State needs to fund social programs

Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is concerned about the lack of adequate funding for health and human services in HB 1001 as it passed the Senate. LUM recognizes that members of the House and Senate have invested a lot of time into creating a budget that stays within the limited revenue available. In spite of a predicted shortfall, the decreases in funding for human services will have a negative impact on many of our citizens. Funding for Public Education; the CHOICE home care program for the elderly and non-elderly with disabilities; the 317 Plan for persons with developmental disabilities; assistance for needy families to become self-sufficient; and mental health services are but a few programs facing drastic cuts.

We call on the members of the General Assembly to find funds so that Indiana can continue to provide services such as childcare, Medicaid, family services and other programs to all Hoosiers. Ability to pay should not be a requirement for receiving necessary services and support. Since 1996 when Indiana began its welfare reform efforts, the administration and the General Assembly have supported programs that help families move successfully from welfare to work to self-sufficiency. Our concern is what the future holds for these and other important programs. If we as a state truly believe that every Hoosier deserves the tools to become self-sufficient, then it is our responsibility as a state, to provide required services to those most in need. Balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens should not be an option. We understand that this may mean that the general assembly may have to look at alternative options for funding - but isn't that more appropriate than depriving our most vulnerable citizens of the dignity and assistance that all people deserve?

Eileen Hession Weiss
Director of Social Justice Ministries

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