• CEC Grassroots Coordinators Storm Capitol Hill; Advocate for Pro-Disability, Gifted Education Programs
• CEC Fights Elimination of Medicaid Reimbursements to Schools

CEC Grassroots Coordinators Storm Capitol Hill; Advocate for Pro-Disability, Gifted Education Programs

On July 18, CEC’s Children and Youth Action Network (CAN) Coordinators – CEC’s premier grassroots advocates -- met with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss the most pressing issues concerning the education of students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents including IDEA, the Javits Gifted and Talented Act, and the possible elimination of some Medicaid reimbursements to schools (see story below). In addition, CEC recognized Senator James Jeffords (I-VT) and Congresswoman Woolsey (D-CA) for their unparalleled commitment to students with disabilities during a reception on Capitol Hill.

To kick off the meeting, CEC President Jamie Hopkins and CEC 2006 Teacher of the Year Connie Miller welcomed the CAN Coordinators to Washington. In their speeches, Jamie and Connie stressed the importance of advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. In addition, they both made Congressional visits to explain what is needed for educators in the field.

CAN Coordinators from coast to coast presented a unified message on Capitol Hill, stressing that education must become a national priority that is reflected through appropriate federal financial support. Coincidently, also on July 18, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over labor, health and education issues passed a funding bill that would level fund education programs for fiscal year 2007. While Senators on the Subcommittee were approving this inadequate education spending measure, CAN Coordinators were meeting with their staffs and others to discuss the predicament schools and districts face as a result of the federal government breaking its promise to fully fund IDEA. In addition, CAN Coordinators shared stories about how the Javits Gifted and Talented Act -- the only Federal program that supports the identification and education of students with gifts and talents – would suffer if it faced yet another cut in funding this year.

While CAN Coordinators spent much of their time preparing for their meetings on Capitol Hill, they were also briefed on pertinent legislation and policies by top Congressional staff, officials from the Department of Education and public policy representatives from various advocacy groups. Dr. Alexa Posny, Director, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) from the Department of Education provided an in-depth look at IDEA and NCLB, as well as informing CAN Coordinators that the IDEA 2004 final regulations may be released by the beginning of this school year.

On Tuesday morning, CEC President Jamie Hopkins presented Senator Jeffords and Congresswoman Woolsey with CEC’s Outstand Public Service Award in honor of their dedication to students with disabilities. Over his 32-year Congressional career, Senator Jeffords of Vermont has committed to helping our nation’s students succeed. Senator Jeffords helped draft the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975 and has been a leading advocate for students with disabilities ever since. Also recognized was Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, who has made the education of America’s children a top priority during her seven terms as California’s representative from the 6th district. CEC is pleased to have recognized Senator Jeffords and Congresswoman Woolsey for their distinguished service in ensuring that all children with disabilities receive the education and services to which they are entitled.

CEC’s Texas CAN Coordinator, Lisa Cavin was recognized for her outstanding leadership. Known for her outgoing attitude, engaging advocacy communications and leadership. CEC was proud to recognize Lisa.

CEC extends a grateful thank you to all CAN Coordinators who took the time from their busy schedules to travel to Washington, DC on behalf of CEC members from their state/division. CEC’s CAN Coordinators are dedicated and committed to advocating for legislation and policies that impact students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

More information on the CAN Network .

CEC Fights Elimination of Medicaid Reimbursements to Schools

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed the elimination of the reimbursement that school districts receive for administrative and transportation expenses from the Medicaid program, estimated at $9 billion. CEC has been working with Congressional offices to prevent CMS from issuing regulations that would support this elimination.

In June, Dennis Smith, director of CMS, reportedly told state Medicaid directors that expedited rule making will be issued soon to eliminate schools’ administrative and transportation reimbursement claims. The elimination of this reimbursement would inevitably shift the financial responsibility of medically necessary related services to individual school districts across the nation.

CEC needs your help!!

Specific Stories:To best illustrate to Congress how this regulation will impact schools, if you receive Medicaid reimbursement for administrative and transportation costs, send your district name, number of students affected and an estimate of funds received in these two categories to kimk@cec.sped.org. Please be specific!!
Write Congress: Urge your members of Congress to co-sponsor a bill by Senator Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressmen Miller (D-CA), Dingell (D-MI) and Whitfield (R-KY) by visiting CEC’s Legislative Action Center.
CEC will continue to keep you posted on this issue and how it impacts schools across the nation.

Take action!

Read CEC’s Medicaid letter to Senators.