Dispatch from Jones St: People First Language Bill Update

 House Bill 353: People First Language was heard in the House Committee on State Government today. Representative Verla Inkso presented on the bill.  This legislation would direct bill draft to use people first language where appropriate when drafting new legislation and new rules.  Karen Stallings, executive director of Self Advocates of North Carolina, spoke to the importance of passing this legislation. Ms. Stallings spoke to the efforts of self advocates across the state who are lobbying to change the way people view the community by shifting focus from the disability to the person.

Words have power and when we use words to limit a group by focusing on a medical diagnosis rather than the inherent worth of the person we do a disservice to our communities. 

This bill received a favorable report and will now be re-referred to the House Health Committee.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

There is a lot happening in North Carolina politics this week.  Today Governor Bev Perdue will address the state and the members of the General Assembly. Her address is scheduled to start at 7:00pm this evening and will be covered on all major news networks.  She will address the serious economic condition of our state and will lay out her plans on how to make North Carolina stronger.  

Speaking of economics, appropriation subcommittees are back on the calendar this week.  We will see joint Health and Human Services appropriation meeting and transportation appropriation meetings.  We know that the economic stimulus money has been directed to our state and the cash is in the pipeline, but there are still questions regarding how the money can be used. Some of these appropriation meetings should begin the process of sorting that out.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Joint)
Mental Health  643LOB

9:00 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Joint) 1228LB

10:00 AM  JUDICIARY II (Senate) 1124 LB
Alt. Testimony/Children and Adults with Disab. (S241)
Rewrite Foreign Money Judgments Laws (S285)

11:00 AM COMMERCE (Senate) 1027LB
Amend Cemetery Act (S18)
Exempt Some Church Facility LU/LA Elevators (S114)

11:00 AM EDUCATION (House) 643 LOB
Healthy Youth Act. (H88)
Communities in Schools Funds. (H185)
Study Raising Compulsory Attendance Age. (H188)

12:00 PM HEALTH (House) 544 LOB
Retired Nurses Return to Work. (H329)
Public Health Technical Changes. (H374)
Authorize Voluntary Medical Registry Program. (H382)

1:00 PM SELECT COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS (Senate) 421LOB
State Hlth Plan $/Good Health Initiatives (S287)

2:00 PM STATE GOVERNMENT/STATE PERSONNEL (House) 1425 LB
Off-Road Vehicle Trust Fund. (H86)
Medicaid Improper Claims Software/Funds. (H190)
People First. (H353)


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Joint)
643 LOB

Medicaid

11:00 AM HEALTH CARE (Senate) 544LOB
Amend Nursing Practice Act (S356)
Medicaid/Hemophilic Drugs/No Prior Auth. (S324)
Special Care Dentistry Collaboration (S188)
Social Security Increase/Medicaid Elig. (S354)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Joint)

643 LOB
CCNC

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

This week we will see the continuing discussion over the deficit in both the current budget and the 2009-2010 budget.  Governor Perdue announced last week that she will begin to move money into the General Fund from programs that will be receiving stimulus money in an attempt to lessen the impact of cuts on the current fiscal year.  There are still multiple discussions happening regarding state employee furloughs and shortening of the state work week.  Looking forward to 2009-2010 we are now getting news that the actual deficit may be as high as $4 billion dollars.  With that news here is what is happening this week.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/HIGHER EDUCATION (Joint) University of NC/Private Colleges Update 421LOB

9:00 AM  APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Joint) 1228LB

11:00 AM EDUCATION (House) 643 LOB
Science Safety in the Public Schools. (H42)
Students Under 16 May Attend Comm. College. (H65)
Encourage Policies to Facilitate Graduation. (H187)

12:00 PM HEALTH (House) 544 LOB
Prohibit Smoking in Public & Work Places. (H2)


Wednesday, March 4, 2009
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/HIGHER EDUCATION (Joint) 421 LOB
Pre-K Programs

9:00 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Joint) 1228LB

11:00 AM HEALTH CARE (Senate) 544 LOB
Special Care Dentistry Collaboration (S188)
Strengthen Disaster Planning/LTC Facilities (S193)
Preparations for Aging Baby Boomers (S195)
Reduce Infant Mortality and Preterm Births (S243)


Thursday, March 5, 2009
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/HIGHER EDUCATION (Joint) 421 LOB
Financial Aid/Escheats Fund

Friday Wrap Up: Bills This Week and Budget Update

North Carolina:

Bills filed:

HB353 People First-Insko
This bill is identical to the Senate bill. It will direct bill drafting to use people first language where appropriate in the writing of new legislation and rules.

SB 309: Capital Procedure/Severe Mental Disability-Kinnaird
This bill is identical to the House bill. It will amend the capital trial, sentencing, and post conviction procedures for a person with a severe mental disability.

Bill Updates:
HB 134: Assault State of Local Officer of Employee-Tucker
An act to raise the criminal offense of simple assault on an officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state from a Class A1 misdemeanor to a Class I felony.


The House Judiciary III committee heard this bill on Thursday, February 26, 2009. The bill is written so broadly that it includes all employees of the state including people who work in our schools and our state institutions. Several members of the committee raised serious concerns with the breadth of the bill. The bill sponsor stated that this was really aimed at protecting people who work in our corrections institutions. That said the majority of the members felt that there needed to be more discussions and more fine tuning of the bill and it was sent to a subcommittee. The members of the subcommittee are Representatives Tillis, Wiley, and Mackey. A fiscal note was also ordered for the bill.


HB 2: Prohibit Smoking in Public & Work Places-Holliman
This bill would prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment.

On Thursday the House Health committee met to hear testimony and an explanation of this bill. No vote was taken during this meeting. The bill would prohibit smoking in public places (restaurants, bars, clubs) and places of employment including as children and adult care facilities. During the discussion an important question was raised by Representative Avila, she asked if this law would prohibit smoking in a personal residence under the following situation: a person with a medical condition/disability whom own their home and pays for a personal care attendant. Two answers were given to this question, the first was no it would not apply but in a follow up question regarding a private business in a persons home the answer was yes. A case could be made that the person with a medical condition/disability was an employer and the person who was the attendant was an employee and therefore the home would need to be no smoking. There will be clarifications of this bill in future amendments.

Additional Legislative News:

Budget:
There was a joint meeting of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services this week. The discussion was around the stimulus and how it was coming into the state and into which categories the funding would fall. At the same meeting Senator Berger stated that the co-chairs had been asked to create a budget with a 7%, 10%, and 11% cut. He stated that if you were to cut out the entire Division of Aging, Public Health, Blind and Deaf Educational Services and Vocational Rehabilitation you would arrive only at a 7% cut. He then explained that if we go into Medicaid, to receive the federal dollars we could only cut reimbursement rates or optional programs. He asked the committee members to create their own list that would of cuts totally 100 million dollars and bring those lists back to the full committee.

Dispatch from Jones St: More Appropriation Meetings Tomorrow

The following appropriation subcommittee meetings will be taking place tomorrow:
hu, February 26, 2009

8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS/Transportation (House) 1228LB
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS/General Government (House) 1425LB
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS/Justice and Public Safety (Joint) 415LOB
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS/Natural and Economic Resources (House) 423LOB
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS/Heath and Human Services (House) 643LOB
8:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Joint)

9:00 AM APPROPRIATIONS/Education (Joint) 421LOB
9:00 AM APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/HIGHER EDUCATION (Joint) Department of Public Instruction

House Mental Health Reform Meeting Today

The House Mental Health Reform Committee met today for the first time this session.  This year this committee will be co-chaired by Representative Beverly Earle and Representative William Brisson. 

On the agenda today was an introduction of the members followed by comments by Secretary Lanier Cansler.

Representative Earle stated in her opening remarks that "We will be talking about developmental disabilities and substance abuse.  We will be talking about more than mental health".  For people with developmental disabilities and their families this was an important change.  To often we have seen the discussion of Mental Health Reform be only about issues facing state psychiatric hospitals or services for people with mental illness.  Although we understand the crisis that is happening in the mental health community there is a real an equally challenging crisis with services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Representative Earle went on to explain that as these meetings progress the members will hear presentations from staff, from providers, from consumers, from advocates and from family members. 

