Greetings Robin, Karen, Shannon, Gina, Sue and Like Please find the below message sent to Senator Vratil today.
We need to let all the committee know we want them to work this bill, with NO Changes or AMENDMENTS, soon. 
 
Please take a few minutes to thank Chairperson Harrington for the hearing and that we look forward to the committee taking final action now.  Here is a copy of a letter I sent to her today also.
 
Thanks and KDRACH will be getting something more concrete around soon!  Please get those letters, faxes, phone calls and e-mails going into Nancey Harrington, remember thank her and encourage final action in committee, with no amendments to the house version!
 
Thanks!
 
 

Kansas Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing

Topeka Office

501 SW Jackson                      785-233-4572 (v/tty)

Topeka, KS  66603              785-233-0779 (fax)

 

 

Important Memo

 

 

February 21, 2002

 

To:            Honorable Senator Harrington,

            Chairperson, Federal and State Affairs Committee

State Capitol – Room 143-N     Fax 296-6718

 

From:   Becca Vaughn

 

RE:       HB 2020

 

Dear Senator Harrington,

 

            Thank you for taking the interest in HB 2020 and holding hearings yesterday.  Members of the Kansas Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (KDRACH) and other supporters of “Visitability” were honored to have the opportunity to address you and your committee on this important public policy legislation.

            I would like to address the concern raised on the possible lose of future funding which Senator Vratil brought up at the hearing.  We feel that the Department of Commerce and Housing is best suited to address the issue of severity for non-compliance through the rules and regulations process.  The Department of Housing will be the administrating office and have a long history of interacting with recipients of state financial assistance.  Given this record they are in a position to better issue what the consequences of noncompliance to HB 2020 might entail.  The disability advocates and other supporters of HB 2020 have full confidence in that department to create fair and balanced rules and regulations which will serve the needs of it’s recipients while achieving full compliance to HB 2020.

We would ask for your support in moving this bill out of your committee, with no minor amendments.  We look forward to knowing when you will work this bill and take final committee action, thus continuing it’s journey through the halls of state democracy.

 

Again, thank you for holding the hearing and we encourage final committee action very soon.  If I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to call me at 233-4572, or fax at 233-0779 or e-mail at TILRCBV@TILRC.org .

 

 

----- Original Message -----
From: Tilrcbv
To: jvratil@lathropgage.com ; vratil@senate.state.ksus
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 9:56 AM
Subject: HB 2020

Dear Senator Vratil thank you for your interest in HB 2020 at the hearing yesterday and for your past support of SB 304 in the 2000 session.
 
Please find the memo below concerning penalties for non-compliance to the 5 features as contained in HB 2020.
 
I would be happy to visit with you on this or any other issue you may have concerns with. 
 
We would encourage no amendments at this time as we believe a delay would not benefit Kansas.  It is our understanding that any change however small would make the bill eligible for conference committee and we would like to see the bill come before the full Senate for a vote in the very near future.
 
I do concur with your concern, however I feel the Department of Commerce and Housing are best suited to make that determination through the rules and regulatory process.
 
Thank you for your time and attention and we ask for your continued support.
 
Have a nice day and take care.
 
Respectfully Becca Vaughn
 

Kansas Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing

Topeka Office

501 SW Jackson                      785-233-4572 (v/tty)

Topeka, KS  66603              785-233-0779 (fax)

 

 

Important Memo

 

February 21, 2002

 

To:            Honorable Senator Vratil

            Member Federal and State Affairs Committee

State Capitol – Room 120-S

 

From:   Becca Vaughn

 

RE:       HB 2020

 

Dear Senator Vratil,

 

            Thank you for taking the interest in HB 2020 and participating in the hearings yesterday.  Members of the Kansas Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (KDRACH) and other supporters of “Visitability” were honored to have the opportunity to address the committee on this important public policy legislation.

            I would like to address the concern you raised on the possible lose of future funding in the event of non-compliance. You asked if we would be opposed to an amendment clarifying this section.  While we are not opposed to the idea and do in fact support clarity, as I stated at the hearing we feel that the Department of Commerce and Housing is best suited to address this issue through the rules and regulations process.  The Department of Housing will be the administrating office and have a long history of interacting with recipients of state financial assistance.  Given this record they are in a position to better understand and issue regulations on possible consequences of noncompliance to HB 2020 might entail.  The disability advocates and other supporters of HB 2020 have full confidence in that department to create fair and balanced rules and regulations which will serve the needs of it’s recipients while achieving full compliance to HB 2020. This issue was raised during the interim committee and the above option was the consensus. 

We would ask for your support in moving this bill out of your committee, with no minor amendments.  The Visitability concept is now in it’s 4th session and we would support it’s continuing journey through the halls of state democracy.  The House passed the bill, the Senate passed similar (thank you for your yes vote) and we believe it is sound public policy that will serve our state well.

I would be interested in discussing this more, please do not hesitate to call me at 233-4572, or fax at 233-0779 or e-mail at TILRCBV@TILRC.org . Thanks again!