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People with disabilities need services being cut
The Gazette Opinion Staff
Dec. 31, 2009 11:20 pm
Gov. Chet Culver's decision for a 10 percent across-the-board cut was an ill-conceived idea. There are some important aspects of our government that should not have been touched. How thoughtful of him to implement an 10 percent cut to the Department of Human Services, which serves the poorest of the poor and those with mental disabilities.
The Gazette reports that DHS has to cut
$2.6 million from its program. There may no longer be services available to people with mental disabilities. In Linn County alone, that could be about 200 people who have been court mandated to have help in supported living, outpatient treatment, medication, and vocational training - all of which help the individuals become active members of our communities. Unfortunately, there is no one else able to provide services for these individuals.
People do not ask to have mental disabilities. Most come from chemical imbalances in the brain. The services they are cutting are essential to helping these people. The governor should have exempted some departments from cuts.
Renna Scott
Center Point
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