The political battle over the budget continues and the drug and alcohol program remains a casualty. Most political observers are afraid to project when the budget will finally be completed. Few imagined it would not be completed by now. There is a tremendous amount of pressure by the education system and many others to finish it as soon as possible, yet mid-September seems to be the earliest possible date for completion.
Here is the latest:
- The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has stated that they are cautiously optimistic that stopgap funding will be found for September. Estelle Richman, Secretary of Public Welfare and Joan Erney, Deputy Secretary of OMHSAS, are working hard to find the funds needed. Gene Boyle at the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP) has also made several significant allowances to help the field stay afloat through the crisis and will continue to consider additional options for stopgap assistance.
- Good news has been reported regarding the governor’s support of 100% funding restoration for D&A. He has stated now on more than one occasion that he supports full restoration and that the new federal funds should be used.
- Outcome data requirements will be tied to the restoration of funding. The development of the D&A outcome data is underway. OMHSAS is working with BDAP, KPMG (the auditing firm appointed to work on this project), and many stakeholders to develop appropriate measures and methodologies.
D&A restoration continues to be the number one priority. Additional updates will be provided as information is received. Thank you for your perseverance and courage. For more information contact Lynn Cooper at the Association.