"The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia""The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia"Home > Advocacy in Action > 2005 Legislative Agenda: Budget > Attendant Care Program
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) operates the Employment Attendant Care Program which is similar to the RYPAS program but is only for individuals with severe disabilities who are employed but need attendant care services to keep their jobs. Mountain State Centers for Independent Living supports the Division's continuing request to increase the budget line item by $90,000 for a total funding level of $269,000 for FY 2006. The increase in funding will enable the Division to provide services to individuals on the waiting list while continuing to serve those already on the program and working.
The WVDRS operates a long term employment attendant care program for individuals with disabilities who are working. In 2004, this program provided funding assistance to 20 working West Virginians who have severe disabilities to pay for personal/attendant care services so they can work.
Collectively these 20 individuals earn approximately $477,000 in wages per year and pay taxes on this income. WVDRS has requested an additional $90,000 (a continuing request) in order to provide services to the 10 eligible applicants on a waiting list that are in need of attendant care services so they may enter employment.
This program is funded completely from state government appropriations to the WVDRS unclassified line item.
Please contact your Senate and House Finance committee members and urge them to support a total funding level of $269,000 for Fiscal Year 2006 for the WVDRS Employment Attendant Care Program. The increase in funding will enable the Division to provide services to individuals on the waiting list while continuing to serve those already on the program and working.
Senate Finance Committee members are: Senators Helmick, Sharpe, Bailey, Boley, Bowman, Chafin, Edgell, Facemyer, Guills, Love, McCabe, Minear, Plymaile, Prezioso, Sprouse, Unger, and Yoder.
House Finance Committee members are: Michaels, Doyle, Hall, Anderson, Ashley, Boggs, Border, Browning, Cann, Carmichael, Evans, Frederick, Houston, Kominar, Leach, Palumbo, Proudfoot, Stalnaker, Susman, Thompson, Varner, Wakim, H. K. White, Gil White and Williams.
You can call 877-565-3447 to leave a message with legislators. Emails and letters are equally important. Please follow the links for contact information for Delegates and contact information for Senators.
Updated: March 23, 2005
www.mtstcil.org
