Both the House and the Senate adjourned Sine Die a little before midnight last night, meaning that they have adjourned for the last time this biennium and will not be back in session until Tuesday, January 8th, 2019.
On Saturday, both the House and Senate passed the final Conference Committee report of the Supplemental Omnibus Finance bill. Some key components of the bill include:
- Fully funding the 7% cut until December 31st, 2018
- Beginning January 1st, 2019 implementing a Competitive Workforce Factor at 8.35%, which would equate to full funding of the 7%.
- Beginning July 1st, 2019 funding the Competitive Workforce Factor at 4.55%, which would equate to an approximate 3.23% reduction in provider rates
- Beginning July 1st, 2022 funding the Competitive Workforce Factor at 5.55%
- Adjusting the automatic inflationary factor from occurring every five years to every two years
- Removing the Regional Variance Factor
- Establishing new reporting requirements for providers that would focus on labor market factors
In addition to the language on the 7% cut, the Omnibus Supplemental bill also includes ARRM’s policy provisions that we have been trying to adopt this session. These provisions include:
- Extending the Licensing Moratorium Exception for un-licensed settings by one year
- Mandating the discussion of technology at every SA planning meeting
- Extending the sunset for adding a fifth bed to a program until 2021
- Changing the requirements for Behavior Support Professionals
Unfortunately, while the Governor has not indicated any issues with these provisions, there are other items within the Omnibus bill that he has expressed concern or opposition to. Initial indication is that the Governor will veto the entire bill which would include any funding to stop the 7% cut and our policy provisions.
ARRM has already been in communication with other Best Life Alliance coalition members about potential outreach to the Governor’s office. Please watch for communication on any potential actions we may need you take.
-- Sara Grafstrom, Director of Member Advocacy and Government Relations