Representative Brisson's statements reflected the same "team" philosophy. He opening response quoted Secretary Cansler.  "Secretary Cansler said today that Mental Health 'reform' is over and now we need to move forward.  I agree with him. It is time to bear down working together to guide mental health in the direction that we know we can provide the best services. It is about working together."

This committee will meet every Wednesday at 2pm. Legislation will be brought before the committee. We will be closely following how this committee proceeds but from what we heard today it is very promising.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

This week starts the appropriation process. The Senate will begin the budget process this year.  But based on the legislative calendar it looks like the House is beginning their work early.  The budget will be the hot topic for the session, especially since we are facing a serious budget deficit that some are saying could grow to close to $4 billion in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. It will definitely be an interesting session.

House Committee Meetings:
Tuesday, February 24
8:30 a.m. House Committee On Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, 421 LOB
11:00 a.m.House Committee On Education, 643 LOB
HB 43 (Glazier) SCHOOL BD. MEMBERS/FAILURE TO DISCHARGE DUTY
HB 65 (Tolson) STUDENTS UNDER 16 MAY ATTEND COMM. COLLEGE
HB 79 (Glazier) EXTEND SCHOOL FORMULA STUDY COMMITTEE
SB 198 (Malone) STATE BD. OF EDUC./MEMBERSHIP RESTRICTIONS
12:00 p.m. House Committee On Health, 544 LOB
HB 12 (Moore) BIOPTIC LENSES/DRIVERS LICENSE TESTS
HB 18 (Alexander, M.) SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS
HB 24 (Insko) FUNDS FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS/CASTLE
HB 102 (Holliman) BUDGET CODE TECHNICAL CORRECTION

Wednesday, February 25
8:30 a.m.House Committee On Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, 421 LOB
11:00 a.m. House Committee On Transportation, 1228 LB
2:00 p.m. House Committee On Mental Health Reform, 424 LOB
Thursday, February 26
9:00 a.m.House Committee On Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, 421 LOB

Senate Committee Meetings:
Tuesday, February 24
8:30 a.m. Senate Committee On Appropriations on Education/Higher Education, 421 LOB.

Wednesday, February 25
10:00 a.m. Senate Committee On Education/Higher Education, 643 LOB
SB 186 (Malone) SENATE UNC BOG ELECTIONS

Federal:

FY 2009 Appropriations

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote this week on the FY 2009 omnibus appropriations for the many departments and agencies that have been funded for five months under a Continuing Resolution (CR). The CR was necessary due to the impasse between the last Congress and former President Bush on spending priorities. Both Houses are expected to finalize action on the bill by the March 6 expiration of the CR. Although conferees have completed action in resolving the spending differences between the House and Senate appropriations bills, final figures have not yet been made public. The omnibus appropriations bill is expected to increase domestic spending by about 8 percent.

Victimization
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Action (LLEHCPA) has been identified by the Obama Administration as one of its priorities for the first 100 days. In preparation for the bill to be introduced, The Arc and UCP are collecting stories of hate crimes committed against an individual with disability in the last six months. A hate crime is defined by the underlying motivation of the perpetrator against his or her target of aggression. If the victim is intentionally targeted because of a specific characteristic, i.e. race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, then a hate crime has been committed.

(Thanks to DPC for the Federal update)

Friday Wrap Up: Bills This Week

North Carolina:

This week the General Assembly continued its review of how the economic stimulus package would affect the current budget crisis. 

Bills filed:

HB 176: Housing Trust Fund Appropriation-Adams
This bill will appropriate fifty million dollars to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. This funding request is for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

HB 177: Healthy Families and Health Workplaces Act-Adams
This bill is the paid sick leave bill. This bill would allow covered employees to earn a minimum number of paid sick days each year. Covered workers would earn one hour of paid sick time for every thirty hours worked, up to a maximum of seven days per year.

HB 179: Accessible Electronic Info Act/Blind/Disabled-Adams
There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of
Health and Human Services the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) for the
2009-2010 fiscal year to be used by the Division of Services for the Blind within the
Department of Health and Human Services to establish an accessible electronic information service for blind and disabled persons in this State.

HB 207: Safer Communities Act-Harrison.
This bill would amend the Safer Communities Act to include people with disabilities.
SECTION 1. G.S. 14-3 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14-3. Punishment of misdemeanors, infamous offenses, offenses committed in secrecy and malice, or with deceit and intent to defraud, or with ethnic
animosity. Animosity based upon ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or
disability; punishment of felony committed with animosity based upon
ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

HB176: Housing Trust Fund Appropriation-Adams.
This appropriation bill is requesting that fifty million dollars be appropriated from the General Fund to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for fiscal year 2009-2010.

HB190: Medicaid Improper Claims Software/Funds-Stam
This bill would appropriate three billion dollars annually to the Department of Health and Human services to purchase enhanced software so that the department can identify and reject improper Medicaid claims prior to the claims being paid.

HB212: Health Insurance Pool Pilot Program.-Goforth
This bill would authorize the establishment of a health insurance pilot demonstration project for interested counties to provide a model for affordable employer-based health insurance.

HB221: Oversight of Licensing Boards-K.Alexander.
This bill would require certain licensing boards be audited annually, specify a date for filing of reports and establish sanctions for failure to file.

HB 231: Positive Behavior Support Position Funds-Glazier.
This bill would appropriate from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction two hundred eighty-five dollars in recurring funding for the fiscal years of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 to establish three new positive behavior support positions at the Department of public Instructions

HB 243: Mental Health/Law Enforcement Custody-Insko
This bill will clarify the transportation and custody requirements when law enforcement officers transport and individual pursuant to involuntary commitment proceedings.

SB 203: DMV to Issue Special ID Cards/Special Cir.-Berger
This bill will require the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a special idntification card, free of charge, when their valid drivers license is revoked due to a decision regarding a medical disqualification.

SB208: People First-Dorsett
This bill will direct bill draft to use people first language where appropriate.

SB 241: Alternative Testimony/Children and Adults with Disabilities-Purcell
This bill will provide and alternative means of testimony for adults and children with disabilities. This bill is a recommendation from the Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Public Safety.

Additional Legislative News

Budget:
The Senate continued the process this week of reviewing the stimulus package and its effect on the state. The big topic was the education stimulus package and how the money would be broken down into specific funding silos. The federal stimulus package will not permit major cuts to current state funding. This is due to a stipulation that deals with maintenance of effort. For the education budget this means that Title 1 funding can not dip bellow the state funding levels of 2005-2006 fiscal year or the state of North Carolina can not access the stimulus money.

The Medicaid budget includes the same stipulation of maintenance of effort and it also adds in clarification that eligibility cannot be adjusted. The Medicaid stimulus review was cancelled this week and will be rescheduled for next week. North Carolina will see approximately $2.35 billion to help us with our Medicaid needs. However, even with the stimulus package we will still see deep cuts in health and human services as we begin the 2009-2010 fiscal budget.

Overall the budget of North Carolina for the current fiscal year is facing a $2 billion dollar deficit. Today we received news that the possible deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year could be in the range of $4 billion dollars.

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Service Is Meeting Now

The Joint MH/DD/SA Legislative Oversight Committee is meeting today to discuss the Outpatient Involuntary Commitment Study findings.  The LOC will also present their report recommendations.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

The economic stimulus bill passed the US House and Senate this weekend and is headed to the President for his signature.  The analysis is done and it is looking like North Carolina will see $6.1 billion of the $787 billion dollar stimulus package.  North Carolina Medicaid would see $2.35 billion dollars through 2011.  More details soon.

In the General Assembly this week we are anxiously awaiting the recommendations from the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.  This report will come out on Tuesday, Feb 17th.  The meeting is open to the public and will audio stream on line.

Here are the meeting of interest this week:

Monday, Feb. 16

1:30 p.m. | The Child Fatality Taskforce - Perinatal Health Committee meets, 1027 LB.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
15 min. after session | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services meets, 643 LOB.

National:

President Obama will sign the Recovery and Reinvestment Act and after that he will turn his attention to the serious problem of home foreclosures.

Hill Report: House Passes Stimulus

The House voted to pass the stimulus package this afternoon. No Republicans voted for the bill. The bill now moves to the Senate chamber and it looks like there may be a vote late tonight or tomorrow.

