Legislators listened intently to union's concerns about state-operated MR pilot

June 5, 2007 - MR/DD leadership continued their quest for support of a state-operated community pilot program. MH/MR/OVH Assembly President Monty Blanton said in testimony in front of the Senate Finance Committee late last week that creating a pilot state-operated community program for individuals moving from developmental centers, private intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or nursing homes is the only way to ensure that there is real choice in the system.

“Everyone wants to talk about 'Free Choice of Provider,' but the fact of the matter is, we don’t have free choice of provider in Ohio. The only free choice is for providers who can choose who they want to serve. What we need is real choice, choice for consumers, not providers,” said Blanton.

Senators Steve Austria and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee John Carey both indicated support for a pilot that would create a limited number of state-operated beds.

It’s expected that the two senators will introduce a budget amendment that would create a pilot state-operated waiver program in the Gallipolis Developmental Center catchment area, which is made up of 14 southeastern Ohio counties. The final Senate version of the budget is expected to be released tomorrow, June 5.

OCSEA activists are continuing to contact their legislators through OCSEA’s E-action Center, encouraging support for this initiative.

See Related

Testimony of Monty Blanton, MH/MR/OVH Assembly President

Fact Sheet on state-operated MR pilot (PDF)

Help secure MRDD pilot via state budget amendment (May 30, 2007)