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2009/2010 NCARF Membership Incentive
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 NCARF Leadership would like to give back to membership during this economic downturn by initiating an incentive to all members who renew their membership with NCARF this year. Once all membership dues have been collected, your organization will receive a "stimulus rebate check" reflecting approximately 25% of your dues paid from the previous year.
2009/2010 NCARF Membership Renewal Invoices have been emailed and mailed. Please complete and return the application by August 31, 2009 to maintain your membership!
During this economic situation it is vital we ban together and partner with NCARF.
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NCARF Awards Luncheon
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The NCARF Annual Training Conference will be held September 30 - October 2, 2009 in Winston-Salem, NC. The Annual Awards Luncheon will be held October 1, 2009 in conjunction with the conference to recognize our members' employers and individuals working and succeeding in organizations as well as the community. The Award Applications are now availabe in the member's only section on the NCARF website. The login name is ncarf and the password is employment1 to access the member's only section.
Each organization can nominate one individual per award. Please complete the applications by July 15, 2009.
- Behind the Scenes
- Community Employer
- Front Line in the Field
- Vocational Achievement - Community
- Vocational Achievement - Facility
Contact Tracy Steadman at tsteadman@firstpointresources.com with any questions.
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NCARF Legislative Update
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The Senate and the House have now each passed their own versions of the 2009-2011 budget . A conference committee of Senators and House Representatives has been appointed with the purpose of reconciling the two budgets into one. You can view the appointed bill conferees at: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/confcomm/confcommittee.pl?BillChamber=S&BillID=202&session=2009
Programs, advocates and individuals receiving services need to continue to let House and Senate representatives (and specifically those on the conference committee link above) know that there are still cuts that are going to hurt HHS services in NC. The Department of Health and Human Services is still taking too large a percentage of the cuts. Let legislators know that you support tax increases such as bringing cigarette taxes to the national average and addressing sales tax exemptions on certain items. Let them know that you support an increase on beer and wine sales. Read about the loopholes in yesterday's Fitzsimmons File (included in this week's update) and let them know that you support closing those loopholes.
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Budget Crisis Update and Great news on other Bills - Action Alert from the Arc of NC
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June 18, 2009
The Conference Committees on the budget are meeting now. The Arc is formulating an advocacy strategy. As soon as we know the best course of action to take, we will forward it on to you. Please stay tuned and be ready to act. When the budget starts to move, it will move quickly and we will need to respond immediately. Please get ready!
Thank you so much for those of you who were able to show up for yesterday's Advocacy and Education day. We had a great turnout! Personal visits from constituents are the most effective way to get our message across and share our stories. We know how difficult it is to get to Raleigh but please know that your effort and time truly made a difference!
Great news on some key bills!
HB 673: Support for Developmental Disability Services
The bill will re-establish a standardized waiting list for people with developmental disabilities who are seeking services.
This bill has passed and is headed to the Governor\'s office for her signature! To read the bill: www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H673v5.pdf
HB 672:Accountability for MH/DD/SAS State Funding
This bill requires LMEs that utilize single stream funding to report on the allocation of service dollars and also outlines what LMEs must do prior to reducing state funding to HUD homes.
This bill has passed and is also heading to the Governor's office for signature! To read the bill: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H672v3.pdf
SB 208: People First
This bill directs the legislative drafting office and state agencies to use People First language in the preparation of legislation and rules.
This bill is going to The House Health Committee. This is the last committee before a full House vote. To read the bill: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S208v4.pdf
These bills moved forward because of YOUR advocacy! Thank you.
Please get ready to act on the budget. Once again, YOUR advocacy will be needed.
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Summaries on Budget Crisis
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Below are a couple of good summaries of what is currently going on with the NC Budget.
Fitzsimon File: Balking at paying their share
06/18/2009
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/cms/2009/06/18/balking-at-paying-their-share/
Fitzsimon File: Momentum for more revenue and fewer cuts
06/17/2009
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/cms/2009/06/17/momentum-for-more-revenue-and-fewer-cuts/
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Governance Policies
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NCARF is gathering Board of Directors and Organizational Governance Policies for member reference. We'd love to have your contributions. Please send the policies to Michelle Eggleston, meggleston@firstpointresources.com. We'll post them at www.ncarf.com in the members only area. Please send exactly how you would like them posted. If you have questions, please let us know. |
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Member Emeritus
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Have someone to suggest for Member Emeritus Status?
Please send Michelle Eggleston, meggleston@firstpointresources.com their name and contact info, NCARF staff will contact them with information on becoming involved with NCARF.
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