Provider Watch - November 24, 2008 - Budget Advocacy

The economy is in a downward spiral.  Most prognosticators believe that the State will face an even greater budget deficit than it is facing now.  The Governor has already implemented a 6% cut across the board for most Departments of the State.  Most believe that because of the economy, these cuts will be moved to 10%.  Those that our providers serve will be hurt more than these cuts suggest.  These cuts to services and providers will have consequences to children and to the State. 

These cost cutting proposals would put on the table the following reductions of services to this year's budget and next year's budget.  

• Foster Care Agencies rates* would be cut by 15% to 18% (closing of agencies, poorer outcomes and fewer appropriate resources for children)
• Group Home Provider Rates reduced by 15% to 18% (poorer outcomes, closed facilities and fewer appropriate resources for children)
• 702 caseworker positions cut permanently (less protection for children at risk)
• Elimination of the Mental Health Provider Medicaid rate increase (closed agencies, less access to services, children more at risk)
• 21% reduction in Core Mental Health Services to children (less access to services)
• Reduction by 33% of residential programs that serve children who are severely emotionally disturbed (children with severe emotional disturbance will end up in jail and lack access to appropriate care)
• Eliminate the crisis and help line for mental health services (children and families will not be able to get the help that they need)

Any of these cuts would be detrimental to the constituencies that we serve. 

We need to let the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislature know its impact to these children and families.  The progress that Georgia has made, the savings thus realized, the lives saved and long-term benefit to Georgia, would be lost.  These cuts are short sighted, inhumane to the most vulnerable and costly in the long run.

Write the leadership now, a letter or email or fax stating your concerns and the impact that you see if these cuts are actualized.  Those that you will need to write are listed in order of priority. 

Key Leadership
Appropriations Leadership 2009
House Appropriations Committee 2007-08
Senate Appropriations Committee 2007-08

Specific Committees
House Appropriations Health Subcommittee 2007-08
House Appropriations Human Resources Subcommittee 2007-08
Senate Appropriations Community Health Subcommittee 2007-08
Senate Appropriations Human Development Subcommittee 2007-08

These Letters can be used as templates. 

GAHSC Letter to the Governor
Letter to the Governor - Sample 1
Letter to your Board - Advocating that they write their Legislators
Letter to the Governor - Sample 2

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Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Children
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                            Normer Adams, Editor
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