Second Session of the 131st Legislature is on 9/29. This is the date when all bills must be submitted for consideration in the Legislative Session. The Second Session is the “Short Session” and only emergency bills, Governor’s bills, and bills carried over from the previous session will be heard. All new bills must pass the Legislative Council in order to move forward.
Discussion:
-It was asked what the nature was for the additional Section 21 funding.
Laura: It’s additional funding to take people off the Section 21, Priority 1 waitlist.
Betsy: Every budget cycle we put in a request to fund additional Section 21 spots for people who meet the Priority 1 criteria. I believe it was 50 slots per year in this Budget.
-It was stated that Transportation remains an issue, and though it’s unfortunate that LD 825 didn’t pass in the last Session, it’s positive that it was carried over. It was stated that the way the bill is currently framed could be problematic, as it should apply to people with just one disability (not solely multiple disabilities).
-It was asked how we all can better advocate together specifically to address opposition.
Laura: Many of the bills that were carried over were carried over because there was opposition and a lack of comprehensive understanding of the initiative. The Sessions are so busy that too often there just isn’t sufficient time to thoroughly educate the Committee. As such, some of the best work is done in between sessions.
-It was asked if Laura could comment more on the “no eject/no reject” policy, especially with the recent announcement of a Workgroup being established on the topic.
Laura: It’s very complicated. On the adult side it conflicts with the HCBS Settings Rule. And whether or not there’s staff with the skills and qualifications to serve someone’s changing needs. There’s a lot to explore and it’s too soon to say but there is concern about moving forward with a policy like this.
Cullen: Thank you Laura, this was fantastic. Thank you again for this presentation and all of your work; we’re very lucky to have your time and energy working on all this – well done! Legislators this Session also put in a lot of time and effort during the past Session, and we all have a lot to thank them for. So, please continue to outreach your legislators, thank them for their work, and use that as an opportunity to continue to tell your story. Thank you again!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Betsy Hopkins: We continue working on our Lifespan Project. For up to date information on the work that is going on regarding our Lifespan Project, you can go to our website: HCBS Lifespan Project | Department of Health and Human Services (maine.gov)
Lifespan FAQs
Table comparing proposed Lifespan Community Resource Coordinator with existing Targeted Case Management
Lifespan Regional and Online Meetings
The Department is pleased to offer additional in-person and online opportunities to learn about Lifespan and provide feedback. Regional and online sessions will be held between 9/22/2023 and 9/28/2023. Visit the Lifespan webpage for additional information and to register.
For any questions or comment, please email: [email protected]
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Monday, October 2, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Zoom Registration:
https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkf-upqTktHtVCEte2iWbmPYs3ikMtwujw
OADS also offers a series of in-person events across the state with Providers, Waiver Members, and their Family Members. Providers will be asked to attend the provider-specific sessions to promote active interaction. The meeting spaces have a person limit, and we want to house the meeting adequately, so we need to know how many people to expect. Meeting locations may change depending on the size of the response to the sessions. If that happens, we will notify registrants.
Registration Form for In-Person Events: https://forms.office.com/g/g6wrMSxJAr
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Administrative Bldg.
Friday, September 22nd
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
109 Capitol Street
Augusta
Conference Rooms Maine A and B – to the right as you enter the building
Caribou District Office
Monday, September 25th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100
Caribou
Conference Rooms A and B
Bangor District Office
Tuesday, September 26th
9:00 AM -10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
19 Maine Avenue
Bangor
Room CR 2
Lewiston District Office
Wednesday, September 27th
9:00 AM - 10:30AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
200 Main Street
Lewiston
Conference Rooms A and B
Portland District Office
Thursday, September 28th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Providers
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Families and Members
151 Jetport Boulevard
South Portland
Rooms CR 139 A and B
If you need accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART), American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, please get in touch with Miranda Whalen at [email protected] by September 13th.
This listening session will be held via Zoom on Monday, September 18th, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Please register at this link to attend:
https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcu-qrT4sHNKaqrT1jzdubsXGUNTDU-wW
If you require accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART) American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, please contact Miranda Whalen at [email protected] by Friday, September 8, 2023.
Cullen: Thank you for being here today, Betsy! I also want to thank you for all of the work you put in over the Legislative Session, and over the past couple of years – there is a lot going on and thank you for all you do!
DHHS – Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs - No update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr - No update
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No update
SMACT (Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition):
Nancy Peavy could not attend today’s meeting but provided the following information to Cullen in advance of today’s meeting:
I wanted to let you know that SMACT is ending. The two people who were running it with me have left due to other commitments. Meeting attendance dropped off sharply last year with many members retiring. The SMACT advisory board reached the conclusion that SMACT has come to the end of its natural lifespan at a time when there is a wealth of transition resources readily available online. Thank you for including SMACT in your meetings and minutes over so many years!
Cullen: I’m sorry to hear this and hope that the SMACT members will continue to be involved with and attend Coalition meetings so that this legacy can be continued. It has been a pleasure collaborating with SMACT.
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) Update:
Staci Converse: I wanted to remind everyone that the SUFU Conference is happening next week, and I want to encourage people to have as many self-advocates as they can go. We’re having weekly Youth Self-Advocate Virtual Info Sessions that anyone can join on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We continue to work with people on guardianship issues, including amending/terminating guardianship. I wanted to remind you that if anyone is concerned about the actions of a guardian there is a mechanism within the Probate Court for you to reach out to express concerns as well; it doesn’t have to be initiated by the person.
Cullen: Thank you for being here, Staci!
LD 924 Task Force Update: No Update.
Federal & Housing Updates:
Cullen:
State Legislature Update – No additional updates
The group again thanked Laura for all of her work not only at the Legislature, but for her work with MACSP in general.
Other Business:
The next meeting will be on Monday, October 16, 2023, 12-2pm, via Zoom*.
***Please note this is the third Monday of the month due to the holiday***
Featured Speaker and Topic TBD.
Unless changed, Coalition meetings are on the 2nd Monday of the month from 12-2pm.
(In 2023 the October meeting will be the 3rd Monday due to the holiday)
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted. For the sake of time, Cullen read the names of participants.
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP). meacsp.org Topic: Overview of the results of the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature and what to expect in the Second Session.
Cullen: I am pleased to welcome Laura Cordes, Executive Director of the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP), who is here to present an overview of the results of the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature and what to expect in the Second Session. This was obviously a very busy Legislative Session. I want to thank Laura for continuously keeping this group apprised of numerous bills pertaining to ID/DD so we were informed and could raise our voices at the State House. I want to thank Laura for her tremendous work and thank everyone in this group for raising their voices and telling their stories. Our collective advocacy was very powerful and truly helped Legislators make good decisions for the system of care for people with ID/DD in Maine. Thank you again for all of your work, Laura, and thank you for being here!
Laura Cordes: Thank you for having me! Over the past few years, I’ve built a Google doc to support the MCHQS' interest in monitoring and engaging in bills of interest in the 131st Legislature. The doc contains an updated list of bills of interest, links on how to testify in person, by zoom, and/or how to submit testimony, as well as a list of Committee members (click here for more information). The First Session generally runs December through June. It’s not uncommon for the Legislature to go longer or have a Special Session, which it did, as the Legislature didn’t adjourn until late July. This was the first Legislative Session since 2020 that felt like it was back to pre-pandemic normal. There were a record number of bills this past Session, which is why things took longer.
Begin presentation (Click here for the presentation).
Laura provided an in-depth overview of initiatives funded in the Budget and bills that passed and/or were funded as part of the budget. Please see the presentation for more information.
Laura: Regarding the Lifespan Waiver Bill that was included as part of the Budget – it will be Major Substantive the first-time rules are promulgated, then it will be routine technical moving forward. I don’t have as much background information on the Statewide transition from children to adult services pilot project report bill, if anyone else here has information I’d be happy to hear it.
Betsy: This bill was submitted separate from the pilot that we had already developed, which we’ve shared here. In the Department’s testimony we highlighted the pilot project underway, and the bill was amended to have us report to the Legislature on that versus establishing a separate pilot project. Our eventual plan is to make this a statewide program, but we’ll see how that plays out. We’d be happy to provide updates here on that pilot project as well.
Laura provided an in-depth overview of bills that were carried over. Please see the presentation for more information.
Laura: Though LD 744 was carried over, it was announced that there is a comprehensive rate study underway, so it appears that there won’t be much to do with LD 744 next Session.
Cullen: It’s not that unusual for a bill to spark a dialogue that leads to change, even if the bill itself doesn’t pass. This is a positive outcome and can often be implemented more quickly.
Laura provided an in-depth overview of bills that died and won’t move forward unless reintroduced in the Second Regular Session.
Please refer to the Bill Tracking Google Doc for the comprehensive list of bills that were funded in the budget, passed, carried over, or died in the last Legislative Session.
