Pocono News Section

Human Services Groups Worried About Budget Dilemma

Human Services Groups Worried About Budget Dilemma - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 @ 05:40pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- The state budget dilemma is raising concerns for Pennsylvania counties and the state-funded human services they provide. Lackawanna County commissioners listened to those concerns Wednesday, from many people who are now at risk.

Lackawanna County Commissioners hold a public hearing concerning the potential impact a budget impasse could have on county human services.

Several groups are represented here, including Keith Williams from the Northeast Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living. "The program overall empowers that person with disability, um, to be independent," he said.

Williams speaks as both a service recipient and a provider from the center.
With the state budget in limbo, that and several other county services could be jeopardized -- including Meals on Wheels, the Voluntary Action Center -- and Goodwill Industries.

Josh Dixon of Kingston said, "What Goodwill has done for me, it's helping me get a good job, it's helping me get my driver's license and it's helping me make good money so that I can live."

20-year-old Josh Dixon is overcoming difficulties associated with Spina Bifida. He's received education and career training from goodwill the past month.

Now, he fears the effects of a prolonged budget battle. "Pretty worried that I'm not going to be able to get a job or get my license or anything like that," said Dixon.

Eileen Williams said, "It would be a travesty to put these wonderful human beings on the back burner by the cutting of funds."

Williams speaks as the parent of a child who relies on The ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania -- an organization dedicated to helping people with mental retardation. Executive Director Don Broderick said, "It's frightening to think that we have established a very high quality system within the local communities that are now threatened."

And it’s a fear for many that's inching closer to reality.

The Executive Director of "The ARC" worries beyond the current state budget stalemate. He's concerned about a shaky economy that could impact future funding for human services beyond this fiscal year.