Feb 2022 Exceptional Times - Legislative Edition

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING COVER STORY THE FAMILY THAT CHANGED MEDICAID FOREVER ISSUE 34 Exceptional Getting "Plugged In" to Advocacy P.14 MAGAZINE Feb 2022 legislative edition This Is Why Family Advocacy is So Important P.05 Get Involved in Legislative Advocacy P.04 TIMES FHF DIRECTOR CHALLENGES FAMILIES FAMILIES BEGIN TO CHANGE DENTAL LEGISLATION P. 23 COVER STORY: Pictured: Kathy Dwyer and her daughter Jennifer Blanque CONTENTS MISSION The Mission of Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is to educate and connect children and adults with disabilities, and their families to resources, services, and supports to attend school, work, and thrive in their communities. OUR TEAM executive director MARY JACOB mjacob@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 207 statewide outreach specialist SHARON BLACKMON sblackmon@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 208 director of public relations BEBE BODE bbode@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 226 information & training specialist NICOLE DESROCHE ndesroche@fhfofgno.org - Ext.218 administrative assistant LIZ DUMAS ldumas@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 202 director of peer to peer support LAURA S. NATA lsnata@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 209 community resource specialist THUY NGUYEN tnguyen@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 211 community resource specialist STEVEN NGUYEN snguyen@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 212 director of training JESSICA RODRIGUE jrodrigue@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 204 director of administrative services DENISE SWEATMAN dsweatman@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 203 coordinator of grants and contracts SAVANNAH THIBODEAUX sthibodeaux@fhfofgno.org - Ext. 217 OFFICE HOURS Coronavirus COVID-19 Closure In an effort to do our part in helping eliminate the COVID-19 Virus, Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans office will be closed to the public and all guests until further notice. We are still assisting families. All staff are working remotely from their homes. Families needing assistance please call our office at 504-888-9111 or 800-766-7736. Click here for up-to-date online resources specific to COVID-19. Exceptional Times 2.2022 Exceptional Times Special Legislative Edition BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gregory Brenan, CPA, CCIFP, CGMA Jo Ann D. LoRusso, Ph.D. Denise Barrera, MPH, MSW Debra Dixon M.Ed.+30 Ashley Bourg Michelle Archambault, CPA/PFS 04 FHF Executive Director Challenges Families to Get Involved in Legislative Advocacy 05 The Family That Changed Medicaid Forever 12 The Intersection of Advocacy and Advisory 14 Partners in Policymaking - Getting Plugged Into Advocacy 16 Louisiana Grassroots Advocacy - Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network (LaCAN) 23 Families Begin to Change Dental Legislation: How to Keep the Momentum going for Dental Health Equality 27 Advocacy: The Importance of Creating a Relationship with your Legislators Louisiana United States Senators Louisiana United States Representatives Louisiana Senators Louisiana Representatives 41 House Mouse, Senate Mouse 46 Legislators Introduce Bill To Increase Funding for Students With Disabilities Understanding Full Funding of IDEA 48 2021 Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA Parts B & C 52 Branches of the U.S. Government Levels of Government How A Bill Becomes A Law 57 Learn the Terms Used During a Legislative Session 61 AmazonSmile 62 Louisiana School Finder 700 Hickory Avenue Harahan, LA 70123 504.888.9111 800.766.7736 504.353.2350 fax info@fhfofgno.org fhfofgno.org 23 I’m excited to share our legislative advocacy edition of Exceptional Times with you. If you are a parent of a child with a disability or special health care needs, you undoubtedly have multi-tasking as your superpower. Caring for your child is a full-time job and yet, you are expected to do so many other things too. Sadly, the one thing that probably gets dropped to the bottom of your list or maybe not even makes it on your list, is letting legislators know the importance of certain state-funded services that contribute to the quality of your life and the life of your loved one with a disability or special health care need. Legislators repeatedly state that hearing from constituents about their needs is their top priority. They don’t mind talking to me and others that are paid to speak to them about disability issues, but at the end of the day, they want to hear from someone that is not paid, they want to hear from the authentic constituent. I would like to challenge each of you to reach out to your legislators and let them know what’s important to you. Send a passionate email, attach a picture of your family, and let them know why certain things are important to you. Some of the items that are up for decision include: Funding for comprehensive dental for adults with I/DD. Funding for new and existing postsecondary inclusive education programs for students with I/DD. Oversight and Accountability for cameras in special education classrooms If you don’t know who your legislators are, just go to this page and enter your address and they will pop up. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Louisiana received $3.011 billion with a “B” last year and appropriated and transferred $1.626 billion, leaving $1.384 billion to spend. According to the Joint Legislative committee on the Budget’s presentation dated January 25, 2022, It’s projected the 2021 surplus will be $700 million and the projected excess for 2022 is $853 million. We have received a gift and need to make sure we spend it wisely as we may never see this type of surplus again in our lifetime. If you don’t think you can make a difference, hopefully after you read the articles in this edition and see the list of legislation that was passed because an individual citizen like you, you’ll realize the ultimate power you control. As citizens of Louisiana, each of us has a responsibility to make sure our legislators know what is important to us. What are you going to tell your legislator is important to you? ET As rough as the past two years have been with COVID-19, Louisiana families of children with significant disabilities have something big to celebrate in 2022. For decades Louisiana families of children with significant disabilities have not had access to Medicaid if they earned too much money. As of January 1, 2022, if the child otherwise qualifies, the parent's income that exceeded the income limits will no longer be considered. Louisiana's Medicaid received approval from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to begin implementation of Louisiana's TEFRA, also known as Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option (TEFRA/Katie Beckett). The program's effective date is January 1, 2022. As of today, you can submit an application for enrollment. It was 1978 and Katie Beckett was a happy five-month-old baby living with her family in Iowa when she contracted a brain infection called viral encephalitis. As a result of this diagnosis, Katie was partially paralyzed, unable to swallow, and barely able to breathe on her own. Because Katie's needs were so great, it didn't take long for her family's private insurance, with a one million dollar lifetime limit to be reached. Due to her middle-class family's income, she couldn't get Medicaid coverage. Tough Choices In 1965 when Medicaid was signed into law, Medicaid's strict eligibility requirements and coverage limitations wouldn't cover children like Katie unless she was in an institutional setting. Katie's parents wanted to take care of her at home, where they knew she would be loved and supported, descriptors not often used to describe institutional care. Katie's parents did what many won't do - they fought the system. They began lobbying politicians and bureaucrats and didn't stop until there was change. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Katie Beckett Waiver, which allowed Katie and others like her, to receive their care at home while retaining their Medicaid coverage. Sadly, Katie passed away in 2012 at the age of 34, which was 3 times the age her doctors had predicted she would reach. However, her legacy will now live on in Louisiana. This Is Why Family Advocacy is So Important Because Katie's needs were so great, it didn't take long for her family's private insurance, with a one million dollar lifetime limit to be reached. Due to her middle-class family's income, she couldn't get Medicaid coverage. The Family That Changed Medicaid Forever: Americans need to be engaged and invested in the legislative process that affects their daily lives, otherwise we are just democracy in name only. ~Harris Faulkner FHF Executive Director Challenges Families to Get Involved in Legislative Advocacy by Mary Jacob Who Is Katie Beckett? by Mary Jacob You will need the following information to complete the application: Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants who need insurance). Employer and Salary information for everyone in your family (i.e. w-2 forms, pay stubs, etc.) Other income for everyone in your family (i.e. Unemployment, pensions, social security, retirement, alimony, child support, etc. Your most recent income tax return. Amounts paid for alimony, student loan interest, other income tax deductibles. Current health insurance name and policy numbers, if applicable. Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family. (i.e. Amount of employee-paid premium, How frequently does employee pay premiums) Federally recognized tribe number, if applicable. Personal assets (i.e. Checking and Savings Accounts, Vehicles, Property, Certificates of Deposit, Annuities, Trusts, Stocks, Life or burial insurance, Safe deposit boxes, etc.) If you are determined to be ineligible for any other Medicaid or CHIP program and meet all other criteria for TEFRA, your application continues to Step 2. Step 2 - Level of Care Assessment at our Local Government Entity (LGE) One of the most frequently asked questions is about the level of care. How is it determined if your child meets the medical necessity criteria for facility-based care in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, a nursing facility, or a hospital? Often parents have done what is necessary to care for their child at home with minimum support and don't realize they may indeed be eligible. Your local LGE needs to complete an assessment to determine if your child meets the level of care requirement. You will receive a level of care packet, which contains documents you need to complete. All forms must be filled out completely. All supporting documentation required must be submitted. Return the packet as soon as possible. The LGE will review all information and forms provided by you to complete the level-of-care assessment. It's important to follow the instructions in the level of care packet. The levels of care being assessed are: Intermediate Care Facility (institutions, small facilities, group homes, community homes). - ICF is a facility that is licensed to provide residential care for four or more individuals that meet the criteria for 24 hours per day of Active Treatment. In order to qualify under the ICF level of care, your child must first obtain a statement of approval (SOA) from the Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) showing that they have a developmental disability. Your child's doctor will then need to complete a Form 90-L to attest that the applicant meets the ICF level of care. Nursing Facility (nursing home) - A nursing facility provides 24-hour care for rehabilitative, restorative, and ongoing skilled nursing care to patients or residents in need of assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, and eating. In order to qualify under the nursing facility level of care, a registered nurse must assess your child. The assessment must show: 1) The need for skilled nursing and/or therapeutic interventions on a regular or sustained basis; and 2) Substantial functional limitations as compared to age-appropriate levels. Hospital - In order to qualify under the hospital level of care, a registered nurse must assess your child. The assessment must show: 1) Frequent medical care that requires the use of equipment to prevent life-threatening situations, with skilled medicare care required more than once during each 24 hour period; 2) Skilled medical interventions that are expected to last at least six months; and 3) An overall health condition that is unstable, presenting the constant potential for complications or rapid deterioration, such that the child requires monitoring in order to detect the unstable or life-threatening condition and respond with appropriate care. Children that meet the level of care requirements continue to Step 3. Step 3 - Disability Determination Children must meet the definition of disability as set forth by the Social Security Administration. Medicaid will request a disability decision from the Medical Eligibility Determination Team (MEDT) for children that do not have a disability determination with the Social Security Administrative Office. MEDT may need additional documentation to reach a decision on the disability determination. This additional information may include documentation or records from physicians, home health, social services, etc. Children that meet the disability requirement continue to Step 4. Step 4 - Enrollment/Service Coverage Through a Healthy Louisiana Plan If you've made it to Step 4 - Congratulations. This means you've met the requirements of the previous 3 steps and will receive Medicaid coverage through a Healthy Louisiana plan. Part of the application process is picking a Healthy Louisiana managed care plan for health insurance and dental insurance. Louisiana offers 5 health plans. They are Aetna Better Health, Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana, Healthy Blue, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and United Healthcare Community. The dental plans are DentaQuest and MCNA Dental. You should review and compare all plans. This can be done here. Step 1 - Completing a Medicaid Application There are four (4) ways to apply for Medicaid - online, by mail, in person, or by phone. Choose the method that works best for you. Apply online. If you've never applied for Medicaid before, you will need to create an account. If you've applied before and don't remember your password or user ID, you can get that information at this same link. Apply by phone. Call 1.888.362.4207. Apply in person at your local application center or Medicaid Regional Office. Apply by mail by downloading the Medicaid application, completing it, and mailing it to: Medicaid Application Office, 6069 I-49 Service Road, Suite B, Opelousas, LA 70570. We highly recommend everyone apply online, if possible. 