Tag: Governor Newsom

In Case You Missed It: Governor Newsom Releases Statement in Honor of Direct Support Professionals

Last week, organizations across the U.S. celebrated National Direct Support Professional Week in various ways. But most importantly, the disability community recognized the value and critical role DSPs play in the lives of those with developmental disabilities. In California, Governor Newsom released an official statement commemorating DSP week. In case you missed it, we wanted to share it with all of you.

Click HERE to read the Governor’s full statement.

Pictured above is the support team at The Arc of Ventura’s Day Program. “These extraordinary individuals pour their passion and dedication into every interaction, supporting individuals with grace and kindness. They are the unsung heroes who make independence a reality, transform challenges into opportunities, and foster a culture of inclusivity. As we honor our direct support professionals, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering commitment to improving lives and building brighter, more inclusive futures,” said Arc of Ventura in a Facebook post. We couldn’t agree more!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making DSP Recognition Week memorable and special, including the Governor.

The Lanterman Coalition Responds to Governor Newsom’s May Revise Budget Proposal

The Lanterman Coalition, consisting of major stakeholders in California’s community-based developmental disabilities services system, released the following official response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Budget May Revision (The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, as members of The Lanterman Coalition, endorse this statement):

The Lanterman Coalition appreciates Governor Gavin Newsom for reaffirming his support for Californians with developmental disabilities in his proposed 2023-24 May Revise budget by maintaining the commitments made for community-based services and supports.

We applaud the administration for proposing targeted investments to make reasonable wage adjustments for some regional center service coordinators. The workforce shortage, however, continues to impact all individuals with disabilities and we hope similar adjustments will be made for all regional center service coordinators. Similarly, the proposed increase for Independent Living Services can serve as a model for other rate adjustments.

Staffing shortages across the disability system continue to be the most significant barrier to individuals with disabilities and their families receiving adequate support service. The pandemic continues to impact the ability for staffing, which is a growing concern for the disability community at large. To adequately meet these needs, service providers and regional centers across the state will require a funding structure that allows them to hire, train and maintain staff.

We are ready to work with the Legislature and Administration to continue the efforts to build a stable and outcomes-driven system, providing Californians with disabilities throughout their lifespan equal opportunities and access to the services and supports needed to thrive.

Show your support and take action now by sending an email to the Governor and your legislator at https://p2a.co/9nfVaAC 

Developmental Services Spared From Cuts in Governor Newsom’s May Revise Budget

Friday, May 12, Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revision proposal for the state budget, which includes proposals for spending on critical services such as regional centers, In Home Support Services (IHSS), Medi-Cal, and Education. After two years of unprecedented growth and a $100 billion surplus last year, the state faces a $32 billion shortfall this year due to state revenues dependency on capital gains, and advocates were concerned that the Governor may propose cuts or delays to investments in critical services and supports. The proposed budget, however, includes no cuts and a few new investments, including:

  • Service Provider Rate Reform: Independent Living Services—The May Revision includes $15 million ($8.5 million General Fund) beginning January 2024 to adjust Independent Living Services rate assumptions to align the types of services provided with more equivalent occupations, such as teachers, social and human service assistants, and rehabilitation counselors. Resources increase to an estimated ongoing $60 million ($34 million General Fund) beginning in 2024-25.
  • Coordinated Family Support Services—The May Revision includes $18 million ($10.8 million General Fund) to continue funding the Coordinated Family Support pilot program through June 2024, which is currently funded through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Spending Plan. The program is designed to assist adults living with their families in coordinating the receipt and delivery of multiple services, including generic services.
  • Cost-Sharing and Fee Programs—The May Revision continues suspension of the Annual Family Program Fee and the Family Cost Participation Program until December 31, 2023, to allow regional centers to restart assessments. Prior to the 2022 Budget Act, both programs had been suspended during the COVID-19 Pandemic through department directive. DDS conducted stakeholder discussions and will report on those conversations as part of the May Revision.

The May Revision summary and detailed version can be found here.

The May Revision highlights for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) can be found here.

VIEW BY TOPIC