CDCAN ACTION ALERT: Come to State Capitol February 10th for CRITICAL hearing on Governor's propoal $750 million cut to regional centers and other developmental services

“WE ARE HERE TO SPEAK FOR JUSTICE” – Parents and families over 40 years ago who came to the State Capitol to fight for community based services and the Lanterman Act – the only civil rights act for people with developmental disabilities in the nation. Our community was there with 3,000 people in April 2003 and again in December 2003 with nearly 5,000 people when the Governor proposed suspending the civil rights act for people with developmental disabilities.  We have something to fight for.

The people we care about and our community. 

YOUR PRESENCE AND VOICE IS NEEDED AT THE STATE CAPITOL – PLEASE COME ONE MORE TIME THIS MONTH!

FEBRUARY 10^th  - THURSDAY

WHO: SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #3 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
WHEN:  09:30 AM 
WHAT:  Hearing on Developmental Services Proposed Cuts
WHERE: State Capitol in Room 4203
CAN PUBLIC TESTIFY?: YES – very brief – not more than 1 minute  (people can also submit written comments)
CDCAN COMMENT:  Very critical hearing! This is likely the final hearing for public comment on the Governor’s proposed $750 million in permanent cuts in State general fund spending to regional centers and other developmental services.  These are likely the final subcommittee hearings before the Legislature begins to take final action within the next couple of weeks.

And if you cannot make it to Sacramento and you are in the Los Angeles area, please show up at a rally to coincide with the hearing in Sacramento:

FEBRUARY 10^th  - THURSDAY

WHO:  Coalition of LA County providers, people with disabilities and other advocates
WHEN:  10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON
WHAT:  Rally To Fight For Rights of the Community of People with Developmental Disabilities and Oppose Governor’s Cuts
WHERE:  Los Angeles – Van Nuys Area
Van Nuys State Office Building
6150 Van Nuys Blvd (between Calvert & Delano Streets)
Van Nuys, CA 91401

AT BOTH EVENTS AT STATE CAPITOL AND IN LOS ANGELES

PLEASE BRING A PHOTO OF YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE OR A FRIEND OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW THAT WILL SHOW POLICYMAKERS THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A HUMAN LIFE – NOT JUST A PROGRAM OR SERVICE. 

FOR PEOPLE AT THE STATE CAPITOL HOLD UP THAT PHOTO WHEN YOU ARE IN THE HEARING ROOMS AND ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU SPEAK.  THIS IS ABOUT A PERSON – A HUMAN LIFE.  AND EVERY LIFE MATTERS.

What points should be raised at the February 10^th budget subcommittee hearings on the developmental services (regional centers) $750 million reduction?

• We need to focus on the amount  - the total $750 million reduction in state general fund spending in developmental services that the Governor is proposing and to persuade the Legislature to reject, or significantly reduce that amount.  It is the amount that the Legislature is being asked by the Governor to approve first – and then later (in May or early June) approve the details on how that reduction will be achieved.  
• The Governor’s proposed reduction of $750 million in State general fund spending is so enormous that any proposal submitted later would have to be one that imposes drastic, sweeping and devastating reductions touching every part of the regional center community-based services. 
• We can and should carefully offer up ideas and solutions to save money – after the Legislature makes a decision about the size of the reduction.   Any idea we come up with now does absolutely nothing to lower the overall reduction amount of $750 million.  The size of the reduction - $750 million – is the issue and threat confronting ALL of us NOW. 
• In addition, we should be opposing the reductions to Medi-Cal ($1.7 billion reductions), especially elimination proposed for Adult Day Health Care, Multipurpose Senior Service Program, cuts to SSI/.SSP individual grants, In-Home Supportive Services ($500 million in cuts in general fund spending), CalWORKS ($1.5 billion in cuts in general fund spending), Foster Care’s Transitional Housing Program Plus,  and other services.  We are ONE community.  All of us. 
• We face a very, very steep  uphill fight to stop or even to reduce the reduction amount – and a further uphill fight later in the coming months – to push ideas that can help to lessen the harm of any cut made directly to developmental services.  And it will hard to fight the other proposed cuts to IHSS, Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, MSSP,  cuts to foster care’s Transitional Housing Plus Program, the impact of transferring state oversight and responsibility for critical programs like Adult Protective Services, Child Welfare Services including Adoption Assistance Programs and more.   But the families who fought over 40 years ago for the Lanterman Act – and others who fought hard for other disability rights in California and in the nation all  faced uphill fights too. Fighting uphill doesn’t mean we go down.

