A Day on "The Hill" Rally Successful
May 13, 2001
Over 550 persons joined members of the MH/MR Coalition in Harrisburg
on Monday, May 7. Beginning with a Presss Conference at 1:00 p.m., supporters
and sponsors of legislation to improve funding for Quality Staffing
in MH/MR Services, spent the afternoon with legislators. More information
about the activities of the MH/MR Coalition cn be obtained from George
Kimes or Lu Conser at the Association.
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Over 550 MH/MR supporters overflow the Capitol rotunda and flow up the main staircase on May 7 to call for an additional $50 million in funding for MH/MR direct care staffing. |
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| Ted Gaardsmoe of Honesdale, PA, speaks passionately about the importance of community MR services, noting "I am the Ancient Mariner - I cannot die..." [until assured that his son with mental retardation has adequate services and supports]. |
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Members of the MH/MR Coalition gather on the steps in the Capitol main rotunda to celebrate the successful May 7 "Day on the Hill" in support of funding for MH/MR direct care staff.
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L to R Row 1: Beth Zampogna (Capital Associates), Kristi O'Connell Myers (ARC-PA), Lu Conser (PCPA), Shirley Walker (PAR), Gabrielle Opatt (PAR); Row 2: Jay Layman (Capital Associates), Brad Shopp (Wojdak Associates), Gene Bianco (PARF), George Kimes (PCPA), Lynn Keltz (PCPA); Row 3: Morgan Plant (Morgan Plant & Associates), Mike Chambers (MH/MR PAAP), Deb Neifert (MH/MR PAAP).
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Representative Ray Bunt (R-Montgomery), sponsor of the budget amendment adding $50 million for MH/MR staffing, addresses consumers, families, providers, and other supporters at the May 7 rally in Harrisburg. |
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Hundreds of MH/MR supporters filled the main rotunda of the state Capitol to hear Senator Allen Kukovich and other legislators call for additional funding for MH/MR staffing. On Senator Kukovich's right is former Secretary of Public Welfare Karen Snider (now COO of Northwestern Human Services, Inc. |
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