What a week! The following is a brief update of the work we are doing and the information we have received.
- PCPA staff and lobbyist attended the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Appropriations hearing on Tuesday. Secretary Estelle Richman responded to questions about the cuts in the D&A program. In fact, if you didn't know better you might have thought that the first three quarters of the hearing were only on drug and alcohol. Thanks to all who contacted members of the Appropriation Committee, it was impressive! (PCPA had submitted potential questions to legislators; many of these questions were asked.) It was clear that there is tremendous concern about the cuts and a desire to restore the funding by both the members and the secretary.
- PCPA met with the other statewide D&A groups which include PACDAA, PRO-A, MOMSTELL, DASPOP, Halfway House Association, and WATCH (Women And Their Children Heal) after the hearing. The goal of this meeting was to prepare for the meeting with Secretary Richman, which is scheduled for Monday, April 14 and to discuss the potential meeting with the governor. The Methadone Association was unable to be a part of this meeting but will be a part of future statewide efforts.
- PCPA staff and lobbyist attended a meeting of the reconvened Human Services Coalition where major support was given to D&A for funding restoration.
- PCPA met with Dave Myers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rendell, (and former Health Policy Director in the House of Representatives,) to discuss the restoration. Mr. Myers has a good understanding of the issue and is supportive of our efforts.
- PCPA than discussed restoration with Michael Masch, the governor's budget secretary, after his appropriations hearing.
- PCPA lobbyist Morgan Plant has been meeting with legislators daily to discuss the issues and assure support.
- PCPA is in the process of scheduling formal meetings with key legislators including Appropriations, Health, and Welfare chairmen and staff.
The Good News:
- WE have been VERY EFFECTIVE. The D&A field has done an amazing job of getting the message out. Harrisburg has been bombarded with support for D&A services.
- Everyone we have spoken to in the legislature - Democrat, Republican, House, Senate - has expressed strong support for the restoration of D&A funding.
- It has been reported and witnessed that the Secretary of Public Welfare has strongly supported the restoration of the D&A funds at every turn.
- It has been reported by high-level officials that the Secretary of Corrections has also been very supportive.
- Hope is growing for the restoration of HSDF, Act 152 and BHSI.
- The long awaited Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report (LBFC) should be released the week before PCPA's Lobby Day (which is May 13). All indications are that the report will help our cause.
The Bad News:
- We are in a very competitive ping-pong match and we are the ping-pong ball.
- The legislature says talk to the administration - they cut you out; the administration says talk to the legislature - because if it wants you back in it must give the governor what he wants. (The word "hostage" comes to mind.)
- Things are not as hopeful for PCCD and no hope for IGT (which is in the midst of a federal phase out).
- The move of general assistance and medically necessary only clients from HealthChoices to fee-for-services is of major concern. The administration is working on possible internal solutions.
Here's what we must do:
- The statewide coalition will meet with Secretary Richman and is working to arrange a meeting with Governor Rendell.
- All members and PCPA staff continue to send letters, emails, and make calls as often as possible.
- Continue to tell your "story" at the local level. There have been numerous great articles in local papers that describe the impact of these cuts.
- Meet with legislators in home district offices, especially Appropriations Committee members.
- Come to PCPA's Lobby Day on May 13 and meet with them again.
- Continue to work on restoration while simultaneously work with the legislature and the administration to assure this never happens to D&A again. Now, while we have momentum is the time to propose major changes/safeguards.
- Stay in touch with PCPA for updated information and requested activities.