Anna Wang holding megaphone surrounded by protesters holding signs.

Who Should Go To the February 10^th Budget Subcommittee Hearings on Developmental Services? 

This Action Alert (like the one for February 3^rd) is especially directed to people and organizations who are impacted by previous reductions and will be impacted by proposed additional cuts, who are located in the Northern California area – who can get to Sacramento and the State Capitol more easily than people from Southern California.   People from other parts of the State should come too if they can – but given the limited resources people have now – we will need to count on people in the Northern part of the State and the Sacramento area.  [We need to preserve resources and time for later hearings in May or June when the Brown Administration submits its final draft proposal for statewide purchase of service standards.]

People living in the Northern California or in the Central Valley north of Fresno or the Bay Area or the San Jose area, need to make an effort to come to these two critically important budget subcommittee hearings and/or get others to come too.

What Will Likely Happen At This Hearing?

• The 3 member Senate Budget Subcommittee will hear from the Brown Administration (represented by the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Finance) and from the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) who analyzes budget issues for the Legislature. 
• Following that, the subcommittee chair usually asks for public comment (see below on how that is done specifically)
• There will likely be several different items listed on the agenda, each with a separate presentation and public comment time.  The only major controversial item are the proposals connected to the Governor’s proposed $750 million reduction in State general fund spending – the bulk of that cut is NOT yet specified.  The details – including proposed statewide regional center purchase of services standards – will be developed in the coming months and then submitted – likely in May – for the Legislature to approve. There will likely be one or two more hearings (including public comment) around that time that we will need to show up to.  Nothing is scheduled yet.
• The subcommittee, following public comment, will – for all the major items – keep the issues “open” for later action.  This means the Legislature will decide this – and all the other proposed cuts by the Governor – within the next two to three weeks. 
• The information, testimony, and the impact of the turn-out for this and other hearings will influence to some degree what the Legislature and Governor end up doing.  However there are thousands of competing voices and interests from every part of the State budget.  It is not just us.

Are There Other Events Happening At the State Capitol (or near the Capitol) that impact the community of people with disabilities, mental health needs & seniors?

• Also scheduled currently on the same day and roughly at the same time is the Assembly Budget subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services in Room 4202 who may meet to take action on certain “open” health budget issues.  If they end up meeting, they will take no public testimony – these are issues previously heard.
• Other Assembly and Senate budget subcommittees are also meeting on the same day – and in the case of the Senate, at the same time as Senate Budget Subcommittee #3.   
• And also scheduled for same day and time (09:30 AM to 12:30 PM) is Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver Stakeholder Advisory Committee public meeting at the Sacramento Convention Center (the last meeting in December drew about 100 people).

Do people make a real difference when they show up at these hearings?

• An empty hearing room when important issues are being heard makes a tremendous difference.  The Legislature will take action VERY soon on these proposed cuts.  The February 3^rd hearing was remarkable because of the huge turn-out.     
• The presence of people impacted by proposed cuts helps to avoid that. An empty hearing room sends a very bad message.  A full hearing room helps – and certainly people’s testimony does too – but the ultimate power and action we need to do on an on-going basis is in the legislative districts we live and vote in.  THAT will make the more lasting and profound difference. 
• The enormous size of the crowds that packed every overflow room and the main Assembly hearing room and balcony, and the hallways made an impression on legislators, legislative staff who saw it – and other lobbyists and advocates in other areas.  Some were clearly stunned by the sheer size of the crowd and the huge numbers who lined up to speak.  We need to repeat that for February 10^th and beyond.

