Legislative Wrapup
by Pat McPartland
It was difficult this year to get much attention for disability issues. Between the threat of rolling blackouts, the resulting budget crunch, and redistricting, the Legislators were occupied elsewhere. And then the horrendous terrorist attacks of September 11 pushed even those issues to the back burner.
As a result, many bills did not make it through, particularly if they were complicated or had a large cost associated with them. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on which bill you are talking about), this is year one of the two-year session, which means that if the Legislative author wishes, these bills can be taken up again in January.
There were some successes this year. Highlights are: