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Certainty Amid Uncertainty
03/07/2011 03:26PM
by Jim Copeland, Executive Director

As I write this, the legislature is almost halfway through the 60 day session. There are a lot of unknowns that are circulating regarding the services that Alta Mira provides. What we are hearing is that the budget for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD Waiver) has not been reduced. We won’t know for sure until the state budget is passed and signed by the Governor. Work is being finalized on the Waiver rewrite. We haven’t received any information on the details of the new waiver.

There have been cost containment measures implemented in the DD Waiver to address projected budget shortfalls. Alta Mira has been able to absorb those cost containments at this time. We may have to revisit that stance beginning July 1 based on what the budget and new waiver required

There are two pieces of legislation that impact the early intervention program. Like all state funded programs, the early intervention system is projecting a deficit for next fiscal year. The two bills, Senate Bill 297 and Senate Bill 330, are being considered to address the deficit.    Senate Bill 297 will increase the revenue available for the program. Senate Bill 330 will reduce the number of children the program serves. Both of these bills are working their way through the legislative process.

With all of the unknowns out there, the one think I do know is that Alta Mira will continue to provide quality services and supports for the families that have chosen us to assist them. We know and believe that our families deserve our best effort. I encourage you to visit our website and review our Annual Report  to learn more about Alta Mira and what we do.  (Don’t pay any attention to the really old guy at the top of the first page! We are still trying to figure out who he is.) If you have questions about Alta Mira or the supports or services we provide, please feel free to contact me at jcopeland@altamiranm.org. 

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