I cannot make it to the hearings.  How can I submit written comments?

• Emails – Unlike correspondence to the US Capitol, emails are NOT very effective unless you know the legislator or you know the staff person.  Otherwise, there is a good chance it doesn’t get read or have the same impact as a letter delivered in a different way. 
• Letters – People should send these whether they go to a hearing or not.  Send letters to the budget subcommittee chairs and the full budget committee chairs – AND to your OWN State Senator and Assemblymember who represents you and your own community. 
• When Should I Send the Letters: Now – the Legislature is expected to make decisions on many of the Governor’s proposed cuts before the end of February? 

Where Do I Send Letters:

Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, Chair
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services
State Capitol – Room 5019
Sacramento, CA 95814

Copy to:

Sen. Mark Leno, Chair
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee
State Capitol – Room 5019
Sacramento, CA 95814

AssemblymemberHolly Mitchell, Chair
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
State Capitol – Room 6026
Sacramento, CA 95814

Copy to:

AssemblymemberBob Blumenfield, Chair
Assembly Budget Committee
State Capitol – Room 6026
Sacramento, CA 95814

And ALWAYS send copies to:

The name of your own State Senator and Assemblymember
State Capitol (no room needed)
Sacramento, CA 95814

Note: sending the letter to their district office – where you live – is better.

What other things can I do if I cannot go to the hearings?

This is a PARTIAL list of ideas and suggestions (CDCAN will issue later this week a more complete list and also questions and answers about advocacy)

• District Office Visits - Even if you DO go to the hearings, everyone should make on-going visits – at least once a month if not more frequently -  to their own State Senator and Assemblymember in their district offices.  Ask them about the proposed budget cuts – get them to explain it and how it could impact you as a constituent, or have them explain how it could impact your own organization and jobs in your own community.  Remember – registering to vote, and voting are only the first two steps in the right to representation in government.  The others include engaging your own legislators – attending hearings, calling and writing and sending in letters and comments about issues. Be respectful – being respectful and civil aren’t signs of weakness – and being rude and disrespectful are not indications of any strength. 
• Phone Calls – Make phone calls to your own State Senator and Assemblymember at their district office – where you live.  Be respectful and identify yourself as a constituent.  Find out who handles the issues you are concerned about. 
• Letters to the Editor of Local Newspapers – Blog Postings:  the effectiveness of letters to the editors or blog postings or comments vary – and probably are less effective than people think.  However it can increase the visibility of an issue (both good and bad). 
• Getting Word Out Locally – this is probably the next important thing an advocate can do – beyond engaging their own legislators.  Most people – despite the media coverage, despite notices and reports sent out by advocates and groups both statewide and locally, still don’t know about the urgency or the enormity of the proposed reductions coming down very very soon.  Our community needs to be informed – help do that – not with opinions or spin.  But straight information that is credible.  Get word out to our community.  Organize local meetings or townhalls.  CDCAN will help moderate or organize local townhall telemeetings for your own community if you are interested.  Contact Marty Omoto at martyomoto@rcip.com.   We will be doing local townhall telemeetings in Los Angeles, Fresno and Santa Barbara in the coming weeks.

CDCAN INFORMATION ABOUT CAPITOL, HEARING ROOM, PARKING AND MORE FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2011 HEARING

STATE CAPITOL GENERAL INFORMATION

BUILDING HOURS: 

• Capitol opens to public at 08:00 AM

ENTRANCES

• There are four main entrances into the State Capitol – two that are accessible, and two that can only be accessed by using stairs.  Accessible entrances are in the North Entrance (facing L Street and 11^th Streets) and the South Entrance (facing N Street and 11^th Street).  The other two non-accessible entrances is the East Steps (facing Capitol Park) and the West Steps (facing 10^th Street).
• All four entrances will be open on February 10^th.

