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Letter from WSRCC President, Jack Arntzen
To Adult Family Home Providers:
I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date since the
Washington State Residential Care Council (WSRCC) became your Collective
Bargaining Representative.
WSRCC’s volunteer force has been very active in preparation for the
Collective Bargaining session with the Governor’s office:
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We have made a formal request for
information from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
and the Office of Financial Management regarding components of Rate
Structure and other statistical data to use in creating our contract
proposal.
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We are working with our consultants and
negotiator to begin creation of the contract proposal for the next
Bi-ennium which begins July 1, 2009 and goes through June 30, 2011.
Until that time we are under the 17 care level system of which the
implementation by DSHS was directed by the legislature.
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A document entitled “Adult Family Home
Cost Analysis Survey” was created and sent out to the 12 chapters of
WSRCC for distribution. The results of this survey will be used to
establish the cost of running an Adult Family Home in the various
regions throughout the State and used to show what providers are
experiencing financially in our negotiations. The more survey’s
completed and returned the more compelling our negotiations will be.
If you have not received a copy of this survey and wish to
participate, e-mail me at jack_wsrcc_pres@yahoo.com for a copy of
the survey.
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Items that will be negotiated at the
Collective Bargaining sessions will those outlined and authorized in
House Bill 2111. Of our highest priority will be rates (an emphasis
on raising the rates at the lower levels to an acceptable minimum),
health insurance, and training.
WSRCC has joined forces with the Community Care Coalition of
Washington in opposition to the SEIU sponsored Initiative-1029.
Initiative -1029 mandates 75 hours of classroom education for all
caregivers. The Coalition is developing a coordinated legal effort
to challenge the validity of the faulty petitions submitted by the
SEIU. They include language in the preamble which misled individuals
signing the petitions. There have been numerous newspaper articles
regarding this. This initiative is just another attempt by the SEIU
to bolster its membership by unionizing all caregivers in Adult
Family Homes, Boarding Homes etc.
On August 1, 2008 DSHS will require Adult Family Homes to show proof
they have acquired liability insurance. Waivers may be requested
under some circumstances. Membership in a professional association
that offers training opportunities is required by most insurance
underwriters. WSRCC qualifies as the professional association. Some
brokers are offering options for payment of premiums. See our
benefactor page at www.wsrcc.org for brokers who offer qualifying
liability insurance coverage. Application for membership in WSRCC in
available at www.wsrcc.org. WSRCC membership fees are used here in
Washington to represent Adult Family Homes in collective bargaining,
rule writing, training and operating costs. By becoming a member
today we can accomplish as much as possible for Adult Family Home
providers now rather than later and keep our collective bargaining
dues as low as possible.
Finally, when we speak in numbers and united, we will keep our
industry thriving and profitable to the benefit of our vulnerable
adults.
Respectfully,
Jack Arntzen, WSRCC President
Respectfully,
Jack Arntzen, WSRCC president
Our Mission
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To serve as a support network for
Adult Family Home Providers.
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To promote the interests of Adult
Family Home Providers through Legislative activities.
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To provide accurate, timely
information regarding issues impacting care in and operation of
Adult Family Homes in the State of Washington.
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To enhance services and care for
Residents of Adult Family Homes by strengthening the knowledge base
of Providers through ongoing, quality education.
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To foster mutually beneficial
relationships with community resource people and others who
demonstrate an interest in residential care.
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To promote personal and
professional accountability for Providers, as outlined in the Code
of Ethics, thereby increasing overall standards for quality
residential Care and business practices.
Contact Information
- FAX:
509-249-1167
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- Postal
address
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WSRCC
1601 Drake Court,
Yakima, WA 98902
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- Electronic
mail
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General Information: Jack Arntzen
jack_wsrcc_pres@yahoo.com
Membership Contact: Pat Reese
PMReese13@aol.com
Vender/Benefactor Contact: Roger Souve
Rogersouve@hotmail.com
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