Tri-County Independent Living Center

The start of a new year brings many things. People start making plans. Many set new goals or resolutions. Here at Tri-County we start preparing for the Utah State Legislative Session. For us it’s a busy time as we try to attend meetings at the Capitol and make efforts to communicate with legislators about the importance of disability services and the difference the services make in our lives. We want legislators to have this information so when they go into session and have meetings and make decisions on how the state money will be allocated. It is our hope is that we will give legislators good information so they can make informed decisions. For many of us, these decisions will affect our lives in significant ways.

January 11th and 12th Tri-County took a bus of staff and consumers to the Capitol to attend meetings. On the 11th we attended a Social Services Appropriations Committee meeting and during this meeting they opened it up for public comment. 33 people including Tri-County’s Executive Director Andy Curry and one of our consumers Christopher Hill had a few minutes to address the committee and testify of the importance of disability programs and services. They shared facts and information regarding the proficiency and value of programs. They also brought to light the cost effectiveness of these programs and told of how they will save the state money.

The next day we meet again at the Capitol and had legislative

advocacy training presented by Kris Fawson and the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabili-ties (LCPD). During the training we met with a fiscal annalist who projected some numbers for next years state budget. We also met with Senator Wayne Niederhauser who sits on the Social Service Ap-propriations committee. Senator Niederhauser advised us to get our voice heard and to let legisla-tors know what’s important to us. He stated that the more they hear from people the more they can listen and know of our needs. He gave some ideas for sending emails and making phone calls. He advised us to have good, accurate information, keep it short (they get hundreds of emails each day), mention if you are a constituent, keep it professional and don’t let your emotion over the issue make you sound angry.

During our time with Senator Niederhauser the question was asked do legislators have the opinion that it is not the governments roll to help people with disabilities? Niederhauser commented that in the beginning of the session, many are of that opinion but as the session progresses, as input is given and needs are vocalized, when all is said and done legislators change their view and do the best they can to meet the needs of the people.

The two days at the Capitol reminded me that the efforts we make to advocate, to communicate, and build relationships with our legislators and elected officials are important. They matter and they make a difference. We need to take an active role and make our voice heard.

Over the following weeks Tri-County will be taking more trips to the Capitol to attend meetings and receptions. If you would like to do your part and be involved, call Tri-County and let us know that you want to participate and get your voice heard.

G A P

Grassroots Advocacy Partnership (GAP) is group that works to advocate and communicate with legislators to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are being heard. If you would like to participate or receive emails about upcoming meetings as well as receive information on relevant issues and how to advocate please call Kelie to get on the GAP email or phone list. 801-612-3215.

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