SECURITY

• There is airport type security at all entrances – including xray machines to run bags and other large items, and metal detectors at every entrance.  People in wheelchairs -  are checked with wands and also belongings on wheelchair that can’t easily be removed and run through the xray machine will be hand checked.  If there are long lines, people can always try the other entrances (the North entrance tends to be the busiest when there are hearings and other big events inside)
• Prohibited Items – picket or protest signs of any kind are not allowed into the building.  Neither is open food.  Usually they permit water bottles, closed or seal food items.  Video and other cameras, cell phones are all allowed into the building and into the hearing rooms – provided the cell phones are shut off or on silent mode (none of those are permitted in the Assembly or Senate galleries).  Weapons and long speeches and very bad jokes (like this one) are not allowed into the building. 
• If anyone is having problems with security at the entrances, give me (Marty Omoto) a call on my cell at 916-212-0237

RESTROOMS

• The State Capitol claims that all or most restrooms are accessible, but not all are.  For large restrooms that have more accessibility, go to 1^st floor of the newer section of the State Capitol (off the hallway toward the North Entrance that leads to L Street).  There are restrooms on every floor. 
• For the men who like the outdoors, there are A LOT of trees.

MEDICAL

• A few people on February 3^rd had some minor medical problems – especially one woman who really had breathing difficulties. The sergeant-at-arms in the Senate (or Assembly) hearing room can arrange immediately for medical attention – or direct people if needed, to the State Capitol clinic/nurses station.
• All of us should be watching out for each other. If you see a person who appears to be experiencing health problems, please let the Sergeant At Arms people know immediately (they are in every hearing room, and also – in the case of February 10^th, at the entrance to Room 4203).

CAFETERIAS

• 6^th Floor Cafeteria – located in the newer section of the State Capitol (use elevators to go to 6^th floor – but people in wheelchairs will need to then use a wheelchair lift to get to the second level of the 6^th floor.  
• SHORT CUT - There is a short-cut from the 6^th Floor Cafeteria and to (and from) the hearing room (4203 or 4202) by going through the hallway (same level – no need for lifts) that goes behind the cafeteria to a freight elevator that the public can use that can easily accommodate 2 wheelchairs and several other people.  That elevator can take you right to the 4^th floor – actually right behind the back (members) entrance of Room 4203 or 4202 (it also stops on every floor, including the first floor)
• Basement Cafeteria: the other cafeteria – most often used by the general public – is in the basement of the restored section of the State Capitol.  They do have smaller TV monitors in the dining area.  I would keep people in the other overflow areas if possible – since this location would be furthest away from the main hearing room

HEARING ROOM INFORMATION

TIME HEARING ROOM WILL OPEN:

• February 10^th hearing room (4203) will open up at least 30 minutes before the hearing will start – which is approximately 09:30 AM (which means room would open up at 09:00 AM).  We are working with sergeants to see if the room can be opened up earlier. 
• The balcony seating (enter from the 5^th floor right above where the entrance into the 4^th floor hearing room) will be opened up either at the same time or when the main room is filled.  Take the elevators to the fifth floor and take a right going up the hallway.  Entrance to balcony seating to Hearing Room 4203 is on your left at the end of the hallway. 
• Clapping, shouting out comments, etc are not allowed in the hearing room (though sometimes clapping can’t be helped – though it does end up taking time for someone to speak)
• If you have a picture of someone – hold it up in your lap if you can so others can see it.

