Action Alert #15 Senate Finance to Vote on Budget

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on House Bill 1 (HB1) on Thursday, May 21^st, at 9:30 AM. Share your thoughts with committee members and join us for Yellow Shirt Day!

HB1 will decide how the state spends its money beginning July 1.

Good news:

• $250,000 restored for Families Helping Families (FHF)
• $2 million added for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)

Concerns:

• No funding to increase home and community services (HCBS) rates
• No funding to increase Direct Support Worker (DSW) pay
• LRS did not get full funding ($6.8 M) needed to draw down all federal money

More information about each issue can be found below the “How to Take Action” section.found HERE.

How to Take Action

Put on your yellow and let Senate Finance members know how you feel about any of the issues above. Contact them TODAY!

When you write, include:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• The bill and issue (HB1)
• Your opinion (do you or do you not support funding)
• A short personal story
• A thank you

Email the Committee

[email protected]

Email the Chairman and Vice-Chair

Sen. Glen Womack – [email protected]

Sen. Heather Cloud – [email protected]

Email Committee Members

Sen. Gerald Boudreaux – [email protected]

Sen. Rick Edmonds – [email protected]

Sen. Michael Fesi – [email protected]

Sen. Jimmy Harris – [email protected]

Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews – [email protected]

Sen. Blake Miguez – [email protected]

Sen. Thomas Pressly – [email protected]

Sen. Larry Selders – [email protected]

Sen. Jeremy Stine – [email protected]

Attend Yellow Shirt Day

• Thursday, May 21^st at 9:30 AM
• Louisiana State Capitol – Room A-B (Senate Side)

Need Help? Contact your LaCAN Leader for support.

You can watch the meetings live on the Louisiana Legislature’s website.

Important: Capitol Building Access
The Capitol is under construction, but it is still open and accessible.

• Use the East Breezeway to enter
• It is on the east side (to the right when facing the building)
• There is a button to open the door automatically

Please review the construction map here and plan your visit.siana Legislature’s website. plan your visit.

More Information

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) rates and Direct Support Worker (DSW) Pay

• HCBS help people with disabilities live in their homes and communities.
• Many services depend on DSWs who provide daily help and support.
• A recent rate study found about $53.6 million in state general funds would be needed to increase service rates and DSW pay.
• LDH told House Appropriations members they need more information and do not plan to address this issue until next year.
• Advocates thought the rate study would help lead to changes this year. They are concerned the delay may make the DSW shortage last longer and affect services.
• This issue in the budget is in Schedule 9 – Louisiana Department of Health.
• No funding for this is included in the proposed budget.
• Click HERE for more information.

Families Helping Families (FHF) Regional Resource Centers

• The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council provides state funding to FHF Centers across the state.
• The proposed budget restores the $250,000 cut to FHF funding.
• This issue in the budget is in Schedule 9 – Louisiana Department of Health.
• Click HERE for more information.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)

• LRS helps people with disabilities prepare for work, find jobs and keep jobs.
• Louisiana does not provide enough state matching funds for LRS to access all available federal funding.
• It was reported $72 – $74 million would be available next year.
• We’ve missed out on $155 million in federal funds over the last five years.
• $6.8 million in state general funds would allow the state to access all federal funding.
• $2 million was added to the proposed budget for LRS.
• This issue in the budget is in Schedule 14 – Louisiana Works.
• Click HERE for more information.

Stay Informed

All the issues LaCAN and the Council will be following this legislative session can be found on the LaDDC 2026 Bill Tracking List.

Confirm Your Action

• Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
• Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Tips & Tools for Advocacy

Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101 page. You can also find tips for:

• Writing/emailing your legislators
• Calling your legislators
• Writing your story