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2007 - 2009 Budget Platform

Self-Determination : A Basic Wisconsin Value

Wisconsin has a proud history of supporting civil rights. Among these rights is self-determination, the right of all people to make decisions for themselves.

The Council believes that every person has the right to become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. The right of self-determination is the foundation for these other rights.

For people with disabilities and their families who utilize publicly funded services, the key to self-determination is self-directed supports.

Self-directed supports means people have the right to choose the services and providers who best meet their needs and the responsibility to control their budgets.

Though not everyone would choose to direct their own services; individuals and families who have done so report very positive results. They more often choose services outside the traditional system and they become more included in their communities.

People using self-directed supports tend to spend less than individuals in the traditional system, savings which could be used to serve people on waiting lists.

Win Win Solutions

The Council’s Biennial Budget Platform outlines how self-determination and self-directed supports benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities while saving or generating money in the State Budget.

Strengthen Families....

If Wisconsin allocated $10 million to eliminate waiting lists for children in Family Support and Medicaid waiver programs:

• Families would access the supports they need to keep their children in their family’s home.
• The State would generate $16 million in federal matching funds.

If Wisconsin allocated $75 million for special education:

• Students with disabilities will be better prepared for independence and work in their adult lives.
• The State would save because more people would be in the workforce instead of in the
  service system.

If Wisconsin allocated $500,000 for a Family Care self-directed type program for children:

• Families would have more control over services.
• The State would save because coordinated systems work better than fragmented systems.

If Wisconsin expanded BadgerCare to more families:

• Children with disabilities who don’t have insurance would receive health care.
• The State would save because costly, preventable health problems would be avoided.

Promote Health and Wellness....

If Wisconsin increased the tobacco tax by $1.25 a pack and funded smoking cessation programs and reimbursed smoking-related Medicaid costs:

• Youths would be discouraged from beginning to smoke and smokers would get help to quit.
• The State would save at least $480 million in Medicaid costs from decreased smoking
  related illnesses.

If Wisconsin provided funding to expand the Family Care program statewide:

• People could live independently with the services they need, choose, and direct.
• The State would stretch Medicaid dollars because the per person costs are less.

If Wisconsin extended the independent advocacy program for Family Care to people under 65:

• People would have conflicts resolved before they escalate.
• The State would save by avoiding costly appeals and litigation.

If Wisconsin provided $10 million each year for the Federally Qualified Community Health Care clinics to integrate dental and primary care:

• People would be healthier, have less heart disease, and fewer premature births.
• The State would save Medicaid dollars through early diagnosis of dental disease and prevention of illnesses associated with oral health.

If Wisconsin allocated $2.5 million in state funds for the Comprehensive Community Services program:

• People with mental illness would live successfully in the community.
• Citizens would save funding now used as match for the CCS program.

Support Independence....

If Wisconsin promoted self-directed services in long-term support:

• People could choose individualized services and supports.
• The State would save at least 5% because people spend less when controlling their budgets.

If Wisconsin allocated $6 million for specialized transportation:

• People with disabilities and elderly people would be more independent and involved in the community.
• The State would gain tax revenue because more people could work in the private sector if they had transportation.

If Wisconsin allocated $350,000 for the College of Direct Support to train direct service workers:

• People with disabilities would have more consistent, better trained staff.
• The system would save dollars by decreasing turnover.

For More Information

The WCDD 2007-2009 Budget Platform is also available as a printed tri-fold brochure (orderable online) and as a printable PDF. Many current bills being debated in the state legislature 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