Senate Ways & Means Sub Committee on

Social and Rehabilitation Services

Senator Steve Morris, Chair

April 30, 2003

Thank you for the opportunity to present to you today regarding HB 2067. I am Josie Torrez and represent the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL).

KACIL represents the 13 Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s) around the state. Our mission is to coordinate efforts within Kansas, the United States, and internationally to the extent that these efforts will further independent living for all. KACIL will advocate for the civil rights of Kansans with disabilities, regardless of age.

KACIL supports the passage of HB 2067 which would incorporate the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Kansas into state law.

The SILC was the result of advocacy of many years at a federal level to ensure that consumers, parents and other advocates had a say in how systems are designed and how money is used to support independent living in a state.

The resulting legislation ensures that when Federal dollars come into the state to be used for independent living, that the SILC has equal sign off with the state agency on the state plan, which determines how that money will be used.

This is consistent with our message of consumer control and responsibility. As we empower people with disabilities more, we increase the opportunity for them to move from dependency to independence. As they have a say in how programs are designed, they are more likely to be accountable for their success.

We encourage you to pass HB 2067. It will set the rules for the operation into state law so that the state can ensure the SILC stays true to it’s original intent. Thank you for your support.

Josie Torrez

KACIL

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