The Legislature Steps Up
Mar 20, 02:30 PM CST
As we’ve noted earlier, the Governor has failed to provide any real solutions to the problems at the Beatrice State Developmental Center that could wind up costing the state nearly $29 million in federal grants. Thankfully, the Legislature is stepping up to fix the mess caused by the Heineman administration’s negligence:
Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood is proposing lawmakers form a special investigative committee to look into the quality of care and related staffing issues at the Beatrice State Developmental Center…
It also would be charged with looking at the Department of Health and Human Services, which operates the Beatrice center and other 24-hour care institutions…
Another approach would direct $1.2 million toward hiring and retaining staff at the center, which has been operating for months with one of every four direct care positions vacant.
The third approach would allow money to follow center residents as they move into community-based programs. State officials have said they intend to reduce the number of people living at the Beatrice institution as part of their five-point action plan.
As if the Legislature didn’t have enough to do in this short 60 day session, it seems they have to take on some of the Governor’s responsibilities, too. Kudos to Speaker Flood and the Legislature – including Senators of all Parties – for their work to find a solution to the problems in Beatrice.
– by Eric Van Horn | Send this to a friend
