Capitol Comments
March 18, 2003
STATE HOSPITAL CLOSURES BACK ON LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
To address state budget shortfalls, the House Social Service Budget Committee is currently examining a proposal to close two state hospitals within the next year. The legislation targets for closure the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka and the Rainbow Mental Facility in Kansas City. The Topeka facility treats individuals with developmental disabilities and was also considered for closure at the same time the legislature made the decision to close the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center. The daily patient population in Topeka averages 180, with an operating budget of $24.2 million. The Rainbow facility has an average daily population of 45 receiving help for mental illness. I expect much dialog to take place on these two facilities before a decision is made to close either. I am very concerned that nearly $35 million have already been cut from social service budgets since the fiscal year 2003 budget was adopted last May. As a result of those cuts, all proposals are being looked at which will free up funds to continue the needed and appropriate care of our disabled citizens.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SYSTEM BEING LOOKED AT
Another state cost saving proposal was introduced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee which would develop a more effective and economical administrative infrastructure for our state's developmental disability system. Our current system is comprised of 28 private Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs) across the state with each contracting with SRS for the coordination of services within a region. These 28 entities range in size from servicing 57 persons to 1,289 persons, and oversee regions ranging from 151 to 17,065 square miles. The proposed legislation would collapse the 28 private CDDOs into 13 or fewer regional organizations. The purpose of the legislation is to better coordinate and economically administrate the present system as well as alleviate continual cutting of the most essential services. Fewer CDDOs will allow for the possibility of leveraging millions of additional federal dollars into the DD system statewide to help meet the growing needs of persons we serve locally. I have only had concerns expressed by individuals living in Cowley County on this cost saving proposal. I believe much false information has been circulated for personal gain. The bill does NOT impact local control over county mill dollars. It does NOT impact any state/local funding for persons who are considered "not eligible" for state administrated Medicaid funding. The bill does NOT dictate to county government to which entity a county must contract for purposes of administrating county funding. Cowley County has more to gain by this legislation than any other county in the state.
EXPANDED GAMING BEING DEBATED
The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee has heard a number of bills relating to gaming this past week. Each of these has been proposed by interest groups; there is not a bill proposed by the legislature. Three of the bills would allow slot machines at the state's three dog and horse parimutuel race tracks, and the fourth would give Kansas Lottery the authority to operate video lottery games at any current outlets. Many legislators were greatly offended by the offer of a donation of $30 million to the state for next year's budget by the parimutuel track owners in return for lawmakers approving slot machines this year. To openly try to buy a piece of legislation to benefit certain entities and persons did not set well with most policy makers. Study after study has reinforced what many know already - that most of the new revenues generated by legalized gaming will come directly out of the pockets of the very people most in need of state support in the form of gambling losses. Testimony presented in committee last week by the compulsive gambling counselors in Kansas strongly indicated that they did not think the state is currently putting enough money into treatment for those who have developed a problem with gambling. Kansas puts $100,000 annually toward the gambling problem. After compelling evidence is presented, I believe the majority of citizens will conclude that gambling is a gamble our families, our businesses, and our communities cannot afford.
CAPITOL VISITORS
Cowley and Sumner Counties were well represented this past week as
many constituents visited the Capitol. I enjoyed having Hilary Barbour,
Ashton Richardson, Shannon Holmes and Camille Kahrs page for me in the Senate this past
week. Hilary and Ashton attend Winfield Middle School and Shannon and Camille attend
Dexter Middle School. I am always grateful for the parents who see that the students have
transportation to Topeka to observe Kansas government in action.
Cowley County Leadership met in the Capitol over lunch for a
legislative update.
KanOkla Telephone Association of Caldwell also hosted a lunch for area
legislators.
The Winfield High School Girls Basketball Team and Coaches made a very
impressive appearance at the State Girls Basketball Tournament in Topeka. They later
stopped in to have their picture taken in the Governor's Office, followed by a tour of the
Capitol. IN CONCLUSION
I appreciate those who take the time and effort to contact me. Your
concerns are an important consideration as I work to represent the 32nd Senatorial
District.
You can reach me via e-mail at ggoodwin@ink.org
or Goodwin@senate.state.ks.us. My address
is State Capitol, Room 403-N, Topeka, KS 66612; telephone (785) 296-7381 or
1-800-432-3924.
Copyright © March, 2003 by Jamiebro Publications. All rights reserved.