State Level Advocacy

Grassroots Advocacy

UCP uses some of the latest technology to mobilize its network of more than 40,000 advocates on key local, state and federal issues and provides consulting services to affiliates on how to gain meaningful visibility on key issues in their states.

A Seat at the Table

UCP utilizes a growing national network of relationships with elected officials, policy staff and numerous state-focused political and policy organizations to help affiliates get direct interaction with governors, state legislators and state officials on the issues impacting their ability to protect or grow their programs. Highlights included:

• Developing a program to help UCP of Maine gain support and visibility for a smart home project, including meetings with the Governor's office, meetings with state legislative leaders, meetings with the state's Department of Health and Human Services leadership and introductions to national experts;
• Working with senior staff at CMS on behalf of affiliates from various states, including California, New York and North Carolina, to address questions or concerns about state Medicaid programs;
• Partnering with the Kaiser Family Foundation and UCP of Michigan to educate affiliates on state proposals to streamline services to individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and secure profiles of dual eligibles to support advocacy efforts;
• Regular interaction with Governors and legislative leaders at key state focused meetings, including events hosted by the National Governor's Association, Democratic Governors Association, Republican Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures;
• Partnering with ANCOR to raise awareness about Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), including state-level recognition programs and securing proclamations in support of DSPs from nearly 30 Governors; and
• Providing data and tactical advice for affiliates during state budget fights.

The Case for Inclusion

UCP's annual The Case for Inclusion report ranks the 50 States & DC on Medicaid services for individuals with disabilities. The sixth annual report in 2011 finds progress in Medicaid services, but notes that nearly 33,000 Americans with ID/DD still live in 162 large, state-run institutions.

Read the 2011 report for full information and to see progression over the past six years, since UCP first launched The Case for Inclusion.

UCP Public Policy: http://www.ucp.org/public-policy