( – promoted by Jack McCullough)
That’s what Morgan Brown AKA norsehorse calls the argument that Vermont does not want a functional social safety net because it would attract people from other states who want to mooch off the government. We’ve all heard the claim that quality social services act as a “deadbeat magnet,” as if folks struggling in other states have spreadsheets of social services offerings in our 50 states and move where the largesse is. After discussing the proposed cut of the Housing Specialist position in the Human Services Department, Morgan quite effectively decimates that myth, and then adds some of the real reasons people are drawn to our state.
As if to make Morgan’s point for him, recent headlines show that our Vermont State Hospital still fails to meet federal certification requirements, because of a failure to provide a safe environment, which results in ineligibility to receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement.
This segment closes out with an explanation of state-level mental health reform efforts, which apparently have resulted in change: a change in the name of reform efforts from “The Futures Project” to “The Transformation Council.”
So as we see the budget battle move into its final stages, let’s remember that the quality of mental health services are a shame at present levels of funding, and that if we invest to make our services certifiable (pun intended), we can access federal reimbursement funds. That’s why they are called investments; they result in a pay-off.
The Legislature has set aside $150,000 in the capital project bill to address problems found at the Waterbury facility last Fall, the last time certification was denied. The bill also included $750,000 to get the ball rolling on securing better facilities.
No amount of money or so-called improvements will make the Vermont State Hospital (VSH) any better, particularly since it is not just about the building itself, but also about something much larger: i.e., including the fact that the foundations and roots of the model it serves to enforce is basically as old and ruined as the building itself.
In addition, building replacements elsewhere is not the answer either.
What needs investing in is a true community model and also lots of housing, housing, housing: i.e., real, affordable, safe and decent housing and not more institutional types or mental health slums or ghettos.
For examples of some of what will be required, read Bethany Knight‘s report from last year (PDF; Adobe Acrobat Reader required): “Don’t Send Me to Waterbury!” Replacing the Vermont State Hospital with Humane Community-Based Recovery – and Saving Millions of Dollars for Vermont Taxpayers (November, 2007) (via Ethan Allen Institute).
In addition, watch these two videos concerning the same I recorded and posted online last year as well, here and here.
So as we see the budget clash move into its final stages, let’s remember that the quality of mental health services are a ignominy at present levels of funding, and that if we invest to make our services confirmable we can access federal reimbursement funds. That’s why they are called investments; they result in a pay-off. In relation to economy issues, just recently, President Obama’s has a program to be implemented called “Cash for Clunkers“. It appeared to be a promising plan to spur new car sales by enabling car dealerships to take in older cars at better trade value. It is economical and environmental since it promotes getting rid of old, non-green vehicles. Also, the program is likely to be included with a further climate change bill, aimed to reduce carbon emissions and perhaps institute cap and trade legislation. A healthier earth is fast becoming a priority among the industrial nations. The Cash for Clunkers program is almost like a cash advance and cash repair for mother earth.
Received word today from the Vermont DMH Housing Coordinator that the RIF of their position was rescinded and the position has been spared; the state abolished vacant position instead.