Although they are only proposed state budget cuts at this point in time, several local agencies/programs that provide services for the most victimized and vulnerable citizens in the Linn County are worried about what’s to come.
Monday, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon added fuel to Missouri Senate Pro Tem Charlie Shields’ recent prediction that “wholesale consolidations or dismantling of state departments may be needed” to avert financial disaster at the state level. “After reviewing the preliminary February revenue figures,” observed Gov. Nixon, “it is clear that even as Missouri’s economy begins to rebound, state revenues will continue to lag for a prolonged period of time. As a result, we will need to downsize the scope of state government, while protecting necessary services to the citizens of Missouri.”
Currently, a half-dozen committees in the Missouri House are looking at ways to further trim the state budget. Unfortunately, even programs for Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens are being considered. House Bills 2010 and 2011—the appropriations bills for the Missouri Departments of Mental Health (DMH), Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and Social Services (DSS)—propose $57 million in funding cuts to programs that serve our children, elderly, disabled and those who are without the benefit of health insurance.
In Linn County, proposed cuts could impact the Family Health Center of Marceline, the Crime Victim’s Advocate program, and senior nutrition programs. HB 2011, if approved, would cut 100 percent of state funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers (i.e., Family Health Center of Marceline) or $9,250,000 annually, and 50 percent of state funding for Crime Victim’s Advocate Program service providers (i.e., 50 percent of funding for Domestic Violence Programs or $2,375,000 annually).
- See today's LCL for the full story
