The recent announcement by Gov. Daniels that the state will return $111 to each Hoosier taxpayer has been greeted with enthusiasm by most folks in the area. While I have appreciated the fiscal restraint that let to this outcome, this payout is not without serious consequences that are largely hidden from view.
In 2008, the current administration made dramatic cuts to social services. education and many other programs. We all understood that our state had to live within its means and that sacrifices were necessary. I cannot speak to other affected areas, but funding for all services at CDC was trimmed by over 18 percent. This resulted from a combination of direct rate cuts, bureaucratic changes and cancellation of grants. Now the state is slowly recovering, but all indications point to these reductions becoming permanent for those organizations that serve children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
This is disheartening for the people we serve and their families because it means that the very low wages paid to our dedicated staff will continue to slide against any increases in the cost of living. Many of our employees make under $9 an hour for work that is difficult and challenging. Turnover of staff has steadily increased in recent years as we had to scale back fringe benefits and were unable to provide raises. The higher turnover combined with less supervision dilutes the quality of services that we strive to provide in the community. It is hard to lose staff members who love their jobs and want to continue to work at the organization but cannot afford to stay because of poor pay. The consumers do not understand why there is a revolving door of caregivers working with them, and families are increasingly frustrated by less flexibility in how consumer service budgets are used.
The state would have been better served if it had gradually restored these funds in step with an improving economy. No policy decisions were made to reduce services for people with disabilities, but that is the net effect. Enabling these individuals to live in their own community, find jobs and have meaningful daytime activities will become increasingly difficult to sustain with each year that elected officials ignore the consequences of underfunded services.
The incoming governor and legislators need to take note of these concerns or all services for individuals with disabilities will continue to decline over time.
Michael Cruz
executive director
CDC Resources Inc.
Monticello
Opinion
PUBLIC FORUM: Lawmakers should restore funding
- Opinion
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SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
I can imagine no real reason why a county like Cass would be split up into three districts except to show it a lack of respect.
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OUR VIEW: Are you prepared for a disaster?
As you read today’s final installment on disaster preparedness, which focuses on earthquakes and their very real threat right here in Indiana, we hope you take the message to heart and make the decision to prepare yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.
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KNISELY: What are odds of that?
As you read this, I’ll be basking in the warm sun on a Florida beach. I’m not sure where you’ll be when reading this, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming out the winner. Seems only fair considering I was moving boxes in the rain just a few Sundays ago.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
A Logansport letter-writer calls a local proposal to generate energy from refuse-derived fuels a risky gamble.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making event a success
A Big Brothers, Big Sisters representative is grateful for the community's support in a recent fundraiser.
- THORNS & ROSES: Week of May 16
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WOLFSIE: Writing on the walls
Sometimes when I am trying to think of an idea for my column, I just stare at the wall. That’s not a bad thing, because on the wall in my home office is a collection of special pieces of memorabi-lia that inspire me to write, reminding me of the talented people I have had the privilege to meet.
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HAYDEN: From good to great in education not the way
On the campaign trail last year and early into his administration, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said repeatedly that his goal as governor would be to take Indiana from “good to great.”
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THEIR VIEW: Big Brother looms large in D.C.
The federal government, working under the cloak of secrecy, has been having a heyday at the expense of all Americans.
First we learn the IRS has been targeting conservatives — applications for tax-exempt status by tea party groups were wrongly singled out for extra scrutiny. -
KITCHELL: Waste-to-energy a big waste of time
Had all of Logansport attended the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists Awards ceremony last month in Indianapolis, we all would have learned that the No. 1 editorial written in the state in the past year was about a subject that sounds familiar to Logansport residents.
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