CALL TO ACTION: Help Needed on HB 1001

INARF anticipates the House Ways and Means Committee will release their draft of the budget, House Bill 1001, early next week.  Based on the current fiscal climate of the state, our request for $80,000,000 over the biennium for Direct Support Professional wage increases is unattainable.  Therefore, we are updating our request and WE NEED YOUR HELP REQUESTING SUPPORT FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVES FOR OUR APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET. 

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​INARF is requesting additional appropriations, in the amount of $23,100,000 per year in order to increase rates for certain DSP-delivered waiver services by 10% to raise the statewide average DSP wage to $13.00 an hour.
 
We have updated our Voter Voice message to reflect this change and are updating our talking points as well.  In the meantime, please reach out to your Representative and request their support of the following appropriations in the House budget:

• $23,100,000 per year to increase DSP wages
• $3,000,000 per year to increase funding for Vocational Rehabilitation services
• $22,200,000 in year one and $25,600,000 in year two for First Steps services
• $3,200,000 per year to increase Case Management rates

 
This is a critical time in the Session and we need our voices to be heard!  We encourage you to share our Voter Voice link with your clients, families, Board Members, and employees so they can email their Representatives and urge their support of the industry and these important requests for appropriations for issues impacting Hoosiers with disabilities.
 
Feel free to contact me with any questions you have.
 
Thank you for your help with this vital ask!