The Legislative Session is Here
By Director Barbara PalmerThe Florida legislative session is moving at a rapid pace at the Capitol. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services will be issuing their proposed budgets very soon. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is optimistic that they both will support the Governor’s and agency’s requests. We hope the final budget will include additional dollars to increase rates for direct support professionals and help individuals on the waiting list and the waiver.
On January 14, Deputy Director for Budget and Administration Rose Salinas joined other state agencies in presenting before the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on recruitment and retention of agency employees. State agencies are experiencing the same national phenomenon as APD providers of being unable to find employees willing to fill vacant positions.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day will be a virtual event this year on February 9 (see story here). To support Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation declaring our special day throughout the state.
On February 16, the 23rd Annual Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Awareness Day will take place in the Capitol Courtyard. APD plans to attend with a number of other disability organizations at the Capitol sharing information. If you are in the Tallahassee area, we hope to see you there.
When we work together, it is wonderful to see how self-advocates, providers, families, stakeholders, and others are making a difference in advocating for people with disabilities. I appreciate everyone for this collaboration that is helping those we serve and those that serve them.
Deputy Director for Budget and Administration Rose Salinas joined other state agencies in presenting before the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on recruitment and retention of agency employees.
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