Key Campaign XXIII:

The Second Largest Advocacy Effort in Alaska

Through unity and advocacy, we shall achieve community for all!

 

Anyone who is concerned about the rights, dignity and dreams of individuals who experience disabilities is encouraged to join in the efforts of our Key Coalition. The Key Campaign will be held in Juneau March 2-3, 2010, with similar advocacy rallies across the face of urban and rural Alaska, taking place on Wednesday, March 3.

 

In addition to joining the rallies, you are asked to contact your legislator personally by sending an email or submitting a Public Opinion Message (POM): Submit POM Online or Download the POM Form. 

 

For regular updates regarding issues and the latest proceeding, join Hope’s Online Community and select Legislative Alerts. For more information please call Hope Community Resources, 907-564-7434 or email info@hopealaska.org.

 

2010 Media Release

The Key Coalition has identified five major priorities to be addressed during this year’s Key Campaign.

 

Periodic Rate Review (Senate Bill 32)—SB32 addresses an equitable process to establish rate increases for community services that are in place for institutional services. While the campaign worked side by side with legislators to make significant progress, there is more work to be done this legislative session.

All we are asking in community programs is a simple matter of equity—the same ability to predict consistent budgets in a similar process dictated under state law.  This discrepancy between institution and community resulted in a previous period of a four year rate freeze for programs similar to Hope, while nursing homes and hospitals received much needed annual adjustments.

 

Community Support Initiative—Continue to actively reduce and expeditiously eliminate the statewide Waitlist for Community Services currently holding hundreds of Alaskans who experience a disability. This initiative includes funding for developmental disabilities grants and the implementation of Intensive Support and Intervention Services.

 

Adult Dental Services—Funding is critical to provide regular care and preventative treatment to reduce the drastic measures that are too often taken when a problem arises. Support legislative solutions that will allow for the adjustment of the current cap to $1,750 on adult dental services and for creating a process to allow for upper and lower dentures to be completed at one time with the cost spread over two years.

 

Infant Learning—The enhancement of early intervention and infant learning programs will significantly increase the outcome of available services. A change in the eligibility level for Infant Learning Programs will help provide children with every opportunity for a healthy and successful development period of growth and learning.

 

Autism Insurance Reform (House Bill 187)—HB187 requires insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The provision of insurance and early treatment in other states has shown a significant improvement of the quality of life for those individuals with autism. This bill seeks to reform the current standards on autism insurance coverage to meet the needs of Alaskans.

 

Additional Recommendations—The following recommendations have also been adopted by the Key Coalition of Alaska.

 

Rally in Your Community

 

As we rally throughout the state, a unified voice is heard. The message is clear—All Alaskans deserve access to quality community services.

 

Anchorage
Wednesday, March 3—12:00 p.m.
Town Square—downtown between 5th and 6th Avenue
A celebration sponsored by Costco will follow at Hope Community Resources' Learning Center behind our main building at 540 W. International Airport Rd
 

Fairbanks
Wednesday, March 3—12:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park

(Contact Fairbanks Resource Agency at eva@fra-alaska.net or 456-8901)

Juneau
Wednesday, March 3—11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Goldbelt Hotel and march to the steps of our state legislative office building
 
Kodiak
Wednesday, March 3—12:00 p.m.
Meet at Kodiak Post Office and march to Legislative Information Office
Potluck celebration following. Call 486-5011 for details.
 
Kenai/Soldotna
Wednesday, March 3—12:00 p.m.
Meet at Bridge Access and Kenai Spur Highway
Celebration following at the Hope Community Recreation Center
 
Wasilla
Wednesday, March 3—11:00 a.m.
Meet at Legislative Information Office and march to Dairy Queen at noon

 

If your community is not listed above and you would like to host a rally, please call 907-564-7434 or email info@hopealaska.org.