4 Steps to Enrollment President Ronald Reagan meets Katie Beckett, along with her parents, Julia and Mark Beckett as the President exits Air Force One on the tarmac of Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport, Iowa, on September 20th, 1984. Photograph by official White House photographer Michael Events. Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana's TEFRA Is there an age limit? Yes, children must be under the age of 19. Who is eligible? Louisiana children, under the age of 19, with significant disabilities, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, have or have applied for a social security number and meet the income and resource limits. Who is considered a qualified non-citizen? The Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility Manual provides an extensive list of qualifying non-citizens. The list starts on page 2 here. Why is income information requested, when TEFRA doesn't impose income limits? TEFRA applicants cannot be otherwise eligible for any other Medicaid program. The Louisiana Department of Health will need information on family income and resources to ensure that the applicant is not first eligible for a different Medicaid program. Whose income counts? The child's income still counts. The child cannot have more than $2,000 in assets (resources) and income no more than three (3) times the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which is the individual Special Income Limit (SIL). When does TEFRA start? The program's effective date is January 1, 2022. Applications for enrollment will begin on January 1, 2022. Will there be a waiting or registry list? No, applicants that meet the financial and categorical eligibility requirements will be enrolled. There is no cap. How is disability defined for the TEFRA program? The child must have a disability that is recognized under the definition of disability utilized in the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration, regardless of whether the child is eligible to receive benefits under that program. What happens if a child doesn't have a disability determination from the Social Security Administration? The Medicaid Eligibility Determination Team (MEDT) will determine if the child meets this definition. How do I know if my child's disability meets the level-of-care for TEFRA? The level of care determination is processed through your local governing entity (LGE) This is your regional human services authority or district offices. Once it's determined your child doesn't meet eligibility for any other Medicaid program, you will receive a level of care packet from LDH requesting additional information. Once you complete this packet and return it to LDH, our LGE will contact you. Who is my LGE? There is an LGE in every Developmental Disability region. Depending on where you live will depend on what LGE serves your parish. The LGE's are Metropolitan Human Services District (Region 1), Capital Area Human Services District (Region 2), South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (Region 3), Acadiana Area Human Services District (Region 4), Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority (Region 5), Central Louisiana Human Services District (Region 6), Northwest Louisiana Human Services District (Region 7), Northeast Delta Louisiana Human Services District (Region 8), Florida Parishes Human Services Authority (Region 9), and Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority (Region 10). How does the LGE determine level-of-care? Once you apply for Medicaid and meet the requirements for TEFRA, you will receive documents to complete and return to LDH. Once LDH receives the required documents, the LGE will contact you to schedule your child's assessment. Is this assessment the same as the SUN assessment? No, the SUN Assessment is different. The SUN assessment is screening for the urgency of need. Is the level-of-care assessment a one-time assessment? No, the level-of-care assessments are conducted annually by your LGE. Per Federal requirements, an annual redetermination is required. Can I get this if I have private insurance for my child? Yes, as long as your child meets all eligibility requirements. If you have both private insurance and Medicaid, it's important to note that by law, Medicaid is the payer of last resort. Can I fill out the Medicaid application myself? Yes, most people are capable of completing the application without any assistance. The application is lengthy, but this is due to many duplicate pages for each working person in the household. If you have the information mention earlier readily available, you shouldn't have any problems. If you do require assistance, you can call Medicaid at 1.800.230.0690 or apply by phone at 1.888.362.4207 or call our office at 800.766.7736 for assistance. If I previously applied for Medicaid for my child with a disability and was rejected because of income, will the application automatically be reconsidered now? No, anyone applying before January 1, 2022, will need to reapply. If my child is not found eligible, is there an appeal process? Yes, many decisions regarding access to services under TEFRA can be appealed if you are not satisfied with the decision. These include but are not limited to: determination that your child does not meet the level of care standards, denial of Medicaid eligibility, or denial of prior authorization. The method of appeal will depend on what decision was made and who made it. Please refer to the letter you receive for instructions on how to appeal. Also, remember most appeals are time-sensitive. Where can I learn more? The Louisiana Department of Health has information on their website which can be found here. Additionally, LDH has an Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option (TEFRA/Katie Beckett) Frequently Asked Questions on their website. Register TEFRA Contact Information Governor John Bel Edwards with the 2021 winners of the Inclusive Art Contest and the Outstanding Leadership Awards To Apply by phone: 1.888.362.4207 For Assistance by phone: 1.800.230.0690 For Assistance by email: 421-CMO@la.gov For Assistance by mail: Louisiana Department of Health Medicaid Act 421-CMO, PO Box 91030, Bin 24 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9030 ET The Intersection of Advocacy and Advisory continued p.51 by Mary Jacob Some parents perceive advocacy as an obligation to make sure their child with a disability or special health care needs get the services they need to thrive. Whereas other parents would argue it is unreasonable to expect parents that already have overflowing plates and are stressed out to add one more thing to their to-do list. In the perfect world, individuals in power would do the morally and ethically right thing. Unfortunately, we don’t live in the perfect world, and clicking our heals together like Dorothy, won’t get us there – unless we are willing to do our part. As a member of several committees and councils, one thing holds true - I see the same faces over and over again. Once an active family is identified, it’s like we become piranha circling around the prey for the perfect opportunity to jump at them. Often this happens because not enough families are willing to be involved OR maybe they don't even know there is an opportunity to be involved. Engaging families in local and state-level committees and councils are key to having the family voice represented. Families have their perspectives and expectations, which is why it's important to hear from different types of families. A family living in St. Helena Parish may have significant issues with public transportation, whereas, this may not be an issue for families living in Orleans Parish. Participating on a committee or council is a great place to develop advocacy skills. In addition to these formal groups, there are a lot of opportunities with local disability specific groups, Office of Mayors, hospitals, parishes, and other community groups. Below are some committees and councils that offer membership to individuals with disabilities or special health care needs and their families. Statewide Groups Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board The Advisory Board provides information and recommendations from the perspective of advocacy groups, service providers, and parents on policies and programs relating to Louisiana children. Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs The Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) was established to monitor state compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and to advise the governor on the needs of individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. GACDA is also charged with assisting the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs with the resolution of state disabilities issues and provide education, communication, and networking services concerning disability issues and needs for all Louisiana citizens. GACDA is composed of 31 members appointed by Governor Edwards. Human Development Center (HDC) Constituent Advisory Committee The purpose of the Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC) is to advise the Human Development Centre director, faculty, and staff in a manner that supports the HDC in meeting its responsibilities in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council The Council’s mission is to increase independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion for Louisianans with developmental disabilities. Louisiana Rehabilitation Council The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council listens to the concerns of those with disability issues, reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the state rehabilitation program, collaborates with other state agencies, organizations, and consumer groups. Louisiana Special Education Advisory Panel The Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) advises and assists the Louisiana Department of Education with the provision of free and appropriate public education for individuals with disabilities. It exists by authority of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide guidance on special education programs and services. Members are appointed by the State Superintendent of Education after being selected from a pool of applicants by a committee that includes one member of the LDOE, one BESE member, and two current members of SEAP. SEAP members serve three year terms. State Interagency Coordinating Council The Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council (LA-SICC) works in collaboration with the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, in an advisory capacity, to design and oversee the implementation of a family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, interagency system for infants and toddlers (birth through two years of age) who are eligible for Early Steps and their families. Our goal is to advise and assist the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), as the Lead Agency, in the monitoring and evaluation of this system to ensure that families are supported and the potential of each child is maximized. Statewide Independent Living Council The Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to support the efforts of our citizens with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choice. SILC works to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities, facilitating integration and full inclusion into the mainstream of American society. Regional Groups Regional Advisory Committees for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities A Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) is located in each of OCDD’s 10 regions. They were established by legislative act to ensure public input in an advisory capacity in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and the allocation of resources. Members of the RAC make up the membership of the State Advisory committee. Regional Interagency Coordinating Council The Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC) is an essential component of the Early Steps early intervention system at the local level Even though not required by law, the state supports the development of regional councils as a way to expand the collaborative and coordinated efforts of Early Steps, to develop local leadership, and involve a broad stakeholder community. Regional Special Education Advisory Councils Each public school district is charged with creating a special education advisory council to provide advice and feedback regarding special education policies, procedures, and resources. If you are interested in learning more about any of these groups, I encourage you to contact them directly. If you need help contacting them, please call our office at 504.888.9111. Parents in Action! Did you know? The Louisiana Department of Education is required to maintain a database of all reported incidents of seclusion and physical restraints of students with exceptionalities? Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.21 Parents in Action! Did you know? Louisiana parents were successful in getting legislation passed that requires every school district as of January 2020 to create a special education advisory committee consisting of 50% parents. Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:1944.1 Everybody can be great….because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Parents in Action! Did you know? Louisiana parents got the legislation in 2021 to pass legislation requiring each public school district to create a policy that would permit cameras in a special education classroom. Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:1948 PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING Getting “Plugged In” to Advocacy Did you ever find yourself wishing you knew more about how to advocate for yourself or your child with a disability? Did you ever find yourself thinking, “This isn’t fair! There should be a law!” Or have you perhaps wondered how you could (or IF you should) contact your representative or senator about a certain issue related to disability? That was me a few years ago. We were having terrible issues related to my son’s disability, and I was furious about unfair—and illegal--treatment but didn’t really know what to do about it. As my husband and I bumbled around on our own, trying to figure it all out, we finally met with our state representative and our senator about the issues we were having. While we did get legislation passed that helped our situation, looking back now I realize that we could have presented ourselves and our information more clearly if we’d been familiar with basic Advocacy 101 and how to affect systems change. Somewhere along the way, while still “bumbling” through it all, I discovered a program called Partners in Policymaking. “Partners” is a national leadership training program for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. It offers the most up-to-date knowledge about disability issues and teaches the competencies necessary for effective advocacy to influence public policy at all levels of government. It’s a bridge, in a way, between the people needing and using the services and the people who are creating public policy relevant to those services. In our state it is an initiative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), and is a replicated model, which means that all states that offer the Partners course use the same general curriculum. Partners in Policymaking is completely free for participants and has been funded in Louisiana since 1991, with over 400 new advocates graduating the program to date. Participants engage in six months of training sessions, one weekend per month (Friday/Saturday), January through June. Nationally recognized speakers are brought in from all over the country to train budding advocates in topics such as History, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Education, The Legislative Process, Supported Employment, Supported Living, Community Building, and Systems Change Advocacy. Partners is a completely FREE (did I say that already??), all-expense-paid program, and there is even money for respite care during training weekends if the child with a disability does not have Waiver services. Classes range in size from about 15 to 25 participants, and are held in Baton Rouge. “Our goal is to create effective disability policy systems change agents,” says Liz Gary, Partners in Policymaking Coordinator. “Partners gives you the tools and resources necessary to advocate for Big Picture change—systemic changes.” Steven Nguyen is from the west bank of New Orleans. He is a powerful self-advocate with Spina Bifida and a 2015 graduate of the program. “Partners in Policymaking was a life changing experience for me,” says Nguyen. “It provided me the tools, knowledge and perspectives to invoke systems change and be a better advocate for myself and others with developmental disabilities.” “Partners in Policymaking has equipped me to go from passively watching events happening to actively working to help create a paradigm shift that supports and empowers individuals with disabilities to have the best quality of life possible,” says Patsy White, mother of five children ranging in age from 18-38. Her 21-year-old, Michael, has Prader-Willi Syndrome. White is a 2011 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking class, and has been actively advocating for her son and others in her St. Charles Parish community as well as at the state and federal levels since finishing the program. Let’s face it: raising a child with a disability—or growing up with a disability—has its own set of stressors: divorce rate is high among families living with a disability; many times there is isolation from friends and family when a child is born with a disability; moms in particular seem to struggle with no one in their circle understanding their plight. And then there is the almost daily stress of fighting for every single thing your child needs: school resources, social security, waiver services, medical benefits/Medicaid, public accessibility, inclusion in the community; the list seems to be unending, and the demands on the family are as well. Rebecca Fruge of Ville Platte completed the Partners class in June of this year. She has a six-year-old son with autism. “I don’t want other parents to get to the point I was with stress. It’s why I’m so passionate about paying it forward.” Since starting Partners in January, she has helped several friends and their families fight for needed services. “It’s not just about my son and the services he needed, it’s about the community.” Kelly Usery from Jefferson Parish was a classmate of Fruge, also completing Partners this summer. After fighting a huge battle over her child being able to keep her Medicaid benefits, she voiced her frustrations to some colleagues on the Patient Family Advisory Council at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. They recommended the Partners program. Usery was looking for somewhere to focus her energies, and was very vocal about how things needed to change. Her 12-year-old daughter Sophia was born with multiple heart and orthopedic anomalies as well as problems with most of the organs in her body. She has undergone multiple surgeries for her heart, bones, and stomach, and has poor immunity due to being born without a spleen. She has fought for her young life multiple times, though you couldn’t tell it by looking at photos of the glowing beauty in her dance review costumes! “The more people who are aware of the hills and hurdles we’ve been through, the better,” says Usery. “It shouldn’t be so frustrating to get someone to help [Sophia], or just to be kind to her.” One of the best things about Partners in Policymaking, according to every graduate interviewed, is the comradery between classmates. “It’s the one place where I felt normal,” says Usery. “People got it. I could just be, and people got it. I didn’t have to explain how I felt or even what we were going through. I’ll forever be grateful for that.” I am a Partners Graduate from the Class of 2011, and it was life-changing for me and my family. I made life-long friends and “partners in crime,” who have supported my family and our advocacy efforts from all over the state, who have given me advice and encouraged me when I was just too battle-weary to fight another day. And the old adage, “Knowledge is Power” certainly rings true when it comes to disability advocacy: the more you know, the easier it is to get things done. Partners in Policymaking has certainly equipped, and continues to equip, people to advocate for systems and policy change for future generations. To learn more about Partners in Policymaking, visit the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Councils webpage. continued on p.50 by Sharon Blackmon “It provided me the tools, knowledge and perspectives to invoke systems change and be a better advocate for myself and others with developmental disabilities.” ~ Steven Nguyen Regions 1 & 10 Leader Christina Martin Serving Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes Phone: (504) 943-0343 or (877) 243-7352 Email: cmartin@lacanadvocates.org I became a LaCAN Leader because I believe in being the change that I want to see. I have a daughter with an ultra-rare disability and making this world better for her and others with disabilities has become my life’s work. I enjoy justice and action, both of which led me to LaCAN after having the opportunity to personally advocate for Louisiana ACT No. 137 of the 2020 Regular Legislative Session. I look forward to many years of service to the great people in Region 1 and 10. It’s important for others to be involved in legislative advocacy, firstly because Community IS Unity, and inclusion of the disability community is a necessary and integral part of our world. Secondly, because laws being passed affect the lives of the people who live in that jurisdiction. When we advocate effectively as a solitary unit to express the need for a desired piece of legislation, the outcomes are amazing. I hold myself to a high quality standard, so my community can expect the best from me. I am taking the necessary steps to become the most efficient leader that I can be, while staying grounded and relative with the people that I serve. They can count on me to serve Region 1 & 10 proudly. Region 3 Leader - Julie Folse Serving Assumption, Lafourche, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. Mary Parishes Phone: (985) 447-4461 or (800) 331-5570 Email: jsmith@lacanadvocates.org LOUISIANA GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY GET TO KNOW YOUR REGIONAL LaCAN TEAM LEADERS Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network (LaCAN) I'm a LaCAN leader because I want to make system changes that improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. I want our DD community to have the same access that everyone has. I enjoy educating others on the importance of advocacy and how to be effective advocates. It's important for people to be involved in legislative advocacy so legislators know and understand that how what they do during the legislative session will affect the people they serve. It’ important that people use their voice so Legislators know what is important to their constituents. As a LaCAN leader I will teach my members how to be effective advocates. They will make connections with their legislators and build relationships with them. I became a LaCAN leader because my son Henry, now twelve years old, has cerebral palsy. With God's grace we have navigated thus far through the unique circumstances of our journey; I hope to be able to assist other families as well. It is important for others to be involved in legislative advocacy because we all rise together! If circumstances change to empower those with special needs, our community as a whole will be changed for the better. From me you can expect a welcome, joyful open door. I believe together we can accomplish more than we ever imagined, to recreate our world with love and inclusion. I want to share information and advocacy strategies, but most of all I want to hear your story and find out how we can collectively improve in this life! LaCAN advocates for service systems that support children and adults with disabilities to live in their own homes and be fully-included and participating members of their local schools and communities. Each region of the state has a LaCAN Leader to support its grassroots advocacy members. These LaCAN Leaders are available to provide additional information and support in your advocacy efforts for systems change. This can include help understanding the content or actions needed for the latest advocacy alert, or assistance with activities such as writing your legislator, scheduling a legislative visit, or preparing public testimony. Region 2 Leader - Katie Kroes Serving Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Point Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes Phone: (225) 408-9963 or (866) 216-7474 Email: kkroes@lacanadvocates.org Greetings from Region 7 up in Northwest Louisiana! My name is Mimi Rankin Webb and I am the LaCAN Leader for this region. I’m a Mom of four children, three of which are 15 and also on the Autism spectrum, each having other accompanying diagnoses as well. Over the past 15 years, I have become familiar with the many processes and subsequently the struggles that families go through in trying to navigate everyday life while living with loved ones who have developmental disabilities. I experience firsthand the difficulties families are going through when trying to gain access to needed healthcare, acquire the often elusive school accommodations necessary for our children to access their education and navigate our communities. I too am navigating the often confusing aspects of accessing much needed therapies and services that would ensure that our children have the best chance at developing and reaching their full potential in school, at home, and within our community. As a parent, I understand the fight and the importance of accommodations, access, awareness and acceptance that we as families need and experience and am going through this myself on a day to day basis. I feel strongly that society needs to be made more aware and far more inclusive for those who are differently-abled and that access to services designed to keep everybody together living within their own homes, with their families, and working and playing out within the community are of the utmost importance. As LaCAN Leader, my goal is to provide my area with any information they may need on how current or proposed policies affect individuals with developmental disabilities and families as well as to link individuals and families in Region 7 with our representatives in the legislature and other policymakers that represent us to share our personal stories, successes, struggles and concerns to help guide policy and decision making. I strive to become familiar with the situations and struggles of my area and to help my members and families find their voice with our legislative representatives and be heard so that we can make positive changes in the system to make a better tomorrow. Together, we can make that difference and make our society a more inclusive place to be. Region 4 Leader - Kristie Curtis Serving Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St., Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes Phone: (337) 492-3110 or (337) 984-3458 Email: kcurtis@lacanadvocates.org Region 5 Leader - Mylinda Elliott Serving Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, and Cameron Parishes Phone: (337) 436-2570 or (800) 894-6558 Email: melliott@lacanadvocates.org Growing up I never knew that my brother was mentally challenged. We were stair steppers, me being the oldest of 3. It wasn't until he started school that I realized he was different. Well, it was cruelly pointed out to me by kids on the bus. I love my brother and it made me furious that someone else didn't love him like I love him. How dare anyone say anything about him or to make him seem inferior! That's when my fight began. My fight renewed August 18, 2008, when my daughter was born. She has a diagnosis of Autism, ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia. I want them both to live their lives to the fullest in the community. I want them to have it all! Advocacy is the greatest gift you can give someone. As the world changes so do the needs of persons with developmental disabilities. If we don't stand up and say what we need, who will? We are the best qualified to let legislators know what we need, when we need it and how we need it. I strive to always give 110% to