States Name Spending ‘Czars’ and Create Websites to Track Stimulus Funding

States are increasingly appointing ‘implementation czars’ to oversee spending of federal dollars allocated through the ARRA. The individuals tapped to act as watchdogs of their state’s stimulus funds come from diverse backgrounds and their responsibilities vary from state to state. In general, these czars are tasked with planning and monitoring how funds are spent. All 50 states have also launched websites tracking how states spend federal ARRA funds.

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ANCOR Sponsors Free Alliance for Full Participation Employment Webinar—ANCOR Members Encouraged to Register

ANCOR is proud to sponsor the first in a series of Alliance for Full Participation webinars on employment of individuals with disabilities. The first of these webinars will be held May 7 at 4:00 pm ET. ANCOR members are encouraged to register and participate. Participation is free, however, participants must register beforehand. Dial in information will be emailed to all registered participants.

The Alliance for Full Participation has recently launched a major initiative to improve the employment infrastructure, services and outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. The primary focus of this initiative is on achieving demonstrable results on a state level. The Alliance is building and will guide state teams that include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, advocates, service providers, business organizations, state government officials, and members of the general community to explore and transform the environment for employment in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To support our state teams, and to bring awareness to the cause of increasing employment for people with developmental disabilities, the Alliance is hosting a series of quarterly webinars. For more information on AFP, visit www.allianceforfullparticipation.org, or call 301-706-6252. Join the Facebook group: Alliance For Full Participation.


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Wisconsin Disability Agencies Receive Federal Grants to Increase Community Employment

These new dollars are part of Wisconsin’s state allotment of the $1 billion Community Development Block Grant released by HHS from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Read more!

HHS Announces $1 Billion in Community Development Block Grants for States to Distribute from Recovery Act

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced plans to make $1 billion available for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the new resources will be allocated to states across the country. States will distribute the new funding to community groups. Eligible organizations must use funds to provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and emergency services. (see related article on Wisconsin disability providers)

Services currently provided by community organizations that receive CSBG funds include:

• Job training and placement assistance.
• Financial literacy programs such as credit counseling.
• Housing assistance programs that help keep Americans in their homes.
• Nutrition programs that provide meals for vulnerable families.
• Community agencies that bring public and private resources together to assist families in need.
  

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President Obama Establishes White House Office of Health Reform

The President signed an executive order on April 8 establishing the office and has named former Clinton administration health official Nancy-Ann DeParle to head it.





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Alaska Advances Rate Review Bill

On April 7, the Alaska state Senate unanimously passed a bill creating an equitable and consistent process for rate reviews for providers of home and community-based services. The bill will next move to the state House for consideration.

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