Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) today expressed her support for proposed legislation intended to stabilize the funding of necessary services for children and adults with disabilities, persons with substance abuse disorders and persons with mental illness.

            Senator Freedman submitted written testimony to the legislature’s Human Services Committee in support of SB 413, An Act Establishing a Community Provider Rescue Fund Account And Community-Based Services Commission. Specifically, the proposed legislation calls for the creation of a community provider rescue fund, a community based services commission and a capital improvement fund. The Human Services Committee held a public hearing on the proposed legislation on Tuesday, February 26, 2008

            “I am a long time supporter of our community providers. They provide excellent care and homes for our disabled citizens and deserve to be fairly compensated for their work.  We have failed, time and time again to accommodate these providers with realistic monetary increases that will allow them to continue to provide services to a community in need . . . I thank the Human Services Committee for proposing the creation of this account so the community providers, and their supporters, can be assured of continuous funding. The creation of this account, properly funded, coupled with the commission on community based services, will give the legislature a clear picture of the need for a constant revenue stream for these providers and a framework for solutions,” wrote Senator Freedman in her testimony.

            Furthermore, Senator Freedman wrote: “I am grateful that the committee chose a short timeline for the commission to complete its work in August of this year. I expect that the legislature will act in the January session to implement systemic changes to the funding stream for community providers, ensuring their long-term existence for our population . . . You have heard my arguments many times, but let me reiterate once again. We have a responsibility to all of our citizens; this includes those who receive services from community providers and those who provide them. A cost of living adjustment should not be a policy decision or a negotiating chit in the budget. We owe it to our providers to adequately fund their services. I urge your support of this bill.”