everyone. I will help you reach your full potential as an advocate for yourself and others. I will help you understand the issues and how to use that knowledge effectively. Region 7 Leader - Mimi Webb Serving Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Claiborne, Sabine, and Webster Parishes Phone: (318) 560-3629 or (877) 226-4541 Email: mwebb@lacanadvocates.org I am a LaCAN Leader because I have adult children and grandchildren with developmental disabilities. I have been a LaCAN Leader for over 20 years. When I originally started the only way a child with a developmental disability got a Home and Community Based Waiver was if someone died or moved out of state. I found that situation upsetting and wanted to help change it. It is important to be involved in things that are important to you and the people you care about if you want to make changes. Legislative Advocacy is one of the ways readily available to make changes. It is our responsibility to take care of people who are unable to take care of themselves. As the LaCAN Leader I regularly look for people who would like to express their views on issues important to them and their families. I provide information on issues important to people with developmental disabilities and their parents. I provide training on different parts of the Legislative process. Families and people with developmental disabilities are linked to each other in my area through membership meetings and a local Facebook Group. Most importantly though, I help individuals with disabilities and their families link with their Legislators through individual meetings, roundtables, testimony, and yellow shirt days. Even after all these years it is quite exciting to see what individuals with disabilities and their families can accomplish working together. Region 6 Leader - Kristen Reed Serving Avoyelles, Concordia, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn Parishes Phone: (318) 641-7373 or (800) 259-7200 Email: kreed@lacanadvocates.org I became a LaCAN Leader because I am passionate about advocacy and advocating for the I/DD community. I found purpose and passion in advocacy through advocating for my sons. I want to help educate and empower self-advocates and families to understand the legislative process and how important it is to get involved in legislative advocacy. It is important for self-advocates and families to be involved in legislative advocacy because legislators want and need to hear from you, the constituents, on how issues affect you and your family. Your personal stories make the most impact! As your Region 4 LaCAN Leader, you can expect me to assist and empower you for your advocacy efforts. I will make myself available to make sure you understand the legislative process, as well as assist you with understanding and sharing information important and relevant to issues and systems change. I will also assist you with contacting your legislators, and keep you updated on news, information, and updates throughout the legislative session. LaCAN's Guiding Principles Children, regardless of the severity of their disability, need families and enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment to develop to their fullest potential. Adults with developmental disabilities should be afforded the opportunity to make decisions for themselves, live in typical homes and communities, and exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens. People with developmental disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, should have the opportunity and support needed to gain and maintain competitive, integrated, individualized employment. All students, with or without disabilities, should be provided the same opportunities to be educated in neighborhood schools as their sisters, brothers, friends, and neighbors. All students, with or without disabilities, should be provided with the support to learn together effectively, involving family, school, and community. Benefits to Membership You can help improve the systems that serve individuals with developmental disabilities by joining the LaCAN and participating in its advocacy efforts. There are no dues or fees to join and your activity level is up to you. Here are just a few of the benefits to joining LaCAN: CONNECTION – become a part of a regional team of advocates INFORMATION – receive current information on proposed policy changes and how those changes may affect you and others TRAINING – learn skills to effectively advocate for systems change SUPPORT – receive assistance from a regional LaCAN Leader who will link you with your policymakers and support your advocacy efforts. Legislative Roundtables Roundtables are held each January-February in every region of the state. Roundtables provide you the opportunity to: Meet with legislators in your area Get current information on state issues Increase your ability to be an effective advocate Learn techniques for sharing your personal story to encourage positive changes LADDC 2022 Legislative Advocacy Agenda The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council adopted its 2022 Legislative Advocacy Agenda on January 24, 2022 with input from both its grassroots advocacy network LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network) and Families Helping Families (FHF) Centers. Home- and Community-Based Services The Council will advocate for funding to ensure comprehensive dental coverage for all adults enrolled in any Medicaid waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Fund Comprehensive Dental for Adults with I/DD Education The Council will advocate for funding to increase and expand postsecondary inclusive education opportunities in Louisiana for individuals with I/DD. Currently, of the 64 higher education institutions in our state, only six offer inclusive higher education opportunities. Fund New & Existing Postsecondary Inclusive Education Programs for Students with I/DD The Council will also advocate for additional oversight and accountability related to Act 456 of 2021 which requires local education authorities of public and charter schools to adopt policies relative to the installation and operation of cameras in special education classrooms upon request. Address Oversight & Accountability Regarding Cameras in Special Education Classrooms Get Involved The 2022 Legislative Session begins March 14th and will conclude on June 6th. Individuals with disabilities, family members, and advocates are encouraged to take part in the Council’s advocacy efforts by participating in upcoming virtual roundtables and legislative visits. Virtual roundtables will be held by each region of the state. These virtual events are an opportunity to gain more information about the 2022 Legislative Advocacy Agenda and connect with legislators. See the 2022 Legislative Roundtable schedule on page 52 and register for yours today! Interested in advocating for these agenda items with your legislator and regional delegation? Reach out to your LaCAN Leader to participate in legislative visits. On Tuesday, January 25th, at 9:30 AM, the Governor’s proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 23 (beginning July 1) was presented to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Advocates are encouraged to watch the presentation to see what impacts, if any, the proposed budget may have on disability services. You can watch the committee meeting live from the legislature’s website. When the meeting is in progress, click the camera icon to access the broadcast. Region 8 Leader - Konstance Causey Serving Caldwell, East & West Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, & Union, Parishes Phone: (318) 547-9379 or (888) 300-1320 Email: kcausey@lacanadvocates.org Region 9 Leader - Karen Artus Serving Livingston, St. Tammany, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes Phone: (985) 264-1186 or (800) 383-8700 Email: kartus@lacanadvocates.org I am a parent advocate and Region 9 LaCAN Leader for the Louisiana Developmental Disability Council. My advocacy journey started with the needs of my child’s developmental disability. I educated myself with books and webinars, and learned from other parents how to navigate therapies, medical issues, and the educational system. I am a graduate of Partners in Policy Making, where I realized the need for systems change and joined LaCAN. Systems change happens when we work together advocating with the same message at the same time, across Louisiana. As LaCAN leader, I enjoy encouraging others and sharing my knowledge about advocating with other parents, caregivers, individuals with disabilities and stakeholders in the disability community. Region 9 spans the parishes of St. Helena, Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Now is the opportunity and now is the time to advocate. Join me on visits being scheduled with our legislators. Advocacy is building relationships and educating policymakers on the concerns of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I invite you to join me and start building those relationships. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” I became a LaCAN leader because I realized how much of an impact the organization has had on improving the lives of people in the disability community over the past years. As a parent and family member of several individuals, I also know firsthand that there is much more work to be done. I chose this work in service to my child, my brother, my nephews…and all people with disabilities, and their families who just want to see them have the same opportunities as everyone else. Grassroots advocacy demonstrates that there is power in unity. When combined with legislative advocacy, it gives parents, families, and self-advocates a process through which we can work together to influence positive change in the laws, policies and systems that affect our families and the communities we serve. It is so important that parents, family members, and self-advocates continue to take the lead in advocacy because their lived experience and personal stories help to bring awareness to the issues. My role as Regional Advocacy leader is to help elevate the voices of families and self-advocates in NELA about their concerns and ideas on improving the home and community-based service system and other programs and services for people with disabilities. I am here to serve as a resource for providing information and facts about the issues, and helping my families connect with their elected officials to share their stories on the issues important to them. by Mary Jacob with Sharon Blackmon Can we all agree that nobody truly enjoys going to the dentist? We shouldn’t expect our loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to act like it’s a walk in the park, either. Even though they may be resistant, uncooperative, and ultimately require sedation for basic cleanings, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the best oral healthcare available. Most of us don’t enjoy someone probing in our mouths; but adults with I/DD don’t just dislike it, they have intense aversions to the level of physical contact needed for oral examinations and dental work. And you can’t just command them to lie still and keep their mouths open for an exam. Individuals with I/DD often require extra help and support to maintain good oral health. Sadly, the support that is available for children with special needs vanishes on their 21st birthday. Families Begin to Change Dental Legislation: How to Keep the Momentum going for Dental Health Equality continued p.49 Medicaid and Adults On the website for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) you will find this statement: “Oral health is an important aspect of general health and wellbeing. Poor oral health is linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The relationship between poor dental health and disease is especially relevant for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities or the elderly.” Yet, neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers more than minimal preventative services and provide zero comprehensive dental care for adults. At the age of 21, anyone relying on Medicaid and needing more than a basic cleaning has the single option of pulling teeth and getting dentures. While this might seem like a viable choice for some, it is far from realistic for most adults with developmental disabilities. Medicaid does provide states with flexibility to determine what dental benefits are provided to adults. It does not dictate any minimum requirements for adults, so most states only provide emergency dental services due to money and what the states can afford to provide in their already tight budgets. One has to wonder if they have ever compared the cost of increased emergency room visits due to poor dental hygiene with the cost of providing better overall dental care. National studies conducted all show states that previously provided some level of preventive dental care showed a significant increase in dental-related emergency room visits once this service was eliminated. While Medicaid doesn’t pay for comprehensive dental services for any adults, it’s the I/DD population that is most affected. Sibling Love I first learned about the crisis in oral healthcare five or six years ago from Mary Kay Cowen when we were both members of the Jefferson Parish Regional Advisory Committee for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (RAC). She frequently brought up this topic of dental care and her exasperation with getting basic dental services for her brother Tommy, who is 63 and has an intellectual disability. Mary Kay became Tommy’s caregiver when their father passed away in 2005. Until that time, Tommy had lived most of his life in Northlake Supports & Services Center in Hammond. On the grounds of Northlake was a Dental Clinic available for individuals with disabilities that resided at Northlake as well as those in the community. This is where Tommy received all of his dental care until 2012 when Northlake closed and transitioned residents into the community. Finding a dentist for Tommy in the community proved to be extremely difficult. The majority of dentists have very minimal, if any, experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. And because of Tommy’s disability, he would require a facility that was set up to provide sedation, and that was nearly impossible to find. In 2015, Tommy experienced a health crisis in which his feet and calves started swelling. Upon seeing a doctor it was determined he had an infection, but its origin was a mystery. Not until