Don't Sacrifice Autism Program
Below is my Letter to the Editor as published in The Greenville News today, December 27, 2008. (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20081227/OPINION/812270305/1008)
There was a day in this country where it was considered a priority to take care of the weakest of the weak. But in 2008, the priority seems to be that services for the weakest of the weak are cut first. I am speaking about a program of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs passed by the Legislature (and vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford) to provide treatment for children with autism.
A recent audit of DDSN shows that much of the money allocated to this program has gone unused, or is being diverted to other programs. In other words, even if fully funded, the majority of these funds are not being used as they were legislatively allocated.
Now with Gov. Sanford's seemingly unending snowballing of budget cuts, it appears this vital service for children with autism will likely be eliminated. So what do we do now?
If our state is in such a dire economic situation that such cuts are required, we should first reinstate the property tax levels that existed before the recent "property tax relief." Our state cannot afford that right now. For the majority of homeowners, these rates will not be any higher than those we initially signed up for.
Increase the gas tax by 1-2 cents per gallon. We have some of the cheapest gas in the country. We can afford an additional 20-40 cents each time we fill up our tanks.
Require that legislatively allocated funds be used as initially approved by vote, unless a vote by that same legislative body approves that they be diverted to other programs.
There was a day in this country where it was considered a priority to take care of the weakest of the weak. But in 2008, the priority seems to be that services for the weakest of the weak are cut first. I am speaking about a program of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs passed by the Legislature (and vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford) to provide treatment for children with autism.
A recent audit of DDSN shows that much of the money allocated to this program has gone unused, or is being diverted to other programs. In other words, even if fully funded, the majority of these funds are not being used as they were legislatively allocated.
Now with Gov. Sanford's seemingly unending snowballing of budget cuts, it appears this vital service for children with autism will likely be eliminated. So what do we do now?
If our state is in such a dire economic situation that such cuts are required, we should first reinstate the property tax levels that existed before the recent "property tax relief." Our state cannot afford that right now. For the majority of homeowners, these rates will not be any higher than those we initially signed up for.
Increase the gas tax by 1-2 cents per gallon. We have some of the cheapest gas in the country. We can afford an additional 20-40 cents each time we fill up our tanks.
Require that legislatively allocated funds be used as initially approved by vote, unless a vote by that same legislative body approves that they be diverted to other programs.
posted by Susan | 7:16 AM
1 Comments:
Well said! Thanks for being a voice and advocate. You make the difference by being the voice that needs to be heard. I hope they listen. Think back and give yourself credit -- you have REALLY stepped up and been quite a voice for children and autism. I hope you are proud. You should be.
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