LaDDC 2025 Legislative Advocacy Agenda
December 12, 2024
Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council 2025 Legislative Agenda
The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council adopted its 2025 Legislative Advocacy Agenda with input from its grassroots advocacy network LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network), Families Helping Families (FHF) Centers and various stakeholders throughout the disability community. Thank you to all who shared their ideas and agenda recommendations with the Council.
2025 Legislative Advocacy Agenda
- The Council will advocate to protect all services for people with disabilities and the elderly from any cuts to the service delivery system. For months, it has been reported that Louisiana is facing another budget shortfall, anywhere between $400 and $700 million, in the upcoming fiscal year. The legislature met in November to address tax reform in hopes of also positively impacting next fiscal year’s budget. Legislators voted to reduce personal and corporate income taxes, repeal some tax exemptions, and increase the state’s sales tax by .55%. At this time, opinions are still mixed on whether the decisions made at the Capitol will completely address the estimated budget shortfall next year or in future years. What we do know is any reduction to the state’s revenue and/or operating budget could mean cuts to disability services. Protect Disability Services from Cuts.
- The Council will also advocate to restore funding for the nine Families Helping Families (FHF) Regional Resource Centers it contracts with. During the last four legislative sessions, $500,000 was added to the Council’s budget specifically for FHF Centers. Unfortunately, the Council’s request to include this funding in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget was denied resulting in a possible 50% cut to Centers if the legislature does not appropriate the funding during the upcoming session.
Restore Funding for Families Helping Families Regional Resource Centers
All factsheets are posted on the Council’s website and will be updated as needed throughout the legislative session.
Click for more information and to learn how to get involved.
Changes to Accessing In-Person Services
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announces immediate 20% reduction in LEAP testing time, commitment to further reductions
Social Security Implements Changes to SSI Program
Back to School Parenting Points for Children with Special Needs
Families Advised to Watch for Plain White Envelope in Child’s Name
Pediatricians Get Guidance on Dental Care for Children with Developmental Disabilities
OCR Released New Resources for Families regarding Sickle Cell, Cancer, and Epilepsy
LOUISIANA SETS HIGHER EXPECTATIONS, INCREASES VALUE OF CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS WITH REVISED ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM
Summer is almost here and that means longer days, fun in the sun, and best of all for kids, no homework! For some Louisiana students receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, summer also means the loss of nutritious school meals. In addition to the newly expanded summer feeding options, SUN Bucks help fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to help families put meals on the table when schools are closed. WHAT ARE SUN BUCKS? Starting in summer 2024, Louisiana SUN Bucks, also referred to as Summer EBT, will provide families with $120 for each eligible school-aged child (5 to 18 years old) to buy groceries during the summer break. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SUN BUCKS? Most eligible families will get SUN Bucks automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The following children are eligible to receive SUN Bucks summer benefits and will be automatically enrolled in the program. There is no need to apply. Children whose families received SNAP , Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP), or Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) benefits during the 2023-24 school year. Children receiving Medicaid (with household income below 185% of the federal poverty level). Children who applied and were individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). These children may be eligible to receive SUN Bucks but must apply to determine eligibility: Children experiencing homelessness. Migrant children. Children who receive free or reduced-price lunch, but did not complete an application. Even if your family doesn’t fall into one of the categories listed above, your child may still be eligible for SUN Bucks based on your family’s income. HOW ARE SUN BUCKS ISSUED? The SUN Bucks program will be rolled out in three phases beginning in late June 2024. Phase 1: Launching in June 2024! Children who received SNAP benefits during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for streamlined certification and will be automatically enrolled. SUN Bucks benefits will be added to their existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card beginning in the second half of June 2024. Visit DCFS website for more information and updates on phase 2 and phase 3 roll outs.
Legislative Auditor Report - LDOE Special Education Services
2356 Drusilla Lane,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 225-216-7474
Toll Free: 1-866-216-7474 Fax: 225-216-7977