Budget Crunch To Affect Social Service Funding
April 16, 2008, Vermont State Legislature – The legislature is working on cutting the proposed budget significantly due to a new report on reduced state revenue. One proposal on the possible cuts list is reducing the $1.5 million for June grads significantly. The list of budget changes also includes increasing the premiums for Medicaid and even a proposal to eliminate the VPHARM program. In addition, the proposed reduction of $4 million in the funding for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board is likely to result in a reduction in VCIL’s current funding for home modifications and VCDR’s requests for increases in programs like VABVI, VCIL, and respite funds are very unlikely to be considered.
In related news, S.271 (extended child custody) was voted out of House Judiciary and S.281 (pain management and end of life care) has left House Human Services and was sent to the full Senate. We expect it to go up for a vote today or tomorrow. H.635 (differentiated response to reports of child abuse) has passed out of Senate Appropriations and sent to the full Senate but with the budget for extra case workers stripped out. H.617 (Guardianship) is still being negotiated and VCDR is working closely with other advocates for seniors and individuals with disabilities to preserve language that protects individuals with disabilities when health care decisions are made.
Vermonters who are concerned about these programs and services should contact their local legislators and ask them to speak to House and Senate Appropriations members about their concerns. The budget is being considered by the Senate and House Appropriations leaders today and they are on a fast track.