[DSM-Iowa] Legislation Regarding the Iowa Department for the Blind and more

[Michael Barber]

Good morning everyone:  As our legislative session begins winding down, it is vital that you MUST remember to to contact both your Representative and Senator regarding an increase in funding for the Iowa Department for the Blind, and especially since Governor Kim Reynolds is supporting an approximately $80,000 budget increase that would provide for an additional field staff position for IDB’s Independent Living Staff.

You will recall that for the past several years, IDB has been asked to observe a level=funded budget, regardless of the fact that service delivery costs keep rising.  Further, for the past two years, IDB has suffered deappropriation in its budget, thus producing an even greater negative effect on older blind Iowans.

So, it is now vitally important that Iowans make their collective voices heard in reaching their Legislators regarding this very important matter.   I encourage Legislators to look at increasing funds as an investment into the lives of blind Iowans who only want to remain independent in their own homes instead of being relegated to nursing homes or assisted care centers.  It costs approximately $1,500 per year in tax money to rehabilitate an older blind Iowan as opposed to have them spend the rest of their time in a care center which can cost upwards of $40,000 or more per year.  The savings are self-evident.  And this doesn’t even address the feeling of independence and changed lives the individual experiences as a result.

I urge you today, right now, to do the following:  Call your Representative at (515) 281-3221 and ask to speak to your representative about this important request.  Thank them for passing HF758 on April 9.  Finally, call your Senator at (515) 281-3371 and urge them to support the companion bill to HF758, which, as of yesterday didn’t have a number.

And one more important piece of information.  The Governor’s Office informed Joe Van Lent yesterday that he has officially been confirmed to another appointment on the Board of the Iowa Department for the Blind.  Congratulations, Joe!

We have our work cut out for us.  Let’s get at it today!!

If you have any questions, you may e-mail me at m.barber817 at gmail.com or call me at (515) 284-1569.



Cordially,
Michael D. Barber