STATE and LOCAL ISSUES
This page has information on state and local issues of interest to people with disabilities:
News
Governor makes cabinet appointment, From KTKA TV 49 News, February 03, 2012
SRS admits lax investigation of abuse reports, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 02, 2012
Kansas' largest insurer declines participation in Brownback's Medicaid reform, By Dion Lefler, Kansas City Star, February 02, 2012
Testimony favors diversion agreements for the mentally ill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 01, 2012
Nursing home administrators pan abuse hotline, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 31, 2012
Lt. Gov. touts plan to push jobs for disabled, By The Associated Press, January 30, 2012
Committee to hear mental health diversion bill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 27, 2012
Administration starts process for Medicaid waiver request, By KHI News Service, January 27, 2012
Committee endorses confict-of-interest bill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 26, 2012
Attorney says bilking Medicaid is easy, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 25, 2012
In Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback drives a rightward shift, By John Gramlich, Stateline, Janauary 25, 2012
Moreno resigns deputy secretary post at SRS, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 24, 2012
Senator calls for delay of governor's KanCare plan, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 23, 2012
Verification system off to a rocky start, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 23, 2012
Gov.'s tax plan floundering in Legislature, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 20, 2011
Bill would take developmentally disabled services out of Medicaid makeover plan, By KHI News Service, January 20, 2012
Medicaid reform concerns disabled Kansans, By Andy Marso, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 20, 2011
Governor hints at money targeted for waiting-list problem, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 20, 2012
Spokesmen for the developmentally disabled pan Brownback Medicaid plan, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 19, 2012
Area agency turns back United Way funding, By Aly Van Dyke, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 19, 2012
Bill attempts to address conflicts of interest among providers, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 19, 2012
Mental health centers voice conditional support for Medicaid makeover, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 18, 2012
Board member wants TMTA to be 'proactive', By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 17, 2011
Doctor and hospital groups endorse KanCare plan, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 17, 2012
Kelly queries Colyer on Medicaid proposal, By Andy Marso, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 17, 2011
Law change could put fate of violent mentally ill in hands of judges, By Joe Lambe, Kansas City Star, January 17, 2011
Changes to Medicaid sowing uncertainty, By Rick Plumlee, The Wichita Eagle, January 14, 2011
Brownback officials challenged on Medicaid plan, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 12, 2012
Brownback’s tax plan hits home with end of mortgage deduction, By Brad Cooper and Mark Davis, Kansas City Star, January 12, 2012
Brownback tax plan would harm poor families, advocates say, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 12, 2012
KDHE chief describes Medicaid plan to Senate committee, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 11, 2012
Brownback proposes income tax cut, By Andy Marso, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 11, 2011
Deadline for Medicaid managed care proposals extended again, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 10, 2012
Shawnee Co. lawmakers dig into full plate, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 09, 2012
Health issues facing the 2012 Legislature, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 09, 2012
Brownback has full agenda awaiting legislators as session starts Monday, By Scott Rothschild, Lawrence Journal-World, January 7, 2012
Live coverage planned for State of the State speech, By KHI News Service, January 06, 2012
KDHE names top Medicaid replacements, By KHI News Service, January 05, 2012
Legislators wait for Medicaid reform details, By Andy Marso, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 04, 2011
Legislators aim to revamp oversight committee, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 03, 2012
Legislators pose questions about Medicaid managed care, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 20, 2011
TMTA's multimodal project stalled, By Aly Van Dyke, Topeka Capital-Journal, December 19, 2011
Kansas mental health centers face growing pressures, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 19, 2011
Breakthrough House takes funding hit, By Corey Jones, Topeka Capital-Journal, December 17, 2011
Kansas welfare chief stepping down, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 15, 2011
Auditors report potential cost savings at KNI, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 13, 2011
Drug tampering cases show gaps in nurse regulation in Kansas, By Roxana Hegeman, Associated Press, December 11, 2011
Kansas Medicaid makeover part of a nationwide trend, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 05, 2011
TMTA seeks grant for transportation center, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 21, 2011
Healthcare Schemes Happening in Kansas, From the Kansas Department on Aging, November 28, 2011
Kansas gets Medicare fraud prevention grant, By Phil Cauthon, KHI News Service, November 22, 2011
Topeka Metro discusses hub construction, By Aly Van Dyke, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 21, 2011
Donations, volunteers sought for annual meal, By Phil Anderson, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 17, 2011
Legislators hear details of Medicaid reforms, By John Milburn, Associated Press, November 15, 2011
Public transit focus of informational meeting, By Aly Van Dyke, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 14, 2011