Friday Wrap Up: Waiting on the Economic Stimulus and Much More

North Carolina:
This week we saw a flurry of bills being filed. We also saw Speaker Joe Hackney appoint the House committees. There have been very few committee meetings. The Senate will continue to hold briefing on budget issues. Up next week the Senate fiscal staff will brief members on the Medicaid budget in North Carolina.

Here are some of the bill filed that are of interest to our community:

HB95: Personal Care Services/Patient Consent-K. Alexander.
This bill will require health care facilities to give a patient or client the option of choosing to have a personal care services provider be of the same gender as the client.


SB 114: Exempt Some Church Facility LU/LA Elevators-Hoyle
This bill would exempt places of worship owned and operated by religious institutions from certain provisions of the North Carolina State Building Code relating to limited use and limited access elevators. Churches have been exempt from the access rules as outlined by the Americans with Disability Act. This bill addresses exemptions for churches under the North Carolina State Building Code.


HB 137: Capital Procedure/Severe Mental Disability-Insko
This bill would amend the capital trial, sentencing, and post-conviction procedures for a person with a severe mental disability. The bill would remove the death penalty but life in prison without the opportunity for parole would remain.

HB 138: Increase Adult Day Care Reimursement Rate-Farmer-Butterfield
This bill would appropriate funds to the state adult day care fund and to the home and community care block grant to provide a rate increase for adult day services as recommended by the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.
The appropriation for this is one million fifty-nine thousand five hundred sixty-one dollars ($1,059,561) for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years.
Of the funds appropriated there will be $561,357 dollars put in the State Adult Day Care Fund and $498,204 dollars in the Home and Community Care Block Grant. The funds will be used to support a not less than 5.00 per day per client rate increase.


HB 139: Dentistry Funds for Special Care Populations-Farmer-Butterfield
This bill will appropriate funds to the Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, for the purchase of additional mobile dental units, as recommended by the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging. The appropriation for this legislation is two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the 2009-1020 fiscal year, and the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the 2010-2011 fiscal years.

HB140: Adult Care Home Medication QI Pilot Analysis-Farmer-Butterfield
This bill will direct the Division of Aging and Adult Services, Department of Health and Human Services, to analyze and report on the experiences of the division’s pilot program on medication safety in adult care homes, as recommended by the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.

HB 142: Home and Community Care Block Grant Funds- Farmer Butterfield
This bill would appropriate $2,500,000 for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $2,500,000 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year to the Division of Aging and Adult Services to be used as additional funding for the Home and Community Block Grant. This request also came from the Aging Study Commission.

HB143: Strengthen Disaster Planning/LTC Facilities-Farmer Butterfield
This bill directs the Division of Health Service Regulation, Department of Health and Human Services, to review the recommendations from the Disability and Elderly Emergency Management (DEEM) Task Force and to take appropriate action to strengthen disaster planning and disaster preparedness for long term care facilities. This bill was another recommendation for the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.


HB144: Special Care Dentistry Collaboration-Farmer Butterfield
This bill directs the Division of Medical Assistance, Division of Public Health, and the Division of Aging and Adult Services to collaborate with the UNC-Chapel Hill and East Carolina University Schools of Dentistry and the North Carolina Dental Society and current special are dental providers to examine dental care options as recommended by the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.

HB145: Project C.A.R.E. for Dementia Funds-Farmer Butterfield
This bill would appropriate $500,000 from the General Fund to the Division of Aging and Adult Services for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years. The funds support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. C.A.R.E. presented to the Aging Study Commission.

HB147: DHHS Workgroup on Mixed Populations ACH-Farmer Butterfield
This bill addresses the need to convene a workgroup to develop short-term and long-term strategies to address issues of mixed population in adult care homes. This topic addresses recent news articles regarding people with mental illness being housed along side people who are elderly and frail. The bill directs the Division of Health Services regulation, the Division of Medical Assistance and the Division of Aging and Adult Services in the Department of Health and Human Services to create the workgroup. The primary issue driving this bill is that staff may not be able to address the unique needs of the two populations mentioned in this bill. The second issue driving this bill is the need to find appropriate housing options for people with mental illness and people who are elderly.


Additional Legislative News:

Budget:
Legislative leaders in North Carolina are anxiously awaiting the final vote on the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the economic stimulus bill. North Carolina legislators are currently facing a $2 billion dollar deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and may be looking at a $3 billion dollar deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Departments across North Carolina have been asked to present to the Governor 3%, 5% and 7% budget cuts across their divisions. We are slowly starting to see these documents circulated through the General Assembly. Budget leaders in the Senate and the House are both expressing deep cuts and no new money for the biennial.

National:
The only topic in Washington, DC this week was the conference report on the economic stimulus bill. Late today WRAL news was reporting that North Carolina will see $6 billion in stimulus money. How many strings come with that money is not yet known. Alliance for Children and Families sent out the following analysis of the economic stimulus bill:
Today, House and Senate conferees struck a deal on a $789 billion economic recovery package. The package now needs to be approved by both chambers before it can be signed into law by President Obama.

The details of the package are still emerging, but we wanted to pass along the news that the recovery package reportedly includes:
• $86.7 billion in new Medicaid money via an increase in the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP). We do not yet have confirmation on the treatment of Title IV-E.
• Moratoria on several Medicaid regulations, including an extension of moratoria on three finalized regulations (TCM, school-based administration and transportation, and provider taxes) until June 30, 2009; a new moratorium on the regulation for hospital outpatient services until June 30, 2009; and a Sense of Congress that there will be no further action on the non-finalized regulations on intergovernmental transfers, Graduate Medical Education, and rehabilitative services.
• $3 billion for TANF.
• $19 billion for health information technology.

The final vote on the conference report is expected in the House later today and in the Senate tomorrow.

Dispatch from Jones St: House Announces Committees

Yesterday the Speaker Joe Hackney announced the standing committees for the House.

Here are ones of interest to our community:

Aging: 

Chairman Rep. Farmer-Butterfield

Vice Chairman Rep. Pierce, Vice Chairman Rep. Samuelson, Vice Chairman Rep. Weiss
Members Rep. Adams, Rep. Boles, Rep. Bordsen, Rep. Burr, Rep. Burris-Floyd, Rep. Earle, Rep. Jackson, Rep. Jones, Rep. McCormick, Rep. Mills, Rep. Sager

Appropriations Base Budget:

Senior Chairman Rep. Michaux, Chairman Rep. Adams, Chairman Rep. M. Alexander
Chairman Rep. Crawford, Chairman Rep. Haire, Chairman Rep. Jeffus, Chairman Rep. Tolson
Chairman Rep. Yongue, Vice Chairman Rep. Bordsen, Vice Chairman Rep. Cole, Vice Chairman Rep. Earle,Vice Chairman Rep. England, Vice Chairman Rep. Fisher, Vice Chairman Rep. Glazier, Vice Chairman Rep. Goforth, Vice Chairman Rep. Harrison, Vice Chairman Rep. Insko
Vice Chairman Rep. Love, Vice Chairman Rep. Martin, Vice Chairman Rep. McLawhorn
Vice Chairman Rep. Owens, Vice Chairman Rep. Pierce, Vice Chairman Rep. Rapp
Vice Chairman Rep. Underhill, Vice Chairman Rep. E. Warren, Vice Chairman Rep. Womble
Members Rep. Allen, Rep. Allred, Rep. Avila, Rep. Barnhart, Rep. Bell, Rep. Blackwell, Rep. Blue, Rep. Boles, Rep. Brisson, Rep. Brown, Rep. Bryant, Rep. Burr, Rep. Burris-Floyd, Rep. Cleveland, Rep. Coates, Rep. Current, Rep. Daughtry, Rep. Dickson, Rep. Dockham, Rep. Dollar, Rep. Farmer-Butterfield, Rep. E. Floyd, Rep. Frye, Rep. Gillespie, Rep. Goodwin, Rep. Grady, Rep. Guice, Rep. Gulley, Rep. Harrell, Rep. Hilton, Rep. Holliman, Rep. Holloway, Rep. Hurley, Rep. Jackson, Rep. Johnson, Rep. Justice, Rep. Justus, Rep. Killian, Rep. Langdon, Rep. Lucas, Rep. Mackey, Rep. McElraft, Rep. Mills, Rep. Mobley, Rep. Moore, Rep. Neumann, Rep. Parmon, Rep. Randleman, Rep. Ross, Rep. Sager, Rep. Samuelson, Rep. Spear, Rep. Steen, Rep. Stevens, Rep. Stewart, Rep. Stiller, Rep. Sutton, Rep. Tarleton, Rep. Tucker, Rep. Wainwright, Rep. R. Warren, Rep. West, Rep. Whilden, Rep. Wiley, Rep. Wilkins, Rep. Williams, Rep. Wray

