March 8, 2002

The House sub committee on SRS met all week to hear testimony and to
deliberate on the SRS Budget. PLEASE call or send a note to members of that
committee for their patience and respect that they showed the citizens of
Kansas.  They listened, asked questions and remained in the room to hear all
that people had to say. It was remarkable.  Special appreciation and thanks
to Melvin Neufeld, committee Chair.

Also thanks to all who came and sat through the testimony and who gave very
compelling testimony especially the gentleman from Topeka, Bill Long, Bob
Mikesic, Lou Ann Kibbee, Stephanie Sanford, Shannon Jones, Mike Oxford and
Kirk Lowery. If I've forgotten anyone, I apologize, but thanks.

The bottom line is the following recommendations will be made sometime next
week to the full appropriations committee:

1. Look at means testing for all programs, including SGF and State Aid. 
2. Look at equalizing rates for services across waivers, going with the
higher rate.
3. Rethink the idea of doing background checks on parents and guardians
(Laura Howard told them there is already a work group studying this).
4.SRS is directed to meet with the advocates to report back on eight points
identified in testimony regarding DD Waiver (click her for testimony
given by me on March 6th)
5. SRS meet with advocates, providers to develop pilot projects for
transition program for the PD and DD Waiver.

They did not talk about LOC scores in discussion last night, but did get
numbers from SRS on what savings would be by raising scores up to 50. 
Because they already added language in the Aging budget to, as a last resort
consider raising scores to 50, I don't think they needed to repeat that in
this budget, but we'll update you when the final report comes out.

We did, as some of you asked reminded them that as they look at taking people
off services to keep in mind that there are still people who have scores of
15 to 25 still on the waiver.  Our point was not to "tell on" pole, but to
consider people with least needs before going after people with greatest
needs.

More to come next week.