Senator Machaela Cavanaugh introduced a bill in Appropriation Committee on February 24, 2021 to appropriate $17 million to the DD wait list.  This would not provide services to all the persons on the wait list but it would for an approximate 31% of the persons on the list.  Along with LB 376, a bill to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a new Family Support waiver heard by the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, she hopes to make headway in getting services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. Jenny Koley testified telling of her experience living independently but with supports. Denise Gehringer testified as a family with a member who has developmental disabilities.  Thank you, Jenny and Denise.

Jenny Koley, Denise Gehringer and Senator Machaela Cavanaugh outside the hearing room after the hearing.