PCPA along with the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A), MOMSTELL 9an advocacy group of parents and families), the Pennsylvania Association of County Drug & Alcohol Administrators (PACDAA), and the Drug and Alcohol Servce Providers Association of Pennsylvania (DASPOP) organized a major press conference and rally in Harrisburg March 11. Nearly 2,000 people gathered outside on the steps of the State Capitol, demanding restoration of funding for drug and alcohol (D&A) treatment services in Pennsylvania's state budget.
The budget presented to the General Assembly by Governor Rendell on March 4 dramatically cut D&A funding - in excess of $120 million. Several budget line-items that assist in providing D&A treatment services have been completely eliminated, including the Behavioral Health Services (known as BHSI), which was an allocation of $27 million for D&A, and Act 152 monies in the amount of $18.2 million. Other line-items that have been dramatically reduced are the Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) from $36.8 million to $3.5 million, and sections of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) budget totaling approximately $7 million. PCCD grants support funding for jail diversion and D&A treatment.
To compound these funding cuts, general assistance clients (many of whom receive D&A services) will be transferred from HealthChoices to a Medical Assistance fee-for-service program. Because limited D&A treatment is available in fee-for-service, this means an even greater cut affecting more people.
The cumulative effects of these cuts - representing 52% - far exceed reductions experienced in other programs. This will devastate D&A services in Pennsylvania. The immediacy of the issue was demonstrated by using the patchwork quilt as a theme. Holes were blasted throughout the quilt, which was held up by rally participants.
The House of Representatives passed the Governor's described "bare-bones" budget, and the Senate is rumored to be discussing passage this week. It is crucial that all the pressure continue in full force. We must get our funds restored. Arm yourself with as much data as possible regarding the effects these cuts will have on your community. Then call, write and meet with your state officials, legislators (House and Senate, Republican and Democrat), Governor's office, and county officials NOW!
