FY 15 - Key to Patrick Legacy

As our federal elected officials struggle to enact a Continuing Resolution to reopen the federal government and avoid fiscal default, the Patrick Administration is quietly laying the groundwork for the final budget that Deval Patrick will both propose and execute as the Commonwealth's Chief Executive.

For the Governor and his team, FY 15 will represent the final opportunity for them to keep faith with the reform efforts Patrick has built during his time as Governor. Key issues to watch in the Governor's FY 15 proposal include funding Community First and Employment First initiatives across the EOHHS Secretariat (DDS, MRC, ect); Chapter 257 Compliance; honoring lawsuit settlements with regard to people with brain injuries; and continuing to address capacity issues in key waivers including Family Support, Head Injuries and Autism.

Key to building the Governor's budget will be EOHHS Secretary John Polanowicz who in his 10 month term has established warm and effective relationships with the human service community through strong outreach and a clear understanding of the efficacy of community supports and services. Polanowicz is expected to be in key meetings with his staff for the next several weeks reviewing recommendations from his Commissioners and community stakeholders, then balancing those requests before forwarding his recommendations further.

The other key player, not as well known to stakeholders but critically important to the final

budget's form and shape is the new Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor. Shor's task is to take all of the requests from all branches of government, assure the Governor and the Legislature of the state's fiscal health and ability to finance the Governor's programs. Shor, like all of his predecessors, can be expected to issue dire warnings of limited fiscal resources. It is in Shor's job description to curb the dreams and wishes of program planners. Shor's task is not easy. While he's responsible for assuring the public that the Governor's fiscal management has led to a sustained recovery; he also is required to strike a cautious fiscal tone without making folks question his boss's economic recovery.

Together Patrick and Shor will prepare the finishing touches on the Patrick FY15 budget by building the House One Budget to reflect Deval Patrick's priorities and legacy. A&F's ability to project revenue growth accurately means that Shor will either make or break Deval Patrick's legacy. Shor, Patrick's third A&F Secretary, clearly wins the prize for the most difficult job within the team.

As Patrick's team builds its FY 15 House One proposal. ADDP, The Arc of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change will be urging the Governor to support the following line items to provide Keep Families Together, Promote Work & Self Sufficiency and Living in the Community.

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FY 15 House One Ask

*Requests are to add to the FY14 Appropriation in Governor Deval Patrick's House One Budget Submission

Keeping Families Together

Family Support and Respite is the most cost effective service provided by the Commonwealth
Out of home placement costs are delayed by providing relief to families as well as in home therapies and nursing support
DESE-DDS program works to keep kids living at home. Evaluations rate this program as highly effective at keeping families together avoiding * further significant costs.
Demand for Autism Services increasing at significant rate.

Line Item 5920 -3000 - DDS Family Support & Respite Services.......................................................Add: $8 Million

Line Items 5948-0012 & 7061-0012 - DESE-DDS............................................................................Add: $2 Million

Line 5920-3010 - Autism Services......................................................................................................Add: $3 million

Promoting Work & Self-Sufficiency

Day and Employment Services are undergoing a dramatic change across the nation to comply with Olmstead, CMS, DOJ and consumer concerns
DDS and EOHHS are implementing plans to offer greater challenges for people with disabilities to encourage more self sufficiency and * earning potential.
As employment expands to allow people to earn higher wages, transportation will need to be increased to support this effort.

Line Item 5920-2025 - DDS Day & Employment Services............................................................Add: $20.1 Million

Maintenance includes FY 13 Turning 22 plus funds to comply with Olmstead Decision

Line Items 5911-2000 - DDS Transportation..................................................................................Add: $5.8 Million

Line Item: 4120-3000 - MRC Employment Assistance......................................................................Add: $1 million

to address unserved and underserved population

Line Item: 4120-2000 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services..............................................................Add: $1 million

Living in the Community

In FY 15, Chapter 257 compliance will be achieved thanks to the vision of Massachusetts policymakers.
804 more students will transition from public schools to adult services and will need supports and services in the most inclusive day, employment and residential settings.
Through Turning 22 Supports and Services, young adults will be able to live and work in the community.
Massachusetts is leading the way in providing hope for families of children and adults with autism.
The waiting list for individuals applying for the federal autism waiver is currently at 400.

Line Item 5920-2025 - DDS Residential........................................................................................Add: $148 million

Maintenance includes Chap 257 Compliance & Turning 22 from prior year, no residential expansion

Line Item: 5920-5000 - Turning 22..............................................................................................Add: $15.2 Million