LR206 LR206
2023 2023
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 206
Introduced by Wishart, 27.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine potential funding and other solutions to the crisis of rising costs relating to providing care and services to individuals with disabilities in
Nebraska.
Nebraska has historically struggled to keep up with the rising costs of
providing care and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This issue has led to current provider rates that are insufficient to support the quality of care that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities require. This issue has negatively impacted the care and support offered by providers to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is essential to ensure the well-being,
independence, productivity, and inclusion of such individuals in society. The inflation rate has increased significantly over the past few years putting additional strain on providers and the families who rely on these services.
An investigation of possible solutions is necessary to address this issue.
In particular, a response to a significant sum of allocated funds not getting to intended individuals and how to address wait lists or registries for services is needed.
This study shall include, but need not be limited to, an examination of
the following:
(1) How to ensure provider rates continue to keep up with inflation as
Nebraska will now have the minimum wage tied to inflation;
(2) If there are better tools to ensure that appropriated dollars are able to reach direct services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a timely fashion;
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2023 2023
(3) How Nebraska can ensure equity in access across the home and community-based service array, including the aged and disabled waiver, family support waiver, and traumatic brain injury waiver;
(4) How unexpended funds will be leveraged;
(5) How to manage the Beatrice State Development Center and Department of
Health and Human Services administrative wages significantly outpacing home and community-based provider wages; and
(6) Mechanisms to keep the Legislature informed and aware of unexpended funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
1. That the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature shall be
designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
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