About an hour after sunrise, the House Appropriation Committee met to finalize their recommendations and vote on the budget for fiscal year 2012 at the Capitol. The biggest challenge facing legislators was the $1.7B shortfall in revenue this year. Our state budget is basically less that what it was in 2001, and our population has dramatically increased since then. Cuts that averaged about 7% per agency seemed to be the only solution for lawmakers to balance the budget. We understand the need for efficiencies and cuts but we need to advocate for a balance approach that includes new revenue as a practical solution.
Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities was spared any major cuts due mainly to the Department of Justice settlement. The Marcus Institute was originally cut a few weeks ago but restored this morning, and the House Subcommittee chaired by Representative Penny Houston also added 15 Medicaid waivers that are specifically for foster children with disabilities who are aging out of foster care.
Other good news within the Department of Community Health budget includes the restoration of dental, vision, and podiatry to individuals who use Medicaid and 33 slots for the Independent Care Waiver Program for people who have physical disabilities.
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is Atlanta's preeminent resource on developmental disabilities, providing support services to families for more than 55 years. We are often the one place where people with developmental disabilities can go to achieve personal empowerment, family stability and community participation. AADD provides family support; public policy and advocacy; and community engagement.
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