kelly buttiglieri, j.d. ambassador program coordinator [email protected] (508) 475-0032...
TRANSCRIPT
Ambassadors and
Advocacy
Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D.Ambassador Program
(508) 475-0032Presentation by: Sarah Duchesne
Joanne Susi
Maria Kidd
Michael Gray
Sean Rowell
Ambassador ProgramOpportunity for TBI survivors and family
members to share their stories.Portion of speech conveys the same
message about our organizations, TBIs/ABIs, Stats and Prevention.
We have questions to ask self when writing your portion.
Audiences include Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and more….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3KHBczTYxA
The Process of Becoming a Law in Massachusetts1. Bill is Filed2. Committee
Hearings, Decision, and Further Review: The committee holds a public hearing on each bill. Anyone can attend, testify, or submit written information
3. House and Senate Consider the Bill: The House and Senate must each pass the bill twice in order for it to move onto the next step.
4. Conference Committee: If the House and Senate pass different versions of the bill, then 6 members from each body meet to work out an agreed version.
5.Bill Sent to Governor: The governor has 10 days to approve the bill and sign it into law. If he rejects the bill, the it is sent back with amendments. If the governor does nothing, the bill becomes law after 10 days.
Purpose of AdvocacySpeaking with state
legislators and government agencies to ensure appropriate services are available to survivors and their families
Pushing for new legislation for improved services
Brain injury prevention and services become law.
Past Success StoriesHutchinson v. Patrick
Class Action Settlement (2008)
Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP)
Secondary Seat Belt Law
Services NeededServices level-fundedPrograms to keep families togetherPromoting self-sufficiency Only 2 day programs in the stateStrengthening residential services
Current BIA-MA Advocacy Efforts
#BrainInjuryAffectsCommittee HearingsBudget FY’15-Line
Item (4120-6000)
Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services
Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services
Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services
2013 Advocacy CampaignHITS fund supports community based services,
case management, respite services, etc under the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
HITS Fund was increased to 75% for 2013 and 100% this year.
Funding for the HITS fund comes from fines collected in the courts for speeding, DUI and DWI offenses.
Our office spent 832 hours advocating for HITS.
How Can You Help? #BrainInjuryAffectsAre you a brain injury survivor, mother, father or
caregiver?BIA-MA is looking to put a “face” to brain injury
by sharing how they’re affected by brain injury through anecdotes and personal stories.
Go to www.biama.org/braininjuryaffects.html to download the forms.
Submit your story and a picture of yourself holding up the #BrainInjuryAffects sign.
Your story may be used to talk to your representative about the services you need.
#BrainInjuryAffects
Contact InformationFor more information about becoming an
advocate you can visit our website:www.biama.org/advocacyYou can also contact our office for more
information.
Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D.Ambassador Program Coordinator (508) 475-0032 (P)[email protected] (508) 475-0040 (F)30 Lyman Street, Suite 10Westborough, MA 01581