ARRM's Daily Dispatch

Bruce and Barb On the Road Again

Last Fall Bruce Nelson and Barb Jacobson took ARRM "on the road".  We will be on the road again this year talking about what happened in 2009 and ARRM's plan of attack in 2010 and beyond.  This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and socialize/network with your peers in the industry.  You are encouraged to bring non-ARRM memberswho may be interested in joining ARRM.  The meetings will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

• October 27- Detroit Lakes
• November 3- Duluth
• November 10- Mankato
• November 17- Wabasha

An announcement with exact locations will be sent out to members soon.  Mark your calenders!  We look forward to seeing you all!

Daily Dispatch for Sept. 18 2009: ARRM meets with CMS officials

Last Tuesday ARRM met with CMS officials governing the waiver nationally and out of its regional office in Chicago. The meeting occurred during an ANCOR trip to Washington D.C. and focused on CMS’s understanding of how the Minnesota system works and what CMS is requiring the state to change in our rate methodologies.

The most important take-away from the meeting was the establishment of a credible working relationship with these officials. During our conversation we were able to provide insight into how Minnesota’s state-to-county system works. With that we got more clarity about what Minnesota needs to do and an acknowledgment that provider rates can and should vary according to people’s needs, geography and demographics and workforce issues.

We’ll provide more information after our follow-up with CMS to make sure we have the same understanding of the issues discussed.

At the meeting from ARRM were:  Don Priebe (Homeward Bound), Bob Hafdahl (Capstone Services), Tim Nelson (Hammer) and Bruce Nelson (ARRM).

Daily Dispatch for September 14, 2009: Community Enrichment Week is October 4-10, 2009

October is Disability Awareness Month, and ARRM is celebrating Community Enrichment Week once again this year from October 4th through October 10th. This annual activity has two primary objectives:

1. Showcasing the contributions people with disabilities make to their communities;

2. Encouraging understanding and acceptance of people with all abilities.

Since its inception in 2001, Community Enrichment Week has inspired volunteers from around the state to make contributions to their communities through civic projects, collecting food, raking a neighbor's yard, helping the elderly, or cleaning up local parks. We encourage you to contact your local media or city officials to gain even more recognition for the great work we do in our communities.

Tell us about your CEW event in words and pictures, and we'll add your information to our What's New(s) Blog. Call ARRM's PR Director, Barb Brynstad, at 651-291-1086, extension 4; or email her at bbrynstad@arrm.org.

Daily Dispatch for September 8, 2009: Celebrate DSP week Sept. 14-19

The U.S. Senate has designated the week of September 14, 2009 and National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. The Senate Resolution draws attention to the critical supports DSPs provide to millions of Americans with disabilities - and the tremendous impact DSPs are making in communities across the country.
 
ANCOR (www.ancor.org/) through the National Advocacy Campaign, is encouraging agencies nationwide to participate in DSP Recognition Week activities. This is a way to highlight the work of the direct support workforce and show appreciation for a job well done. This is also an opportunity to us all to advocate on behalf of higher wages for this critical workforce.
 
Here are just a couple of ways you can celebrate... and advocate!
 
1. Join ANCOR on September 15 for a national "Call on Congress" in support of H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act.
 
2. Host a celebration in honor of your DSPs! Invite the community and encourage attendees to bring canned goods to be donated to a local food bank of charity.
 
As you plan your DSP Week activities, be sure to consider ways to involve the community! This is all part of our work to promote community inclusiveness and independence for our clients, consumers and individuals with disabilities.

Daily Dispatch for September 4, 2009: ANCOR visits and CMS

Several ARRM members will be attending the annual ANCOR Government Affairs Seminar (GAS) Sept. 13 to 15. As usual there will be time for Hill visits with members of congress and/or their staff people on Tuesday (Sept. 15 afternoon). We ask that you schedule your own appointments now and then we’ll coordinate when we’re in Washington.

While we’re there, CEO Bruce Nelson and three ARRM members (Don Priebe – Homeward Bound, Bob Hafdahl – Capstone Services and Tim Nelson, Hammer) will meet with two CMS officials to clarify what CMS is telling Minnesota in regards to Minnesota’s requirement to develop of new payment waiver methodology(ies). 

Daily Dispatch for September 3, 2009: Non-profit tax update

ARRM met yesterday with Minnesota Council of Nonprofit staff and counsel and two other stakeholders to review progress and next steps to assure that clearly qualified nonprofits – including “group homes” – maintain their exemption from property taxes.

The meeting was an upshot of legislation passed this year to assure nonprofit property tax exemptions for qualified nonprofits.

The Dept. of Revenue is behind in preparing its bulletin to county assessors. MCN will propose using nonprofit “group homes” as an example of exempt properties in the bulletin. ARRM will develop proposed language.

Further details, including a review panel and tax court appeals processes, were also discussed. 

In the meantime, if you have your tax exemption challenged by your county assessor please contact Bruce Nelson (bnelson@arrm.org) at ARRM immediately.

Daily Dispatch, September 1, 2009: Members-only section of website, blog passwords to change

Every year after the ARRM summer membership renewal drive ends, we re-set all of the passwords to our members-only section of the website and blog. Please be aware that we will be re-setting all of our passwords on September 8, 2009. You will receive an email Tuesday morning, notifying you of the new members-only user name and password. 

If you haven't renewed your membership with ARRM, please do so now to ensure that you will continue to receive the benefits of membership.

Feel free to call Barb Brynstad at 651-291-1086, ext. 4 or 800-551-2211, ext. 4 with questions. You may also email her at bbrynstad@arrm.org.