February 7, 2025
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
Dear Chairs Stratton, Ward, and Social Services Appropriations Committee Members,
We hope the following list of items, along with a brief explanation of their importance from the Disability Law Center’s perspective is useful as you discuss where they may fall in your priority ranking.
Mental Health
- We fully support Rep. Eliason’s critical request for $3,412,000 to cover the gap created for local mental health authorities by the end of the American Rescue Plan Act’s enhanced match. If the gap is not filled, an already struggling community-based system will have even fewer resources to meet the needs of unhoused persons and other at-risk individuals.
- We also support the governor’s recommendation of $105,700 to create parity in foster care and JJYS Medicaid. These youth need access to mental health care, just like anyone else on Medicaid. Federal Medicaid law requires comparability of services for all those on Medicaid, so a failure to fund this item could result in noncompliance with the State’s obligations under Medicaid.
- We support the Behavioral Health Commission’s recommendation of $2,244,000 and $3,060,000 one-time for a rural receiving center and about $1 million ongoing and one-time for an additional mobile crisis outreach team. Utahns off the Wasatch Front experiencing a crisis deserve the chance to stabilize in a less costly alternative to the ER, hospital, or jail. Still, we have heard MCOTs are a less effective resource than they could be because of an inability to respond in a timely fashion due to a lack of capacity. This could be helped by the companion recommendation of $6,500 for a 26% increase in the MCOT rate.
- Because certified peer support specialists are key to successful MCOT, receiving center, and other mental health responses, we support the commission’s recommendation of $24,000 for a 35% increase in their rate as well.
- While we support the governor’s recommendation of $3,800,000 for Utah State Hospital operations, we must oppose the 131,700 ongoing and $88,797,700 one-time requests for a 60-bed serious mental illness step-down facility. While we understand the needs at the Utah State Hospital, we would rather see substantial funding commitments like this to peer supports, case management, wraparound services, and deeply affordable housing is a more efficient and effective way to provide integrated, scattered-site permanent supportive housing for individuals with SMI.
Long-term Services and Supports
- Not surprisingly, we support the governor’s recommendation of $5,451,900 to bring 214 individuals with critical needs and 131 who will benefit from limited supports off the Division of Services for People with Disabilities waiting list. We are also grateful to Rep. Lisonbee for her request of $5 million for those on the list under 21. Likewise, we know it is a big swing, but we urge you to seriously consider Representative Dailey-Provost’s request of $10 million, especially with the substantial savings this Committee was able to find this year.
- In June, the Department of Justice found Utah needs to do more to help students with significant disabilities successfully transition to post-high school education or jobs. This is why we support the governor’s recommendation of $2,665,200 to offer competitive and integrated employment to 100 more individuals.
- We regularly receive calls from parents caring for their child with a complex medical need. They report having trouble finding a private duty nurse to come in a couple hours a day or a week to provide a bit of break. This is why we support Rep. Ward’s request of $1,925,900 for a rate increase.
- For any of this to be possible, the governor’s recommendation of $7,314,100 to increase rates for Home and Community-based Services recipients is crucial. Likewise, as you likely know from the letter we already sent you, we support his recommendation of $7,606,500 for a 23% and 31% rate increase to help maintain Aging and New Choices waiver providers. Of course, we also support Rep. Ward’s request a $4,857,500 for a home health rate increase. In the same vein, we appreciate Sen. Owens’ request of $8,250,200 for a cost-of-living adjustment.
- While we appreciate the $5,291,400 request for a nursing home and intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities rate increase, and support more staff as part of the answer to quality concerns in residential and long-term care facilities, our report highlighting the consequences of a lack of oversight and enforcement demonstrates the need for the governor’s request of $408,100 for 3 additional Adult Protective Services caseworkers and 1 assistant guardian in the Office of Public Guardian.
- Two summers ago, we sought a plan to provide critical services to individuals on the Technology Dependent Waiver, as individuals on that waiver cannot access the DSPD waivers due to their need of a trach. Otherwise, they would have access to day services and more opportunities in the community. We worked with DHHS to come up with a solution, but, unfortunately, the governor did not include it among his rec Even so, we urge you to consider providing funding for another waiver to serve these individuals. At a minimum, as you’ll hear from a parent in public comment, we hope you will consider this as an Interim study item.
As always, thank you for your time and considering our priorities. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like more information.