Tommy was accepted into LSU School of Dentistry, got a referral to University Medical Center (UMC), and had three teeth pulled did the infection finally go away. Tommy had an abscessed tooth that nobody knew about because of his aversion to dental exams and his high pain tolerance, and the infection had caused other serious conditions that threatened his overall health. A Mother’s Determination In 2017, Kathy Dwyer joined the Jefferson Parish Regional Advisory Committee. And as it turned out, Kathy was also having difficulty finding a dentist for her 44-year-old daughter Jenny, who also has extreme oral aversions. Kathy had tried the dental clinic at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans but had to wait a year for an appointment. Once seen, Jen was not able to tolerate the exam. So they suggested that she come back a couple times with hopes that she would become more comfortable with the dentist and the exam. Unfortunately she did not, so they were referred to the Special Needs Dentistry Program through LSU School of Dentistry and University Medical Center. Meanwhile, Kathy also tried her own dentist for Jen. But again, her fear took over and she was unable to tolerate the exam. Kathy’s dentist referred them to a colleague who provided sedation dentistry. Arrangements were made with Jen’s Primary Care Physician to give her a mild oral sedative beforehand. The sedative was ineffective, so they were again referred to the Special Needs Dentistry Program housed at University Medical Center (UMC). Months later, arrangements were finally confirmed for Jen to have her teeth examined and cleaned under general anesthesia at UMC. Everything went well. But when Kathy inquired about the process for making another appointment in a year, she was told there was a five-year waiting list because of the shortage of resources for adults needing anesthesia for dental care. Waiting five years would never be considered acceptable oral health care. Additionally, Kathy discovered that Medicaid wouldn’t cover the anesthesia or the hospital’s facility fee. She understood Medicaid didn’t cover dental services but thought perhaps under these extenuating circumstances they would at least pay for the anesthesia and fees. They did not. The bill was just over $3,600 and covered only the dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays. If a family couldn’t afford to pay that, their loved one most likely went without any dental care. Dental Task Force Kathy and Mary Kay both represented the Jefferson Parish RAC on the State Advisory Committee (SAC) for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Mary Kay had expressed her concerns about the lack of dental services to the SAC on many occasions, and once Kathy joined the committee she reiterated the concern, citing her own experiences with Jen. Ultimately it was recommended that they draft a letter to Julie Foster Hagan, Director of the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) at the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), to request a meeting to discuss the topic. And that’s when Mary Kay and Kathy joined forces in their advocacy efforts to improve dental care for the I/DD population in Louisiana. I often say if you need something done, give it to a mother on a mission. As it turns out, a mother and a sister can make a formidable team in the world of disability advocacy! They ended up with a large support circle, which included other mothers and family members who wanted to see change. At the SAC meeting on May 8, 2019, Kathy made a motion to create a formal task force to address concern with dental treatment for adults with I/DD. She knew it would take the efforts of a team of stakeholders to create the needed system change, and this was the place to start. The motion passed unanimously: Mary Kay would become the Chair and Kathy the Co-Chair of the newly named Louisiana Dental Task Force for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. The task force met monthly for almost two years and prepared an official report to be distributed to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), other relevant state agencies, and all Louisiana legislators. (Click here to read the report.) Besides family advocates, the Dental Task Force included representatives from many agencies for disability services across the state, including OCDD, LA Medicaid, LDH, Louisiana Dental Association, LSU School of Dentistry, LA Dental Lifeline Network, Disability Rights LA, United Cerebral Palsy of GNO Dental Clinic, Quality Support Coordination, The Arc of LA, and others. It was an all-star cast of stakeholders with the power to start the changes needed to improve dental care for adults with disabilities in Louisiana. In the report they identified needs as well as solutions and prioritized the barriers that needed to be addressed, such as obtaining Medicaid coverage for comprehensive dental services for adults with I/DD; enhancing coursework for dental students; training existing dental practitioners on how to better serve adults with I/DD; and making more operating rooms and surgery centers available for dental procedures with anesthesia. Next, Mary Kay and Kathy contacted a group of legislators who had loved ones with disabilities and asked for their help. Rep. Rhonda Butler responded immediately. In fact, Rep. Butler had just experienced a challenge trying to find dental care for her adult son who has autism. In a Zoom meeting with key legislators, Rep. Butler asked Mary Kay and Kathy what was needed. The answer was simple: they needed the same level of dental care for adults that was provided by Medicaid through EPSDT services for children under 21. Those comprehensive dental services include diagnostic services, preventive services, restorative services, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and emergency care. Rep. Butler sponsored HB172 and HCR45 in the last legislative session. Mary Kay, Kathy, and Jenny drove to Baton Rouge for every committee hearing to advocate for the bills. HB172 provides for comprehensive dental services for adults with developmental disabilities who receive one of the three Developmental Disabilities waivers: the New Opportunities Waiver (NOW), the Residential Options Waiver (ROW), and the Supports Waiver. HCR45 instructs LDH to study what the cost would be to also provide comprehensive dental services to residents of Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) and group homes. The first year of HB172 provides for LDH to study what the appropriate financing mechanism needs to be. Thanks to the efforts of the Dental Task Force and other advocates who called their legislators, posted on social media, and sent emails relating their own stories of the need for appropriate dental care for their loved ones with I/DD, both bills passed through all committees and both chambers with a unanimous vote. HB172 is now Act 450. (Click here to view the summary, sponsors, and history of HB172 from the 2021 legislative session.) The Tip of the Iceberg While it would seem that getting the bills passed and creating Act 450 in the State Legislature would be the end goal, the work to get equality in dental care has only just begun. Putting words to paper with the agreement of lawmakers does not make it so. The Dental Task Force continues to meet every month with Kathy now serving as Chair. Members are currently advocating to amend Act 450 to include residents of ICF/DD facilities and group homes, and for funding to implement Act 450. The Dental Task Force is also working on ways to provide pre- and post-doctoral training for dental practitioners in preparation for the implementation of Act 450, so that the dental workforce is better prepared to treat the DD population when Act 450 is enforced. This includes developing enhanced coursework in collaboration with the Arc of Louisiana and OCDD’s Operation House Call for the LSUHSC School of Dentistry, and collaborating with Dr. Sandra Andrieu, Acting Dean of LSUHSC School of Dentistry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, to address pre-graduate training needs. In particular, the Dental Task Force has drafted an Individual/Family/Caregiver and Behavioral Supports Component that can hopefully be incorporated into pre-and post-graduate training. Annette Droddy, Executive Director of the Louisiana Dental Association and a task force member, is helping with providing post-graduate training via continuing education opportunities. As of this writing, legislators need to hear from their constituents. They need to know if funding comprehensive dental care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is important to you. LDH has included the necessary funds in their budget to implement Act 450 and submitted their budget to the Division of Administration for inclusion in the Governor’s Executive Budget for next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. However, money will be moved around until the end of the legislative session. That is when legislators will prioritize their spending, and their constituents need to help them by making your priorities known. The Dental Task Force has already made a huge impact on Louisiana legislation related to the needs of adults in our state who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. They -- along with many other grass roots advocates along the way who got involved in the process by calling their legislators, sending emails, posting on social media, watching the process on live legislative streams, and testifying before lawmakers -- are affecting many lives for the better. And while there is still much work to be done between now and June 6, it is exciting to see that ordinary people in our state can and do make a big difference by getting involved with how laws are made and enacted. Pictured: Kathy Dwyer and her daughter Jennifer Blanque Pictured: Mary Kay Cowen and her brother Tommy Why is it important to know your legislators? Taking the time to learn about your legislators is an invaluable asset to your advocacy efforts at any level of government. Legislators' personal history informs their public policy decisions and provides information that you can use to make connections with them. Why is it important to contact your representative? When you contact your representative, you're adding your voice to a wave of grassroots efforts. It's one of the best ways to voice your opinion in during the election season and in the off-season. Contacting your elected officials holds them accountable for representing you. What is the most effective way to communicate with legislators about issues? A face-to-face meeting is the most effective way to communicate with your legislators. You can also call and email them if you are unable to meet with them face-to-face. Why is it important to know who your local representative is? The need to be an informed voter is obvious – it's good to know what your representative's priorities and motivations are when it comes time for elections. continued p.42 Advocacy: The Importance of Creating a Relationship with your Legislators How can I find my legislators? The easiest way is by going to the Louisiana State Legislature website Who Are My Legislators? Type in your address and click find and your State and U.S. Legislators are provided. We also have listed of all the Louisiana U.S. Senators and Representatives, and the Louisiana State Representatives and Senators on pages 25 - 37. John Kennedy Republican Junior Senator Washington, D.C. 416 Russell Senate Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4623 Baton Rouge 7932 Wrenwood Blvd. Suites A & B Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 926-8033 Lafayette 315 S. College Rd., Suite 140 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 269-5980 Lake Charles 814 W McNeese St. Suite 213 Lake Charles, ,LA 70605 (337) 573-6800 Houma 8026 Main St., Suite 700 Houma, LA 70360 (985) 851-0956 New Orleans 500 Poydras St., Suite 364 New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 581-6190 Mandeville 21490 Koop Dr., Bldg. A Mandeville, LA 70471 (985) 809-8153 Shreveport 401 Market St., Suite 1050 Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 670-5192 MONROE 1651 Louisville Ave. Suite 148 Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: (318) 361-1489 ALEXANDRIA 6501 Coliseum Blvd. Suite 700A Alexandria, LA 71303 Phone: (318) 445-2892 LOUISIANA'S UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES LOUISIANA'S UNITED STATES SENATORS Bill Cassidy | Republican Senior Senator Washington, D.C. 520 Hart SOB Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5824 Baton Rouge 450 Laurel St. Suite 1400 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 929-7711 Metairie 3421 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 204 Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 838-0130 Lafayette 101 La Rue France Suite 505 Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 261-1400 Monroe 1651 Louisville Ave. Suite 123 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-2111 Alexandria 3600 Jackson St. Suite 115A Alexandria, LA 71303 (318) 448-7176 Shreveport 6425 Youree Dr. Suite 415 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 798-3215 Steve Scalise | Republican 1st District Washington, DC 2049 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3015 Hammond 1514 Martens Drive Suite 10 Hammond, LA 70401 (985) 340-2185 Houma Office 8026 Main Street Suite 700 Houma, LA 70360 (985) 879-2300 Mandeville 21454 Koop Drive, Suite 2C Mandeville, LA 70471 (985) 893-9064 Metairie 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 803 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 837-1259 Troy Carter | Democrat 2nd District Washington, DC 506 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6636 Algiers 3401 General DeGaulle Drive Suite 100 New Orleans, LA 70114 (504) 381-3970 Southern University New Orleans Southern University at New Orleans 6803 Press Drive, Suite 166 New Orleans, LA 70126 New Orleans 650 Poydras Street Suite 2435 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 288-3777 Baton Rouge T.H. Harris Hall 801 Harding Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Gretna Gretna Courthouse 200 Derbigny Street Suite 3200 Gretna, LA 70053 (504) 381-3999 River Parishes River Parishes Community College 181 Regala Park Road Reserve, LA 70084 LOUISIANA SENATE Mike Johnson | Republican 4th District Washington, DC 568 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2777 Bossier City 2250 Hospital Dr., Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 