Greetings,

BUDGET PROPOSAL INCLUDES ELIMINATION OF INTERPRETER SERVICES

Increased caseloads, legal challenges and a request to reduce the budget by 2% explain a new level of cuts at DSHS, explains Secretary Dryfus in a 10-28-09 Memo to staff.

The proposal makes deep cuts to Medical Assistance programs, including the elimination of Interpreter Services.

However, the impact statement of the budget proposal (page 3) includes concerns:

    "Eliminating MA interpreter services may raise issues related to nondiscrimination and bilingual services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons....All recipients of federal funds must ensure effective communication when serving LEP persons at no cost to them.

    "The proposed changes shift the burden of providing interpreter services to providers.... Providers may choose not to provide services to Medicaid clients...."

Interpreters, providers and LEP clients are all concerned about the possible impacts. We need to prepare for the upcoming legislative session where budget decisions will be made.

We can do something to fight these proposed cuts. Attend a meeting to learn more or contact an organizer talk about your concerns. Interpreters need to unite - now, more than ever.

MEETING SCHEDULE

    Seattle: Monday, Nov 9 @ 7PM
    University Heights, Room 209, 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, 98105
    Contact: Elizabeth (360) 481-3864

    East King County: Thursday, Nov 12 @ 6 PM
    North Bellevue Community Center
    Contact: Elizabeth (360) 481-3864


    Tacoma: Monday, Nov 16 @6:30 PM
    IBEW Hall, 3049 S 36th Street, Tacoma
    Contact: Elizabeth (360) 481-3864

    Olympia: Tuesday, Nov 17 @ 6 PM
    Olympia Labor Temple, 119 1/2 N. Capital Way, Olympia, WA
    Contact: Elizabeth (360) 481-3864

    Spokane: Wednesday, Nov 18 @ 6:30 PM
    East Central Community Center, Senior Area North Room, 500 South Stone Street, Spokane 99202
    Contact: Diane Blowers (360) 292-3586

TOWN HALL ON HEALTH CARE TO INCLUDE DISCUSSION ABOUT ELIMINATION OF INTERPRETER SERVICES

Senator Karen Keiser (33rd LD) and Representative Eileen Cody (34th LD) are holding a Town Hall on Tuesday, November 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Asian Counseling and Referral Services, 3639 MLK JR Way, Seattle WA (link to google maps).

We're encouraging interpreters, providers, and LEP clients to attend to share concerns about the proposed elimination of DHS Interpreter Services for Medicaid recipients.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Elizabeth Turnbow 360-481-3864. We'll pre-meet at 5:00 PM.

LOBBY DAY SET OR MONDAY, JANUARY 18th

Our Lobby Day is set for Monday, January 18th - Martin Luther King Day.

On Lobby Day, we concentrate our presence at the Capitol and schedule face-to-face meetings with our legislators. Nothing is more effective than a legislator hearing directly from their constituents about the issues that are important to them.

Register at the Interpreters United blog.