WCDD Home > Legislative/Budget Platforms

2005-2007 Legislative Platforms

A paper copy of the Legislative Platform can be ordered through our publications shopping cart.

1. Introduction (this page)
2. Medicaid Program
3. Special Education Services
4. Election and Voting Reform
5. Property Tax Freeze and Taxpayers Bill of Right

Introduction

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities believes that all Wisconsin citizens should have homes, education and job opportunities, and be part of a network of friends and family.

The Council’s mission is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities get the services and supports they need to share in that vision.

Wisconsin’s service system has made a difference for thousands of people, such as:

• A single mom came close to placing her medically fragile child in an institution, but was able to keep her family together with in-home personal care services.
• After 50 years in an institution, a man has a job and an apartment because of the Community Integration Program (CIP.)
• A high school student with cerebral palsy received the therapies and technology she needed in school to graduate, get a job and live independently.

When working well, the disability service system is an example of the Wisconsin values of independence, fairness, and compassion in action..

The Council is committed to working with the Legislature, the Governor, and citizens to improve the disability service system so more people can participate and thrive in the community.

Legislative Platform

Families and consumers stress the importance of a comprehensive and individualized system of support. Some key components of the support system include:

• The Birth to Three Program
• Family Support Program
• Respite Care
• Dental Care
• Vocational and Employment Services
• Mental Health Services
• Medicaid Program
• Special Education

All of these programs are vital to families and consumers. The Council recognizes the importance of these programs. The Council’s Legislative Platform focuses on four key areas that make up the disability service network:

The Medicaid Program (MA) is one of the key areas because it is the largest funding source for services to people with disabilities.

Special Education Services help children with special needs get the most benefits out of the educational system and are fundamental for young adults to live independently.

Election and Voting Reform is essential for people with disabilities to have their voices heard and experience the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Property Tax Freeze and the Taxpayers Bill of Rights both limit the amount of funding available for services to people with disabilities and school funding for children with disabilities.

The Council continues to work on a number of other important needs, such as:

• Waiting Lists
• Assistive Technology
• Lifelease Program
• Mental Health Services
• Specialized Transportation

For More Information

The Council supports or opposes many current bills being debated in the state legislature. The positions of WCDD on these bills can be found on the DAWN website along with links to more information about each bill. For position papers on these issues or more information about the Legislative Platform and the Council, please contact:

Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703-2796