4. Transformation Project! Designing a System for us --Without Us.

5. ALERT!!!!  Your Individual Budget -- Currently called Individual Estimated Resources (IER) -- A Must Read

6. Action Needed NOW
 

The Pennsylvania Waiting List Campaign is struggling with the dramatic life changes we have all experienced  since the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center.  We share our nation's sorrow.   We support our people and our Nation's strength and courage in these most difficult times. We urge the disability community to strengthen, support and unite in the upcoming months or years that might lie ahead.  As people and families who share a common goal of addressing the waiting list for supports and services it is an even more stressful time. 

We lost Governor Ridge to a newly created federal post,  Director of Homeland Security.  Governor Ridge is a compassionate and visionary leader who saw and understood what people on the waiting list were experiencing.  Within less than a year, he addressed the issue by ordering the Department of Public Welfare to develop a plan, and had created a Five Year Initiative of $853 Million dollars. 

We feel strongly that Governor Schweiker will continue to honor Governor Ridge's commitment.  Very shortly we will begin to see political advertisements as 2002 elections draw near.  This is always an anxious time for the disability community.   We need to find out who is running for what office, and how they feel about  disability initiatives and we also need to spend time educating legislators about current practice.  We need YOU to become more politically active in helping people get off waiting lists.

We have made great progress in drawing attention to the issue and funding.  We cannot allow ourselves to return to the lack of funding  that existed three years ago.  We can not afford to sit back and let go without speaking up.  We need your support.  Please contact Governor Schweiker and the Appropriation Committee.  Take the time to make a phone call, send a fax or email with the simple message, "Keep the Waiting List and Direct Care Worker's Recruitment and Retention Initiative in the budget."  You can make an appointment with your legislators and take along friends, or invite your legislator to your home and have other people attend. You can check your local papers and go to committee meetings, or if they are televised, call in. Make the disability agenda positive and visible. There are 16,000 Pennsylvanian's registered and waiting for services and supports who need your help.