Brownback announces managed care for all in Medicaid, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, November 08, 2011
Brownback seeks $850M in Medicaid savings, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 08, 2011
Medicaid makeover plan coming Tuesday, From KHI News Service, November 07, 2011
State hospital faces major patient influx, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, November 02, 2011
Improving intercity bus service in Kansas, From the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), November 01, 2011
Brownback officials: Medicaid managed care contract being drafted, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, October 25, 2011
Facility calls for 48-hour workweeks, By John Green, The Hutchinson News, September 30, 2011
Bus fares go up Saturday, By Topeka Capital-Journal, September 29, 2011
Agencies choose vendor for new home-care tracking system, From KHI News Service, September 29, 2011
Without big changes, Medicaid is imperiled, Kansas lieutenant governor says, By Brent D. Wistrom, The Wichita Eagle, September 19, 2011
Three cabinet secretaries brief lawmakers on health policy changes, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, September 19, 2011
Higher bus fares to take effect Oct. 1, By Angela Deines, Topeka Capital-Journal, September 19, 2011
SRS contractor problems hashed out on Facebook, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, September 14, 2011
Transit patrons question need for higher fares, By Fredrick J. Johnson, Topeka Capital-Journal, September 07, 2011
Reform plan would divert nursing home residents to assisted living, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, September 05, 2011
SRS makes deals with locals to keep offices open, From KHI News Service, September 01, 2011
SRS to keep Pratt office open, By John Milburn, Associated Press, August 31, 2011
Bus services, fares to be addressed, From the Topeka Capital-Journal, August 31, 2011
Brownback officials ink deal for new Medicaid eligibility system, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, August 31, 2011
Fraud suspected at SRS contractor, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 29, 2011
Newly formed Kansans United plans rally against Brownback policies, By John Milburn, Associated Press, August 27, 2011
TMTA to conduct hearings on higher fares, By Fredrick J. Johnson, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 27, 2011
SRS releases spending cut list, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 26, 2011
SRS to release plan for cutting budget, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 23, 2011
Cities mull paying to keep SRS offices, From the Associated Press, August 23, 2011
DD council director removed from office, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 23, 2011
Modernized Medicaid enrollment system up in the air, By Jim McLean, KHI News Service, August 22, 2011
Brownback officials host final Medicaid makeover forum, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, August 18, 2011
Lower costs and better care not incompatible, By Jim McLean, KHI News Service, August 16, 2011
TMTA considering rate hike, By Fredrick J. Johnson, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 15, 2011
Colyer closer to Medicaid reform diagnosis, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 13, 2011
Attorney questions state's waiting lists, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 11, 2011
Brownback’s snub of federal grant hurts Kansas, A Kansas City Star editorial, August 11, 2011
SRS reverses decision to close Lawrence office, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 09, 2011
Kansas rejects $31.5 million for insurance exchange, By Phil Cauthon, Jim McLean and Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 09, 2011
Council to hold public budget hearing, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 06, 2011
Lt. Governor, Medicaid Working Group Announce Details of Final Medicaid Public Input Forum, From the Office of Governor Brownback, August 05, 2011
SRS drops support for training program, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 02, 2011
SRS won't ask judges to slow mental hospital commitments, By KHI News Service , August 02, 2011
SRS names fraud director, By KHI News Service , August 01, 2011
SRS will ask judges to slow referrals to state mental hospitals, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 28, 2011
SRS consolidation mired in controversy, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 26, 2011
Feds soon to cite several states for failure to serve the disabled, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 22, 2011
Douglas County officials tallying costs of planned SRS closure, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, July 19 (Update July 20), 2011
Closure of Lawrence SRS office angers residents, By Jan Biles, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 16, 2011
Federal officials scrutinizing Kansas policies for the disabled, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 14, 2011
Statewide Independent Living Council Notice of Hearings, From the Kansas Register, Vol. 30, No. 28 July 14, 2011
Brownback administration posts Website for Medicaid tips, By KHI News Service, July 12, 2011
Church crowd in Lawrence protests SRS office closing, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, July 11, 2011
Dodge City Medicaid forum draws 200, By Phil Cauthon, KHI News Service, July 08, 2011
Medicaid forum generates long list of reform ideas, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 07, 2011
Governor says he hopes clients are spared with coming Medicaid cuts, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, July 06, 2011
Legislation
HB 2673 would create a Medicaid provider assessment on nursing facilities in Kansas. Revenue from the assessment would be used to finance initiatives to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of care in Kansas in both nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver Programs. TILRC testified in favor of increasing the amount of revenue raised by the tax that goes to HCBS programs to 20%.
