2008 Public Policy Agenda:

Ø      Prioritization of an “employment first” philosophy in provision of services for people with disabilities, including increased emphasis on provision of funding incentives for career related outcomes;

Ø      Funding in next year’s state budget to fund the DORS Waiting List Initiative - $4.1 million above-the-mark funding;

Ø      Legislation to strengthen the Preferred Provider Program, including elimination of the “sheltered workshop” language, expansion of the Pricing Committee membership, delineation of coordinating entity duties and re-naming the program;

Ø      Legislation to expand eligibility under the Preferred Provider Program to consumer owned businesses;

Ø      Creation of a placement fee for “outplacement” from the Preferred Provider Program (this is expected to be a multi-year initiative);