Bethesda Voices Alerts and e-News


State Spotlight

Congressman Petri Visits Bethesda

Recently, Congressman Tom Petri, a Republican from Wisconsin's sixth congressional district, visited Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Watertown.
Dr. John E Bauer and Congressman Tom Petri
Led by many of Bethesda's leadership team, Congressman Petri visited Bethesda's corporate center, toured the Watertown campus and visited Camp Matz, Bethesda's outdoor campground designed to serve people with developmental disabilities.

In addition to educating Congressman Petri on Bethesda's mission and it's various projects, Bethesda's staff also took the time to discuss critical funding issues the organization faces both in Wisconsin and across the nation.  In particular, Bethesda staff focused on the discrepancy between funding for state run institutions and private providers, such as Bethesda.
 

Focus on Washington
FMAP: Federal Medical Assistance Percentages

Nearly all people with developmental disabilities supported by Bethesda Lutheran Communities rely, at least to some degree, on the Medicaid program to fund their most basic needs. In fact, nationwide, Medicaid accounts for 80 percent of all spending on developmental disability support services.

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Department of Justice Enforcement

In 2009, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation launching the “Year of Community Living” for people with disabilities. As part of this initiative, the President ordered the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to redouble enforcement effort of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C., a decision that has often been called the “Brown v. Board of Education of the disability rights movement.”

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Featured Resource

LSA-DN Adopts Social Statement on Intellectual Disabilities

At a recent gathering in Sacramento, Calif., Lutheran Services in America - Disability Network (LSA-DN) adopted a formal social statement on people with intellectual disabilities.  This statement is intended to validate the importance of investment in health, residential and employment services and supports for people with disabilities.

LSA-DN is composed of 19 members of Lutheran Services in America and service providers that are focused primarily on services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Bethesda Voices Success Stories

Governor Ted Kulongoski recently appointed Ione Johnson, Quality Enhancement Director for Bethesda Lutheran Communities, to the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. Johnson will serve as a provider representative member and will offer the unique perspective and ideas that come from working for a nationwide service provider. 

To read more about Ione and her new position, visit our archives.

Bethesda Voices Action Center

PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NEED YOUR HELP TODAY!

Huge Medicaid Cuts are Still at Stake -- Make sure your Senator(s) support extending the increase in the federal share of Medicaid

The clock is ticking on extending the increase in the federal government's share of Medicaid (known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)). This week the Senate is likely to debate a tax extender bill that must include FMAP when it goes to the floor for a vote. This may be the last opportunity this year to vote to extend FMAP. As Advocates, you must make your voice heard. Visit Bethesda's Action Center to Help Today

Support a Rebalance of NJ Resources to Provide Community-Based Supports for People with Developmental Disabilities GO>>

Call your Wisconsin State Representatives and Senators to oppose legislation that will increase insurance premiums for long-term care providers GO>> 

Ask your Senator to Cosponsor Rosa's Law - Replace "Mental Retardation" with "Intellectual Disability" in all Federal Laws GO>>

VISIT THE ACTION CENTER POWERED BY CAPWIZ GO>>

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