PCPA received basic information about the line items of the Governor's Budget that have been frozen due to low tax revenues. We list, below, those that will have a direct or indirect effect on providers of services and people with disabilities. Please call PCPA if you would like to have the complete two-page list faxed or mailed to you. We are cautioned that this may be the first freeze, or cut, in the state budget, depending upon the revenue collections. Sources with the Department of Public Welfare have told us that they received these numbers shortly before they were published and do not yet have plans for how they will implement the freeze. We will keep members updated as details become available.
(in thousands)Health Assistance to D & A Programs Renal Dialysis Coal Workers Resp. Diseases Public Welfare Respite Care Youth Development Institutions
and Forestry CampsMedical Assistance Capitation Long Term Care (nursing homes) ICF/MR Community MR Services Community Services to Persons
with Physical DisabilitiesInformation Systems Early Intervention County Assistance Offices Aging Family Caregiver Alzheimer's Outreach Community & Economic Development Housing & Redevelopment Assistance Corrections State Correctional Institutions Inmate Education and Training Education Vocational Education Labor & Industry Employment Services Transportation Rural Transportation Assistance Executive Offices Technology Investment Program Integrated Criminal Justice System Electronic Government The total amount frozen is $200 million. PCPA will continue to reinforce with the Administration and General Assembly that the need for human services will persist, despite decreased state revenue. The recent disasters have heightened the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens. SAMHSA will be providing grants to Pennsylvania, New York and other nearby states to help address the mental health and substance abuse issues that are a result of the terrorist attacks. At the PCPA Annual Conference, the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs reported a 25-40% substance abuse relapse rate since September 11. Other statistics reveal that 71% of Americans have suffered from depression since that date. We must continue to educate legislators and the administration about people's needs in order to retain and gain money in the budget to address them. Providers can help do this in their communities by working with local officials and their state legislators.