LINCOLN- Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha's LB493 would appropriate $17 million in each of the next two fiscal years to put a dent in the list of people hoping to be approved for developmental disability services. Cavanaugh acknowledged the bill’s price tag. But she said lawmakers promised more than a decade ago to provide services for everyone on the waiting list. Instead, the list has continued to grow.

“We have an opportunity here to do something really great for this state,” she said. “The $17 million can tangibly change lives.”

In 2009, state lawmakers approved $15 million to help shrink the waiting list, which was at 2,006 people that year. Two weeks ago, the list stood at 2,968 people. About half are under age 21, in many cases put on the list in hopes that a spot would be available when they leave school.

A second bill called for an increase in the rates paid to developmental disability services providers. LB 225 was introduced by Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha.

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