February 6, 2015 – Auxiliary Grants

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During the General Assembly session, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is available to assist policy makers as they consider issues that affect persons with disabilities.  The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is, through zealous and effective advocacy and legal representation, to protect and advance the legal, human and civil rights of people with disabilities, to combat and prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination, and to promote independence, choice and self-determination by persons with disabilities.

We were watching a bill that would expand the use of auxiliary grants.  Under current law, an auxiliary grant — funding that helps with housing costs for people with mental illness – can be used only in an assisted living facility or an adult foster care home.  HB 2084 (Peace) would have allowed a grant to be used by an individual in a supported housing program.  The bill was limited to the current fiscal and numerical capacity of the program.  Nonetheless, the bill was reported from House Health, Welfare and Institutions and referred to the House Committee on Appropriations, where the Appropriations subcommittee killed it.