Aug 14, 2009 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – While politicians in Harrisburg refuse to agree on a 2009 to 2010 fiscal year budget, Greene County’s Department of Human Services struggles to maintain funding for local programs. “We have no money coming in on a monthly basis to pay our staff, providers and bills,” said Karen Bennett, Greene County human services administrator. “As of July 1, the money has stopped, and we have no revenue to pay for anything.” She said providers have been notified that the county human services department has no money, and providers have accessed their own funds to provide the services. Currently, there has been no disruption in services, but that cannot go on much longer, Bennett added.

According to a press release distributed by the Greene County Commissioners’ office, approximately 50 percent of the county’s programs and services are funded by state dollars, leaving more than 60 human services providers without pay.

Human services is borrowing money so daycare providers and foster parents can continue providing services to the youths who are in those systems, but the department has not received any reimbursement from the state. Even when the budget is passed, it may be six weeks or more before the programs actually receive funding, Bennett said.

She said that on Wednesday, Community Action Southwest laid off the entire Pre-K staff. Pre-K is an all-day kindergarten for 4-year-olds. It is offered in all of the school districts in Washington and Greene counties. Staff will not return to work until the budget is passed and Community Action Southwest receives state funding.

Bennett suggests residents call their state lawmakers and insist that the budget stalemate end.

In the press release, County Commission Chairwoman Pam Snyder stressed that the state budget impasse is putting a tremendous burden on the county.

“Providers need to be paid, but we do not have the resources,” Snyder said. “We are trying to keep these programs operating, but each day that passes without a budget puts a heavier burden on the county. You can’t expect people to provide services without being paid. The county runs these mandated programs effectively and efficiently and serves the needs of our residents; the state has an obligation to pay us.”

Counties typically receive advance payments for its human services programs, Bennett said, something which has yet to happen this fiscal year. The county is also awaiting reimbursement for last fiscal year’s expenses. The county’s unpaid reimbursement for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program is $98,555, and Children and Youth Services is waiting on $115,000 for expenses incurred during the months of January through March 2009.

With a stoppage in state money, the county has seen an increase in the number of requests for human services, according to the press release. Drug and Alcohol Services has had an increase in the number of referrals, and Children and Youth Services has received more calls about parents with drug-related issues or problems finding housing, both of which may lead to an increased need for out-of-home child placements.

House Majority Whip H. William DeWeese, (D-Waynesburg) said Wednesday he was one of few in support of a three- or four-tenths of 1 percent temporary increase in the state income tax. The increase would have been implemented for three years. A similar tax increase was successful in 1983 under Republican Gov. Dick Thornburgh and in 1991 under Democrat Gov. Robert Casey. DeWeese said he believes the temporary tax increase would have cost the average taxpayer approximately $4.64 per week and provided the state with an additional $1.2 billion each year. During 1983 and 1991, as in 2009, the country was experiencing an economic downturn.

“(The temporary tax increase) would have given us a timely budget, paid state workers and preserved programs like pre-k, drug and alcohol, rape crisis, domestic violence and senior programs as well as aide to our hospitals and institutions of higher education,” DeWeese said.

The lawmaker does not see any type of tax increase happening and expects the state to cut programs.

“I have been out-front asking for additional revenues,” DeWeese said. “I do not see that happening, and therefore, since many of my colleagues are inclined toward aggressive cuts, it’s impossible to forecast the upcoming negotiations and eventual resolutions.”

County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) passed a resolution Tuesday calling on “every member of the General Assembly to press leadership for a prompt and fair conclusion to the commonwealth budget and to carry the same message to the governor.”

According to a CCAP press release, county commissioners from around the state warned that a total collapse of the human service and county delivery system appears to be imminent. Commissioners from 59 counties across the state emphasized that lawmakers’ lack of action is very real to the families, children, senior citizens and all those who depend upon county government for assistance.