840-0309 Northwestern State University PO Box 4989 (mailing) 444 Caspari Drive South Hall Room 224 Natchitoches, LA 71497 Office hours by appointment (318) 951-4316 Northwestern State University - Ft. Polk 3329 University Parkway Building 552, Room 24 Leesville, LA 71446 (337) 423-4232 Abraham, Mark Dis 25 | Republican 130 Jamestown Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 475-3016 | abrahamm@legis.la.gov  Allain, R. L. Bret Dist 21 | Republican 600 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538 (337) 828-9107 | allainb@legis.la.gov Barrow, Regina Dist 15 | Democrat 4811 Harding Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70811 (225) 359-9400 | barrowr@legis.la.gov Bernard, Louie Dist 31 | Republican 431 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 357-3116 | sen31@legis.la.gov Boudreaux, Gerald Dist 24 | Democrat P.O. Box 91245, Lafayette, LA 70509 (337) 267-7520 | boudreauxg@legis.la.gov Bouie, Joseph Dist 3 | Democrat 6305 Elysian Fields Ave. Suite 400 New Orleans, LA 70122 (504) 286-1033 | bouiej@legis.la.gov Carter, Gary Dist 7 | Democrat 2401 Westbend Parkway Suite 3071 New Orleans, LA 70114 (504) 361-6600 | carterg@legis.la.gov Cathey, Stewart, Jr. Dist 33 | Republican 7268 Highway 165 North Suite 209 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 582-5524 | sen33@legis.la.gov Cloud, Heather Dist 28 | Republican P.O Box 269, Turkey Creek, LA 70585 7674 US Hwy 67, Ville Platte, LA 70586 (337) 461-2595 | sen28@legis.la.gov Connick, Patrick Dist 8 | Republican 5201 Westbank Expressway Suite 315 Marrero, LA 70072 (504) 371-0240 | connickp@legis.la.gov Cortez, Patrick Page Dist 23 | Republican 101 W. Farrel Road Bldg. 5, Suite 100 Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 993-7430 | cortezp@legis.la.gov Fesi, Michael "Big Mike" Dist 20 | Republican 200 Moffet Road, Houma, LA 70363 (985) 858-2979 | sen20@legis.la.gov Fields, Cleo Dist 14 | Democrat 2147 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 342-9514 | cfields@legis.la.gov Foil, Franklin J. Dist 16 | Republican 412 N. 4th St. Suite 230 Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 342-6777 | foilf@legis.la.gov Harris, Jimmy Dist 4 | Democrat 7240 Crowder Blvd. Suite 406 New Orleans, LA 70127 (504) 243-1960 | harrisj@legis.la.gov Henry, Cameron Dist 9 | Republican 2573 Metairie Road Suite C, Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 838-5433| henryc@legis.la.gov Hensgens, Bob Dist 26 | Republican 122 N. State Street Suite 100 Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 740-6425 | sen26@legis.la.gov Hewitt, Sharon Dist 1 | Republican 250 Bouscaren Street Suite 201 Slidell, LA 70458 100 Port Boulevard Suite 20 Chalmette, LA 70043 (985) 646-6490 Slidell| hewitts@legis.la.gov Jackson, Katrina R. Dist 34 | Democrat 4106 DeSiard St., Monroe, LA 71203-4526 (318) 343-2877 | jacksonk@legis.la.gov Lambert, Eddie J. Dist 18 | Republican P.O. Box 241, Gonzales, LA 70707 (225) 673-5048 | lamberte@legis.la.gov Peacock, Barrow Dist 37 | Republican 1619 Jimmie Davis Highway Bossier City, LA 71112 (318) 741-7180 | peacockb@legis.la.gov Peterson, Karen Carter Dist 5 | Democrat 1409 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Suite C New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 568-8346 | petersonk@legis.la.gov Pope, J. Rogers Dist 13 | Republican P.O. Box 555, Denham Springs, LA 70727 (225) 667-3588 | poper@legis.la.gov Price, Edward J. Dist 2 | Democrat 2115 S. Burnside Ave. Suite B Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 644-6738 | pricee@legis.la.gov Reese, Mike Dist 30 | Republican 1111 South 5th Street Suite E Leesville, LA 71446 218 West 4th Street, DeQuincy, LA 70633 401 West 1st Street, DeRidder, LA 70634 (337) 238-6435 | sen30@legis.la.gov Smith, Jr., Gary L. Dist 19 | Democrat P. O. Box 189, Norco, LA 70079 (985) 764-9122 | smithgl@legis.la.gov Stine, Jeremy Dist 27 | Republican 1011 Lakeshore Drive Suite 515 Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 491-2016 | sen27@legis.la.gov Talbot, Kirk Dist 10 | Republican 9523 Jefferson Hwy. Suite B River Ridge, LA 70123 (504) 736-7299 | talbotk@legis.la.gov Tarver, Gregory Dist 39 | Democrat 1024 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103 (318) 227-1499 | tarverg@legis.la.gov Ward, Rick Dist 17 | Republican 3741 Highway 1, Port Allen, LA 70767 (225) 246-8838 | wardr@legis.la.gov White, Mack "Bodi" Dist 6 | Republican 11103 Park Place, Baton Rouge, LA 70818 (225) 272-1324 | whitem@legis.la.gov Womack, Glen Dist 32 | Republican P.O. Box 660, Harrisonburg, LA 71340 119 Pine Street Suite B Harrisonburg, LA 71340 (318) 744-0005 | sen32@legis.la.gov Garret Graves | Republican 6th District Washington, DC 2402 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3901 Ascension Ascension Parish Government Building 615 E. Worthy Street Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 450-1672 Baton Rouge 2351 Energy Drive Suite 1200 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 442-1731 Livingston Livingston Parish Government Building 29261 Frost Rd. 2nd Floor Livingston, LA 70754 (225) 686-4413 Thibodaux 908 East 1st Street NSU Campus, Candies Hall, Suite 405 Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 448-4103 Julia Letlo | Republican 5th District Washington, DC 1408 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-8490 Central Louisiana 4124 Jackson Street Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 319-6465 Northeast Louisiana 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 501 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 570-6440 South Louisiana 109 E. Oak Street Amite, LA 70422 (985) 284-5200 Clay Higgins | Republican 3rd District Washington D.C. 572 Cannon House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2031 Lafayette Chase Building 600 Jefferson Street Suite 808 Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 703-6105 Lake Charles Lake Charles, LA 70629 (337) 656-2833 Adams, Roy Daryl Dist 62 | Independent Senate Dist. 15, 17, & 32 P. O. Box 217, Jackson, LA 70748 (225) 634-7470 | hse062@legis.la.gov Amedée, Beryl Dist 51 | Republican Senate Dist. 2, 17, 20, & 21 302 School Street, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 858-2967 | amedeeb@legis.la.gov Bacala, Tony Dist 59 | Republican | Senate Dist. 18 15482 Airline Hwy. Suite A Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 677-8020 | bacalat@legis.la.gov Bagley, Larry Dist 7 | Republican | Senate Dist. 31 & 38 671 Hwy. 171 Suite E, Stonewall, LA 71078 (318) 925-9588 | bagleyl@legis.la.gov Beaullieu, IV, Gerald "Beau" Dist 48 | Republican | Senate Dist. 22 & 23 209 West Main Street 4th Floor Suite 403 New Iberia, LA 70560 (337) 373-4051 | hse048@legis.la.gov Bishop, Stuart J. Dist 43 | Republican Senate Dist. 23 P. O. Box 80993, Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 981-7409 | bishops@legis.la.gov Bourriaque, Ryan Dist 47 | Republican | Senate Dist. 25, 26, & 30 122 North State Street Suite 100 Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-5035 | hse047@legis.la.gov Boyd, Delisha Dist 102 | Democrat Senate Dist. 3 & 7 3401 General De Gaulle Drive Suite 5076 New Orleans, LA 70114 (504 -605-5622 | hse102@legis.la.gov Brass, Ken Dist 58 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 2, 17, & 18 22140 Highway 20 Suite C, Vacherie, LA 70090 (225) 265-9005 | brassk@legis.la.gov Brown, Chad Dist 60 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 2 & 17 57835 Plaquemine Street Plaquemine, LA 70764 (225) 687-2410 | brownc@legis.la.gov Bryant, Marcus Anthony Dist 96 | Democrat Senate Dist. 22 & 24 209 West Main Street Suite 405 New Iberia, LA 70560 (337) 373-9380 | hse096@legis.la.gov Butler, Rhonda Gaye Dist 38 | Republican | Senate Dist. 22, 24, & 28 5592 Vidrine Road, Ville Platte, LA 70586 (337) 363-3900 | hse038@legis.la.gov Carpenter, Barbara Dist 63 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 14 & 15 1975 Harding Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70807 (225) 771-5674 | carpenterb@legis.la.gov Carrier, R. Dewith Dist 32| Republican | Senate Dist. 28 & 30 P. O. Box 593, Oakdale, LA 71463 (318) 335-0206 | hse032@legis.la.gov Carter, Robby Dist 72 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 6, 12, & 17 225 NW Central Avenue, Amite, LA 70422 (985) 748-2245 | carterr@legis.la.gov Carter, Sr., Wilford Dist 34 | Democrat | Senate Dist.25 & 27 1025 Mill Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 491-2320 | hse034@legis.la.gov Cormier, Mack Dist 105 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 7 & 8 8857 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037 P.O. Box 518, Belle Chasse, LA 70037 (504) 356-3013 | hse105@legis.la.gov Coussan, Jean-Paul Dist 45 | Republican | Senate Dist.23 & 26 2508-A Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 262-2400 | coussanjp@legis.la.gov Cox, Kenny R. Dist 23 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 29, 31, & 38 781 Hwy. 494, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (855) 844-8583 | coxk@legis.la.gov Crews, Raymond J. Dist 8 | Republican | Senate Dist. 36 & 37 4921 Shed Road Suite 200 Bossier City, LA 71111-5477 (318) 716-7532 | crewsr@legis.la.gov Davis, Paula Dist 69 | Republican | Senate Dist. 6, 15, & 16 7902 Wrenwood Blvd. Suite D Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 362-5301 | davisp@legis.la.gov DeVillier, Phillip Dist 41 | Republican Senate Dist.24, 25, 26, & 28 P. O. Box 986, Eunice, LA 70535 (337) 457-0194 | devillierp@legis.la.gov Deshotel, Daryl Andrew Dist 28 | Republican | Senate Dist. 28 & 32 312 North Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351 (318) 253-8891 | hse028@legis.la.gov DuBuisson, Mary Dist 90 | Republican | Senate Dist.1 P. O. Box 44, Slidell, LA 70459 (985) 645-3592 | hse090@legis.la.gov Duplessis, Royce Dist 93 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3, 4, & 5 643 Magazine Street Suite 302 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 568-2741 | duplessisr@legis.la.gov Echols, Michael Charles Dist 14 | Republican | Senate Dist. 33, 34, & 35 8823 Highway 165 N. Suite 1 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 598-4010 | hse014@legis.la.gov Edmonds, Rick Dist 66 | Republican | Senate Dist. 6, 14, &16 3931 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. Suite 200 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 295-9240 | edmondsr@legis.la.gov Edmonston, Kathy Dist 88 | Republican | Senate Dist. 2 & 18 2115 S. Burnside Suite C, Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 647-5646 | hse088@legis.la.gov Emerson, Julie Dist 39 | Republican | Senate Dist. 24 & 26 306 North Church Street, Carencro, LA 70520 (337) 886-4687 | emersonj@legis.la.gov Farnum, Les Dist 33 | Republican | Senate Dist.27 & 30 P. O. Box 558, Sulphur, LA 70664 (337) 625-8569 | hse033@legis.la.gov Firment, Michael "Gabe" Dist 22 | Republican Senate Dist. 29, 31, 32, & 35 Physical Address: 181 Barron Road Pollock, LA 71467-3643 Mailing: P. O. Box 640, Pollock, LA 71467 (318) 765-9606 | hse022@legis.la.gov Fisher, Adrian Dist 16 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 33 & 34 P. O. Box 7563, Monroe, LA 71211 (318) 556-7001 | hse016@legis.la.gov Fontenot, Bryan Dist 55 | Republican Senate Dist. 2, 19, 20, & 21 406 W 3rd Street Suite 107 Thibodaux, LA 70301-3014 (985) 447-0999 | hse055@legis.la.gov Freeman, Aimee Adatto Dist 98 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 5 & 9 P.O. Box 850901, New Orleans, LA 70185 (504) 861-1614 | hse098@legis.la.gov Freiberg, Barbara Reich Dist 70 | Republican | Senate Dist. 14 & 16 5800 One Perkins Place Suite 7A Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 763-3500 | hse070@legis.la.gov Frieman, Lawrence "Larry" Dist 74 | Republican | Senate Dist. 1, 11, & 12 P. O. Box 1893, Abita Springs, LA 70420 (985) 400-4670 | hse074@legis.la.gov Gadberry, Foy Bryan Dist 15 | Republican | Senate Dist. 32, 33, & 35 4920 Cypress Street Suite 3C West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-8080 | hse015@legis.la.gov Gaines, Randal L. Dist 57 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 2 & 19 425 W. Airline Hwy. Suite K LaPlace, LA 70068-3818 (985) 652-1228 | gainesr@legis.la.gov Garofalo, Raymond E. Dist 103 | Republican | Senate Dist. 1 & 3 100 Port Blvd., Chalmette, LA 70043 (504) 277-4729 | garofalor@legis.la.gov Geymann, Brett F. Dist 35 | Republican | Senate Dist. 27 & 30 P.O. Box 12703, Lake Charles, LA 70612-2703 (337) 855-8133 | hse035@legis.la.gov Glover, Cedric Dist 4 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 38 & 39 1341 Russell Road, Shreveport, LA 71107 (318) 221-7775 | gloverc@legis.la.gov Goudeau, I, Jonathan Dist 31 | Republican | Senate Dist. 23 & 26 3639 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy. Suite 214 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 347-7077 | hse031@legis.la.gov Green, Jr., Kyle M. Dist 83 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3 & 8 6641 Westbank Expwy. Suite D Marrero, LA 70072 (504) 349-8788 | hse083@legis.la.gov Harris, Lance Dist 25 | Republican | Senate Dist. 29 & 31 P. O. Box 13555 Alexandria, LA 71315-3555 (318) 767-6095 | harrisl@legis.la.gov Hilferty, Stephanie Dist 94 | Republican | Senate Dist. 4 & 9 3331 Severn Ave. Suite 206, Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 885-4154 | hilfertys@legis.la.gov Hodges, Valarie Dist 64 | Republican Senate Dist.6, 13, 15, & 17 35055 La. Hwy. 16 Suite 2A Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 791-2199 | hodgesv@legis.la.gov Hollis, Paul Dist 104 | Republican | Senate Dist. 1 & 11 600 N. Highway 190 Suite 202A Covington, LA 70433-5083 (985) 871-4680 | hollisp@legis.la.gov Horton, Dodie Dist 9 | Republican | Senate Dist. 36 & 37 954 Hwy. 80 Suite 400, Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-2463 | hortond@legis.la.gov Hughes, Jason Dist 100 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3 & 4 P. O. Box 872461, New Orleans, LA 70187 (504) 246-9707 | hse100@legis.la.gov Huval, Mike Dist 46 | Republican | Senate Dist. 21, 22, & 24 110 N. Main Street, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 (337) 332-3331 | huvalm@legis.la.gov Illg, Jr., John R. Dist 78 | Republican | Senate Dist. 10 9523 Jefferson Hwy. Suite A River Ridge, LA 70123 *Not ADA accessible. Call for appointment. (504) 736-7030 | hse078@legis.la.gov Ivey, Barry Dist 65 | Republican Senate Dist.6, 13, 15, & 16 P. O. Box 78286, Baton Rouge, LA 70837 (225) 261-5739 | iveyb@legis.la.gov James, Edward C. "Ted" Dist 101 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 14 & 15 445 N. 12th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 343-3633 | james.ted@legis.la.gov Jefferson, Patrick O. Dist 11 | Democrat Senate Dist.29, 33, 35, & 36 504 N. Main Street, Homer, LA 71040 (318) 927-2519 | jeffersonpo@legis.la.gov Jenkins, Sam Dist 2 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 37 & 39 2419 Kings Hwy., Shreveport, LA 71103 (318) 632-5970 | jenkinss@legis.la.gov Johnson, C. Travis Dist 21 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 32 & 34 200 Advocate Row Suite D, Vidalia, LA 71373 (225) 308-4269 | hse021@legis.la.gov Johnson, Mike Dist 27 | Republican Senate Dist. 29, 31, 32, & 35 2757 Hwy. 28 East, Pineville, LA 71360 (318) 487-5377 | hse027@legis.la.gov Jordan, Edmond Dist 29 | Democrat Senate Dist. 2, 14, 15, & 17 2370 Towne Center Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 925-3700 | jordane@legis.la.gov Kerner, Timothy P. Dist 84 | Republican | Senate Dist. 3 & 8 799 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Lafitte, LA 70067-4102 (504) 689-7725 | hse084@legis.la.gov LaCombe, Jeremy Dist 18 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 2, 17, & 32 P. O. Box 370, Livonia, LA 70755 (225) 637-3803 | hse018@legis.la.gov Landry, Mandie Dist 91 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 5 3915 Baronne Street Unit 1 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 895-2526 | hse091@legis.la.gov Larvadain, III, Ed Dist 26 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 29 & 31 1811 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 487-5441 | hse026@legis.la.gov Lyons, Rodney Dist 87 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3, 7, & 8 5201 Westbank Expressway Suite 114 Marrero, LA 70072 (504) 510-5417 | lyonsr@legis.la.gov Mack, Sherman Q. Dist 95 | Republican | Senate Dist. 6, 13, & 18 P. O. Box 115, Albany, LA 70711 (225) 567-3677 | macks@legis.la.gov Magee, Tanner Dist 53 | Republican | Senate Dist. 20 & 21 7833 W. Main Street, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 858-2970 | mageet@legis.la.gov Marcelle, C. Denise Dist 61 | Democrat | Senate Dist.14, 15, & 16 1824 N. Acadian Thruway W. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 359-9362 | marcelled@legis.la.gov Marino, III, Joseph A. Dist 85 | Independent | Senate Dist. 3, 7, & 8 General Government Building Suite 4300 200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053 (504) 361-6013 | marinoj@legis.la.gov McCormick, Danny Dist 1 | Republican | Senate Dist. 36, 38, & 39 P. O. Box 160, Oil City, LA 71061 (318) 995-8040 | hse001@legis.la.gov McFarland, Jack Dist 13 | Republican Senate Dist. 29, 31, 35, & 36 P. O. Box 143, Jonesboro, LA 71251 (318) 259-4275 | mcfarlandj@legis.la.gov McKnight, Scott Dist 68 | Republican | Senate Dist.14 & 16 7901 Wrenwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 465-5703 | hse068@legis.la.gov McMahen, Wayne Dist 10 | Republican | Senate Dist. 36 736 Main Street, Minden, LA 71055 (318) 371-3092 | mcmahenw@legis.la.gov Miguez, Blake Dist 49 | Republican | Senate Dist.21, 22, & 26 410 N. Broadway Street, Erath, LA 70533 (337) 937-8827 | miguezb@legis.la.gov Miller, Dustin Dist 40 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 24, 26, & 28 1310 South Union Street Suite 2 Opelousas, LA 70570 (337) 943-2900 | millerd@legis.la.gov Miller, Gregory A. Dist 56 | Republican | Senate Dist.19 P. O. Box 190, Norco, LA 70079 (985) 764-9991 | millerg@legis.la.gov Mincey, Jr., Buddy Dist 71 | Republican | Senate Dist. 13 1810 Florida Ave, SW Suite B Denham Springs, LA 70726 (225) 667-6088 | hse071@legis.la.gov Moore, Pat Dist 17 | Democrat Senate Dist.32, 33, 34, & 35 300 Washington Street Suite 308 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-3014 | hse017@legis.la.gov Muscarello, Nicholas Dist 86 | Republican | Senate Dist. 6, 11, & 12 P. O. Box 1523, Hammond, LA 70404 (985) 974-0009 | muscarellon@legis.la.gov Nelson, Richard Dist 89 | Republican | Senate Dist.11 2001 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448 (985) 222-2638 | hse089@legis.la.gov Newell, Candace N. Dist 99 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3 & 4 New Orleans Lake Front Airport Terminal Building Suite 149, 6001 Stars and Stripes New Orleans, LA 70126 (504) 240-3435 | hse099@legis.la.gov Orgeron, Joseph A. Dist 54 | Republican | Senate Dist. 8, 19, & 20 13259 East Main Street, Larose, LA 70373 (985) 693-9000 | hse054@legis.la.gov Owen, Charles Dist 30 | Republican | Senate Dist. 30 6673 Evans Street, Rosepine, LA 70659 Mailing Address: P. O. Box 55 Rosepine, LA 70659 (337) 460-8726 | hse030@legis.la.gov Owen, Robert "Bob" Dist 76 | Republican | Senate Dist.1 1925 Corporate Square Blvd. Suite C Slidell, LA 70458 (985) 639-0400 | hse076@legis.la.gov Phelps, Tammy T. Dist 3 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 38 & 39 810 E. 70th Street Suite A Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 862-3080 | hse003@legis.la.gov Pierre, Vincent J. Dist 44 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 23 & 24 718 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 262-2330 | pierrev@legis.la.gov Pressly, Thomas A. Dist 6 | Republican | Senate Dist. 37 & 38 900 Pierremont Road, Suite 119 Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 862-9920 | hse006@legis.la.gov Riser, Neil Dist 20 | Republican | Senate Dist. 32 & 34 P. O. Box 117, Columbia, LA 71418 (318) 649-0977 | risern@legis.la.gov Romero, Troy D. Dist 37 | Republican | Senate Dist. 25 P. O. Box 287, Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-0376 | hse037@legis.la.gov Schamerhorn, Rodney Dist 24 | Republican | Senate Dist. 30 & 31 P. O. Box 83, Hornbeck, LA 71439 (318) 565-4959 | hse024@legis.la.gov Schexnayder, Clay Dist 81 | Republican | Senate Dist. 2, 13, & 18 6473 Highway 44 Suite 205 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 473-6016 | schexnayderc@legis.la.gov Schlegel, Laurie Dist 82 | Republican | Senate Dist. 5, 9, & 10 3238 Metairie Road Suite B, Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 655-6887 | hse082@legis.la.gov Seabaugh, Alan Dist 5 | Republican | Senate Dist. 37, 38, & 39 401 Market Street Suite 1150 Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 676-7990 | seabaugha@legis.la.gov Selders, Larry Dist 67 | Democrat | Senate Dist.14 251 Florida Street Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 342-7106 | hse067@legis.la.gov St. Blanc, III, Vincent "Vinney" Dist 50 | Republican | Senate Dist. 17 & 21 733 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538 (337) 828-7778 | hse050@legis.la.gov Stagni, Joseph A. Dist 92 | Republican | Senate Dist.10 & 19 1201 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062 (504) 465-3479 | stagnij@legis.la.gov Stefanski, John M. Dist 42 | Republican | Senate Dist. 25 & 26 P. O. Box 2720, Crowley, LA 70527-2720 (337) 384-8999 | stefanskij@legis.la.gov Tarver, Phillip Eric Dist 36 | Republican | Senate Dist.25 & 27 132 Jamestown, Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 475-8186 | hse036@legis.la.gov Thomas, Polly Dist 80 | Republican | Senate Dist. 9 3100 Ridgelake Drive Suite 201 Metairie, LA 70002-4938 504-83POLLY (837-6559) thomaspj@legis.la.gov Thompson, Francis C. Dist 19 | Democrat | Senate Dist.32, 33, & 34 P. O. Box 68, Delhi, LA 71232 (318) 878-9408 | thompsof@legis.la.gov Turner, Christopher Dist 12 | Republican | Senate Dist. 33 & 35 111 N. Trenton Street, Suite A Ruston, LA 71270-4321 (318) 251-5038 | hse012@legis.la.gov Villio, Debbie Dist 79 | Republican | Senate Dist. 9 & 10 4203 Williams Blvd. Suite 200 Kenner, LA 70065 (504) 468-8603 | hse079@legis.la.gov Wheat, Jr., William "Bill" Dist 73 | Republican | Senate Dist. 6, 11, & 13 P. O. Box 2473, Ponchatoula, LA 70454 (985) 386-7844 | hse073@legis.la.gov White, Malinda Dist 75 | Democrat | Senate Dist.12 116 Georgia Ave. Suite B, Bogalusa, LA 70427 (985) 730-2147 | whitema@legis.la.gov Willard, Matthew Dist 97 | Democrat | Senate Dist. 3, 4, & 5 UNO TRAC Building Room 212, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148 (504) 283-4261 | hse097@legis.la.gov Wright, Mark Dist 77 | Republican | Senate Dist.11 & 12 312 South Jefferson Street Suite A & B Covington, LA 70433 (985) 893-6262 | wrightm@legis.la.gov Zeringue, Jerome Dist 52 | Republican | Senate Dist. 20 & 21 423 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 876-8823 | zeringuej@legis.la.gov LOUISIANA REPRESENTATIVES “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead House Mouse, Senate Mouse ET ET This book explains the process of how a bill becomes a law. Congress is in session and the Squeaker of the House and the Senate Mouse-jority leader have a big job to do: they have to pass a law designating a national cheese for the United Mice of America. In House Mouse, Senate Mouse, bestselling and award-winning duo Peter and Cheryl Barnes give kids and adults an entertaining and educational look at the legislative process while teaching the values of hard work and compromise. From drawing up a bill and committee discussions to voting and signing a bill, House Mouse, Senate Mouse teaches about the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Capitol building. House Mouse, Senate Mouse also features "The Tail End: Resources for Parents and Teachers" at the end of the book to help moms, dads, and educators teach their little mice even more about our legislative branch. Fun and informative, House Mouse, Senate Mouse is a great book for any child who might one day aspire to be a Congressmouse and work in our nation's capital. Below, listen to Storytime at Home guest reader, U.S. Senator Rob Portman R-OH, read House Mouse, Senate Mouse. Sources: Applewood Media Works, LLC, govtrack.us, Louisiana House of Representatives, Louisiana State Senate Dental p.26 Pictured front: Jennifer Blanque Back: Mary Kay Cowen, and Kathy Dwyer Pictured: Representative Bulter, Mary Kay Cowen, Kathy Dwyer, and Jennifer Blanque ET Front row: Jennifer Blanque | Back row from left to right: Mary Cowen, Annette Droddy, Representative Rhonda Butler, Kathy Dwyer, Ashley McReynolds, and Kelly Monroe. LOUISIANA DENTAL TASK FORCE MEMBERS Mary Kay Cowen: Chair, LA Dental Task Force; Member, OCDD SAC; Vice Chair, Jefferson Parish Region 10 RAC; Family Member Advocate Kathy Dwyer: Co-Chair, LA Dental Task Force, Chair, LA OCDD SAC; Chair, Jefferson Parish Region 10 RAC; Family Member/Advocate Robert Blue: Tribal Liaison, OCDD Liaison, Behavioral Health, Healthy Blue Brandon Bueche’: LA Medicaid Program Manager, LA Medicaid, LDH Jacqueline Cobb: Administrative Assistant to Julie Foster Hagan, OCD, LDH Annette Droddy: Executive Director, Louisiana Dental Association Dr. Charlie Foy: President, LA Dental Lifeline Network Melissa Garcia: Oral Health Coordinator, Oral Health Promotion, Well-Ahead LA, LDH/OPH Kevin Guillory: LA Medicaid Program manager, LDH Steve Kauffman: Disability Rights LA Dr. Frank Martello: Clinical Associate Professor, LSU School of Dentistry; Director, United Cerebral Palsy of GNO Dental Clinic; Past President, LA Dental Lifeline Network Ashley McReynolds: Family Member/Advocate Hillary Miller: Quality Support Coordination Kelly Monroe: Executive Director, The Arc of LA Andrea Perry: LA Medicaid Program Manager, LDH Laci Polotzola: Family Member/Advocate Monica Roberts, RDH, MAT: Dental Hygienist Clinical Coordinator, OCDD Resource Center – Dental Unit, LDH Karen Scallan: Policy Advocate, Special Needs and Parent Support Services; Family Member/Advocate Susan McIlwain: Executive Director, Crossroads Louisiana Bobby Waldo: CPA, Family Advocate Legislators Introduce Bill To Increase Funding for Students With Disabilities On Tuesday, November 16th, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) reintroduced the IDEA Full Funding Act, a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation to finally ensure Congress' commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In 1975, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunities. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding promised under this bill. Under the 1975 IDEA legislation, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is at just 15.7 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular increases in IDEA spending to finally meet the commitment to America's children and schools. Source: The Arc of the United States Understanding Full Funding ET What, exactly, is “full funding” of IDEA? The term is misleading, and, therefore, the funding “promise” made by Congress in IDEA is often misrepresented. Back in 1975 when Congress enacted the original special education law – then called the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – Congress set a maximum target for the federal contribution to special education spending at equal to 40 percent of the estimated excess cost of educating children with disabilities. At the time, Congress estimated that educating children with disabilities would cost approximately twice as much as the cost to educate non-disabled children. So, Congress authorized a funding level equal to 40% of the excess cost of providing special education (not 100% as is often reported). The metric used to determine the “excess cost” was the national average per pupil expenditure (APPE). Thus, the authorized amount was set at 40% of the national average per pupil expenditure or APPE. (Note: One nationwide study showed that special education costs are 1.9 times that expended on general education students.) If IDEA were “fully funded,” the annual federal appropriation for Section 611 would be 40% of the national average per pupil expenditure (APPE) for elementary and secondary education adjusted for each state’s annual changes in child population and poverty rate. This chart provides the appropriations history from 1987 to 2021. As the chart shows, the percentage of APPE has never exceeded 18 percent (except in 2009 when the Recovery Act provided a one-time doubling of the appropriated funds). To be clear, when IDEA federal funds are sent off to states and then to local school districts (LEAs) around the country, that amount would not be 40% of the excess cost in every district. The percent would vary depending on how much each local district spends on education. The amount states and districts spend “per pupil” varies significantly across the nation. For example, in the 2016-2017 school year, while the average was $13,834 per pupil, that amount ranged from a high of $20,264 in Wyoming to a low of $8,599 in Idaho. (see this chart for all states). When considering increases in federal funding for IDEA, it is important to keep in