Appropriations Subcommittee Education:

Chairman Rep. Glazier, Chairman Rep. McLawhorn, Chairman Rep. Rapp
Vice Chairman Rep. Bell, Vice Chairman Rep. Johnson, Vice Chairman Rep. Lucas
Vice Chairman Rep. Parmon, Vice Chairman Rep. Tarleton
Members Rep. Blackwell, Rep. Hilton, Rep. Holloway, Rep. Wiley

Appropriations Subcommittee Health and Human Services:

Chairman Rep. Earle, Chairman Rep. England, Chairman Rep. Insko

Vice Chairman Rep. BarnhartVice Chairman Rep. Farmer-Butterfield
Members Rep. Brisson, Rep. Burr, Rep. Burris-Floyd, Rep. Dollar, Rep. Neumann, Rep. Stewart

Education:

Chairman Rep. Bell, Chairman Rep. Lucas

Vice Chairman Rep. Cotham, Vice Chairman Rep. Fisher, Vice Chairman Rep. Love
Vice Chairman Rep. Parmon, Vice Chairman Rep. Womble
Members Rep. Adams, Rep. M. Alexander, Rep. Avila, Rep. Blackwell, Rep. Blackwood, Rep. Bordsen, Rep. Brown, Rep. Bryant, Rep. Burris-Floyd, Rep. Carney, Rep. Cleveland, Rep. Dickson, Rep. Dollar, Rep. England, Rep. E. Floyd, Rep. Folwell, Rep. Glazier, Rep. Goodwin, Rep. Hall, Rep. Hilton, Rep. Holloway, Rep. Hurley, Rep. Insko, Rep. Jackson, Rep. Jeffus, Rep. Johnson, Rep. Langdon, Rep. McCormick, Rep. McElraft, Rep. McLawhorn, Rep. Michaux, Rep. Mills, Rep. Rapp, Rep. Rhyne, Rep. Ross, Rep. Samuelson, Rep. Stam, Rep. Stewart, Rep. Stiller, Rep. Tarleton, Rep. Tillis, Rep. Tolson, Rep. E. Warren, Rep. R. Warren, Rep. Wiley, Rep. Wilkins, Rep. Yongue

Education Subcommittee Pre-school, Elementary and Secondary:

Chairman Rep. Cotham, Chairman Rep. Parmon

Vice Chairman Rep. Blackwood, Vice Chairman Rep. Jeffus, Vice Chairman Rep. E. Warren
Vice Chairman Rep. Wiley
Members Rep. Blackwell, Rep. Carney, Rep. Fisher, Rep. Folwell, Rep. Glazier, Rep. Hurley, Rep. Jackson, Rep. Johnson, Rep. Rapp, Rep. Stam

Health:

Chairman Rep. England, Chairman Rep. Insko

Vice Chairman Rep. Earle, Vice Chairman Rep. Justus, Vice Chairman Rep. Neumann
Vice Chairman Rep. Rapp
Members Rep. Adams, Rep. M. Alexander, Rep. Allred, Rep. Avila, Rep. Barnhart, Rep. Brubaker, Rep. Burris-Floyd, Rep. Current, Rep. Dollar, Rep. Farmer-Butterfield, Rep. Glazier, Rep. Goforth, Rep. Grady, Rep. Harrell, Rep. Hughes, Rep. McComas, Rep. McLawhorn, Rep. Parmon, Rep. Stewart, Rep. Wainwright, Rep. Weiss, Rep. Wilkins

Mental Health Reform:

Chairman Rep. Brisson, Chairman Rep. Earle

Vice Chairman Rep. M. Alexander,Vice Chairman Rep. Barnhart
Members Rep. Blackwood, Rep. Braxton, Rep. Crawford, Rep. England, Rep. Glazier, Rep. Hurley, Rep. Insko, Rep. Justus, Rep. Langdon, Rep. McGee, Rep. McLawhorn, Rep. Parmon, Rep. Randleman, Rep. Wiley

Hill Report: Conference Report on Stimulus Reached Between House and Senate

The House and the Senate announced yesterday that an agreement on the final amount in the economic stimulus bill had been reached.  This is a good thing, we think.  Why we think? Well analysis on the agreed upon bill is hard to come by.  We are searching every corner and if we find something we will post it here.

Hill Report: Senate Passes Economic Stimulus Bill

The Senate passed their economic stimulus bill today. More details later.

Dispatch from Jones St: Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting/Agenda

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services has scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, February 17, 2009. The meeting will happen fifteen minutes after session. Here is the proposed agenda:


AGENDA
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
February 17, 2009, 15 minutes after the last chamber adjourns;
Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair, Presiding


1. Greetings and Opening Comments
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair

2. State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee
Carl Noyes, MS, CPSS, SCFAC Representative

3. Update on DHHS Involuntary Commitment Workgroup
Flo Stein, Chief, Community Policy Management

4. LOC 2008 report to the 2009 General Assembly
LOC staff

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

Last week the Senate announced it's committee assignments.  This week we will probably see the House announce it's committee assignments.  The budget will begin in the Senate this year.  We are looking at a $3 billion dollar deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, a real challenge for our elected officials.  Adding to that challenge is a lack of confidence in the economy causing a severe reduction in consumer spending.  Lower tax/revenue collection means there will be less in the General Fund to appropriate. One more variable to this years budget is the big question regarding the federal government.  What will the economic stimulus package look like? Will there be additional packages? And finally what will the federal government create as their budget?  Here on the blog we will be following it all.

General Assembly Meetings:

Monday: Session is scheduled for 6:00pm.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

3 pm | The Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Recovery meets, 1228 LB.

Federal

The U.S. Senate is continuing to debate the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the economic stimulus package.  Late on Friday an agreed upon bill emerged.  That bill received continued debate over the weekend.  Tentatively there is a vote scheduled for Tuesday.  We will continue to follow this and later today we will post the reductions and cuts found in the Senate bill.

Hill Report: Economic Stimulus Vote

The Senate has rescheduled the vote on the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Tuesday, February 10, 2009.  The current Senate bill is considerably smaller than the House bill.  

Friday Wrap Up: Two Weeks Into Session

North Carolina Weekly Wrap Up:

This week the following bills were filed:

HB25: Clarify SCFAC Appointments-Insko

This is a technical corrections bill. It removes language relating to the General Assembly and clarifies that the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House are each able to appoint three members to the state CFAC.


SB56: Assistance to Voters-Soles
This bill would bring our state voter assistance statute into line with the federal voter assistance statute. It would permit any voter to request assistance from any person of the voter’s choice with the exception of the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. The current voter statute permitted a voter to receive assistance only from a family member. The current statute did permit people with disabilities to receive assistance from anyone of their choice however; there were multiple reports of confusion during early voting and on Election Day regarding the interpretation of North Carolina’s statue. This bill will remove the confusion surrounding voter assistance by bringing our statue in line with the federal statute.


HB15: Military Family Assistance Centers/Funds. – Tarleton
An Act appropriating funds for the creation of additional family assistance centers to benefit military personnel and their families.
These centers would provide counseling to families of deployed military personnel.
Appropriation request is $600,000.00


HB20: Compensate Eugenics Sterilization Survivors.- Womble
An Act to provide monetary compensation to persons sterilized by the eugenics sterilization program.
The appropriation for this bill is as follows: $18,480,000 for fiscal year 2009-2010 and $165,000 for administration of the program for the fiscal year 2009-2010. Each qualified recipient of this compensation would receive a one-time payment of $20,000.00

HB21: Eugenics Program- Support and Education – Womble
An act to provide counseling benefits to eugenics survivors, to direct the Department of Health and Human services to establish a database of eugenics program participants and verify the status of persons contacting the state to determine their participation in the state program, to erect a historical marker about the program, to direct the State Board of Education to include information about the program in its K-12 history curriculum, to recommend creation of an ethics training module for state, county, and local government employees, and to direct the department of cultural resources to digitize existing records for preservation and study purposes, as recommended by the House select committee.
This bill is the recommendation of the House select committee and includes the remainder of the recommendations made by the committee. The recommendation of the committee was based on testimony of survivors of the eugenics program in North Carolina and the testimony of researchers of our state’s program. In the whereas language of this legislation it is made clear that people with developmental/intellectual disabilities and people with mental illness were among the first victims of this program.

