SHOW DOWN WITH NGA CHIEF GOVERNOR TOM

by Jim Glozier

On May 6th eight members of Wisconsin ADAPT met with Governor Tommy Thompson. This meeting was won from several protests against the Thompson administration related to the Community Cap on Attendant Services that took effect in Wisconsin January 1, 1996. This legislation capped attendant services at the average cost of a nursing home bed. It seems that Thompson was attempting to wash his hands of this matter by passing blame to the legislature and Secretary of Human Services, Joe Leean.

ADAPT was there to hold him accountable. On April 22, nineteen activists called on Thompson to demand a meeting to get his commitment on the issue. The date was set within a week.

The demands presented were simple:

Repeal the cap
Work with ADAPT to call for a Legislative Council Study around real choice in attendant services,
Introduce a state version of CASA (WICASA),
Include WI ADAPT in the present long term care work group, and
Work with National ADAPT to include ADAPT in the National Governors' Assoc. next meeting.

Thompson said that the current cap is on hold because of a lawsuit against its implementation. The issue will most likely be carried into the next budget cycle. According to those in the political know, the Legislative Council will look at this issue. ADAPT will be part of the study and WICASA will get a real consideration. It seems that 75% of the issues that come up in this legislative study get passed. Thompson made assurances that although the incoming Chair of the NGA is from Nevada, Thompson will help facilitate a meeting with ADAPT and the NGA in the fall.

Politicians often say one thing, but do another. WI ADAPT will hold him accountable, and Thompson got our message: "You can run, but you can't hide." After the meeting Thompson's press secretary said publicly, "of all the groups to approach Thompson on this issue, ADAPT was the only one to provide a real workable plan (WI CASA) and whenever this happens the administration is interested."