Update of the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (HB 2533) - This bill would amend the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) in order to align the KAAD with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. The ADAAA makes important changes to the definition of the term "disability" by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and portions of EEOC's ADA regulations. These changes make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability within the meaning of the ADA.
The Community Attendant Worker Act (SB 566) - This bill from the 2007/2008 Session asks for a study to be conducted that will provide annual reports to the legislature detailing the amount of funding needed to properly compensate attendants for work and mileage as well as how to provide attendants access to quality, affordable health insurance. (Although SB 566 do not pass this session, SRS plans to include the study called for in the legislation as part of a study on systems capacity building funded through the Systems Transformation Grant)
Advocacy Organizations and Informational Resources
AARP Kansas is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
The Assistive Technology for Kansans Project has established an Interagency Equipment Loan System that contains a variety of devices that people in Kansas can borrow on a trial basis, before they purchase equipment for themselves. The Kansas Equipment Exchange offers reconditioned durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs and lifts, availabe for Kansans who meet the guidlines. ATK also maintains an Equipment Bulletin Board where consumers may search for a broader range of items that they wish to buy or post items they have for sale.
The Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas Inc. advances the interest of CMHCs and the individuals they serve. The primary goal of CMHCs is to provide quality care, treatment and rehabilitation to individuals with mental health problems in the least restrictive environment. The CMHCs provide services to all those needing it, regardless of economic level, age or type of illness.
The Kansas Audio-Reader Network is a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print disabled individuals in Kansas and western Missouri. Services are offered free of charge to anyone in our listening area who is unable to read normal printed material.
The Big Tent Coalition is a coalition of social service providers in Kansas.
Community Supports and Services (CSS) manages a system of community based supports and services for persons with disabilities. Those supports and services, are delivered in partnerships with organized networks and funded through a variety of federal, state, local, and private sources. Community service providers reflect a variety of private not-for-profit and for-profit organizations as well as governmental entities.
KDHE Division of Health Care Finance (formerly Kansas Health Policy Authority) is the principal health care agency for the state of Kansas. DHCF serves as the single state Medicaid agency in Kansas and is responsibel for administering the medical portion of the Kansas Medicaid program, as well as the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, also known as "HealthWave"); MediKan, which provides coverage for certain low-income, disabled Kansans; the State Employee Health Program; and the State Self-Insurance Fund
Envision is a private, not-for-profit agency uniquely combining employment opportunities with rehabilitation services and public education. Our Mission To enhance the personal independence of individuals whose blindness or low vision, often accompanied by other disabilities, impacts their opportunities for employment, success, and integration into community life.
Kansas Donated Dental Services is a project initiated by the National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped and the Kansas Dental Association. Its purpose is to provide free, comprehensive care for people who are permanently disabled, elderly and medically compromised who are unable to afford dental care. The Kansas dentists volunteering for DDS donate services in their own offices. Dental laboratories contribute services.
Families Together is the Parent Training and Information center serving Kansas families who include a son/daughter with disabilities. We train and inform parents and professionals, help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities, work to improve education results for all children, resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies and connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.
The Gallaudet University Regional Center at Johnson County Community College offers extension courses, training workshops and technical assistance to address the educational, transition, and professional development needs from birth through adulthood of deaf and hard of hearing people, their families and professionals who work with them.
Official website for the Governor of Kansas.
Kansas.gov is the official website for the State of Kansas.
Kansas Action Network, Inc. or KAN, is a broad based coalition for workers' rights, social justice and economic fairness seeking a common ground in the pursuit of a just society. We call upon our common values in order to educate, organize and mobilize on issues that will improve the working and living conditions for all men, women, and children in Kansas.
The Kansas Assistive Technology Co-Operative (KATCO) provides Kansans with disabilities and their families access to financial resources for acquiring assistive technology. Families on fixed incomes, or who have credit problems related to disabilities, may qualify for loans. KATCO offers assistance with a combination of education, savings and low interest borrowing.
The Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL), represents 12 Centers for Independent Living (CILs). Centers provide services to people with disabilities of all ages. Centers for Independent Living also provide assistance to businesses and all other entities in the community to assist them in offering services to people with disabilities. We advocate at a state and national level for the rights of all people with disabilities to live in the communities of their choice.
The Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved (KAMU) is the state Primary Care Association (PCA) and is charged with providing training, technical assistance to, and advocacy on behalf of, federally-funded Community Health Centers in Kansas. KAMU's Mission is to promote access to high quality, culturally sensitive, comprehensive, cost effective primary health care services for the medially underserved in the state, regardless of ability to pay.
