We were pleased to learn today that the Governor and the Secretaries of A&F and EOHHS plan to file a supplemental budget request today that will protect promised funding to complete the full year delivery of Adult Long Term Residential Services.

Additionally, EOHHS notified The Collaborative today that today's budget cuts will not impede or restrict any obligations or expectations impacting Chapter 257 or the Salary Reserve.

Salary Reserve dollars will be eligible for programs not covered by rates set under Chapter 257.

 

 

 
Details are just beginning to be released regarding the $325 million Budget Shortfall caused by loss of $70 million in income taxes from a slight drop in the tax rate expected to occur in January to 5.15 percent, a projected $175 million shortfall in non-tax revenues, and $80 million in costs associated with an economic development law.

According to budget documents shared by officials within EOHHS the following cuts are known at this hour:

• DDS Day & Employment Services are  expected to be reduced by $3 million through the potential reduced utilization of work days and expected reductions related to snow days.
• DDS Family & Respite Services are expected to be reduced by $2.5 million or roughly the amount of increase over FY 14 granted by this year's House One and Legislative Budgets.

Other budget cuts to Health and Human Services include a $68 million reduction to the Mass Health budget, primarily targeted at supplemental payments to hospitals and other health care providers.

While ADDP regrets the reduction of needed service dollars, members are appreciative of the careful strategic approach taken by Governor Deval Patrick, A&F Secretary Glen Shor and EOHHS Secretary John Polanowicz to limit the degree of cuts to disability programs.