Rep. Stuck meets with local advocates for individuals with disabilities, who made the trip to Madison to talk about issues impacting them and their families.

During the 2015-2017 Biennial Budget deliberations, the idea was proposed to effectively eliminate Wisconsin’s Family Care and IRIS Programs.

These are programs which provide care to the elderly and individuals with disabilities to help keep them independent in their own homes. Not only do these programs allow for independence and the ability to stay active members of the community, but they also save the state money. These programs are national models for cost effective long-term care, and it is much more efficient to provide long-term care services in home rather than forcing someone to move to a facility.

Luckily the complete elimination of these programs was removed from the budget, however the Department of Health Services (DHS) was required to make a variety of very significant changes to these programs.

DHS has now released the basic outline of what those changes will be and will be holding two public hearings on the proposed changes next week in Eau Claire and Madison on March 7^th. In addition, the Department will be gathering written input through March 7^th, if you’d like to provide your feedback and take on these changes, be sure to email them at DHSFCWebmail@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

For more information on these changes and to read DHS’ Concept Paper for the changes to Family Care and IRIS, you may do so by visiting this website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/030216.htm

I know that this is an important issue to our Fox Cities Community, as I heard from more than 100 constituents when the changes in the Budget were put forward. I hope that you’ll take this opportunity to learn about these new proposals and to share your feedback with the Department.

As always, don’t hesitate to email or call if you have any questions, comments or concerns about issues impacting the State of Wisconsin or our Fox Cities Community. I look forward to hearing from you!

- Amanda Stuck

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