Chief Patron: Eisenberg
Co-Patron(s): Athey, Brink, Watts
Restore Funds for Services for Blind & Vision Impaired

Item 350 #1h

Language
Page 310, line 10, strike "$10,021,719" and insert "$10,221,719".
Page 310, line 10, strike "$10,021,719" and insert "$10,221,719".

Explanation
(This amendment restores general funds for services for blind Virginians over the age of 55 provided through the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), which had been reduced in the 2002-04 biennium due to budget reductions. The restored funding would enable DBVI to resume provision of community-based services to Virginians over 55 years old experiencing significant vision loss. Advocates indicate that without such services, older blind Virginians will remain vulnerable to institutionalization, resulting in additional Medicaid costs as the these citizens use up their resources and become dependent on the Commonwealth for custodial care.)