CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam)

CAHSEE - SB 586, a bill to exempt a student with special needs, until December 31, 2007, from the requirement of passing the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) as a condition of receiving a high school diploma was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Read the most current information from the California Dept of Education about this issue.

FAMILY OPPORTUNITY ACT

The Family Opportunity Act (FOA)/Dylan Lee James Act of 2004 was introduced in the US Senate in March 2003. FOA would allow states to extend Medicaid benefits to working families with children who have special health care needs, available on a sliding scale. Families now may be forced off Medicaid when they become employed.

The Senate Finance Committee's budget reconciliation package includes FOA. This version of the reconcilation will be reviewed by the Committee. Family Voices's Legislative Action Center(paid for entirely through private donations) includes more information, talking points and phone numbers for your state’s senators at Family Voices' LAC (www.familyvoices.org ).
Visit the Senate Finance Committee’s website to review both long and short version of this draft (called the Mark):

• Long version: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/102005chmk.pdf
• Short version: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/102005ssumm.pdf

LEARN MORE!

• If you are interested in learning more about FOA and in keeping track of the bill, visit Congress.org's page on FOA.
• You can view a sample letter to send to your representative regarding FOA on AMCHP's (Assocation of Maternal and Child Health Programs) Action Alert page on this issue.

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures the rights of children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), has just undergone reauthorization.

Department of Education has announced the final regulations to implement Part B the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) as of August 3, 2006.

AB 1662 -- California's bill to bring California special education law into harmony with the new IDEA.

MEDICAID/MEDI-CAL

Take action to ensure that Medicaid (Medi-Cal) services continue to be available to individuals with disabilities. Budget cuts and a proposal to fund Medicaid (Medi-Cal) through Block Grants could have an impact on the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities. The 2006 Federal Budget threatens budget cuts to state Medicaid (Medi-Cal) programs.

• More on the Federal Budget:
  •The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a policy organization that looks at federal and state fiscal policies as it relates to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. They conduct detailed research and analysis reports that are informative for the public. Their health policy section contains an array of reports that affect low-income children and families, as well as seniors and people with disabilities.
  •The California Budget Project is a policy organization similar to CBPP check it out to see whats happening with issues affecting low-income families.
  •The Easter Seals legislative page contains information about how the 2006 budget will affect individuals with disabilities and their families. Also check out their Action Alerts section for 2006 Action Alerts.
  

MENTAL HEALTH

PROPOSITION 63 - MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT
Proposition 63 -- the Mental Health Services Act -- was passed by the voters of California this past November. More information is available on their website.

The City and County of San Francisco, Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Health Services has released the San Francisco Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) draft plan to the public. It can be found and reviewed on the DPH website at http://sfdph.org/Prop63/default.htm

In addition to accessing the plan online, community members can also come to the Mental Health Association of San Francisco to read the plan. Call 421-2926 to make an appointment.

PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL PARITY ACT
This Act, S486, calls for equal treatment of mental and physical disorders by insurance companies and government agencies. Thomas provides information about S486.

FEDERAL AND STATE REPORTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
NAMI, the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, a support and advocacy organization of families, friends and mental health consumers, the national site has action alerts regarding legislation on a federal level. Don't forget the California NAMI website for reports specific to Mental Health and California.

NAMI encourages those interested in this bill to contact their Senators and Representatives to ask that they co-sponsor and support this legislation. To learn more about the bill and for a list of talking points, visit the NAMI website.

NAMI's section on "GRADING THE STATES" presents a report on America's Health care system for Serious Mental Illness. See their grade for Federal and California MH systems.