RSC leader makes plea to legislators

April 13, 2007 - OCSEA / RSC Assembly President Debra Honore testified yesterday before the Finance Subcommittee on Human Services, indicating that cuts to the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in the biennium budget would mean longer waiting lists for those with severe disabilities seeking jobs, and loss of services.

“Failure to provide for this budget, will mean a loss of services for this population,” said Honore in testimony. “RSC will be forced to reduce the number of people we serve.”

“The consequences are significant. Waiting lists would increase from 400 to 1000, with an average wait of 30 days,” explained Honore.

The budget shortfall for Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Determination, specifically, will mean the state will be unable to take advantage of a four to one federal to state match.

The best case scenario, according to RSC and the union, would be the reinstatement of $8.5 million over the biennium. Minimally, the agency is calling for the addition of $4 million over the biennium, which would keep the federal government from penalizing the agency and actually taking that same amount of money out of their budget. 

RSC already is operating with less than full staffing. “We currently have 15 support staff positions that are unfilled and at least 22 counselor positions waiting on funding,” said Honore. “Our productivity is directly tied to the number of staff at RSC.”

RSC serves over 50,000 individuals a year.

See Related

OCSEA Testimony delivered by RSC Assembly President Debra Honroe

Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission