Pennsylvania still has no resolution to the budget crisis. The latest reports are discouragingly similar to reports received for the last several months. There continues to be serious “disconnects” between the governor, the House, and the Senate. The restoration of drug and alcohol and other human services funds is being held hostage in the difficult negotiations that are underway.
The following report is from PCPA’s lobbyist Morgan Plant:
“I have spent three solid days on the Hill this week and am as frustrated as ever. Right now the House and the Senate are not communicating with each other at all, the Senate and the Governor are not communicating, and the House and the Governor are negotiating on a budget package that they will likely run next week, if they can agree and get it written. I think our "stuff" will be in there, but the question remains at what level they will restore funding. However, the Senate seems to be resolute on their "no new taxes" position, which has been exacerbated by the good revenue numbers for September -- about $113 million more than they anticipated.
The House and the Governor can dance all they want but it won't get done until the Senate comes to the party too. Stay tuned, but this is going to be, in my view, nasty and messy. For my part I have been going around begging people to communicate and conveying again, how hurtful the cuts, which have not been restored, have been. All I hear, from all three factions (House Republicans, Senate Republicans and Governor's office), is 'they didn't tell us what they were going to do about X or Y or Z, so why should we reach out to them?'
For our part, we will just keep writing, calling and visiting to make our case. A not so cheerful Morgan.”
The Good News:
- D&A stop gap funding letters for October will be sent out soon. They are expected to be the same amounts as last month.
- The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is working on a process by which enrollment in HealthChoices for D&A clients can be expedited. Ultimately, there will be a more efficient system for immediate enrollment, but until then if providers need someone’s enrollment expedited OMHSAS will work it out on an individual basis. Information will follow soon.
- D&A children’s services under EPSDT are moving forward. Service descriptions are being developed.
- Work is being done to include more D&A services in the state plan, which will allow services like Partial Hospitalization and Non-Hospital Residential Services (under 16 beds) to be reimbursed by Medical Assistance.
- The governor’s office has developed a draft budget for 2004/05 and D&A is in the draft budget at 100% restoration (This is very significant).
The Bad News:
- New rumors are circulating that we may not get 100% restoration. It changes almost daily but the latest rumor is 75%.
- Work has begun on the 2004/05 budgets and each department has been asked to submit budgets that reflect a 3% cut.
It continues to be crucial that members make consistent contact with legislators to remind them once more that funding needs restored immediately and that it be restored at 100%. It is important to ask your legislator to speak directly with their leadership group on behalf of restoration.