Last Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee met to hear public testimony for HB 1367. We had seven great testimonies from professionals, a parent, an oral deaf adult, and two children (who are also deaf) who clearly demonstrated the need for HB 1367. The committee decided to suspend the vote in order to gather more information.
We have been working with the Senate sponsor and members of the committee to address some of the concerns raised by members of the Deaf Community. We hope that these amendments will improve the likelihood of passage in the Senate, and ultimately by the Governor.
The Appropriations Committee is scheduled to reconvene THIS Thursday, February 23rd at approximately 9:00 am in committee room 431. There is no need to make special arrangements to attend this committee hearing, as they will not be accepting public comments. This will be a meeting held in public. If you don't attend, you will be able to watch the proceeding via the internet- click here (select Senate Room 431 from the drop-down menu).
A committee vote is expected at Thursday's hearing. If HB 1367 passes out of committee, it will move to the entire Senate for approval. If approved by the entire Senate, Governor Daniels would be asked to sign HB 1367 into law.
What can you do to help?
Please make sure that you and your neighbors have contacted YOUR personal Senator and expressed SUPPORT for HB 1367.
We recommend you contact your Senator's legislative aid by phone and email to share your personal story. Go to the Indiana General Assembly home page. On the top right of the General Assembly home page, type the name of your Senator in the search bar (Ex. Senator Boots). After selecting your Senator's page from the list, be sure to click on the "About Senator ____" link from the menu on the left, then scroll down to see contact information. We recommend you call and email your Senator's Legislative Assistant. Be sure to leave a voicemail that says, "I am a constituent, and I support HB 1367." Leave a return phone number.
Please remember:
•We MUST give parents unbiased information so they can make an informed decision. The current system does not allow for parent choice. HB 1367 will repair that.
•We MUST establish a coordinated system with support services that match the families preferred mode of communication. HB 1367 will do that.
•We MUST track, monitor, and be accountable to all children with hearing loss. HB 1367 will do that.
Don't let the system fail anymore families... PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CONTACTED YOUR SENATOR.
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