FY2006 Final State Budget report

August 1, 2005

$10 million salary veto overridden

Several legislators noted the high number of messages asking for a restoration of $10 million for direct care worker salaries - thanks to our partners at the Mass. Council, ADDP, Mass. Families Organizing for Change and Mass. Advocates Standing strong for uniting on this critical issue. You can bet the volume of constituent feedback was largely responsible for the unanimous, bi-partisan override votes in both the House and Senate.

Increased funding for salaries is becoming increasingly important.  According to last Sunday's Boston Globe that quoted Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies, a net 61,000 people of working age, half holding at least a bachelor's degree, left the state or retired during the recession between 2002 and 2003.  Attracting new workers in a competitive employment market will be even tougher for employers in the human service field.  Against this backdrop, the extra $10 million is crucial in addressing recruitment and retention.  As a former direct care worker, I know the extra bump in pay, although not huge, will be greatly appreciated!

$250,000 Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) veto overridden

The Arc decided to expend resources pushing for an override this relatively small $ amount because of the connection between common environmental toxins and birth defects & learning disabilities (not to mention a host of other diseases in the non-disabled population).  By overriding the Governor's veto, the Legislature took a small but important step forward in acknowledging the importance of prevention - that unregulated low-level toxins merit further study to supplement the growing evidence that compounds found in commonly used household products pose a risk to consumers.

As if to underscore the validly of the recently-passed Massachusetts legislation, a story on the front page of yesterday's Wall Street Journal, Levels of Risk - Common Industrial Chemicals In Tiny Doses Raise Health Issue, stated the FDA has found that some substances may have effects at the very lowest exposures that are absent at higher levels.

"For years, scientists have struggled to explain rising rates of some cancers and childhood brain disorders. Something about modern living has driven a steady rise of certain maladies, from breast and prostate cancer to autism and learning disabilities.  One suspect now is drawing intense scrutiny: the prevalence in the environment of certain industrial chemicals at extremely low levels. A growing body of animal research suggests to some scientists that even minute traces of some chemicals, always assumed to be biologically insignificant, can affect such processes as gene activation and the brain development of newborns."

$1 million Early Intervention veto overridden

This funding represents one of the most cost-effective investments for the Commonwealth - meaning in cold hard economic terms, the dollars help the state avoid more costly educational intervention and adult services down the road.  Of course the program also helps thousands of Massachusetts families cope with stressful situations and remain intact.

Although legislators heard from many asking for funds, we encourage you to take a moment now that the dust has settled to say thanks for their positive response to our community.  Send a quick email using the Arc Action Center at:  http://capwiz.com/thearc/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7877281

As a side note, the Governor vetoed language in 3 separate DMR line items requiring DMR to submit reports to the Legislature on programmatic progress.  Thus far, the Legislature has overridden 2 out of the 3 language changes (the Legislature is free to take up overrides at any time).

5920-1000 Regional/Area Offices - not overridden

5920-5000 Turning 22 - language overridden

5930-1000 Institutions - language overridden

FY2006 DMR Budget and related line items – Veto Overrides