COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Office of the Governor Robert F MeDonnell ‘Governor February 21, 2011 Dear Delegate: As you are aware, a little over a week ago, I received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning its investigation of the Central Virginia Training Center and regarding Virginia's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Olmstead case. While a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I championed legislation that moved more individuals from institutions to community based care. We have not moved fast enough towards this goal. Asa result, I am requesting your support for the legislation I put forward last week, in response to the Department of Justice letter. House Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1486 amend provisions of the code relating to the administration of the Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Trust Fund. The legislation ‘meets two goals. First, it permits Appropriation Act monies to be transferred into this existing trust fund to finance additional community capacity for individuals with disabilities as they transition out of Virginia's training centers. Second, the legislation calls for the Commonwealth to develop a plan to transition more individuals from training centers into the community, This planning process is critical. Individuals and their families must have confidence in their decision to move from institutional care to community based care. At my direction, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Dr. Hazel, will develop this plan in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, including agencies under his authority and those of Secretary of Finance, Ric Brown, as well as legislators, self-advocates, parents, and general advocates. ‘This legislation will facilitate efforts to improve Virginia’s training centers. It will assist in our discussions with the DOJ to resolve the current situation and, most importantly, it demonstrates the Commonwealth’s long standing commitment to provide care for our most vulnerable citizens in the most appropriate setting. 4 Commonwealth of Opportunity should be afforded to all Virginians, regardless of ability or disability. For this reason, please join me in supporting House Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1486. Sincerely, lt = Pudall Robert F. McDonnell Patrick Henry Buikling 1111 Bast Broad Suet # Richtnond, Viginia 23219 (804) 786.2211 » TTY (800) 828-1120 ‘worngovernorvirginia.gov