General Assembly & Olmstead & HCBS MTH on 03 Apr 2008 10:26 am
House Representatives Stall Action on LTC Reform
Stunning Development:
House Members Whistled for Delay of Game
Transformational change does not come easy and in
Worse yet, their fervent questioning of the sponsor and administrative supporters suggested either opposition to the legislation or a keen desire to delay it for at least a year. If this legislation does not pass this spring, then real change may not come until after the election of the next Governor — years down the road. That’s assuming the next Governor even cares about expanding home- and community-based options in our long-term care system.
What Now?
It is essential that people reach out to their legislators quickly with calls or heartfelt letters and emails that urge action TODAY. The Legislation will come up again Tuesday morning, April 8th. We especially need the constituents of Representatives on this House Subcommittee to call or write to ask for their support (see below).
Three Key Points to Make:
Talk is Cheap & The Time for Study is Over – we know what works in other states and this legislation provides a framework for success
Real Transformation is Needed – we can only transform the long-term care system by tackling all the tough issues that are addressed in this legislation. We can’t do it by simply expanding current programs or “tweaking” systems now in place.
Pass the Legislation Through Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Those with an asterisk (***) expressed grave concerns publicly about the bill. Click their name to send an email if you are a constituent.
*** Joe Armstrong – District 15 – Part of
*** Mary Pruitt - District 58 -
*** Lois DeBerry - District 91 - Part of
*** Joanne Favors - District 29 - Part of
—–
Chris Crider - District 79 - Gibson & part of
Tom Dubois - District 64 - Part of
Sherry Jones - District 59 - Part of
Debra Maggart - District 45 - Part of
Jeanne Richardson - District 89 - Part of
on 06 Apr 2008 at 10:02 pm 1.Gwen Porter said …
I am very disappointed to learn that the expansion of home and community base was stopped in the house. We do more studying a need than any state I know. The long term care we have in place that continues to make Tennessee 50th in the state took so many years to obtain.
I wish those on the sub committee would share their reservation with their constituents in their area. What do they suppose the elderly and disable do while they ponder.We continue to fail the elderly and disable; all because we fail to put something inplace because of???
This constituent realize that all of the bill might not work but there are many parts of the bill that can work. How was that during the time that Medicare had home health and homemaker services together on hospital discharge services were in place the same week. I am wondering how they were able to get it done?
Aging Advocate consultant
Editor’s Note for Clarification: The bill is in a holding pattern in the House, but has not been defeated.