The state budget and programs for those with disabilities

FV Indiana is encouraged by the impact our members and others are having on systems that affect our children.  Many of you have given your input on the proposed eligibility  changes for the Children's Special Health Care Program.  The following update is being distributed by the program:

 

Regarding the possibility of lowering the financial guidelines on July 1st, this statement was received from the CSHCS Director:

"No decisions on eligibility criteria will be made until we receive the final budget."

FV Indiana encourages each of you to continue sharing your perspective with your legislators.  Their budget decisions will be key to the future of this program.  Letters do make a  difference.  Your opinion, added to that of others, does count.  Legislators need to know what their constituents think about budget priorities under consideration.  Your voice does count.   Please continue to contact your legislators to share your perspective on budget priorities during these difficult financial times.

 

Some key points to consider sharing are:

·         Education is a priority for our families just as it is for all Hoosier families.  Local schools will be, and are benefiting, from stimulus dollars to support IDEA (special education).  We hope that the legislators  will support efforts to ensure that those dollars benefit students with disabilities. 

·         Stimulus dollars have also provided critical funding for Medicaid and we support Indiana’s efforts to maintain existing programs and make no cuts to Medicaid. 

·         Proposed funding cuts to the Indiana State Department of Health could adversely impact Indiana’s Children’s Special Health Care program.  We urge the legislators to maintain current eligibility criteria for this critical program

 

A personal email to legislators as they prepare to consider a new state budget is very powerful.  Your email can provide the "face and story" to help legislators understand the importance of these programs.    Please take a few moments to share what state programs and services mean to your family. You can find their contact information at:
http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search