The Pennsylvania community-based providers who help our citizens with mental health, intellectual disabilities or addiction were relieved to hear Gov. Tom Corbett vow, during his 2011-12 budget address, to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Every day, the more than 200 members of the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association (PCPA) treat individuals and families who need a strong safety net to support them toward independence and self-sufficiency. PCPA member agencies serve more than 1 million Pennsylvanians yearly, many of whom are enrolled in state programs funded by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). Over the past several years, the state budget has either cut or flat-lined funding for services designed to assist Pennsylvanians who cope with mental and behavioral challenges. While other state programs received funding increases, many of our agencies struggled to remain open and some did not succeed. In his proposed budget, the governor did not fund a newly created Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. We understand and support his position that it is better to use limited funding on treatment rather than administration. PCPA will work with state lawmakers as they craft a state budget. We understand that fiscal discipline requires a shared sacrifice. However, lawmakers need to understand that our most vulnerable citizens coping with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues and addiction have shouldered much of that sacrifice in the past several years. Now is the time to draft a spending plan for our state that is responsible and protects those who need our services the most.
George Kimes Executive director Pennsylvania Community Providers Association Harrisburg
