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Union testifies that closing institutions, eliminating
Office of Quality would result in costly consequences

May 30, 2003 - OCSEA members testified today before the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee urging them to re-evaluate the proposed closure of one prison and two Mental Retardation Developmental Centers as well as the elimination of funding to the Office of Quality.

All are on the chopping block as result of budget cuts.

The following unionists offered testimony:

“Prison overcrowding is a huge problem, as can be seen with the recent outbreak of staph infections. These institutions are among the most overcrowded. Combine that with staffing ratios as high as 300 to 1 in some units and we’ve got a dangerous mix,” testified OCSEA Corrections Assembly President . “This isn’t just a prison issue but a public health issue as well. Closing Lima Correctional will only feed the flame.”

Shafer argued for support of a closure commission to look at all facts before closing any state institution.

OCSEA MH/MR/OVH Assembly president Monty Blanton also testified in support of a closure commission. “The Taft administration said the decision to close Apple Creek and Springview Developmental Centers came about because of budget shortfall, but, when all factors are taken into account, shifting from a state institution to a community setting will not result in any large savings.”

Blanton argued that the failure to look at factors such as cost shifting from institution to community, level of disability and medical need of the individual, sources of funds, staffing costs, and variability of funding could lead states down an irreversible road that will only harm Ohio’s most profoundly mentally retarded.

Union leaders were grateful to the Senate for reinstating funds eliminated in the House budget, including $11.8 million to the Department of Mental Health and $6.4 million to the Department of Youth Services. However, OCSEA Operations Director urged that also reinstating Office of Quality funds would mean a more efficient, effective and less costly state government.

“Quality services incorporate best practices into state government. Eliminating funding is penny-wise and pound-foolish as Quality Services through Partnership has saved Ohio $350 million since its inception. The real question is, ‘What will be the cost of NOT funding the Office of Quality?’,” testified Wyngaard.

OCSEA represents over 37,000 public employees including 10,000 prison employees and 3,000 MR/DD employees.

For more information, contact Deirdre O'Neill Wedig at 614-865-2604 or 614-651-4567 (pager).