[bypass navigation]
Graphic with field of blue with light blue stars and horizontal strips. In the center of field of stars is a yellow dome sitting and yellow columns. A blue universal symbol of accessibility is placed in center of dome. SILCK
Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas
700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 212
Topeka, KS 66603-3758
785-234-6990 Voice/TDD
785-234-6651 FAX
 
   Canditate Q's 2008         SILCK Membership Appl.     
Living by Chance  SILCK   State Plan   Caucus   Centers   Board   Tool Kit 
 

Janette McNeese

From: El Dorado, Butler County

Impact of Budget Cuts: Lowered Protected Income Level

Senator: David Corbin (16th)

Representative: William Mason (75th)

They are making it hard to be independent and are putting stress on my family. Janette's client obligation is now $139, over $70 more than it was previously.  The extra expense is making it nearly impossible for her to pay her bills, and is adding stress to her life and her family's life.  Janette has had multiple heart attacks and multiple strokes, leaving her unable to do any strenuous activity, and severely cutting down her stamina.  Janette has a PCA who helps her do all daily living activities she cannot handle herself. 

Keeping Medicaid is vital for Janette because it gets her the PCA service, and it also pays for most of her medicines.  Like she says, "I can't afford to live without my medical card."  The problem is, with the protected income level raise, she can barely afford to live WITH her medical card.  Janette just wants to be able to stay out of a nursing home and do the few things she can as independently as possible.  The cuts will make it hard on her family, because they are starting to pay for expenses Janette cannot afford.  Her children do not want to see her go into a nursing home, and would want to help her before she does, but Janette does not want to see her children torn from their families just to help her.  "They are making it hard to be independent and are putting stress on my family," says Janette about the budget cuts.

 

Amy Ritter

Age: 38

From: El Dorado, Butler County

Impact of Budget Cuts: Independent Living Center Layoffs

Senator:  David Corbin (16th)

Representative: William Mason (75th)

Amy will be losing her job at RCIL in El Dorado on February 1st, because RCIL cannot afford to pay her.  Amy supported herself and was able to stay off the system because of her job.  RCIL made accommodations for Amy to be able to work with her disability.  It will be very hard for Amy to find another employer who will make the same accommodations.

Changes in reimbursement rates, loss of grants, and other funding cuts to Independent Living Centers are making it hard for centers to provide consumers with services, at a time when people need help the most.  It is this loss of funds that forced RCIL to let Amy go.

            Amy's biggest fear is losing health insurance that she needs to help pay for her medications.  Amy has worked for 11 years and her employment has allowed her to stay independent.  Without her job she will be forced to rely heavily on state programs.  There is also a great possibility she, at age 38, will have to move in with her parents.  "That's not right, I should be able to remain on my own like any adult," says Amy.

Rhonda Rogers/Ronald Murphy l Contents l Gloria Dolbow/Tina Fitzpatrick

 

 

Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas
www.silck.org
Send us your questions and comments about this site.
Web Hosting & Design by NexLynx, Inc.