S8: Funds for CAP/MR-DD Slots. – Boseman
An act to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, to provide a state/federal match for additional CAP/MR-DD Slots.
Appropriation request is $10 million to fund additional CAP slots.


Committee Assignments:

The Senate announced its committee assignments this week signaling the start of business at the General Assembly.  Here are the assignments.

North Carolina Budget:
The Senate held two informational meetings this week. The first was to inform and educate House and Senate members on the current state of North Carolina’s budget. The second meeting was to inform the members of the current condition of the State Employee Health Plan. The news was grim on both fronts.
First the budget, currently we are looking at a $2 billion dollar deficit in for the 2008-2009 fiscal year or a short fall of 10%. The General Fund of North Carolina is directly tied to our revenue/tax collection. Revenue and tax collection is directly tied to our economy. As the economic downturn continues we are seeing increases in unemployment claims and sagging consumer spending. During the first half of the fiscal year we were $625 million dollars below the $9.5 billion dollar target in collections. The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help some but overall we are still looking at a slow rebound in our state revenue collection.


Second the State Employee Health Plan, before the quarter ending March 2009 gets here the General Assembly will need to find $300 million dollars to appropriate to the health plan to keep the plan solvent. The plan will then require another substantial appropriation of $1.2 billion dollars by 2011.

Federal Weekly Wrap Up:

SCHIP:
This week President Barack Obama signed the SCHIP Reauthorization Act. The passage of this legislation means that 4 million previously uninsured children will receive access to affordable health care. In North Carolina the passage of this legislation means that our state can expand North Carolina Health Choice and can begin to implement NC Kids Care.

Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
This week the Senate continued its debate on the economic stimulus package. A vote was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 5th. During the late evening hours it became clear to Senator Harry Reid (D) that he did not have the votes to pass the bill. The vote was then rescheduled tentatively for Friday, February 6th. The stimulus package is a long way from being signed by President Obama. The current Senate bill contains the following provisions for people with disabilities:

* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)
* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA
* Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.
* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

Hill Report: Economic Stimulus

The Economic Recovery bill was scheduled for a Senate vote last night.  The vote never came. Around 9:00pm Senator Harry Reid halted the procedures because he believed he did not have the votes to move the bill.

The situation is this, states are stuck waiting to see what exactly they will receive from the economic stimulus package.  While states are waiting, governors and elected leaders are preparing emergency plans to keep their budgets balanced for this fiscal year.

It is not to late to get the bill through the Senate. We are hearing that the vote may happen today. So, take a moment this Friday morning and tell Senator Burr and Senator Hagan to support the bill. (Look below for yesterday's Action Alert)

Action Alert: Call Senator Burr and Senator Hagan Today!

Call Your Senators TODAY to Support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Take Action!

Final Vote Could Occur as Soon as Tonight, Feb 5.

Background

The Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the floor this week. This bill will reduce economic hardships, effectively stimulate our ailing economy, and help those most in need. Several of the Act's provisions will assist states, localities, and school systems to support people with disabilities.

The Senate bill contains a number of important provisions for people with disabilities, including:

* Medicaid - $87 billion for an increase for the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)
* Education - $13 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants and $500 million for Early Intervention - Part C of IDEA
* Social Security - $17 billion total for a one-time payment ($300) to all SSI and Social Security recipients, veterans, and others and $890 million to improve the National Computer Center and information technology.
* Jobs - $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

Many forces are working to cut some or all of this funding out of the bill. Several amendments will likely be proposed that could jeopardize investments in health care, state Medicaid relief, and education.

President Obama's recovery plan needs your support now! Therefore, it is imperative to reach out to Democrats and moderate Republicans and ask them to pass the bill. Your call can make a real difference.

For more information, see the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' report on the impact of some of these provisions on individual states.

Take Action

* Call TOLL FREE 1-800-473-6711 and ask for your Senators' offices.

* Use the talking points provided when you click on the"Take Action" link and enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window.

Key Committees in Senate Announced

Yesterday the North Carolina Senate announced committee assignments. Here they are:

Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services 

Co-chair: William Purcell, D-Scotland
Co-chair: Doug Berger, D-Franklin
Vice chair: Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe
Members: Harris Blake, R-Moore; Debbie Clary, R-Cleveland; James Forrester, R-Gaston; David Hoyle, D-Gaston.

Mental Health and Youth Services
Co-chair: Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange
Co-chair: Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg
Vice chair: Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe 

Members: Bob Atwater, D-Chatham; Charlie Dannelly, D-Mecklenburg; James Forrester, R-Gaston; Jim Jacumin, R-Burke; Edward Jones, D-Halifax; Vernon

Appropriations/Base Budget
Co-chair: Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth
Co-chair: Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin
Co-chair: A.B. Swindell, D-Nash
Co-chair: Charlie Dannelly, D-Mecklenburg
Members: Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson; Bob Atwater, D-Chatham; Doug Berger, D-Franklin; Phil Berger, R-Rockingham; Stan Bingham, R-Davidson; Harris Blake, R-Moore; Julia Boseman, D-New Hanover; Andrew Brock, R-Davie; Harry Brown, R-Onslow; Pete Brunstetter, R-Forsyth; Debbie Clary, R-Cleveland; Daniel Clodfelter, D-Mecklenburg; Don Davis, D-Greene; Katie Dorsett, D-Guilford; Don East, R-Surry; Tony Foriest, D-Alamance; James Forrester, R-Gaston; Steve Goss, D-Watauga; Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg; Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus; David Hoyle, D-Gaston; Neal Hunt, R-Wake; Jim Jacumin, R-Burke; S. Clark Jenkins, D-Edgecombe; Edward Jones, D-Halifax; Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange; Vernon Malone, D-Wake; Floyd McKissick, D-Durham; Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe; Jean Preston, R-Craven; William Purcell, D-Scotland; Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood; Tony Rand, D-Cumberland; David Rouzer, R-Johnston; Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg; Larry Shaw, D-Cumberland; John Snow, D-Cherokee; R.C. Soles, D-Columbus; Josh Stein, D-Wake; Richard Stevens, R-Wake; Jerry Tillman, R-Randolph; Don Vaughan, D-Guilford; David Weinstein, D-Robeson.

Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Co-chair: Vernon Malone, D-Wake
Co-chair: Richard Stevens, R-Wake
Vice chair: Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg
Vice chair: Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood
Members: Don Davis, D-Greene; Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus; Jean Preston, R-Craven; Jerry Tillman, R-Randolph; Don Vaughan, D-Guilford.

Education
Co-chair: Vernon Malone, D-Wake
Co-chair: Richard Stevens, R-Wake
Vice chair: Julia Boseman, D-New Hanover
Vice chair: Katie Dorsett, D-Guilford
Vice chair: Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood
Members: Austin Allran, R-Catawba; Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson; Doug Berger, D-Franklin; Phil Berger, R-Rockingham; Harry Brown, R-Onslow; Charlie Dannelly, D-Mecklenburg; Don Davis, D-Greene; Tony Foriest, D-Alamance; James Forrester, R-Gaston; Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth; Eddie Goodall, R-Union; Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg; Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus; David Hoyle, D-Gaston; Edward Jones, D-Halifax; Floyd McKissick, D-Durham; Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe; Jean Preston, R-Craven; William Purcell, D-Scotland; Tony Rand, D-Cumberland; Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg; John Snow, D-Cherokee; Josh Stein, D-Wake; A.B. Swindell, D-Nash; Jerry Tillman, R-Randolph.

Health Care
Co-chair: William Purcell, D-Scotland
Co-chair: Stan Bingham, R-Davidson
Vice chair: Katie Dorsett, D-Guilford
Vice chair: Tony Foriest, D-Alamance
Vice chair: James Forrester, R-Gaston
Members: Bob Atwater, D-Chatham; Austin Allran, R-Catawba; Doug Berger, D-Franklin; Harris Blake, R-Moore; Harry Brown, R-Onslow; Pete Brunstetter, R-Forsyth; Debbie Clary, R-Cleveland; Charlie Dannelly, D-Mecklenburg; Don Davis, D-Greene; Eddie Goodall, R-Union; Steve Goss, D-Watauga; Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg; Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus; David Hoyle, D-Gaston; Jim Jacumin, R-Burke; Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange; Vernon Malone, D-Wake; Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe; Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood; Tony Rand, D-Cumberland; David Rouzer, R-Johnston; Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg; Josh Stein, D-Wake.

Pensions/Retirement /Aging
Chair: Tony Foriest, D-Alamance
Vice chair: Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth
Vice chair: Don East, R-Surry
Members: Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin, Bob Atwater, D-Chatham; Stan Bingham, R-Davidson; Daniel Clodfelter, D-Mecklenburg; Katie Dorsett, D-Guilford; Don East, R-Surry; S. Clark Jenkins, D-Edgecombe; Vernon Malone, D-Wake; Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe; Jean Preston, R-Craven; William Purcell, D-Scotland; Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood; Richard Stevens, R-Wake; A.B. Swindell, D-Nash.

Tuesday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

The General Assembly is starting this session with a series of meetings on the budget. We are also witnessing a waiting game of sorts.  Here is how this works. Before the budget can really get going, the members of the General Assembly need to see what type of economic stimulus plan comes down to the state from the federal government.  What is clear about the budget is that for this fiscal year we are facing a deficit around $2 billion dollars. Governor Perdue has already told state agencies to send up cuts, freezes and to prepare layoff contingencies.  Hold on tight folks it is going to be a bumpy ride.

So here are your hot policy topics for the week:

North Carolina General Assembly:

There are no meeting scheduled for this week.  Committee assignments have yet to be made. It may be another two weeks before we have standing legislative committees meeting.

Federal:

Economic Recovery

Despite zero support from Republicans and the defection of eleven Democrats, the strong House Democratic Majority won passage of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The final vote was 244-188. The bill would spend $819 billion, with about one third ($275 billion) set aside for individual and business related tax cuts. H.R. 1 contains billions of dollars to support disability programs, including $87 billion for Medicaid, $13 billion for special education, $600 million for IDEA Early Intervention services, $500 million for Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants, several billion dollars for HUD housing programs and at least $3 billion for community based block grants.

By a vote of 14-1 the Senate Finance Committee passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (S.2). The formula for determining how the $87 billion increase in the federal share of Medicaid spending will be distributed to states over two years was changed from the House bill. For an analysis of how this will affect your state see http://www.cbpp.org/1-26-09bud.htm

Health Care

By a vote of 66-32, the Senate passed legislation (H.R. 2) to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program for four and a half years and expand coverage to an additional four million children. Since the Senate bill is very similar to the House bill, later this week the House will vote on the Senate bill instead of resolving differences via Conference Committee. The legislation will then be sent to President Obama for his signature.

The NC House is Also in Session Now

Just in case you are curious..we are sitting in the Senate Chamber but over in the House the same events are taking place.  Both chamber floors are filled with elected officials, their families, and friends.  And yes the media is packed into the corners of the room.

With a Hit of a Gavel

The North Carolina General Assembly today gaveled in their 2009 session. This day is full of pomp and circumstance.  We are blogging live right now from the NC Senate Chamber as the senators take their oath of office.  Lt. Governor Walter Dalton is now President of the Senate and will be directing the events today.

Here's a quick run down on what has happened so far.  Lieutenant Governor Dalton did a welcome to the guests and Senators.  

Then fourth grader Katherine Fritsch sang an amazingly moving rendition of our national anthem. It was met with great applause from the Senators and visitors to the chamber.

The Senators then rose to take their oath which was administered by the Honorable Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Associate Justice Supreme Court of North Carolina.

The Senators have been sworn in now and Lt. Governor Dalton has declared a quorum.

Now we begin the process of voting on Senate leaders.

The Arc of North Carolina Twitters!

The Arc of North Carolina will begin to Twitter on Wednesday, January 28th and we want you to follow us as we Twitter the opening of session!

Here is how you can follow us. Head on over to www.twitter.com and open an account. Then search for thearcnc.  You can set your account to receive our Twitter posting (tweets) on either your email, your phone, or both.

Please note that if you opt for your phone usual text charges will apply. (It says this when you register for the service.)

We will be using Twitter to let you know about blog updates, cool happenings at the General Assembly and for important action alerts.  

Twitter will join this blog and our Facebook fan page as we continue to use technology to reach out to our community.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

We are two days away from the start of the new legislative session. We will be there to follow all of the events. Session opens on Wednesday at 12:00pm.
One interesting meeting this week will be on Tuesday, January 27th when the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee meets to hear the study on North Carolina's education system structure.

This week:

Monday, Jan. 26
2 p.m. | The Joint Study Committee on Housing meets, 1124 LB.
2 p.m. | The Joint Urban Growth and Infrastructure Issues Committee meets, 414 LOB.
3 p.m. | The House Select Committee on a Comprehensive Rail Service Plan meets, 1228 LB.

Tuesday, Jan. 27
9:30 a.m. | The Revenue Laws Study Committee meets, 1228 LB.
10 a.m. | The House Select Committee on High Speed Internet in Rural Areas Committee, 544 LOB.
1 p.m. | The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee meets, 544 LOB.
2 p.m. | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Systems meets, 421 LOB.

Wednesday, Jan. 28
Noon | The legislative session convenes, House and Senate Chambers.

Federal:

Two key topics on the Hill this week are the economic stimulus bill and TARP.  We will be posting later more details on the economic stimulus bill and how it may affect people with disabilities.

Dispatch from Jones St: Transportation Secretary Addresses Committee

The Transportation Committee will meet today at 10:00 am. The agenda includes an introduction and comments by Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti. We will be at this meeting to hear what he has to say. O

Hill Report: Economic Stimulus and SCHIP

Economic Recovery Legislation

The House Democratic leadership unveiled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an $825 billion package which includes $550 billion in spending and $275 billion in tax cuts. The legislation includes many increases in disability related programs. A summary is included in the action alert above.

We will be posting a breakdown of the disability related money later today.

Health Care

By a vote of 289-139, the House of Representatives passed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (H.R. 2), legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through FY 2013. It expands the program to cover approximately 4 million more children than currently covered. The bill includes a provision that would allow states to waive the federally mandated five-year waiting period for legal immigrants to receive SCHIP benefits. By vote of 12-7, the Senate Finance Committee approved a similar bill.


North Carolina has been working to expand our SCHIP program to cover more children but had been stopped due to the lack of support from the former administration. Former President Bush vetoed the expansion of SCHIP multiple times during the 110th Congress.

Hill Report: President Obama's Cabinet Update Senator Clinton

Senator Clinton was confirmed late this afternoon as the new Secretary of State. Vote was 94 -2.

Dispatch from Jones St: Seven Days and Counting

The North Carolina General Assembly will be back in session in just seven days. There are some serious issues facing the 170 elected officials who will be sworn in on January 28, 2009.

There is real concern about the health and stability of the State Health Plan. Many news outlets are reporting that to keep the health plan "healthy" we will need to see a $300 million dollar infusion.

Then there is Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse needs. Our state has watched people with developmental disabilities in the south east loose all of their supports and services. This has sent families into crisis. We have witnessed two LMEs falter.

There is a real need to stabalize these systems and to promote and expand community based services for all three populations served under the Division of MH, DD, SA.

The next big issue is going to be affordable housing. We need more of it. There is a shortage of it. Investing in housing options is an economic stimulus plan.

Last but not least is addressing the dropout rates of students with disabilities in our public school system.

Lots to do and not a lot of money to do it with. Still these are the times of great leadership and innovation. Let's get to work.

Hill Report: Regulations on Hold

First order of business was to freeze all of the former President Bush's executive orders for 120 days as they are now under review by President Obama's team.

Hill Report: President Obama's Cabinet Update

The members were confirmed by unanimous vote. They were: Steven Chu (Energy), Arne Duncan (Education), Janet Napolitano (Homeland security), Ken Salazar (Interior), Eric Shinseki (Veterans Affairs), Tom Vilsack (Agriculture).

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:
We are just eight days away from beginning the new legislative session. We will be both blogging and twittering the opening day ceremonies. More about that later. But for now here is the weeks schedule:

Tuesday, Jan 20
There are no meeting scheduled.


