PCPA and the other statewide stakeholders met today with the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, Estelle Richman, and the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Joan Erney, to once again discuss the budget crisis. This time there is some good news. Stopgap funding is on its way. Ms Erney reported that allocation letters would be going out today to the Single County Authorities indicating the funds available for July. The allocation will be close to previous funding. The Department will be releasing BHSI and Act 152 funding less 5%. The IGT funds will not allocated at this time.
PCPA is also pleased to report that on June 12 the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency decided to earmark $1 million of Federal Discretionary funds to help offset some of the budget cuts to 21 counties participating in the drug and alcohol Restricted Intermediate Punishment Program. The earmarking of this funding will serve to protect programs until the budget problems are resolved. The commission is also exploring other possible funding sources in an effort to support the programs.
More information will follow soon. If you have any questions or need further information contact Lynn Cooper at the Association.