Historical Bill making its way through process...

Call your Senator to support SSB 6780 today!

SSB 6780, the bill to provide services and supports in the community for individuals with developmental disabilities currently living in a Residential Habilitation Center, has passed the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee and is now headed to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Please contact your Senator today and ask them to support SSB 6780. Link to full text of the bill.

2010 Advocacy Days

Advocacy Day begins at 10:00am on Wednesdays during the legislative session.  We start the day with an hour briefing on current issues and end with an afternoon of advocacy (about 3:00 p.m.).  While we feature a highlighted topic each week, the morning briefing will also cover late breaking news on budget items and bills of interest relating to individuals with developmental disabilities.  All meetings are held at the United Churches except for the Autism Rally on January 20^th and the Independent Living Rally on February 24, 2010.

It’s time to get your blue scarf back out. This year on January 27^th, our first official Advocacy Day, we gave each legislator a blue scarf and a “Develop Abilities” button of their own. On February 24^th, at the Independent Living Rally day, we will once again be distributing scarves to advocates so that legislators and their staff know we are there in force. If you still have your scarf from last year, please wear it to any Advocacy Day events. It is also good to dress in bright blue colors if you can.

This will be a short session and it is very important that your voice is heard. Even if you are unable to come to Olympia, your voice can still be heard by phone, email and letters. Visit the Arc of Washington's advocacy web page to learn more. http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA