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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Erickson Votes to Restore Funding for Community Mental Retardation Services Effort to override Governor’s vetoes of MR services, children’s health insurance, college aid, falls short. Harrisburg -- Seeking to keep community mental retardation services and other key programs operating while budget negotiations continue, Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) voted to override several of Governor Rendell’s vetoes of funding provisions included in the Senate-passed budget plan. Despite unanimous Republican support, the veto overrides failed when Senate Democrats refused to vote for the measures – which require a two-thirds majority. Had it succeeded in both the Senate and House, funding would have begun flowing to programs the Governor cut. The Community Mental Retardation Base Program serves individuals of all ages and funds family aides, recreational therapy, employment training, home modifications and more. The Senate-passed budget plan, Senate Bill 850, included $158.4 million for the program, approximately two percent less than requested by the Governor, who vetoed the funding entirely. The senator noted that the Delaware County Human Services Department is sending letters to providers that it will have to defer payments for mental retardation services. "These are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They find it difficult or impossible to help themselves," said Erickson, who chairs the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. "Removal of all funds as the Governor has done is reckless, ill-advised, irresponsible and mean-spirited. If we cannot help these deserving people, we should be ashamed." Among the line items which the Governor vetoed despite the fact that Senate Bill 850 funded them at exactly the amount he recommended are:
Override votes also took place on two line items under which the lack of state funding is having an immediate and dramatic negative impact on Pennsylvania residents:
Senator Erickson noted that there is plenty of existing funding for the programs that Senate Republicans are trying to restore. The certified state revenue available amounts to more than $25 billion. The funding that would be restored by overriding the Governor’s vetoes amounted to only $2.2 billion. "We have never viewed Senate Bill 850 as a final product. We’ve indicated time and time again a willingness to consider increased spending levels," said Erickson. "Government’s main role is to support those who cannot support themselves. Cutting off these services will cause people dependent on help to become isolated. We must provide funding."
Contact: Tom Golden
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