Chief Patron: Callahan
Restore Disability Services Cuts (language only)

Item 347 #2h

Language
Page 343, line 36, unstrike "$3,982,600".
Page 343, line 37, strike "$3,385,210" and "$3,385,210".
Page 343, line 37, unstrike "$3,982,600".
Page 343, line 39, strike:
"Of the amount allocated for sheltered".
Page 343, line 44, unstrike "$3,961,488" and strike "$3,611,786".
Page 343, line 45, unstrike "$3,961,488" and strike "$3,611,786".
Page 344, line 2, unstrike "$1,311,000" and "$1,311,000" and strike "$1,119,926".
Page 344, line 3, strike "$1,119,926".
Page 344, after line 6, insert:
"E.1.  No reductions in this item shall be applied to long-term employment support services, personal assistance services, brain injury services, Centers for Independent Living, the Consumer Service Fund, the Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund, extended employment services, or independent living and supported employment services for the blind and vision impaired.
2. General fund reductions in this item of $2,344,548 the first year and $2,276,733 the second year shall be applied to central and regional office activities and the marketing/business development program.  In applying these reductions, the Commissioner shall (i) eliminate and consolidate regional offices with local field offices where feasible; and (ii) contract any current job development, situational assessments and job placement services currently performed by department staff to qualified employment service organizations."

Explanation
(This amendment restores funding for disability services that were reduced by the Governor's October budget actions. These services include extended employment services; long-term employment support services; personal assistance services; services provided through Centers for Independent Living, the Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund and Consumer Services Fund; brain injury services; and services for the blind and vision impaired. Language also reduces administrative funding in the Department of Rehabilitative Services by the amount of the proposed October reductions for the above-listed disability services. Language directs that the Commissioner implement administrative efficiencies and contract out specific employment services to community employment service organizations in order to realize the savings.)