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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Critical Time Approaching in the Legislature for Iowans with Disabilities

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Tuesday, April 3, 2007   



Des Moines, IA - Iowans with disabilities will be watching the state legislature closely over the next few weeks, with key funding issues on the table. Rik Shannon with the Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council says cigarette tax revenues are at the top of the list, generating about $130 million that could be used to increase health care access for many Iowans, including those with disabilities. He says in years past these Iowans have been too often ignored in the political process.

"It's a significant population. It's also a population that has been significantly under represented through the years."

Shannon notes that more than $23 million is also needed to cover Iowa's mental health and disabilities services shortfall. More than 40 counties will likely cut all or part of their non-mandated services without it. He wants lawmakers to take a look at health coverage for mental illness.

"Another issue is mental health insurance parity. I think because there are opportunities to move the system forward, this is a pretty critical year for people."

Wednesday April 4 is the annual "Advocating for Change Day" at the State Capitol, where people with disabilities have a chance to meet face to face with lawmakers. Seven hundred Iowans attended last year's event, and with a lot at stake this session, Shannon expects far more than that this year.


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