Governor Perdue's Response to an Advocate

This letter was sent in response to an advocate's request for support for Unlocking Georgia's waiting lists for disability supports. By the way, we have just heard that the House Health Subcommittees of Appropriation will vote on the FY07 budget on March 2nd - the committee overseeing health will meet at 4pm in Room 341 of the Capitol - click the Calendar of Advocacy Events to the top-right of this entry for more information.

Let us know your reaction to this letter by clicking the comment button at the bottom of this entry...

February 27th

Thank you for making the effort to contact my office regarding Georgia's waiver programs and our ongoing efforts as a state to meet the needs of our citizens. I regret the delay in my response to your message. I understand the difficulties and sacrifices facing many Georgia families. With your personal interest in this issue, I appreciate your offering a unique perspective.

We believe that Governor Perdue is truly committed to community services and should be thanked for this past committment. However, the past does not let us off the hook for today...there are many competing interests and we must stay diligent in our advocacy if we are to be heard...

Every year, developing the state budget is a process of weighing priorities, planning for the future and making difficult decisions. Throughout this process, I am guided by my conviction that support through community services, as well as medical and financial benefits should be available to all disabled residents of Georgia. What we know from listening to citizens is that people with disabilities in Georgia face a variety of challenges when they attempt to live in the community. The State's role is to assist individuals to become as independent as possible and to create opportunities for them to take responsibility for their lives. For this reason I am renewing the state's commitment to principles that will help people with disabilities become integrated into our communities.

The following paragraph is quite frankly confusing...the funding he mentioned for the Amended FY06 budget is simply to continue a commitment they made last year for the 925 MRWP slots - this money will not further reduce Georgia's waiting lists. Several long term advocates at the Capitol marveled at the Governor's budget documents including this mere accounting item, as if the budget was attempting to get credit for this funding twice...

I have included in my Amended Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget $3,284,597 to support 925 waiver slots for consumers on the Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities waiting list in the Community Services Adult Program ($2,720,005). For FY 2007, $3,197,417 is allotted for 925 waiver slots for consumers on the Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities waiting list in the Adult Services program ($2,648,987).

His letter goes on to mention the new money going to only 750 new slots - we feel that this falls short of what is needed - namely 1,500 new MRWP slots....also, there was no mention in this letter of the lack of funding for the Independent Care Waiver program - we have asked for 152 new slots - go to our website to see why these numbers are simply not enough by clicking here.

Also, we have allocated $6,358,671 to fund 750 waiver slots for the Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities waiting lists. These budget recommendations, among others, are meant to build upon the foundation of services provided to disabled individuals and are based on best practices that will improve the quality of life for all of Georgia.

I agree...please let our legislators know how you feel by clicking here.

As the Amended FY 2006 and FY 2007 budgets are currently under consideration by the Georgia General Assembly, I encourage you to share your thoughts with your legislators. The General Assembly has the ultimate responsibility in the allocation of our state's resources. Should you need your members' contact information, it is available from your county board of voter registration.

Thank you again for letting me know what matters to you as a concerned citizen of Georgia.

Sincerely,
Governor Sonny Perdue

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