CA Budget Updates

Update on CA Budget:
Yes, June saw a budget developed for CA. but it is not agreed upon yet. The Governor has to sign it. Have you signed onto an Open Letter to Governor Newsom? Open Letter Link reminding him the Future Includes Us or phoned him - 916-445-2841

We in Early Intervention need to say thank you to our legislators for their efforts. The proposed budget includes $1.4 B over 3 years recognition of the Developmental Disabilities field. Send your thank yous to (a partial list).

Budget Leadership
Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-39)
Senator Nancy Skinner, Senate Budget Chair (D-9)
Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-5)
 
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-63)
Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-19)
Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-31)
 
Others include:
Senator Richard Pan (D-6)
Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-14)
 
Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-11)
Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41)

You can find their contacts: California State Legislature—Your Legislator
American Recovery Act - Update - CA requested Extension till June 30
The Home and Community Based Services ( HCBS) Spending Plan from the Department of Health Care Services website here. Comments on the plan relating to Early Intervention can be sent to [email protected]
 
Mark Your Calendar:
June 24th 12-1:00PM -  The IDA Policy Committee Extends a Special Invitation to Directors, Administrators and Other Interested Persons Conversation Event - register here
 
July 7 - 10:00am – 11:00am DS Task Force Workgroup Monthly Check-In register here
 
Early Intervention COVID-19 protocol examples: Have you checked them out yet on the IDA website?
IDA shared EI COVID-19 Protocol examples as a starting point for all programs working towards returning to in-person visits.

They can be found on the Policy page under COVID-19 Resources of the IDA website, www.idaofcal.org These examples may or may not apply to your specific situation. Every program is encouraged to review these documents and incorporate changes necessary to comply with your local Department of Health rules and your governing Regional Center requirements. Share your comments: [email protected]
 
Survey opportunity:TECHNOLOGY SURVEY FOR EI FAMILIES:
 
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased use of technology with children and adults.
The effects of technology won’t be realized without data collection. A survey in English and Spanish has been created as an opportunity to gather data about screen time (computers, smart phones, iPads, televisions, etc.), usage and effects on parents and children of all ages (including teens). Please share this survey with your families. Return due date by June 30th, 2021. Here is the SURVEY:
 
Thank you,
Dr. Elaine Fogel
Schneider, Dr. Erica Ray Ellis, Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain
California State
University, Los Angeles

June 21 - Child Care Tax Credit Day
The CTC Provides Major Tax Relief for Nearly All Working Families

  • All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called head of household).
  • The CTC has been expanded to $3,000 per child ages 6–17 years and $3,600 per child younger than age 6.
  • Roughly 39 million households—covering 65 million children (nearly 90 percent of children in the United States)—will automatically receive the new CTC.
  • Starting on July 15th and continuing through the rest of the calendar year, payments of $250 per child between ages 6–17 or $300 per child younger than age 6 will be made monthly (via direct deposit for 80 percent of families and through the mail for the others).
  • The Internal Revenue Service has launched a simplified online tool that will allow families not automatically enrolled in the program to receive the CTC. For more information, visit ChildTaxCredit.gov.
Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Policy Co-Chairs