Governor Glenn Youngkin signs legislation in Roanoke to boost support for Virginians with developmental disabilities
Roanoke, Virginia – Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Virginia, as Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 18 bipartisan pieces of legislation in Roanoke aimed at enhancing support for Virginians with developmental disabilities. This landmark event showcased a broad commitment to improving accessibility in education, recreation, law enforcement, and transitional services across the state.
Governor Youngkin, along with state legislators and stakeholders, celebrated the implementation of these new laws which promise to bolster the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. The governor emphasized the importance of this legislative package and the associated fiscal commitments. “For far too long, Virginia has underserved this community and as Governor, I committed to transform our level of care, support and resources available to Virginians with developmental disabilities. I will always advocate, champion and speak up for Virginians and I’m pleased this legislative package and our Right Help, Right Now plan has instituted life-changing impacts that will benefit Virginia families, this community, and transform our level of care for Virginians with developmental disabilities for decades to come,” Governor Youngkin stated.
Additionally, the recent signing of the biennium budget underlines this commitment with an allocation of $247 million to provide 3,440 priority one waiver slots. This increase brings the total number of slots under Governor Youngkin’s leadership to 4,540, significantly expanding access to necessary services.
The budget also introduces greater flexibility in Medicaid benefits for assistive technology and includes significant funding of $1 million each year for rental subsidies. It increases consumer-directed facilitation rates and provides additional staffing at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to administer these waivers effectively. Since the initiation of the Right Help, Right Now initiative, a total of $574 million has been invested in Virginians with DD/ID waivers, illustrating a robust effort to support this community comprehensively.
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin echoed the sentiment of community and inclusivity in these efforts: “Community support and inclusivity are at the heart of the administration’s efforts. Yesterday, we celebrated expanded care for Virginians with developmental disabilities and the family units that support them.”
Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel highlighted the forward-thinking nature of these legislative actions. “This legislative package represents a significant advancement in our mission to provide comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities,” he said. “By focusing on innovative solutions, such as the Virginia Individualized Education Program system Vocational Rehabilitation program and expanding training for law enforcement, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive future. Our goal is to ensure that every Virginian has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life.”
The legislative package includes various bills aimed at improving the utilization of waivers, expanding financial resources, increasing educational and public meeting accessibility, and enhancing law enforcement training. Notably, bills such as HB 577 and SB 610 extend the time individuals may hold their waiver, while HB 908 and SB 676 adjust financial considerations for those with developmental disability waivers. Moreover, HB 1246 and SB 547 mandate new training for law enforcement on effective communication and crisis intervention with individuals with developmental disabilities.
These legislative changes and budget allocations represent a holistic approach to addressing the needs of Virginians with developmental disabilities, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. Governor Youngkin’s administration continues to prioritize these initiatives, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for all Virginians.
