Senate Finance Committee hears funding requests from The Arc Baton Rouge and supporters

The Louisiana Legislature's Finance Committee convened on May 22, 2025, to address critical funding issues impacting healthcare services and support for individuals with disabilities. A significant focus of the meeting was the ongoing challenge of securing funding for necessary coding that would allow the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to submit requests to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Committee members discussed the need for funding to enable LDH to obtain the required codes, which have been stalled due to previous funding issues. The committee emphasized that without this funding, essential services, particularly those requiring nursing staff, cannot be provided. This situation has persisted for three years, with members expressing frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles that have delayed progress.

In addition to the funding discussions, several individuals from The Arc and People First shared personal testimonies about the importance of these organizations in their lives. Ayanna Brown and Roland Horn highlighted how these groups support self-advocacy and community engagement for people with disabilities. Their heartfelt accounts underscored the need for continued funding to maintain these vital services.

The meeting also included a request from Charles Romero, a resident of Covington, who urged the committee to restore an additional $250,000 to the Developmental Disabilities Council's budget, which had not been allocated in previous appropriations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for financial support to enhance healthcare services and advocacy programs for individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions on securing the necessary funding to address these pressing issues.