WHAT IF HEARING ROOM IS FILLED:

• We are working on getting one or two other hearing rooms (where there is seating)  – though not on the same floor as Room 4203.  This is difficult because there are several other Senate Budget subcommittees scheduled to hold hearings – the same day and time.  We’re hoping some of those subcommittee hearings may end quickly, freeing up the room. 
• These rooms would be in addition to the 6^th floor cafeteria (where there is seating) and the 4^th floor of the old restored part of the Capitol (hallway area with two TV monitors – but basically no seating, and the hallway between Rooms 4202 and 4203 with the TV monitor (no seating). 
• We will have overflow room information confirmed by the day of the hearing (and will pass that information out to everyone)

CAMERAS AND VIDEOS: 

• Video and picture taking (cameras and cell phones) are allowed in the hallways, cafeterias, and in the OVERFLOW hearing rooms. 
• It is NOT permitted in the main hearing room or in the balcony seating UNLESS permission is given in advance by the chair of the subcommittee (or committee).  Simply ask one of the sergeant at arms (men and women who are dressed in suits – dark jackets with Senate pins) and they – depending on what they are doing and what is going on in the hearing – will send a message to the chair. 
• It is best to ask permission before the hearing starts.  Generally permission is granted for brief periods, except for cameras using flash.

PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION

WHO CAN TESTIFY

• Anyone can testify – though everyone should keep to a one minute or less time limit – to speed up the public comment process and allow more people to testify. 
• Talking longer doesn’t get your point across and worse, takes time of a person to speak who is behind you.  If you have a picture of a person, hold it up as you speak.

HOW DO PEOPLE TESTIFY

• Same as Assembly Budget subcommittee hearing last week on February 3^rd.
• There is no signup sheet or cards.  It will be on a first come first served basis with people lining up in the main hearing room as soon the chair announces public comment on the $750 million reduction. 
• For the February 10^th hearing there will be hopefully two – maybe three microphones that we can use – one on each side of the main hearing room (so there would be actually two lines).  This is not definite yet – but we have done this in the past with large audiences In 4203. 
• In addition the Senate subcommittee have used a wireless microphone for people who may have difficulty getting up to the dais or have other mobility issues.

WHEN DO I TESTIFY?

• The chair of the subcommittee will inform the audience when and where to line up and we will have people in the overflow rooms and hallways who can let people know when it is time.
• The agenda item that nearly everyone who wants to speak on is the item dealing with the Governor’s proposed $750 million reduction in State general fund spending.  When the subcommittee has heard the Governor’s Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst Office representative and the Department of Developmental Services presentations on the proposals, the chair will then open it up for BRIEF public comment.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

• Senate budget staff said there would be green color comment cards that people can fill out instead of testifying or in addition to testifying.  They did this before.  
• If people are presenting a stack of letters written by others or submitting their own written letters or other comments to give to the subcommittee, they need to give it to the Senate sergeant to give to the subcommittee chair.

LIVE TV AND WEBCAST OF HEARING

• Hearings normally in Rooms 4202 or 4203 (and several other hearing rooms in the Capitol) are almost always televised live (check local cable listings for CalChannel) and also webcasted live (at www.calchannel.com) . 
• These videos are archived on the CalChannel website (check under archives), though it usually take a day or two to be posted there. 
• Recordings by Assembly or Senate: not sure if either house still makes copies (DVDs now) of hearings, given the budget reductions, for the public for a small fee.  Ask the sergeant at arms.

BUS DROP OFF AND BUS PARKING

• LARGE BUSES: Bus drop-off AND pick-up (tour or school sized buses) is limited to the sidewalk in front of the West Steps of the State Capitol on 10^th Street between N and L Streets. 
• FOR SMALLER BUSES: Smaller buses and Paratransit vans can drop people off on L Street on sidewalk on the right hand side of street just after 11^th Street or open spaces on the left hand side.  These smaller buses or Paratransit vans can also do drop offs and pick ups on the sidewalk in front of the West Steps of the State Capitol on 10^th Street between N and L Streets, but I don’t think they can park there (like the tour or school buses).

