Action Alert #16 Budget Heads to Senate Floor for Vote

The Senate Finance Committee passed an amended version of House Bill 1 (HB1), the state budget bill that explains how Louisiana will spend its money beginning July 1.

HB1 will now move to the Senate Floor for debate and a vote.

What’s Included:

• $10.7 million added for home and community-based services (HCBS) rates and Direct Support Worker (DSW) pay
  • A directive for the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to work with stakeholders on how to increase rates
• $250,000 restored for Families Helping Families (FHF)
• $2 million added for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)

What’s Missing:

• LDH did not receive the full $53.6 million needed to fully fund HCBS rate increases recommended in the rate study
• LRS did not receive the full $6.8 million needed to draw down all available federal funding

While the full funding requested by advocates was not included, this is still important progress toward improving supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

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

How to Take Action

PutIt’s important to contact your State Senator TODAY and let them know your thoughts about funding for people with I/DD.

Email or call your State Senator

• State Senator full contact information.
• Not sure who your Senator is? Use the legislator look up tool HERE

What to Include in Your Message:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• The bill you are writing about (HB1)
• Whether you do or do not support funding decisions in the bill
• A short description of your experience or concerns
• Thank them for listening

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help or want more information.

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

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.
• $10.7 million 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