Legislative Session Begins
Posted January 9, 2012 by Mandy Smith in Advocacy, Legislative Updates
Today at 2:00pm the Kansas House and Senate will convene to start the 2012 Legislative Session. This promises to be one of the busiest, and maybe toughest sessions in recent years.
All eyes are on the Senate as it is an election year for them and the coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats that stood together the last 2 years to stave off very damaging legislation will certainly be under fire.The House is most decidedly in Governor Brownback’s pocket and have the will and power to push through his ultra-conservative agenda.
The items that will be of particular note to the disability community are big ones this year:
- Medicad Reform ushering in Managed Care
- The Executive Reorganization Order that will combine aging and disability services and all of Medicaid under the new Department of Aging and Disability Services
- An expected push to significantly lower or even end the income tax
- Employment initiatives aimed towards Kansans with disabilities that have yet to be revealed
- Funding Centers for Independent Living and Consumer Run Organizations as well as the usual budgetary items
We are very busy working to introduce an advocacy plan for this session that will utilize the strengths and voices of the consumers we serve to their fullest potential. Check back for regular updates from the Statehouse and contact your local RCIL office to find out how to become involved.
“Nothing about us without us!”
