[NFBMT] Thanks for your comments

Thu Oct 12 23:49:35 UTC 2017

This is the response I received from Governor Bullock after I sent him the Resolution below.

Resolution 2017-05

Regarding the Availability and Autonomy of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind of Montana 

WHEREAS 

Blind Montanans want to work and live independent, self-sufficient lives like their fellow citizens, and

WHEREAS 

The blind require effective training in a discrete and specialized skill set in order to be successfully employed and integrated into the economic fabric of the nation, and vocational rehabilitation programs are the only game in town for providing such services; and

WHEREAS 

Professional training in the nonvisual strategies and adaptive technology necessary for successful blind rehabilitation and the belief in the capacity of the blind are necessary requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, their supervisors, and the management of any agency charged with serving the blind, and

WHEREAS 

Recognizing this, the Montana Legislature in 1979 established  a separate, dedicated division of Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, (DPHHS), now known as the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services  (VRBS), in order to provide the discrete and specialized vocational rehabilitation services necessary to ensure that blind Montanans can enter or re-enter the work force on a competitive basis; and

WHEREAS 

Many blind Montanans can and have achieved independence with these services from VRBS, and

WHEREAS 

The present state budget crisis and proposed cuts to services will be devastating to Montanans with disabilities and pose a serious threat to the necessary discrete and specialized services that blind Montanans rely on to achieve economic self-sufficiency: NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED By the National Federation of the Blind of Montana in convention assembled on this Twenty-third Day of September, 2017, in the city of Bozeman, Montana, that this organization call on Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Legislature to convene a special session to address the budget crisis, and to ensure that VRBS remains a distinct and dedicated division of state government in order to provide the discrete and specialized services necessary for the blind to achieve independence and self-sufficiency in accordance with current Montana law.;

From: Governor Bullock [mailto:governor at mt.gov] 
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 5:26 PM
To: Joy Breslauer <breslauerj at gmail.com>
Subject: Thanks for your comments

Dear Joy: 

Thank you for contacting me about the proposed 10% reductions to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and all state agencies.

I agree that funding for these services is critically important to ensure that folks who may be vulnerable and are in need of our support, are able to thrive and share in the health and prosperity with all Montanans. The proposed reductions are not my preferred path but they represent the only legal option available to me if the Legislature will not consider more responsible solutions to balance our budget. I am actively reaching out to legislators of both parties and advocacy groups to find a better path forward. 

It is important to know that Montana's economy is doing very well. We have record low unemployment, we have the fourth highest wage growth in the country, new businesses and industries are growing and expanding every day, and we lead the nation in manufacturing growth.

While our economy continues to expand and diversify, commodity prices and the revenues they bring are not as high as they were in recent years. These unforeseen circumstances are exactly why I insisted in the previous legislative sessions that we set aside a healthy rainy day fund. While other states went into the red these past few years, Montana stayed in the black by making spending reductions and utilizing our rainy day fund. 

At the beginning of the Session, I made clear to the Legislature the budget challenges we faced and asked them to work with me to craft a responsible budget. I proposed a balanced budget that rebuilt our rainy day fund back to $300 million, invested in essential services, and made responsible cuts to state government. However, the Legislature rejected this budget.

Revenues are not coming in as the Legislature projected and, combined with the most expensive fire season in our state’s history, I am now required by law to balance the state budget. I cannot increase revenue without legislative approval, so in preparation I have asked all Montana agencies for their proposed cuts of up to 10% for me to review.

I did not get into public service to hurt Montanans. But that is what many of these cuts may do. I am asking the legislature to work with me to fix this, and I remain hopeful they will be a willing partner. 

I encourage you to reach out to your locally elected legislators with your concerns and ideas. Please ask them to come to the table with me and make responsible decisions. You can find your legislator’s full contact information on the Montana Legislature’s website  <http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/Legislative-Districts/default.asp> HERE.

Thanks again for contacting me and I will continue to listen to the Medicaid providers, doctors, advocates, and patients as we work together to keep this state moving forward. 

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK
Governor