Thanks to The Arc of BCS, Family Support Network, & Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living for hosting speakers from The Arc of Texas last night (11/14/13). Speakers from the Arc’s Governmental Affairs division discussed the impact of recent legislation on issues important to people with disabilities.
The purpose of this web post is to provide some links to the information and resources that were discussed — starting with links to the individual organizations that were part of the presentation (those are linked above). Thank you all for your attendance at the event.
Get Involved!
- Sign up for action alerts on the Arc of Texas website by clicking here
- Meet your local legislators and let your voice be heard! The Arc of Texas has training to help you learn how to do this effectively. Locally, one of the core services at BVCIL is advocacy, we can help you learn advocacy skills and organize local legislative visits. You can email info@bvcil.org to request this.
- US Congressional members from Texas
- Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz
- Representative Bill Flores (District 17)
- TX State Legislative Representatives (NOTE: Listed below are the reps based on BVCIL’s address in Bryan. To find your specific representatives, you can enter your address.
- TX State Senate District 5, Senator Charles Schwertner. His local office is on Briarcrest.
- TX State House District 14, Representative John Raney. His local office is on Texas Ave.
- US Congressional members from Texas
Topics Discussed
- Medicaid Waivers — What are they? How do I get them? Here are some resources:
- Comparison of waivers
- Video overview of waivers
- Handout: Home and Community-based Services in Texas (7/1/13)
- Employment Issues
- Social Security Work Incentives
- Employment First legislation (SB45)
About your presenters:
Jeff Miller, J.D., Director of Government Affairs
1-800-252-9729 or (512) 454-6694, ext. 7732
jmiller@thearcoftexas.org
Jeff directs all public policy efforts for The Arc of Texas. He plans, organizes and directs the implementation of The Arc’s governmental affairs and advocacy efforts to advance its mission and policy positions at the state and federal level. Jeff also represents The Arc of Texas before volunteers, local chapters, elected officials, state agency staff and other policy makers. In addition, Jeff works to support and coordinate volunteers to facilitate their involvement in advocacy activities and networks with allied organizations and coalitions to advance high priority issues that impact persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ginger Mayeaux, MSSW, Advocacy Specialist
1-800-252-9729 ext. 7760 or (512) 454-485-9746
gmayeaux@thearcoftexas.org
Ginger establishes positive working relationships with The Arc of Texas staff and volunteers to assist them in understanding and promoting full participation in the community for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, she assists in issue development; supports and empowers volunteers to participate in advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels; provides research on issues effecting the IDD population; represents The Arc of Texas at meetings hearings and visits with legislative and agency leaders or staff. Ginger aslo works will allied organizations and coalitions to promote collaboration on high priority issues.