The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council adopted its 2023 Legislative Advocacy Agenda with input from both its grassroots advocacy network LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network) and Families Helping Families (FHF) Centers. Thank you to all the LaCAN members, LaCAN Leaders, FHF Centers and those in the general public who shared their agenda recommendations!

2023 Legislative Agenda

The Council will advocate for additional funding for the nine FHF Regional Resource Centers it contracts with. During the last two legislative sessions, an additional $500,000 was added to the Council’s budget specifically for FHF Centers. The Council’s request to include this additional funding in its Fiscal Year 2024 budget was denied leaving these Center’s in an unfortunate situation.

·   Recurring Funding for Families Helping Families Regional Resource Centers

The Council will also partner with the Arc of Louisiana to advocate for the funding needed to provide all adults on Medicaid waivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) with incontinence supplies. Currently, incontinence supplies is covered for children and youth, but this coverage stops at age 21.

·   Fund Incontinence Supplies for Adults with Disabilities

The Council will continue its efforts to increase and expand postsecondary inclusive education opportunities in Louisiana for individuals with I/DD. During the last legislative session, the Inclusive Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund was established. This year, the Council is advocating for an additional $3 million to be added to this fund.

·   Fund New & Existing Postsecondary Inclusive Education Programs for Students with I/DD

Finally, the Council will advocate to amend Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law to allow virtual participation of public body members and the general public when no state of emergency or disaster exists, and require official meeting notices include information regarding all available options for the public to participate.

·   Amend Open Meeting Law to Allow for Virtual Representation & Participation in Public Meetings

Get Involved

The 2023 Legislative Session begins April10^th and will conclude on June 8^th. 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 2023 Legislative Advocacy Agenda and connect with legislators. See the 2023 Legislative Roundtable schedule 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.

For questions about virtual roundtables, legislative visits, or participating in other advocacy events, contact your LaCAN Leader or FHF Center.

If there are any questions about the information above, contact the Council:

phone: 1-800-450-8108

email: info@laddc.org

website: www.laddc.org

facebook: www.facebook.com/LaDDCouncil 

twitter: www.twitter.com/LaDDCouncil

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