Wednesday, Jan. 21
9 a.m. | The Justus Warren Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention - Prevention Subcommittee meets, 1124 LB.
9 a.m. | The Justus Warren Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention - Management Subcommittee meets, 1228 LB.
9 a.m. | The Justus Warren Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention - Public Awareness Subcommittee meets, 1425 LB.
11:30 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation meets, 643 LOB.
2 p.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Economic Development Incentives meets, 1228 LB.


Thursday, Jan. 22
9:30 a.m. | The Environmental Review Commission meets, 544 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee meets, 1228 LB.
1 p.m. | The House Select Committee on Sex Offender Issues meets, 1228 LB.

Today is the day! Join us as we watch TV!

Today is the historical culmination of two years of election news. Today President Elect Barack Obama becomes President Obama. This is the largest crowd for an inauguration. This is the truly shaping up to be the people's inauguration and believe me when I tell you the world is watching.

This is also shaping up to be the most accessible inauguration. The President Elect Barack Obama has already addressed the needs of people with disabilities in his speech on election night, on the first whistle stop on his train tour and in his campaign platform.

We will be watching all the major channels and we will be reading Twitter feeds from Ryan Beckwith (Under the Dome) who is now in DC!

We will be bringing you our comments on our Election 2008 blog. Join us there starting at 10:00am this morning!

The Arc of NC Policy Blog: MLK Day

The Arc of NC Policy Blog will not be updated on Monday, January 19th in honor of MLK Day.

On Tuesday, January 20th we will be blogging the inauguration on our sister blog, The Arc of NC Election 2008.

Second Study Meeting Today For Capital Procedures

Today this study commission will meet again to discuss exempting people with severe profound mental illness  and mental disabilities from receiving the death penalty in capital cases.  The discussion on Tuesday included testimony from Dr. James Ellis who has worked on this issue for many years. 

Action Alert: Email Your Congressional Representative and Senators Today

Take Action!  Ask Congress to Include Disability Programs in the Economic Recovery Plan


People with disabilities will help to put money back into the economy

Background

The U.S. economy is in crisis. So are most state budgets. Currently North Carolina is looking at a $2 billion dollar deficit as we begin the 2009 legislative session.


Congress and the Obama Administration are in the process of developing an $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Parts of this plan can help states maintain disability services and other parts directly help people with disabilities.


President-elect Obama's key criteria for the economic recovery bill are to create jobs and put money into the hands of people who are likely to spend it. Investments in programs and services that help people with disabilities can play an important role in putting money back into the economy through:

1) Temporary assistance to help states provide health care and long term services and supports. All Medicaid stakeholders are seeking a temporary increase in the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), the federal government's share of Medicaid spending. A temporary increased FMAP will assist states in addressing their budget gaps caused by the economic downturn. These state budget crises are resulting in significant cuts in services and supports for people with disabilities. We must ensure that the economic recovery package includes an FMAP increase of at least $100 billion over two years.

2) A one time cash payment to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. There are more than 7 million poor people who are elderly and/or have disabilities who receive SSI. People who rely on SSI are among the poorest in the country, subsisting on cash benefits averaging $477 a month. Providing these beneficiaries with an extra monthly payment is being considered as part of the recovery plan. Because these beneficiaries are so poor they are very likely to spend the money quickly.

3) Strengthening employment programs. People with disabilities continue to experience extremely high rates of unemployment. The economic recovery plan should ensure that when jobs are created people with disabilities benefit through enforcement of the affirmative action provisions of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. It should also include significant investments in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Supported Employment State Grant programs. New funding must also focus on improving services for youth who are transitioning from special education to work.

4) Requiring ADA accessibility compliance in school construction projects. The recovery plan presently includes funding for school repair, renovation and construction. It is imperative that any schools that receive such funds are required to make schools accessible for students with disabilities.


Status of the Economic Recovery Plan

January 15, 2009 - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is expected to be introduced.
Early February, 2009 - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is expected to be sent to President Obama for his signature.

Take Action:

Email your Representative and our state Senators today!  

For sample language please visit The Arc of the US Capwiz site.

New Study Commission for Today: Capital Procedures Study Commission

There will be a new study commission starting today at 12:30pm.  This study commission will begin the discussion on sentencing people with severe mental deficiencies to the death penalty.

The proposed legislation would cover people with severe and profound mental illness, brain injury and in some cases Autism.  The proposed legislation would not remove the option of life in prison for the convicted but would remove the sentence of death.  This legislation is very similar to the Mental Retardation Death Penalty Exemption legislation that passed several sessions ago.

We will be covering this commission meeting today.

Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Thursday Agenda

AGENDA

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on 

Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services 

January 14, 2009, 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building 

Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair, Presiding 

1. Greetings and Opening Comments 10:00
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair

2. Remarks from Newly-Appointed DHHS Secretary 10:00 – 10:10
Lanier Cansler, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

3. Final Report of the Taskforce on Substance Abuse Services 10:10 – 11:30
Pam Silberman, JD, DrPH, President & CEO, North Carolina Institute of Medicine

4. Reporting Deaths in State Facilities; Rulemaking Process 11:30 – 12:00
John R. Corne, Chairman, Commission on MHDDSA

5. Outcomes for Previously Hospitalized Consumers 12:00 – 12:30
Carol Ripple, Ph.D., Program Evaluation Division


LUNCH 12:30 – 1:30

6. Local Management Entities 1:30 – 2:30
a. Pathways
Rhett Melton, Area Director
b. Orange Person Chatham
Judy Truitt, Area Director
c. The Beacon Center
Karen Salacki, Area Director

7. Expenditure of Service Dollars 2:30 – 2:45
Leza Wainwright, Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

8. State Psychiatric Hospital Update 2:45 – 3:00
Dr. Jim Osberg, Chief, State Operated Services
Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

9. Update on DHHS Involuntary Commitment Workgroup 3:00– 3:15
Flo Stein, Chief, Community Policy Management

ADJOURN 3:30

Dave Richard, Executive Director of The Arc of North Carolina-Letter to the Editor News and Observer

Cansler Fits Criteria

Your Jan. 6 article and Jan. 8 editorial concerning the appointment of Lanier Cansler as secretary of DHHS raised questions focused on his work as a lobbyist for clients doing business with the state. Unfortunately, the article and editorial missed the point that he is a highly qualified leader who has the experience both as an elected and appointed public official to manage the massive DHHS during highly challenging times.
The Arc of NC is an advocacy and service organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

You implied that The Arc hired Cansler as a lobbyist, which is misleading. The Arc hired Cansler as a consultant to help us develop a more progressive, cost-effective method of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. We hired his firm for its expertise in fiscal and systems management, not for its lobbying expertise. Certainly this is the type of understanding and knowledge North Carolina citizens with developmental disabilities deserve.

We appreciate and respect the role of the press in bringing forth concerns about conflicts but at the same time encourage all concerned to see this as an opportunity for a fresh start. North Carolina citizens with disabilities and all who are served through DHHS need strong competent leadership. Cansler fits these criteria.

Dave Richard

Executive director, The Arc of North Carolina, Raleigh

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

Governor Bev Perdue starts her first day as our state's executive today. First up is the swearing in of her cabinet followed by a series of executive orders. Her first term will start as our state is dealing with serious budget concerns and as the federal government is debating a comprehensive economic stimulus package.

Here are some suggestions for what our state may want to look at in that economic stimulus package: increase in Medicaid through FMAP, increase in IDEA to ensure a high quality educational experience for students with disabilities, job incentives for businesses to hire people with disabilities and get us back to work, and more support for affordable housing options.

The General Assembly is also back at work. There are a series of meetings this week including on Wednesday another Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Legislative Oversight Committee meeting.

Here they are:

Monday, Jan. 12
10 a.m. | The Child Fatality Task Force meets, 1228 LB.
2 p.m. | The Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture meets, 544 LOB.

Tuesday, Jan. 13
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee meets, 643 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change meets, 1228 LB.
10 a.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Economic Development Incentives meets, 544 LOB.
12:30 p.m.| The Joint Select Committee on Capital Trial, Sentencing, and Post Conviction Procedures for Persons Who Suffer Severe Mental Disabilities Committee meets 421 LOB.

Wednesday, Jan. 14
9 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee meets, 544 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth meets, 643 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse meets, 643 LOB.
1 p.m. | The House Select Committee on a Comprehensive Rail Service Plan for NC meets, 1228 LB.

