The meeting was called to order by David Svedman and roll was called by Lance Davis. Present were: Terry Trego, Debi Sufficool, David Svedman, Eddie Miller, Marcellius Bell, Nina Honeyman, Valerie Williams, Dyann Arnett, Wanda Felty, Teri Egner, Lance Davis, Theresa Flannery, Katie Kissinger, John Gajda, Dee Blose, and Ken Talley. Those absent were: John Corpolongo, Freda Cowart, Kim Beach, Cassell Lawson, Melissa Middleton, Willard Watkins.
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved (04-13-10).
Comments from Jim Nicholson, DDSD Director
Nicholson gave an update on the budget situation. He said the rally at the capitol for support of services for people with developmental disabilities was a large factor in the outcome of the budget for the year. The budget for DHS was not as bad as first thought, with only a $20 million reduction from last year. Of that $20 million reduction, DDSD’s portion will be $5.2 million. Jim recapped the efforts DDSD has made over the last year to reduce costs, including a self-imposed hiring freeze, using carryover money, and internal reductions. He also noted that the state is reporting revenues a little above projections. Jim went on to talk about FMAP, and the pending expiration date of 12/31/10. It was thought FMAP might be extended until 6/30/11, but now that doesn’t seem to be likely. When the FMAP ends, projected budget shortfalls could be $18 million for FY-11 and $36 million for FY-12. All one-time money will be gone at the end of 2010. Jim stated we won’t be able to survive both the end of FMAP and a revenue failure, but could survive loss of one of those.
Legislative Update
Samantha Galloway gave a legislative update on the following bills:
- Extension of the Group Home Advisory Board until 7/1/14
- Self directed Services for Recipients of the IHSW
- Provider Fee (if CMS approval is not granted, would be null and void)
- Kelly’s law (regarding ID theft)
- Additional state holiday, creating an extra day of holiday around Christmas
Interim Studies scheduled include:
- Rep. Billy: SORC
- Rep. Peters: Increase Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Rep. Peters: Home Health Care Act
- Rep. Nelson: Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
- Rep. Steele: Home Health Care Act
- Sen. Crain: Review & Modification of Services DDSD/SORC
New Business
Governor’s Conference Listening Session
Sheree explained that the advisory committee reviews comments from the Listening Session and decides if issues are in the purview of this committee, and something that might require policy or systematic change.
The committee reviewed the list of comments/concerns from the Listening Session. Items that had not previously been addressed were answered, or assigned to the appropriate program area to answer. Once all information is obtained for all comments/concerns, it will be posted on the website.
By Laws Review
David suggested that all members of this committee review the by laws before the October meeting. A recent occurrence was reported where a committee member spoke on behalf of this committee, which is not in accordance with the by laws.
Public Comment
A parent of an individual who currently receives our services, voiced her concern over a policy that cuts her hours as her child’s HTS to 40 hours per week from twelve hours a day, seven days a week. She thinks the policy is very family unfriendly. It was noted that this policy was reviewed by the committee in October of 2009 and became effective 6/30/10. A motion was made, and seconded to add language to the policy (317-40-5-110) for requesting exceptions. The committee voted and approved this motion.
The next meeting of this committee will be held Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. in room C-47 of the Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, Oklahoma City, OK.