EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCY HEADS TELL THEIR NEEDS. In virtually every advocacy meeting, the question arises on whether the state recognizes the many supports and services needed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is referred to as the agency head's “Independent Assessment of Needs.” This year the Governor required agency heads to complete by September 15. It will then be transmitted to the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker. In the last legislative session, the previous Director did not request a rate increase for any service; we are optimistic this session since there is new leadership at many of the agencies. As agency heads talk to families, meet clients, and visit providers, we can all be hopeful that the Independent Assessment of Needs addresses the many needs and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Legislative Budget Request is considered as the first domino in this process. If the rate increase is contained in the Agency of Person with Disabilities, Agency Health Care Administration, and other social service budget requests, it will be the major step in our legislative advocacy. This is the first place legislators will look when evaluating funding.
The September 15 deadline is followed by the Governor’s Legislative Budget Request and it is critical that the person responsible for giving an independent assessment sees this need. The distinction between Agency Head and Governor Legislative Budget Recommendations is that Agency Heads are focused on their own views based on their individual budget. The Governor, on the other hand, will need to have a balanced budget and has responsibility for the entire state government budget. We will keep you updated during this process.
