Legislative Update
By Michael Marrinan
The state is currently facing a $1.2 billion deficit for the current budget biennium. The deficit is largely the result of the continuing economic situation and the resulting lack of revenues. On February 15th, Governor Pawlenty released his budget proposal for addressing this deficit. In his proposal, the Governor continued his approach of addressing deficits solely through budget cuts including addtional cuts to programs like PRI.
Health and Human services represents the second largest budget category behind K-12 education at about 30% of the total budget. With cuts to K-12 education off the table, Health and Human services is likely to bear a large portion of the budget cuts. The Governor’s proposal includes $347 million in cuts to Health and Human Services. As part of these cuts, there is a proposed 2.5% cut to Continuing Care Provider rates which includes DT&H programs like Partnership Resources, Inc. This is in addition to the 2.58% cut that has already been enacted for the current biennium. These cuts pose an incredible challenge for agencies like Partnership Resources, Inc. and seriously jeopardize the quality of services for people with developmental disabilities. For its part, the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate has also indicated that it will look to rectify the shortfall solely through budget cuts. They indicate that while this may not be their preference, they do not feel they have the votes necessary to enact a solution that addresses revenues as well as expenditures.
People with disabilities and their advocates need to have their voices heard at the State Capitol. As a society, we have made a commitment to people with disabilities to provide the opportunity for full participation in the community and to provide the necessary supports that afford this opportunity in a safe and meaningful way. Continuing budget cuts threaten this commitment and the services that provide and support full inclusion for people with disabilities. Please contact your senators, representatives, and the Governor and let them know that these essential services need to be protected. Links are provided to the right.