Now It’s the General Assembly’s Turn

Learn below how you can build momentum for reform!

 

The legislative process can be long and complex with many detours that can sidetrack the best of legislation. Governor Bredesen’s “Long Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008” will face endless resistance from special interest groups with a long history of influence who will use every opportunity to sidetrack this long-overdue legislation.

 

This means that supporters of long-term care rebalancing must be ready to step up throughout the session with phone calls and emails supporting legislation that will enhance home- and community-based service (HCBS) options in our state.

 

The Special Joint Committee to Study the Development and Implementation of a Long-Term Care Services Plan could be a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to making reform a reality. Although the Governor’s legislation is not expected to voted upon by this committee, it is important that these legislators hear your support for rebalancing long-term care in Tennessee and specifically your support for action this spring while the iron is hot.

 

If one of your legislators is on the committee please drop them a line or a quick phone to let their staff know you support the Governor’s efforts to rebalance long-term care. These contacts will help set the tone for future legislative meetings and will help stunt pressure to slow the pace of reform.

 

Committee Members

Senator Lowe Finney of Jackson - 615-741-1810

Senator Tommy Kilby of Wartbug - 615-741-1449

Senator Diane Black of Gallatin - 615-741-1999

Senator Jim Tracy of Shelbyville - 615-741-1066

Speaker Pro Tem Lois Deberry of Memphis - 615-741-3830

Representative Dennis Ferguson of Midtown - 615741-7658

Representative Doug Overbey of Maryville - 615-741-0981

Representative Kent Williams of Elizabethton - 615-741-7450

 

 

Points of Emphasis

 

  • Rebalancing our long-term care system will provide individuals and families greater choice in how they receive care.
  • Home- and community-based services promote and preserve personal independence.
  • HCBS are more cost effective than institutional care such as that in nursing homes.
  • Act while the iron is hot - The governor is prepared to move forward with long-overdue reforms to a system that places Tennessee last in the nation in the provision of long-term care services.