[nfbmi-talk] Fw: questions about bsbp payments

[joe harcz Comcast]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Sara Grivetti 
To: joe harcz Comcast 
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2014 10:24 AM
Subject: RE: questions about bsbp payments


Joe,

 

In 2014, or any previous year, BSBP has not requisitioned any services from Disability Network/Michigan (DN/M). I'm not sure why their records reflect that and feel it is an error on their part. Disability Network/Michigan does not receive any funding from a state agency. The sources of revenue in 2014 are as follows:

 

Membership Dues: CILs paid dues in the amount of $13.304/per member

SILC: Contribution to cover costs associated with public education. The amount is $5,000.

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition: up to $30,000. Pass through funds for Assistive Technology training to CILs. DN/M keeps $2,000 for administrative services. 

 

In 2014, CILs also paid for project management for our Independent Living Guide Pilot Project and Training fees for the Independent Living Guides to become proficient in Motivational Interviewing, which is an evidenced-based practice to help improve the effectiveness of delivering independent living services. 

 

This pilot project is also focused on identifying barriers with state agencies, thus the information you share regarding lack of BSBP or DHS accessibility has been very helpful. Our plan is to provide a comprehensive report to the Michigan legislature (the project is funded by a state GF/GP appropriation), along with Directors of applicable state agencies, to help them better understand the barriers they are placing in front of people with disabilities striving to access services and achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

 

The overall purpose of DN/M is to support Michigan's CILs become stronger through leadership development, public policy advocacy and the development of increased financial resources. Our staff consists of myself as the CEO, and Amy Maes, who works part-time as a project manager for our pilot project. We do not have an office, and both of us work remotely, as it's a rather slim operation. 

 

I offer you this information as a curtesy and in the spirit of transparency. However, since we are a private, not-for-profit entity (501 c 3) we are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

 

If you'd like to discuss further I'm available at 989-430-1143.

 

Regards,

 

Sara Grivetti, CEO

Disability Network/Michigan

 

From: joe harcz Comcast [mailto:joeharcz at comcast.net] 
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2014 9:33 AM
To: Sarah Gravetti silc mcrs mcil
Cc: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: questions about bsbp payments

 

October 24 2014 Disability Network BSBP Questions

 

Sarah Gravetti

Executive Director

(MI) Disability Network

(Via e-mail)

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

1365 E. Mt. Morris Rd.

Mt. Morris, MI 48458

joeharcz at comcast.net

810-516-5262

 

Dear Ms. Graveti,

 

I am writing you today in your capacity as Executive Director of Disability Network (Mich.). I point your attention to the payments made to your entity by the Michigan Bureau of Services to Blind Persons (see ref. after signature line). I know this might seem to be a small amount of money in the scheme of things, but I  am requesting that you briefly describe just what these payments were for.

 

I thank you in advance for your prompt response.

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

 

Cc: NFB MI

Attachment:

 

 

Source:

http://media.state.mi.us/MiTransparency/Vendor/Warrants?y=2014&v=DISABILITY%20NETWORK%2FMICHIGAN&a=641&g=Contractual%20Services%20Supplies%20and%20Materials&Column=WarrantDate&Direction=Descending

 

 

 

Payments to DISABILITY NETWORK/MICHIGAN by LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS for fiscal year 2014

 

Table with 4 columns and 5 rows

Agency Name

Category Description

Warrant Date

Payments Total

LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Contractual Services Supplies and Materials

8/4/2014

$200.00

LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Contractual Services Supplies and Materials

6/10/2014

$200.00

LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Contractual Services Supplies and Materials

3/5/2014

$200.00

LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Contractual Services Supplies and Materials

1/21/2014

$200.00