PARKING

• CLOSEST PUBLIC PARKING: Six story public parking garage across L street from the State Capitol (enter the garage from 10^th Street – exit from 11^th Street).  Garage open 24 hours.
• OTHER NEARBY PUBLIC PARKING: Public parking garages nearby also at 13^th and J Street across from the Sheraton Hotel (enter from 13^th);  public parking garage on 11^th Street between I and J Streets (enter on 11^th Street). 
• NEARBY PRIVATELY OWNED PARKING:  There is limited private parking available at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sheraton Hotel (valet), and also limited parking at private parking garage on 13^th Street (entrance) between K Street Mall and J Streets (between Esquire Grill Restaurant and the Sheraton Hotel and across the street from the Sacramento Convention Center)

SACRAMENTO PARATRANSIT

If you are visiting the Sacramento area, and are eligible or would otherwise be eligible for paratransit type services in your own community, you can use Sacramento Paratransit without having to go through any eligibility process. 

Due to budget reductions there have been certain service restrictions.  Because we are not doing a rally outside the Capitol on February 10^th, I don’t think many outside visitors will need to use Sacramento Paratransit. 

BOOKING A RIDE

• 916-429-2744 or 800-956-6776 (toll free outside local Sacramento calling area)
• Sacramento Paratransit Reservationists are on duty daily from 08:00 AM. to 05:00 PM (including holidays) to book, schedule, and confirm your travel plans and "Ready Times".
• Expect the Sacramento Paratransit vehicle to arrive for you within a half hour of your "Ready Time".

WHEN TO CALL TO BOOK A RIDE?

• Reservations are accepted one to two days in advance of the day of your ride.
• Sacramento Paratransit does not provide same-day emergency service.
• Please remember to gather your origin and destination addresses and phone numbers before calling Paratransit (due to high volume of calls).

RIDE STATUS OR TO CANCEL A RIDE

• Cancel Line: 429-2009 (option 2) - If your plans change or you cannot be ready at your scheduled Ready Time, please call Sacramento Paratransit
• Where's My Bus? Line: 429-2009 (option 3) - If your bus is late, call this number for a current status report from a Sacramento Paratransit dispatcher.

WHAT ARE SACRAMENTO PARATRANSIT DAYS AND HOURS OF SERVICE?

• Paratransit trips are available seven days a week, including holidays, from 6 a.m. through 12:30 a.m. (just after midnight).
• Limited trips are available prior to 6 a.m. and after 12:30 a.m. within 3/4 of a mile of RT bus and light rail service in operation.
• You will be picked up within 30 minutes after the Ready Time negotiated.
• You must board the bus within five minutes of arrival at your pick-up location.
• If you aren't ready, the driver must leave without you and your trip status will be recorded as a "no show."

HOW MUCH DOES SACRAMENTO PARATRANSIT COST?

• Sacramento Paratransit requires exact change each time you board.
• Fares within its service area are $5.00 each way, except for airport trips, which are $50.00 each way because they are outside the Sacramento Paratransit service area.

WHAT OTHER EVENTS ARE PLANNED?

• CDCAN is looking are working with others to plan – when it makes strategic sense as a tactic to do so – rallies and other protests.
• Also being planned are a series of on-going CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings, and local physical townhalls that CDCAN will organize with help from local agencies and other advocacy groups to connect people and communities together to fight proposals that are wrong and harm the rights of children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, the deaf, blind, seniors, their families, community organizations, facilities, workers who provide supports, services and advocacy.  We are one community threatened with multiple challenges that we must respond now to – and beyond this budget year.  
• CDCAN is working with people in communities on next steps in advocacy at the district legislative level – with on-going district office visits, letters, and other contacts.  
• Several groups are planning various events in the coming weeks after the February 10^th hearings.  CDCAN will issue alerts and reports by the end of this week publicizing those events.  If you have or know of an event being planned – including townhalls by legislators – please send information to Marty Omoto at martyomoto@rcip.com