The Kansas Attorney General's Office, promoting human dignity through justice with compassion and professional excellence.
The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocates for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.
The Kansas Department on Aging uses public and private resources to improve the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors, their families, seniors’ caregivers and all Kansans living in adult care homes.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) optimizes the promotion and protection of the health of Kansans through efficient and effective public health programs and services and through preservation, protection and remediation.
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation mission is to enhance Kansas communities with housing opportunities. This goal is achieved through using a variety of strategies and approaches, including increasing homeownership opportunities, leveraging the construction of more affordable rental housing, preserving existing housing through rehabilitation, promoting energy efficiency improvements for owner-occupied and rental housing, providing affordable housing through rent assistance to low-income families and senior citizens, and creating housing opportunities for previously underserved persons and communities.
The Kansas Human Rights Commission investigates complaints alleging discrimination and conducts public education programs designed to prevent discrimination.
The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), partnering to connect Kansans with supports and services to improve lives, protect children and promote adult self-sufficiency.
The Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) empowers students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assume responsible roles in society and to lead fulfilling lives. KSSB strives to establish partnerships with parents, school districts, and community resources to promote access to a high quality education for all Kansas students with visual impairments, regardless of where they attend school.
The Kansas State School for the Deaf provides a barrier-free communication environment which fosters early, fluent communication and on-going fluent communication as a means of broadening horizons and maximizing possibilities.
The Kansas Talking Book Service provides free home delivery of library resources designed to meet the cultural and recreational needs of Kansas citizens unable to use standard print because of a visual or physical impairment.
The Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is designed to assess, plan, develop and provide VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice. By providing services in this way, the VR program enables individuals with disabilities to prepare for and engage in gainful employment.
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) promotes and supports the development of youth with disabilities so they become empowered as community leaders through education, mentoring, and peer support.
The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is a motivational five day forum in which a group of about 30-40 high school juniors and seniors, with various disabilities, come together to learn about leadership, advocacy, and goal setting. Through various small and large sessions, delegates are able to interact with, and learn from each other and successful adults with disabilities. Small sessions give delegates the opportunity to share experiences and explore personal leadership and career plans. Large sessions involve speakers in the community who address everything from resources to assistive technology, from disability history to adaptive recreation.
Keys for Networking, Inc. is a non-profit, 501©3 organization providing information, support, and training to families in Kansas whose children who have educational, emotional, and/or behavioral problems.
KSHousingSearch.org is a housing locator service, sponsored by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which provides detailed information on affordable rental housing available throughout Kansas and allows people to locate housing that best fits their individual needs. The site can be accessed online 24 hours a day and is supported by a toll-free, bilingual call center at 1-877-428-8844, M-F, 9-8 EST.
Mission of Mercy program, sponsored by the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation, is an annual event that provides free dental care to all patients on a first come-first served basis after first receiving a health screen prior to a dental assessment.
The Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas or SACK, is the statewide self-advocate group. SACK is made up of over 20 member local self-advocate groups from all over Kansas. What is a self-advocate group? A self-advocate group is a civic organization for adults with developmental disabilities. The purpose of self-advocate groups is to provide leadership experience, community involvement opportunities and to support the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas develops a State Independent Living Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans, advocates for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives, monitors, reviews, and evaluates the implementation of the plan and is a statewide catalyst for independent living.
Topeka Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Council supports the civil rights of and full integration into Topeka community life for all people with disabilities by working toward providing full access to facilities, programs, services, activities and employment.
Publications
The Intersection between Budget Cuts to Services and Civil Rights of People with Disabilities under the “Olmstead” Decision, Presented to: The House Committee on Long Term Care and Aging, Provided by: Mike Oxford, Executive Director, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center, January 26, 2010 - This testimony presents a cogent argument regarding the necessity for systematic, comprehensive, long range planning to address the future long term care needs of our state that culminates in the development of an Olmstead Plan for the state of Kansas.
Going Home - Is a booklet about home and community based options to institutional care. It explains how TILRC can help you get the healthcare services and supports you need in your own home and community. (printable version in rtf format)
Legislative Procedure in Kansas, Kansas Legislative Research Department, November 2006
Testimony Presented to the House Committee on Appropriations in Support of and Requesting Consideration of Amendments to HB 2673, By Mike Oxford, TILRC Executive Director, March 9, 2010 - HB 2673 would create a Medicaid provider assessment on nursing facilities in Kansas. Revenue from the assessment would be used to finance initiatives to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of care in Kansas in both nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver Programs.