Late on December 22 the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed long awaited 2003-04 fiscal year (FY) spending plan, which was passed by the Senate early December 20. The plan is expected to be signed by the governor today. A revenue bill was also passed which includes a personal income tax increase and various other revenue generating measures, including taxes on cell phones and cigarettes.
Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health Funding Restored
The Behavioral Health Services (BHSI) line-item, which provides funding for drug and alcohol (D&A) treatment and mental health (MH) services was restored at approximately 90% (from 2002-03 FY’s allocation of $47.909 million to the 2003-04 FY’s allocation of $43.119 million). Stopgap funds for drug and alcohol treatment provided by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) were already decreased by 5%. It is important to note that DPW will need to repay stopgap funds from the first six months of the fiscal year. Early reports indicate that the department will have some increased flexibility with the allocation of the BHSI funds. In addition, DPW has reported that Act 152 monies were restored at 100% (full restoration would be $18.175 million).The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Intermediate Punishment Programs were also restored at 100% totaling $13 million. The majority of these funds are for D&A treatment programs in lieu of incarceration. In addition, legislation passed that would allow Pennsylvania to enroll people with drug felony convictions in the Medical Assistance program.
The Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) was restored at approximately 90% (from 2002-03 FY allocation of $36.803 million to the 2003-04 FY allocation of $33.123 million). Counties use HSDF funds for various human services including D&A and MH services.
One major problem that has not been resolved for the drug and alcohol program is the issue of the movement of clients from HealthChoices to Fee-For-Service. DPW has assured PCPA that they are keenly aware of the magnitude of the problem and are working hard on a resolution.
Mental Retardation Budget
Community mental retardation appropriations were approved at $641 million of state and $643 million of federal monies. DPW Early Intervention services are funded at $73 million state and $17 million federal. Restoration of HSDF is also important for the mental retardation (MR) program given that some counties fund some MR related services such as transportation and adult protective services.Thanks
- First and foremost, thanks to all PCPA members who worked tirelessly for budget restoration. The hard work and perseverance of PCPA members has paid off.
- PCPA also thanks the many organizations, associations, and advocates who came together during this difficult budget year to fight for restoration. Together we made a difference.
- Also, the field owes a debt of gratitude to the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Health for the assistance they provided during this budget crisis. Without their support many more programs would have had to close and many more clients gone unserved.
- PLEASE be sure to take some time between now and the beginning of 2004 to thank your legislators and the Governor’s Office for their support of D&A, MH, and MR programs and funding restoration.
The Governor’s 2004-05 budget is scheduled to be presented to the General Assembly on February 3, 2004. PCPA is hopeful that next year's process will be considerably easier than this past year.