LB 239 Waiting List Bill Hearing

Name: LB 239 Waiting List Bill Hearing
Start: 2025-03-05T13:30:00-06:00
Location: Nebraska State Capital

Schedule

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025 at 01:30 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Nebraska State Capital | Lincoln, NE

Over the last nearly year, we have heard a variety of Updates and Town Halls on the proposed process to Eliminate the Waiting List but had no actual hearing and opportunity for Testimony to the Legislature. LB 239 provides this opportunity for real dialogue. It also offers corrections that can help to better ensure that promised protections for people with disabilities and their families are a guaranteed reality by expanding statutory protections. We invite you to attend and testify with your stories, thoughts, and other ideas you would like to see implemented or modified.
Details of the Hearing:
• Date: March 5th 2025
• Time: 1:30 PM (while the hearing starts at this time, based upon the line up and testimony for other bills, this can vary significantly so be prepared to wait a few hours potentially)
• Location: Nebraska State Capitol Room 1510
Description of LB 239’s Actions
LB 239 not only addresses immediate concerns but also provides long-term improvements in how services are delivered and coordinated. Key aspects of the bill include:
• Enhancing Transparency: Mandates improved clarity in the Objective Assessment Formula (InterRai) used by DHHS, ensuring that all stakeholders can participate effectively in the decision-making process.
• Protecting Services: Guarantees that no individual will be removed from their current services and secures access to necessary residential services.
• Facilitating Updates: Introduces the right for individuals/families to request an updated assessment at any time and provides for expert facilitation.
• Supporting Transition: Ensures timely transitions for individuals moving from institutional settings to community-based settings, promoting a better quality of life.
• Eliminates the Sunset on Protections for Day Services: While this is not an issue that is currently problematic we need to ensure this protection remains in case of a rainy day
• You can read more details about the bill and the actual language here. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59629&docnum=LB239&leg=109
How to Testify: If you wish to testify, you can just show up at the hearing. If you do plan to testify while it’s not required, we ask that you let us know by filling out this form. https://forms.gle/CQJZbchziqTHX6aDA
If you need more guidance on how to testify watch this video or email [email protected]
https://www.arc-nebraska.org/trainings#:~:text=Legislative%20Advocacy
Written Testimony:
For those unable to attend, written submissions are also welcome and can be submitted by clicking here then clicking on the button that says Submit Comments Online before 8 a.m. March 5th, 2025 https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59629&docnum=LB239&leg=109
This is a crucial opportunity to make your voice heard and influence the future of disability services in Nebraska. We hope to see many of you there, either in person or virtually.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Edison McDonald
The Arc of Nebraska