Laura: Looking at the next session – cloture for the Second Session of the 131st Legislature is on 9/29. This is the date when all bills must be submitted for consideration in the Legislative Session. The Second Session is the “Short Session” and only emergency bills, Governor’s bills, and bills carried over from the previous session will be heard. All new bills must pass the Legislative Council in order to move forward.
Discussion:
-It was asked what the nature was for the additional Section 21 funding.
Laura: It’s additional funding to take people off the Section 21, Priority 1 waitlist.
Betsy: Every budget cycle we put in a request to fund additional Section 21 spots for people who meet the Priority 1 criteria. I believe it was 50 slots per year in this Budget.
-It was stated that Transportation remains an issue, and though it’s unfortunate that LD 825 didn’t pass in the last Session, it’s positive that it was carried over. It was stated that the way the bill is currently framed could be problematic, as it should apply to people with just one disability (not solely multiple disabilities).
-It was asked how we all can better advocate together specifically to address opposition.
Laura: Many of the bills that were carried over were carried over because there was opposition and a lack of comprehensive understanding of the initiative. The Sessions are so busy that too often there just isn’t sufficient time to thoroughly educate the Committee. As such, some of the best work is done in between sessions.
-It was asked if Laura could comment more on the “no eject/no reject” policy, especially with the recent announcement of a Workgroup being established on the topic.
Laura: It’s very complicated. On the adult side it conflicts with the HCBS Settings Rule. And whether or not there’s staff with the skills and qualifications to serve someone’s changing needs. There’s a lot to explore and it’s too soon to say but there is concern about moving forward with a policy like this.
Cullen: Thank you Laura, this was fantastic. Thank you again for this presentation and all of your work; we’re very lucky to have your time and energy working on all this – well done! Legislators this Session also put in a lot of time and effort during the past Session, and we all have a lot to thank them for. So, please continue to outreach your legislators, thank them for their work, and use that as an opportunity to continue to tell your story. Thank you again!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Betsy Hopkins: We continue working on our Lifespan Project. For up to date information on the work that is going on regarding our Lifespan Project, you can go to our website: HCBS Lifespan Project | Department of Health and Human Services (maine.gov)
- Rate Determination Initiation and Rate Study Kickoff Meeting Notice for Home and Community Based Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or Autism, Sections 21 and 29, and Proposed Lifespan Waiver: The Department has initiated a Rate Determination Process* for Home and Community Based Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or Autism, Sections 21 and 29, and a new proposed Lifespan waiver service.
New rates are being determined pursuant to Public Law 2023, Chapter 412, Part LLLLL, which authorizes the new Lifespan program and directs the Department to facilitate federal approval of the new program and adopt rules implementing it. Because many Lifespan services will be similar to current Section 21 and Section 29 services, development of Lifespan rates requires existing Section 21 and 29 rates to be reviewed. Burns & Associates is conducting this rate determination for the Department.
Please register in advance for the Providers of Sections 21 and 29, Rate Study Kickoff Meeting.
On September 15, 2023, the Department and its vendor will host a virtual “kick off” meeting with Sections 21 and 29 providers and other interested members of the public. At this meeting, we will explain the rate determination process and walk providers through a cost survey that they will then have four (4) weeks to fill out and return.
Following this, we will hold another virtual meeting to walk providers through the cost data we receive through the surveys (note: the data will be aggregated, so no individual provider’s data will be shared), so that we can ask for input regarding any anomalies, and so that stakeholders can provide any other feedback.
Lastly, we will hold another virtual meeting, to walk stakeholders through the draft rates that were developed based on the cost survey data and other information, and to take questions and comments. Stakeholders will then have four (4) weeks to provide written comments, after which the Department will respond in writing to comments with an explanation of whether and how feedback was incorporated into the final rates that are expected to become effective with Lifespan implementation in 2025.
As providers and interested stakeholders, your feedback is important. We encourage you to participate in these meetings as we work toward new Lifespan rates and update existing rates and rate methods for Sections 21 and 29.
Please contact Peter Kraut, MaineCare’s Rate Setting Manager, with any questions related to this rate study process.
MEETING DATE/TIME Providers of Sections 21 and 29, Rate Study Kickoff Meeting Date/Time: Friday, September 15, 2023, 12:30PM – 2:00PM ZOOM: https://mainestate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ndLQ5TXDQM6vMoaXNM0TtA - Lifespan Concept Paper Public Comment Summary and Updated FAQs; Lifespan Regional and Online Stakeholder Meetings: The Department would like to thank everyone who provided feedback and comments on the Lifespan Waiver Concept Paper. It was released on June 28th and the Department received comments through July 28th. During the comment period, the Department held two virtual meetings. Our goal at these meetings was to present the highlights of the Concept Paper and take comments and questions. There were 226 participants in these two meetings, held on July 6th and July 20th. Comments were also submitted through a web form and email. In total, the Department received comments or questions from 207 unique individuals and organizations.
