Human services cuts get lukewarm response - Portland (ME) Press Herald

The commissioner proposes $34 million in new reductions in the agency's budget.

By SUSAN M. COVER Blethen Maine News Service

AUGUSTA — The state's top human services official proposed $34 million in new cuts Thursday, a mix of administrative savings and service reductions.

The recommendations from Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Brenda Harvey, which have not been approved by the governor, drew a lukewarm reception from lawmakers. Harvey herself said she doesn't like some of the ideas.

"It's difficult to sit here and make the case that this is a good idea," Harvey said. "It's the idea we have."

Harvey spoke to two legislative committees about the newest round of state budget cuts just days before a state revenue forecasting panel will meet to determine the size of the deficit in the state budget. The Revenue Forecasting Committee, a six-member panel, will meet Monday at the State House.

At least one lawmaker said she wanted to wait until lawmakers know exactly how much must be cut before making decisions on department proposals.

"I don't want to make decisions knowing there are more cuts possible," said Rep. Pat Jones, D-Mount Vernon. "We need to look at this as a total package, not in three piecemeal packages."

To this point, lawmakers have received budget-cutting proposals in three stages.

• The first came in December, when Gov. John Baldacci put forward $38 million in cuts to balance the 2008 budget.



• The next came in a $95 million supplemental budget, which includes cuts to many human services.



• And now, lawmakers, state agency heads and the governor's office anticipate an additional $99 million reduction in state revenues that would require more cuts.



The state must bring its $6.3 billion budget into balance. David Farmer, spokesman for Baldacci, said the governor will release his official budget-balancing proposal in early March after they, too, know exactly how deep the cuts need to be.



As part of the latest round, Harvey proposes to cut $3 million from a fund that supports services for victims of domestic violence, homeless youths and victims of sexual assault. The fund also provides money for foster children who need supervised visitation, and transportation for foster children and their families.



Her proposal also would save $647,000 by eliminating food stamp benefits for legally admitted aliens who aren't eligible for federal benefits.



In the Medicaid program, Harvey is proposing to eliminate podiatry services for those who are poor. Lawmakers asked Harvey how many people this would affect, and how many of them have diabetes. She said she would have to get back to them with specifics.



She is also proposing a number of streamlining initiatives that would consolidate crisis services, mental health outpatient services, and apply stricter criteria for some services.



Rep. Pat Flood, R-Winthrop, said he liked some of the streamlining proposals, but wasn't sure about some of the other cuts.



Flood said he's also looking for the department to work toward structural changes that will save money in the long run. "I was worried about public safety implications with mental health and mental retardation," he said.

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