Thursday, Jan. 15
9:30 a.m. | The Environmental Review Commission meets, 643 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Mandatory Boating Safety Education meets, 415 LOB.
10 a.m. | The House Study Committee on Unbanked and Underbanked Consumers meets, 1425 LB.
10 a.m. | The North Carolina Study Commission on Aging meets, 544 LOB.
1 p.m. | The North Carolina National Guard Pension Fund Study Commission meets, 1425 LB.
2 p.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Capital Trial, Sentencing, and Post Conviction Procedures for Persons Who Suffer Severe Mental Disabilities Committee meets 421 LOB.

Friday, Jan. 16
10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Poverty Reduction and Economic Recovery meets, 643 LOB.

Deputy Secretary of DHHS Announced

Allen Feezor has been named the new Deputy Secretary of HHS. Some of us worked with Allen in the early 1990s when he was the Deputy Insurance Commissioner and was the first administrator of the State Health Plan until a permanent administrator was found. He was very helpful in instituting a parity mental health benefit in the plan.


Special Thanks to Sally Cameron for this information.

More News Coverage on the Choice of Lanier Cansler as Secretary of DHHS

The News and Observer has written an article on the choice of Lanier Cansler as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

There is also a good video of the announcement on WRAL.

More Announcements from Governor-elect Bev Perdue

Today Governor-elect Bev Perdue completed her announcements regarding her cabinet choices.
Here are the final picks:

Revenue: Ken Lay, a marketing executive with Bank of America in Charlotte.

Environment: Dee Freeman, former executive director of the Triangle J Council of Governments.

Administration: Britt Cobb, the only member of Gov. Mike Easley's cabinet to keep his job.


As always we encourage you to visit Under the Dome for more information.

North Carolina Secretary of DHHS-Lanier Cansler

Today Governor-elect Bev Perdue announced that the new Secretary of the Departments of Health and Human Services is Lanier Cansler. Mr. Cansler is a former legislator and the former deputy secretary of DHHS. He also ran a consulting and lobbying firm.

Read more about the appointment at Under the Dome.

Lt. Governor-elect Walter Dalton Announces His Staff

Under the Dome is reporting that Lt. Governor-elect Walter Dalton has announced his staff. It is a very strong and well skilled staff and should provide the Lt. Governor-elect Dalton with the expertise required during this transition. Here is the list.

Caroline Valand will be chief of staff.
Kimberly Reynolds will be deputy chief of staff.
Avery Staley will serve as counsel.
Cynthia O’Neal will be director of external affairs.
Mike McLaughlin will be the chief policy analyst.
Sara Lang will be the communications director.


Read more about this announcement at Under the Dome.

The Hill Update: 111th Congress Starts Today

Today the 111th Congress will begin at 12 noon with the formal swearing in. From North Carolina Kay Hagan will become our junior Senator and Larry Kissell will become our newest Congressman. WRAL will cover all the pomp live.

Not all the Senate will be seated today as we continue to wait on the Illinois situation and the Minnesota race.

First job up for this Congress? The economic stimulus bill. We will be following this federal initiative closely to see what numbers are reflected in the FMAP increase.

More Announcements Expected-Governor-elect Perdue's Cabinet

The roll out of cabinet picks is definitely underway. There are three positions left to fill and including the Secretary of Health and Human Services. We are hearing rumors that there will be a 3:00pm press conference today and that the announcement will include the new Secretary of Health and Human Services.

We will monitor the news and media sites and will report back with whatever we find.

Governor-elect Perdue Announces the Following Cabinet Members, No HHS Announcement

Governor-elect Bev Perdue announced the following cabinet positions today at an 11:30am press conference.
Department of Transportation: Gene Conti
Department of Commerce: Keith Crisco
Department of Cultural resources: Linda Carlisle
Employment Security Commission: Moses Carey

Head over to WRAL to read more about these new cabinet appointees.

News Update: Under the Dome Reports Governor-elect Bev Perdue Announcements

Under the Dome is reporting that Governor-elect Bev Perdue will have a press conference at 11:30am to make more announcements regarding her cabinet choices.

5 Days to Governor-elect Perdue Inauguration and the Wait Continues

The countdown to the inauguration is on. We have five days until Governor-elect Bev Perdue takes the oath of office as Governor and becomes the first woman governor of North Carolina.

While we await this historic moment, our focus is on the announcement of cabinet members.  Last week she announced crime control and public safety, juvenile justice and corrections.  There is no update yet on when the announcement of Secretary of Health and Human Services will happen.  We will be monitoring the media through out the day and will report on anything we hear right on this blog.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

Governor-elect Perdue Cabinet Watch:

On Friday Governor-elect Bev Perdue announced three cabinet positions. We are watching to see if the Secretary of Health and Human Services is up next on the agenda.

When we find out we will let you know.

Governor-Elect Perdue Inauguration:

On Saturday, January 10th the citizens of North Carolina will witness the historic swearing in of the first woman governor.  We will be blogging the event live here. To read all about the multiple celebrations we invite you to visit Governor-elect Perdue's website.

General Assembly Update:

We are counting down to the start of session.  There are multiple committee meetings this week and many will be rolling out their proposals.  We are collecting all the information and will have it for you in our pre-session outlook.

Here are the meetings for the week:

Monday, Jan. 5
10 a.m. | The Child Fatality Task Force - Intentional Death Committee meets, 1228 LB.
1 p.m. | The Child Fatality Task Force - Perinatal Health Committee meets, 1228 LB.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Study Commission on Municipal Annexation meets, 643 LOB.

Wednesday, Jan. 7
9:30 a.m. | The Revenue Laws Study Committee meets, 544 LOB.
10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth meets, 1027 LB.
The Child Fatality Task Force - Unintentional Death (Drivers Education) Committee meets, 1124 LB.

Thursday, Jan. 8
3 p.m. | The Agency Review Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence meets, 415 LOB.

Friday, Jan. 9
10 a.m. | The Partition Sales Study Committee meets, 421 LOB.

WRAL and News and Observer Report Three of Perdue's Cabinet Choices

At 2:00pm today Governor-elect Bev Perdue announced her choices to head the Department of Correction, the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Here are her picks:
Department of Correction- Al Keller
Department of Crime Control and Public Safety - Reuben Young
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention - Linda Hayes

Want to read more about the choices both WRAL and the News and Observer have details.

So....that means we are still waiting on the person chosen to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

News and Observer is Reporting Announcements Today

The News and Observer is reporting that Governor-elect Bev Perdue will make key cabinet announcements today at 2:00pm.  We will be following this story as it unfolds.

High Risk Insurance Pool - Enrollment Starts

To learn more about the High Risk Insurance Pool or to find out about enrollment please visit this site.

From the Associated Press:

High Risk Pool
A state-sponsored insurance pool created to offer coverage to the riskiest patients started this week, and administrators are seeking to enroll more residents who have been pushed out of the private market. Only about 500 residents since October have applied for the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool, with a couple hundred approved for coverage. But the program's executive director Michael Keough said enrollments have been accelerating. "These are tough times," Keough said. "People are out of work. People are doing what they can to survive. This is a particularly timely thing - a godsend for people who need it." Officials initially projected that some 14,000 people would have the insurance 10 years from now and up to 4,000 people would join the first year. Keough said he thinks up to 180,000 people would be eligible in the state.
People can qualify if they don't have employer coverage and can't get private insurance without paying an exorbitant amount. It's a plan targeted particularly for those with high-risk health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or hemophilia. Premiums are set at about 150 percent to 200 percent of a healthy person's private insurance. The state subsidizes the program from a few sources, mostly a tax on health insurance premiums and an annual cash withdrawal from the State Health Plan for public service workers. It's starting operations with a $5 million grant from Health and Wellness Trust Fund. North Carolina lawmakers approved the health insurance pool in 2007. It will only cover a small portion of the estimated 1.4 million people in North Carolina who are uninsured. About three dozen other states already offer such plans. (Mike Baker, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 12/30/08).

The Wait Continues

Well, we are seven days away from Governor-elect Bev Perdue's inaugural ball and eight days away from when she takes the oath of office and we are still waiting to hear who will take the helm as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

We will be checking news feeds today and hopefully will hear something soon.