Lifespan Information Updates
The Department is pleased to provide updated Lifespan information in response to the comments received. For updates to the proposed Lifespan program, please see:
Lifespan FAQs
Table comparing proposed Lifespan Community Resource Coordinator with existing Targeted Case Management
Lifespan Regional and Online Meetings
The Department is pleased to offer additional in-person and online opportunities to learn about Lifespan and provide feedback. Regional and online sessions will be held between 9/22/2023 and 9/28/2023. Visit the Lifespan webpage for additional information and to register.
For any questions or comment, please email: [email protected]
- Proposed HCBS Lifespan Waiver Statewide Stakeholder Informational Tour – Additional Zoom Sessions Added for Waiver Members and Their Families: Please join the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) as we offer a series of question-and-answer sessions on the proposed Lifespan Waiver. These sessions will allow stakeholders to learn more about the proposed waiver concept.
We will begin each session with a brief high-level review of the Lifespan design and updates based on feedback from the Concept Paper comment period. Please prepare for the session by reviewing the Lifespan Concept paper document before the meeting. The plain language Executive Summary of the Concept Paper is also available for review. Please use the link below to register for the Zoom sessions. We are hosting two sessions with Waiver Members and their Families.
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Monday, October 2, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Zoom Registration:
https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkf-upqTktHtVCEte2iWbmPYs3ikMtwujw
OADS also offers a series of in-person events across the state with Providers, Waiver Members, and their Family Members. Providers will be asked to attend the provider-specific sessions to promote active interaction. The meeting spaces have a person limit, and we want to house the meeting adequately, so we need to know how many people to expect. Meeting locations may change depending on the size of the response to the sessions. If that happens, we will notify registrants.
Registration Form for In-Person Events: https://forms.office.com/g/g6wrMSxJAr
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Administrative Bldg.
Friday, September 22nd
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
109 Capitol Street
Augusta
Conference Rooms Maine A and B – to the right as you enter the building
Caribou District Office
Monday, September 25th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100
Caribou
Conference Rooms A and B
Bangor District Office
Tuesday, September 26th
9:00 AM -10:30 AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
19 Maine Avenue
Bangor
Room CR 2
Lewiston District Office
Wednesday, September 27th
9:00 AM - 10:30AM: Providers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Families and Members
200 Main Street
Lewiston
Conference Rooms A and B
Portland District Office
Thursday, September 28th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Providers
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Families and Members
151 Jetport Boulevard
South Portland
Rooms CR 139 A and B
If you need accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART), American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, please get in touch with Miranda Whalen at [email protected] by September 13th.
- Virtual Public Listening Session Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Service Provider Licensing: The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC) are hosting a virtual listening session to gather input on licensing of service providers for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) receiving services under Sections 18, 20, 21 and 29.
As part of Maine’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Transition to Compliance Plan (TCP), the state has committed to reviewing licensing requirements to resolve any conflict with HCBS settings standards. Stakeholders can attend this listening session to provide input on proposed changes. Also, a Department proposal to license IDD providers by agency rather than by service location, was approved by the Legislature and rules will be adopted in the coming months for a proposed implementation date of July 1, 2024. See PL 2023, c. 89.
This listening session will be held via Zoom on Monday, September 18th, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Please register at this link to attend:
https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcu-qrT4sHNKaqrT1jzdubsXGUNTDU-wW
If you require accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART) American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, please contact Miranda Whalen at [email protected] by Friday, September 8, 2023.
- “A PATH FOR ME” SIS-A UPDATES AND QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS Assessments for Sections 21 and 29: Please join the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and Maximus, our “A Path for ME” assessment vendor. The session will offer updates and time for questions/answers. The sessions will focus on the Supports Intensity Scale for Adults 2nd Edition (SIS-A) needs assessments. These needs assessments will be for Sections 21 and 29 members and those on the waitlists. They will be required for participation in the developing ‘Lifespan Waiver’.
We invite you to attend these sessions to learn about the SIS-A in Maine. There will also be time for attendees to ask questions.
There is an upcoming session scheduled for September 14th from 4-5PM.
All attendees are required to register for each session using the links below. A link to join the Zoom session will be sent to your email after you have registered.
