We are truly thankful to you all for taking the time and effort to help ensure the success of our Enhanced Behavior Support Bill (SB 5506). TIME IS OF ESSENCE TO GET A HEARING IN THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR FUNDING. There are a LOT of competing priorities for funding from the general public as well as the developmental disabilities special interest groups. We are the LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD. We always have been. There are those who are saying that the EBSH model only meets the needs of high needs individuals needing intensive supports. While there are some who may be philosophically opposed to evidence based interventions and the medical model. It's important to focus on why evidence based interventions are vital to the safety and well being of the population who can't stabilize and thrive in its absence.
As a next step, we must compel the Senate Ways and Means Committee to schedule a hearing AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. There is safety in numbers. For everyone of us there are 10 friends, extended family, neighbors, coworkers and allies who may be willing to magnify our voices and add theirs to ours.
Have 5 minutes to spare, send an email to Ways & Means committee members (click to view email addresses) and ask them to schedule a hearing as soon as possible for SSB 55506. If you're looking for ideas on what to say try:
Dear Senator_________________,
“Hello, my name is (____________). I’m your constituent and a (parent/grandparent/sibling/friend) of a person with autism. Creating Enhanced Behavior Support Homes (EBSH) in Washington State is very important to me and my family. Please ask for SSB 5506 to get scheduled for a hearing in the Ways & Means Committee as soon as possible.
SB 5506 Senate Bill Report can be viewed here. Would you please consider supporting this effort by asking SSB 5506 to be scheduled for a hearing and voting YES to help it move through the legislative process? I am eagerly looking forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Your name
Your address (this is how they verify that you are a constituent)
How to get involved
Visit Bill page and from the right hand side of the screen (image below) Comment on the bill.
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