ITA Minutes
Dec. 19, 2003
Board Members: Linda Schaeffer, Jo-Ann Otlin, Sandy Levine, Linda Edwards, Jean Graney, Martha Levine, Candace Chang, Dan Couet, Lorraine Sanik, Jimmilee Prouty, Tom Miller, Zulmira Allcock, Rhonda Meisel, Anne Halstead, Alex Chatfield, Joanne Sweeney, Robin Weber, Barbara Hreuzog
Present: Linda Schaeffer, Jo-Ann Otlin, Sandy Levine, Linda Edwards, Martha Levine, Candace Chang, Dan Couet, Lorraine Sanik, Jimmilee Prouty, Zulmira Allcock, Rhonda Meisel, Joanne Sweeney, Robin Weber, Mary Ann Mulligan, Dawn LaPointe, Amy Miner-Fletcher
Treasurer's Report:
· None
Legislative Report:
· At the State House, the House and Senate are trying to agree on a revenue figure for '05.
State shortfall for unfunded pensions, Romney has suggested funding 500 million for pensions but this has not been well received.
· Romney will issue the House budget by January 28th.
· Revenue figures for this year look better than projected.
· Currently if there are no changes to revenues or expenses there will be a 1.5-2 billion dollar deficit for next year.
· All discretionary programs planned to be cut.
· Important to begin advocacy now especially if EI is cut significantly in the House 1 budget.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Minutes: MSV Approved minutes
The Next meeting will be held on Jan. 16, 2004 Room S7-105
Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Halstead,
Board Secretary
MASSACHUSETTS EARLY INTERVENTION CONSORTIUM
Infant/Toddler Advocates
Linda Schaeffer-President
Jo-Ann Otlin-President Elect
Consortium Minutes
Dec. 19, 2003
Board Members: Linda Schaeffer, Jo-Ann Otlin, Sandy Levine, Linda Edwards, Jean Graney, Martha Levine, Candace Chang, Dan Couet, Lorraine Sanik, Jimmilee Prouty, Tom Miller, Zulmira Allcock, Rhonda Meisel, Anne Halstead, Alex Chatfield, Joanne Sweeney, Robin Weber, Barbara Hrezueg
Present: Linda Schaeffer, Jo-Ann Otlin, Sandy Levine, Linda Edwards, Martha Levine, Candace Chang, Dan Couet, Lorraine Sanik, Jimmilee Prouty, Zulmira Allcock, Rhonda Meisel, Joanne Sweeney, Robin Weber, Mary Ann Mulligan, Dawn LaPointe, Amy Miner-Fletcher
Treasurer's Report:
· Reviewed current account balances.
· Several programs have not paid ITA dues and reminders have been sent out
Regional Reports:
Region I:
* Discussed options for saving money in the statewide system and forwarded to Ron Benham
Region II:
*Discussed working with BEACON to coordinate a training on " How to assist staff in supporting parents around behavioral issues"
Region III
No report.
Regions IV and V
* Conducted and informal survey regarding accuracy of statistics provided at ICC meeting regarding outliers.
* Discussed how individual programs are handling the cost participation fee
Region VI
* Discussed testimony for Part C hearings.
* Discussed collection of cost participation fee
Consortium Conference update
· RFP's due today.
· Board voted on artwork for conference brochure.
Discussion of reception at conference. There will not be a major entertainer but will have a small reception with background music.
Current contact information for Dawn LaPointe: (508) 835-3334 or dlapointe@verizon.net
Membership Committee:
· Reminders have been sent out to programs that have not paid current dues
Newsletter:
Printed Newsletter has been delayed
Nominating Committee:
No report.
ICC Report:
No report
Strategic Planning/FISG:
No report
Fiscal Meeting:
* Discussion of plans for Jan. 8th ICC meeting. At this meeting there will be a focused forum regarding amended Part C. Application. There will be an opportunity to discuss changes with Ron. The formal application and testimony will be after the House 1 budget is released.
* DPH is closing FY02 and planning for FY05
* Ron has been instructed to stop growth in the early intervention system.
Proposals include: increasing insurance cap, elimination of at risk and clinicial judgement and changing the amount of delay to 33-35% in one area.
If these changes are accepted they would start April 1, 2004
Insurance: No report
Committees: No reports
Old Business:
· Discussion of data/information that should be requested from DPH:
o Data for past three years
% of children eligible with developmental delay
o % of children eligible with established risk
o % of children eligible via clinical judgment that then are eligible via delay after six months
o Number of children that are discharged prior to 3 years old
o Number of premature babies that continue to receive services until 3 years old
· JoAnn will be writing Part C testimony on behalf of the Consortium
· Linda and MaryAnn will draft a letter that programs can distribute to families about proposed changes and impact
