January 22, 2003 - Some social services restored in Governor's Budget Recommendation

Topeka—Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation (SRS) Services Secretary Janet Schalansky held a public stakeholder meeting today to review the Governor's Budget Recommendations for SRS. Governor Sebelius presented her State of the State Address and Budget Recommendations for state fiscal year 2004 last Wednesday. The Governor's Budget Recommendation is the starting point for the Legislature's budget discussions.

"Governor Sebelius called out in her State of the State address that staggering cuts have been made to social service programs that serve the state's most vulnerable and needy populations. We are pleased that she is recommending that some of these services be restored," said Schalansky. "However, some cuts to programs and services will still be necessary to deal with the ongoing budget shortfall."

Budget allotment reductions announced by SRS in August and December 2002 are still being implemented in the current year budget year. Some consumers of social services will experience a short-term delay or reduction in services resulting from the allotment reductions until the services are restored in fiscal year 2004.

Highlights of the Governor's SRS FY04 recommendations include:
• Funds SRS caseloads;
• Fully funds the HealthWave caseloads, doubles instead of triples premiums, and retains current eligibility and benefits;
• Restores child care eligibility from 150 percent to 185 percent of federal poverty level;
• Adds funding to the DD and PD waiting lists. SRS still expects waiting lists to grow in the next year;
• Restored funding to pay for medical services such as vision, audiology, and incontinence supplies;
• Restored monthly protected income level (PIL) from $645 to $716 to qualify for services;
• Restores Early Head Start grant funds;
• Provides for Medicaid insurance coverage for children aging out of foster care.
• Implements General Assistance/MediKan 24-month time limit, with first individuals losing service in January 2004;
• Assumes SRS office closure/service redesign plan is implemented in FY03;
• Funds Rainbow Mental Health Facility, which will allow it to remain open after July 1, 2003.

Significant reductions that continue to face the agency and our stakeholders include provider rate reductions; a 10 percent reduction in family support services for person on the DD Waiver; tightened eligibility for the TANF transitional-medical program; numerous grant and contract reductions; and significant administrative reductions such as layoffs and a hiring freeze.

"Overall, SRS is pleased that the Governor has chosen to make some very focused restorations to the most vulnerable and needy Kansans. We continue to see our caseloads grow as demand for services increases in tight economic times. There are still significant gaps in the social service resources available to meet the needs in Kansas," said Secretary Schalansky.