Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council

Special Announcment: Council Vote Request

Material:

Disability Network Michigan ARRA Funding Proposal (Word Version)

Disability Network Michgian ARRA Funding Proposal (HTML Version)

Good Morning:

(This is being sent to you on behalf of your Council Chair Tom Masseau)

As some of you know the SILC Council did not have a quorum at the combined SILC/DN/M Special meeting yesterday afternoon. I am attaching a short summary regarding the DN/M presentation for your consideration regarding their proposal.

The SILC Council met as a committee of the whole to dialogue with the CIL network on part C allocations and for the development of the Council recommendation. To ADDRESS THE IMEEDIATE NEED and adhere to federal time constraints it is necessary for us to move forward with an electronic/voice vote today. We need your vote TODAY on 1. Regular funding 2. ARRA funding 3. Time frame

Under consideration for Title VII Part C funding (previously distributed) are as follows:

1. Regular Title VII part C funding (ongoing funding)

Shall the council adhere to the to the approved state plan: (1st COLA to 10 federally funded CILS of 3.5%, 2nd $26,172 awarded to SAIL which would bring their federal allocation closer to that of the other 9 Federally funded CILS).

2. ARRA Title VII Part C funding (one time funding)

Shall the council recommend RSA issue proposals for 5 new federally funded CILs (where there are current state funded centers). The remaining ARRA fund split among all 15 CILs to bring them to the same level of federal funding.

3. Funding Time Frame (minimum of 2 years may go to 5 years)

Review of the funding tables distributed show it is unworkable to start any new federally funded CIL’s utilizing a 4 or 5 year distribution

Shall the council recommend a two (2) year distribution of ARRA funding

Note: At the end of the ARRA funding cycle RSA will rebalance the regular Part C grants from 10 to 15 CILs.

ALSO…we will be convening a special council meeting to discuss state coordinated funding allocations prior to the end of July!

PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

Valarie Barnum-Yarger, CAE

Executive Director

Michigan SILC

417 Seymour, Suite #10

Lansing, MI. 48849

517-371-4872 - ph

517-371-4875 - fax

Valarie@misilc.org

The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an organization of individuals who represent the interests of people with disabilities across Michigan. Council members are appointed by the Governor and a majority must be people with disabilities. In addition, non-voting ex-officio members provide a vital link to state agencies which provide services for people with disabilities.

What is the purpose of SILC?

The Council promotes a philosophy of independent living. This includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. The Council promotes integration and full inclusion of people with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.

What does the SILC do?

The Statewide Independent Living Council works cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth-Rehabilitation Services (MDLEG-RS) and the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) to develop and submit the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL establishes a blueprint for present and future independent living programs and services in Michigan.

How can I be involved in SILC activities?

Input from people with disabilities is vital for the development of the SPIL. Public comment at SILC meetings and at public hearings helps shape the independent living service delivery system. The SILC welcomes consumers' comments, criticisms, questions and concerns, and consistently works to improve independent living services in Michigan. The SILC Council meets four times a year at an accessible location; each of these meetings are open to the public.

Upcoming events

Independent Living is the right of all people to make informed choices, to have personal control over their own lives, and to participate to the fullest extent possible in the everyday activities of work, school, home, family and community.