As of 12:27 p.m. Harrisburg’s Patriot-News reports that the governor signed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s 2007/08 state budget.
Information below was obtained from yesterday’s language (on which the legislature voted) with some clarifications from legislative staffers. While language should not have changed from legislative voting to the governor’s signature, exact final budget language will be re-examined when available. PCPA will update the membership at that time if any information listed below has changed.
- The 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for mental health/mental retardation (MH/MR) programs and services remained in the final budget. The net gain for drug and alcohol (D&A) services under the Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs will likely be approximately 2.4 percent.
- Reduction of the mental retardation waiting list will be funded at the level requested by the governor.
- Nearly $10 million has been secured for autism research, more than tripling the amount in the 2006/07 budget.
- It appears that CHIPPs was funded by the legislature at the proposed 200 slots. At this time, PCPA is still unable to thoroughly and independently confirm this number.
As previously reported, an agreement was reached on transportation and mass transit funding. It seems that smoking ban legislation will have to await final passage in the fall due to discrepancies between the House and Senate regarding exemption language. A special legislative session regarding energy alternatives will convene this fall, likely beginning September 17.
More detailed information regarding actual program funding levels, any service changes, etc. will be provided in the future. In the meantime please contact Melissa DiSanto Simmons, director of legislative affairs, or any policy specialist at the association with questions or concerns.
