June 1, 2011
Added to the agenda was discussion of visits to the state legislators in August. Ms. Orstein asked if she could be first on the agenda due to another meeting.
Mr. Larry Kauffman made the motion to approve the agenda and past minutes. Mr. Chuck Giambrone seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Ms. Barbara Orstein, Director of PA Centers for Independent Living (CIL) was present on the call to bring members up to date on the disability placards that are given to people with disabilities. Ms. Orstein stated the placards are given out freely and there is a lot of fraud going on with people selling the placards for as much as $300.00. In 2009, there were 770,000 placards issued. There is also a lack of efficiency at the PA Department of Transportation (PennDot). It has been taking up to 4 months to get a 6 month placard.
The CILs would like to get sustainable funding to tie in with PennDot by charging $10.00 for each placard. PennDot would get 18% with 2% of that for administrative work. 16% would be used for the Shared Ride program for people that live in rural areas. The CILs would get 82% (7.50) to help fund them. The placards would have to be renewed every 3 years. There would also be a fee to replace a lost placard. The CILs are working with several legislators to get a bill started and so far there has been a good response on both sides of the aisle. Ms. Orstein will send some talking points to the staff to send out. These may be used when visiting the state legislators in August.
The federal legislators are scheduled to be in their home offices the week of June 6th through the 10th. Several members on the call stated they have already visited their legislators in their home offices. Staff reminded members to send in a business card of the person they talked to so thank you letters can be sent out.
Members on the call also decided to visit the state legislators the day before the August 10th Full Council meeting. Staff will schedule these meetings and also include the talking points that Ms. Orstein will be sending to the office.
The next Legislative Committee conference call will be on July 11th at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:25 a.m.
Members (P = Present) and Not Present (NP):
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Staff: Tom Washic (P)
Guest:
PaRC Staff: