In the January 16, 2010 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) announced that DPW will make changes to state supplementary payment (SSP) levels, cutting by up to 24% the supplements that it pays to federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Savings is estimated at $9.403 million in FY 2009-2010 with full-year implementation savings estimated at $22.931 million in FY 2010-2011. Individual SSI recipients now receiving $27.40 per month as the state supplement would receive $22.10. Couples receiving SSI will have their supplement cut from $43.70 per month to $33.70 per month. Under the new policy individuals residing in the household of another would receive $25.53 per month and couples would be provided $38.44 per month. Individuals residing in a Domiciliary Care Home would receive $434.30 monthly and couples would receive $947.40. Individuals residing in a Personal Care Home would receive $439.30 per month and couples would receive $957.40. All SSI recipients continue to be automatically eligible for Medical Assistance. Written comments regarding these changes can be sent to: Edward J. Zogby, Bureau of Policy, Room 431, Health and Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or sent to Mr. Zogby at ezogby@state.pa.us. Persons with a disability who require an auxiliary aid or service may submit comments using the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users). Comments must be received by February 14, 2010. FMI: See www.pabulletin.com.

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The PA Legislative Brain Injury Caucus Committee has scheduled a Pennsylvania Brain Injury Rally & Press Conference to be held on Thursday, April 20, 2010 in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. The rally will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by group visits to PA Representatives and Senators.  The Committee is working to establish legislative support for brain injury issues in the Pennsylvania legislature. The Committee includes individuals, support groups, and providers representing ABIN-PA, BIAPA, and PARF. FMI: Contact PARF at parfmail@parf.org.

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On January 21 PARF asked its members to review and comment on the service definitions for FY 2010-2011 for the Pennsylvania Mental Retardation Program. PARF circulated the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) draft bulletin entitled “Service Definitions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010/2011 for the Pennsylvania Mental Retardation Program.”  Comments should be sent no later than February 12 to PARF at parfmail@parf.org and simultaneously to ODP at ra-odpcomment@state.pa.us. PARF noted that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is seeking comment in developing a final bulletin that will be effective July 1, 2010.  ODP says that the current FY 2009-2010 service definitions will remain in effect until June 30, 2010.  In order to assure timely review and revision of the draft bulletin, please forward written comments and any questions to the Office of Developmental Programs via email at ra-odpcomment@state.pa.us with the subject line FY 2010/2011 Service Definitions no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the attached letter.  Written comments may also be mailed to: Attn:  Policy: Service Definitions Comments, Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Room 502 Health & Welfare Building, P.O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA  17120. ODP says that all comments received within 30 calendar days from the date of its letter will be considered in preparation of the final bulletin that will be used to prepare FY 2010-2011 Individual Support Plans. FMI: Contact PARF at parfmail@parf.org

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Legislation that would establish a Housing Trust Fund in Pennsylvania may be considered in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by February 1. House Bill 60 would establish the Housing Trust for low income housing. The fund would be supported by a fee on real estate sales and used for low income housing. A percentage of the trust funds would be set aside to assure accessible housing for people with disabilities. Results of a poll conducted by Strategic Guidance Systems in November 2009 showed support for the housing trust fund.  The poll indicated that citizens in Pennsylvania want elected officials to address social problems such as housing. Respondents to the poll are worried about seniors being able to stay in their homes and young people being able to afford a home. Voters are also concerned about homelessness and people, , especially working people, having to spend too much for housing. The respondents value the job creation and economic power of housing. FMI: To read HB 60, see www.legis.state.pa.us.

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On January 21 Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) reported that state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent in December, up four-tenths of a percentage point from November. The state rate remained below the national unemployment rate, which remained at 10 percent in December. Pennsylvania’s rate has been at or below the national rate for 83 of the past 84 months. The statewide rate was up 2.5 percentage points from December 2008 while the U.S. rate was up 2.6 percentage points over the year. Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force – the number of people working or looking for work – decreased by 19,000 in December to 6,310,000.  Resident employment dropped 37,000 in December, while unemployment was up 19,000. The Pennsylvania labor force was down 131,000 from December 2008. Pennsylvania jobs were down 150,300, or 2.6 percent, since December 2008.  Nationally, jobs were down 3.1 percent over the same period. FMI: See www.state.pa.us.

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