September 14th from 4 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdO2hpzgqHNw2gVOmm8_xLHWsAJa0F76y
If you need an accommodation, such as real time transcription and captioning (CART) or American Sign Language (ASL) or other language interpretation, please contact Miranda Whalen at [email protected]. - MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cullen: Thank you for being here today, Betsy! I also want to thank you for all of the work you put in over the Legislative Session, and over the past couple of years – there is a lot going on and thank you for all you do!
DHHS – Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs - No update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr - No update
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No update
SMACT (Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition):
Nancy Peavy could not attend today’s meeting but provided the following information to Cullen in advance of today’s meeting:
I wanted to let you know that SMACT is ending. The two people who were running it with me have left due to other commitments. Meeting attendance dropped off sharply last year with many members retiring. The SMACT advisory board reached the conclusion that SMACT has come to the end of its natural lifespan at a time when there is a wealth of transition resources readily available online. Thank you for including SMACT in your meetings and minutes over so many years!
Cullen: I’m sorry to hear this and hope that the SMACT members will continue to be involved with and attend Coalition meetings so that this legacy can be continued. It has been a pleasure collaborating with SMACT.
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) Update:
Staci Converse: I wanted to remind everyone that the SUFU Conference is happening next week, and I want to encourage people to have as many self-advocates as they can go. We’re having weekly Youth Self-Advocate Virtual Info Sessions that anyone can join on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We continue to work with people on guardianship issues, including amending/terminating guardianship. I wanted to remind you that if anyone is concerned about the actions of a guardian there is a mechanism within the Probate Court for you to reach out to express concerns as well; it doesn’t have to be initiated by the person.
Cullen: Thank you for being here, Staci!
LD 924 Task Force Update: No Update.
Federal & Housing Updates:
Cullen:
- FY 24 Budget – Congress just returned from August recess and Congressional leaders are discussing how to keep the federal government funded after 9/30, when the new fiscal year begins, and avoid a government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) agree that a short-term continuing resolution (CR) will be necessary to keep the federal government funded and give members of Congress more time to reach a final agreement on FY 24 spending bills.
- Senate FY 24 T HUD Appropriation Bill: On 7/20 the Senate T-HUD Appropriations Committee released its FY 24 spending bill. Overall, the bill provides $70.06 billion for HUD’s affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs, an increase of $8.26 billion (or slightly more than 13%) over FY23-enacted levels. However, HUD needs to increase funding by approximately $13 billion just to maintain existing levels of assistance. Though, the Senate draft proposes $1.86 billion more in funding for HUD’s vital affordable housing and homelessness programs than the draft spending bill released by the U.S. House of Representatives on 7/11. The Senate THUD bill provides increased funding for key HUD programs, particularly those vital to getting or keeping people with the lowest incomes housed.
- House FY 24 Appropriation Bills (including HUD): On 7/27, the House Committee on Appropriations approved all 12 of its FY 24 appropriations bills, including the FY24 THUD spending bill. The bill proposes funding HUD at $68.2 billion, a $6.4 billion (or roughly 10%) increase to HUD programs over previously enacted levels. HUD needs an approximately $13 billion increase in funding over current levels just to maintain existing assistance. The spending bill proposes deep cuts to or even elimination of some HUD programs but appears to adequately fund most rental assistance programs.
- S 570, Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2023 – Introduced by Senator Cardin, this bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must develop oral health quality and equity measures and conduct outreach relating to such coverage. Additionally, the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to adult oral health care.
- SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act – This bipartisan, bicameral bill will be reintroduced tomorrow, 9/12, by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The bill will update SSI’s asset limits for the first time since the 1980s to ensure people with disabilities and seniors are able to prepare themselves for a financial emergency without putting the benefits that they rely on to live at risk.
- S 1557/ HR 3238 The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act – Senator Angus King cosponsored bipartisan legislation to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country – including thousands in Maine. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to provide more homes for low-income people, support small businesses trying to attract workers, and fill the state’s gap of more than 20,000 affordable housing units. It appears this bill has strong bipartisan support, increasing its likelihood for passage.
State Legislature Update – No additional updates
The group again thanked Laura for all of her work not only at the Legislature, but for her work with MACSP in general.
Other Business:
- It is Direct Support Recognition Week nationally and in Maine as well.
The next meeting will be on Monday, October 16, 2023, 12-2pm, via Zoom*.
***Please note this is the third Monday of the month due to the holiday***
Featured Speaker and Topic TBD.
Unless changed, Coalition meetings are on the 2nd Monday of the month from 12-2pm.
(In 2023 the October meeting will be the 3rd Monday due to the holiday)
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].