LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
CSAVR LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4-20-09
2008-2009 Committee Goals
This Committee is charged with reviewing proposed legislation
and making recommendations in connection with the
reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the
Rehabilitation Act (Rehab Act) to positively impact the program
and responding to other federal and state legislative proposals
that have the ability to impact the capacity of State VR
agencies to deliver quality rehabilitation services and
outcomes.
Goal #1
To continue to work with all members of CSAVR for the
re-authorization of the Rehabilitation Act (currently Title IV
of WIA).
Goal #2
To identify and track federal legislation that may impact the
public VR program and/or Social Security Disability
Determination.
Goal #3
To recommend to CSAVR for endorsement legislation that will
improve the service delivery and/or outcomes or customers of the
public VR program and/or Social Security Disability
Determination.
Goal #4
To review and provide input to CSAVR on proposed rules and/or
plans of RSA, SSA or any other federal entity that may have a
legislative impact on the public VR and/or Social Security
Disability Determination programs.
Goal #5
To identify and publicize to CSAVR members opportunities and
tools that can be used to market the public VR program to
federal and/or state legislators.
Goal #6
To Develop and assist in the implementation of strategies to
increase the federal and/or state dollars appropriated for the
public VR.
Legislative Committee Members 2008-2009
John Connelly, Executive Director and Committee Chair
Rehabilitation Services Commission
400 E. Campus View Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43235-4604
614-438-1214
614-785-5010 FAX
John.connelly@rsc.state.oh.us
Michael Graham, Administrator
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
650 West State Street, Room 150
Post Office Box 83720-0096
Boise, Idaho 83720-0096
208-287-6477
208-334-3390
208-334-5305 FAX
mgraham@vr.idaho.gov
Ralph Vigil
New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
435 St. Michael’s Drive, Building D
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505-954-8512
505-954-8562 FAX
Ralph.vigil1@state.nm.us
Nancy Smith, Director
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Adult, Disability and Rehabilitation Services
Colorado Department of Human Services
1575 Sherman Street, 4th Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203
303-866-4886
303-866-4905 FAX
Nancy.Smith@state.co.us
Natalie Wagner
P.O. Box 1698
Jackson, MS 39215-1698
601-853-5162
601-853-5161 FAX
Natalie.Wagner@mdrs.state.ms.us
Frank Coco, Manager
Vocational Rehabilitation Policy
Vocational & Educational Services for People w/ Disabilities (VESID)
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1606
Albany, NY 12234
518-486-3784
Fcoco@mail.nysed.gov
Jane Nelson, Division Administrator
3535 N.W. 58th, Suite 500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73112
405-951-3400
405-951-3529 FAX
jcnelson@drs.state.ok.us
Lynnae Ruttledge, Director
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
PO Box 45340
Olympia, Washington 98504-5340
360-725-3610
360-438-8011 FAX
ruttllm@dshs.wa.gov
Matt Coulter; CFO
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
510 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-4093
Matthew.coulter@iowa.gov
Michael Peluso, Coordinator
Legislation, Vocational Rehabilitation Outreach and Community
Relations
Vocational & Educational Services for People w/ Disabilities (VESID)
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1606
Albany, NY 12234
518-474-3946
mpeluso@mail.nysed.gov
Ralph Black
Assistant Director of Legislation
California Department of Rehabilitation
721 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 558-5792
Fax: (916) 558-5706
rblack@dor.ca.gov
