County learning scope of state funding reductions

Governor Chris Gregoire has proposed reductions in funding for public health departments, including services for people with mental illness or developmental disabilities, Wahkiakum County public health officials reported Monday.

The governor last week announced a budget proposal with severe spending cuts because of a revenue shortfall, and the legislature will convene in a special session to go over the proposals.

Judy Bright and Chris Weiler, administrators of Wahkiakum County's department of Health and Human Services, said Monday that the proposed cuts will impact services to county residents.

For instance, Bright said, the appropriation for Chemical Dependency services will be reduced and cut services to thousands of clients. The state is talking about awarding block grants, she said, but they would be at very reduced rates for services.

Also, she said, the eligibility requirements for developmental disability services will be tightened, and not nearly as many people will be served. Funding for those who are served will be at reduced rates.

The proposal would also cut funding for health services for children and low income people, they said, and the cuts will affect health centers such as the Cowlitz Family Health Center Clinic in Cathlamet.

"We should plan for a 4 percent reduction in Medicaid rates," Weiler said.

The cuts would also mean that mental health clients may not be able to afford the medications they need.

Funding will also be reduced for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition and health program, Bright said, calling it "a step backwards." She added that the cuts will also eliminate funding that has allowed WIC clients to shop at farmer's markets where they can obtain fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables.

Weiler said the state will amend its contracts with county service providers after the cuts are settled. State officials and legislators may shuffle where funds are spent.

"Just because they change where the money goes doesn't mean it will fall back into mental health," he commented.

The cuts will be effective January 1, 2012, so the commissioners should consider how the cuts could affect other departments such as the sheriff's office.

"We have some undesignated funds in our budget," Bright said, "but we'll go through them so fast. I don't know what we will do after that."

Commissioner Blair Brady asked Bright and Weiler to create a list of impacts so that he can pass it on to legislators and the counties lobbying group which will make sure everyone understands the impact of the cuts.

Cothren added that legislators have told him they are upset at having to consider the cuts, but they have to deal with the revenue shortfall. Practically, they can't raise taxes because of a requirement for a super majority vote, so they're left with cuts in services.