mind that Congress added a “maximum” allowable grant award provision in the 2004 re-authorization of the Act. Beginning in 2006, the maximum grant is 40% of APPE times the number of children with disabilities the state served in school year 2004-2005 adjusted by the annual rates of change in the state’s population in the age range comparable to ages for which the state provides free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities (85% of the adjustment) and in the state’s children living in poverty in the same age range (15% of the adjustment). In other words, the number of children being served under IDEA in the state has not played a role in calculating the maximum grant award since 2004-2005. Congress made this change in 2004 for the express purpose of removing any fiscal incentive to over identify students as disabled. The maximum grant level allows for the possibility that some funds would be unallocated in years in which IDEA funding rises enough that every state can receive its maximum grant. See also: National Council on Disability, Broken Promises: The Underfunding of IDEA, 2018. Congressional Research Service, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Funding: A Primer, Updated 8/29/2019. Source: IDEA Money Watch: because we need to know where the money goes ET LACAN Legislative Roundtables DOWNLOAD THE 43 ANNUAL REPORT 2021 Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ET legislative advocacy p.22 IDEA, Parts B and C This is the 43rd Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2021. Section 664(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as reauthorized in 2004, requires that the Department of Education report annually on the progress made toward the provision of a free appropriate public education to all children with disabilities and the provision of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. The 43rd Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2021 describes our nation’s progress in: providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities under IDEA, Part B, and early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under IDEA, Part C; ensuring that the rights of these children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assisting States and localities in providing IDEA services to all children with disabilities; and assessing the effectiveness of efforts to provide IDEA services to children with disabilities. The report focuses on children with disabilities being served under IDEA, Part B and Part C, nationally and at the State level. Region 1/10 Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, & St. Bernard Parishes Monday, March 7, 2022 | 2:00 pm Register Christina cmartin@lacanadvocates.org (504) 943-0343 | (877) 243-7352  Region 2 Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, & West Feliciana Parishes Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 12:00 pm Register Katie kkroes@lacanadvocates.org (225) 978-2752 | (866) 216-7474 Region 3 Assumption, Lafourche, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Charles, & St. Mary Parishes Thursday, March 10, 2022 | 10:00 am Register Julie jsmith@lacanadvocates.org (985) 447-4461 | (800) 331-5570  Region 4 Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, & Vermilion Parishes Tuesday, February 22, 2022 | 1:00 pm Register Kristie kcurtis@lacanadvocates.org (337) 492-3110 | (337) 984-3458  Region 5 Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, & Cameron Parishes Friday, March 4, 2022 | 9:00 am Register Mylinda melliott@lacanadvocates.org (337) 436-2570 | (800) 894-6558  Region 6 Avoyelles, Concordia, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, & Winn Parishes Friday, February 25, 2022 | 10:00 am Register Kristen kreed@lacanadvocates.org (318) 641-7373 | (800) 259-7200  Region 7 Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Claiborne, Sabine, & Webster Parishes Thursday, March 3, 2022 | 10:00 am Register Mimi mwebb@lacanadvocates.org (318) 560-3629 | (877) 226-4541  Region 8 Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, & West Carroll Parishes Thursday, February 24, 2022 | 10:00 am Register Konstance kcausey@lacanadvocates.org (318) 547-9379 | (888) 300-1320 Region 9 Livingston, St. Tammany, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, & Washington Parishes Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 1:00 pm Register Karen kartus@lacanadvocates.org (985) 264-1186 | (800) 383-8700 advocacy p.13 ET Parents in Action! Did you know? ABA and other behavioral related staff are allowed to provide services in school and during school hours. Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:173 Sources: Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, Regional LaCAN Leaders. Parents in Action! Did you know? Louisiana parents joined forces with some other groups to get access to marijuana for therapeutic use for their children with disabilities. ET Parents in Action! Did you know? Before 2011, insurance companies were not required to cover Autism diagnosis or treatment. Louisiana Revised Statutes 22:1050 Partners p.15 ET Executive Branch of the U.S. Government The executive branch carries out and enforces laws. It includes the president, vice president, the Cabinet, executive departments, independent agencies, and other boards, commissions, and committees. American citizens have the right to vote for the president and vice president through free, confidential ballots. Key roles of the executive branch include: President—The president leads the country. He or she is the head of state, leader of the federal government, and Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces. The president serves a four-year term and can be elected no more than two times. Vice president—The vice president supports the president. If the president is unable to serve, the vice president becomes president. The vice president can be elected and serve an unlimited number of four-year terms as vice president, even under a different president. The Cabinet—Cabinet members serve as advisors to the president. They include the vice president, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking government officials. Cabinet members are nominated by the president and must be approved by a simple majority of the Senate—51 votes if all 100 Senators vote. Executive Branch Agencies, Commissions, and Committees Much of the work in the executive branch is done by federal agencies, departments, committees, and other groups. Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government The judicial branch interprets the meaning of laws, applies laws to individual cases, and decides if laws violate the Constitution. It is comprised of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Supreme Court The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. The Justices of the Supreme Court are nominated by the president and must be approved by the Senate. Nine members make up the Supreme Court—a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. There must be a minimum or quorum of six Justices to decide a case. If there is an even number of Justices and a case results in a tie, the lower court's decision stands. There is no fixed term for Justices. They serve until their death, retirement, or removal in exceptional circumstances. Branches of the U.S. Government How the U.S. Government Is Organized The Constitution of the United States divides the federal government into three branches to make sure no individual or group will have too much power: Legislative—Makes laws (Congress, comprised of the House of Representatives and Senate) Executive—Carries out laws (president, vice president, Cabinet, most federal agencies) Judicial—Evaluates laws (Supreme Court and other courts) Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government The legislative branch drafts proposed laws, confirms or rejects presidential nominations for heads of federal agencies, federal judges, and the Supreme Court, and has the authority to declare war. This branch includes Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) and special agencies and offices that provide support services to Congress. American citizens have the right to vote for Senators and Representatives through free, confidential ballots. Congress Congress is composed of two parts: Senate—There are two elected Senators per state, totaling 100 Senators. A Senate term is six years and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual can serve. (see page 30 for Louisiana US Senators) House of Representatives—There are 435 elected Representatives, which are divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. There are additional non-voting delegates who represent the District of Columbia and the territories. A Representative serves a two-year term, and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual can serve. (see page 31 for Louisiana US Representatives) Legislative Branch Agencies The legislative branch includes Congress and the agencies that support its work. Levels of Government Federal, State and Local Government in the United State is separated into three levels: federal, state and local. In general, the federal government is tasked with dealing with issues that impact the entire country such as national security and the social security program. State governments are tasked with dealing with issues that impact the citizens of that state. For example, Louisiana is responsible for providing basic services to its citizens such as state highways. Local governments (town/city/parish) are responsible for dealing with issues that impact the citizens of that municipality. For example, local school boards manage the schools in your area and each parish has a health unit responsible for providing immunizations. ET Sources: USA.gov, Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, YouTube I'm Just a Bill (Schoolhouse Rock!) This is a classic from Schoolhouse Rock! "I'm Just a Bill" Season 3 Episode1 September 18, 1975 Written by Dave Frishberg Sung by Jack Sheldon Click "AmazonSmile" Here is how it works. Go to Amazon Smiles at https://smile.amazon.com If you already have an Amazon account you can use it to sign in on Amazon Smiles. If not, you can create an account. Look for the “Get Started” button then scroll down to where it says “Create Your Amazon Account.” Once you create your account they will send you an OTP (One-Time Password) to your email for you to verify your account. Just copy and paste the numbers into the blank box on the website and wahlah, you are verified. Select your charity, Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans. Once you select the charity a check box will pop up with the following Yes, I understand that I must always start at smile.amazon.com to support Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Why is there a separate URL? The AmazonSmile program offers customers the benefit of making a donation to your favorite charity. We're able to provide this benefit to you when you choose to start your shopping at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile turned ON in the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone, in part because we expect AmazonSmile to grow primarily through word of mouth instead of paid advertising—and this enables us to fund donations to our customers’ favorite organizations. Then you can START SHOPPING! If you are using your laptop or desktop computer to order from Amazon you need to order directly from smile.amazon.com. If you are using your mobile phone, please follow the simple instructions below to turn on AmazonSmile in your app. Thank you for helping support the work we do for parents of and individuals with disabilities.. ET You can donate to Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans just by shopping at Amazon! Make sure FHFofGNO is there Get involved and let your voice be heard for yourself and others. Commit to joining LaCAN and going to your Regions Legislative Roundtable. Click "Settings" Turn On Keep Track of your donations The Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC) is a program of Families Helping Families of GNO and a grant from the US Department of Education; Office of Special Education (OSEP) as Louisiana's official and only statewide federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Any information provided by Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans (FHF) and/or Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC), its staff, and/or its volunteers is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any information expressed or implied is not intended nor should be construed as legal, medical, or other professional advice. FHF and/or LaPTIC does not render legal, medical, or professional advice or recommendations; nor is legal, medical, or other professional advice implied by any information given. Any information provided should not replace consultations with qualified legal, educational, healthcare, or other professionals to meet individual or professional needs. Reference to any program, service, therapy, or treatment option does not imply endorsement by FHF and/or LaPTIC or by its organizational staff/members and should not be construed as such. The Louisiana Department of Education is committed to helping families find the right school or early childhood center for their children, and providing them with helpful information about Louisiana’s schools. The Louisiana School Finder is an interactive, online tool that provides families with: school performance scores and early childhood performance ratings to show how well schools and centers are preparing students for the next grade-level; basic information about schools and centers such as their address, website, hours of operation, and principal or director’s name; and listings of course offerings, clubs, enrichment and extracurricular activities. To find out information about schools and early childhood centers in your area, visit www.louisianaschools.com, and type in a school or center’s name, or your zip code. The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) has four developmental disability home and community-based waivers, New Opportunities Waiver (NOW), Residential Options Waiver (ROW), Supports Waiver, and Children's Choice Waiver have now been operationalized to a tiered waiver system of service delivery, which will allow for individuals to be supported in the most appropriate waiver. To learn more, click here. 700 Hickory Avenue Harahan, LA 70123 504-888-9111 800-766-7736 504-353-2350 fax info@fhfofgno.org fhfofgno.org