News
Your source on political action, legislation & voter info

Union, parents' group criticize Governor's veto of MR/DD bill

Dec. 12, 2003 - Parents and guardians of individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD) and the employees who care for them in the state's 12 Developmental Centers said today that Gov. Taft's veto of Senate Bill 4 shows his inability to compromise with the General Assembly and his disregard for the rights of individuals with MR/DD to choose where they want to live.

The Ohio League for the Mentally Retarded and the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association have long supported legislation that would improve protections for MR/DD clients and would look at all the facts, by way of a closure commission, before closing a DC.

"It is careless of the governor to shoot down this legislation that would protect Ohio's most vulnerable citizens," said OCSEA MH/MR/OVH President and DC employee Monty Blanton. "This legislation is the mandate of the people, as it was passed nearly unanimously by both bodies of the General Assembly. Gov. Taft has an obligation to follow the will of the citizens of Ohio."

"The governor has failed to provide equal protection to the 1,800 residents who reside in Ohio's 12 DCs," said Joanne Hall, a guardian and spokesperson for OLMR. "A closure commission would take a thoughtful look at not only cost but also the safety, health and well-being of the DC residents. Without this commission, residents will be vulnerable to not only political manipulation but also
physical abuse."

"This legislation would not hinder the governor's ability to balance the budget," said OCSEA President Ron Alexander. "Senate Bill 4 merely sets in place a checks-and-balances system. The legislation does not require the governor to follow any recommendations of the commission but at least forces a full disclosure of all the facts."

"The closure commission language was reasonably added to Senate Bill 4, the Abuser Registry Bill, as its purpose is to provide added protection to Ohio's MR/DD citizens," said Blanton.

OCSEA represents over 37,000 Ohio state employees, including 3,000 in ODMR/DD.
OLMR represents over 8,000 Ohio advocates, parents and individuals with MR/DD.

For more information, contact Deirdre O'Neill-Wedig, 614-865-2604.