1. Gazing Into the Crystal Ball Budget and Legislative Update March 23, 2018

2. Budget Governor’s FY 2018-2019 Proposal Agency consolidation Process
Overall
Human Services
Agency consolidation
Process
Budget hearings
Vehicle – HB 2121
Flat funding – no room for increases (election year)
About 3.1 percent increase – about a third is new initiatives ($225M for education, $50M for workforce development); rest is mandatory costs, about half for pensions
HS - $74 million increase in ID/autism with $16 million waiting list initiative to move 965 individuals with ID/autism into services, and assure services to another 800 adults who will graduate in June 2019; state and federal funding to address opioid epidemic ($26.5M for year two of federal Cures Act funding); block grant lines; generally flat for MH base, BHSI (which includes COE funding). ID community slight state increase, larger federal, similar slight increases for base and intermediate care facilities. EI slight reduction on both state and federal.
What are we hearing from leaders re special funds, tell us how we can make things better for you, use dollars more effectively
As you know, our priority about HS funding is…..

3. Legislation HB 1233 – assisted outpatient
SB 391, HB 384, HB 713 – involuntary commitment
HB 478 – outpatient psychiatric oversight regulations
SB 21 – Employment First
Second half of a two year cycle – note ending in October
HB 1233 (note companion SB 599) – new standard for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment, leaves in place the clear and present danger standard for involuntary hospitalization. Amended in committee on Tuesday, your organization actively involved and had a lot of influence in the development, remained neutral but got to something implementable.
Specifically, clarifies that nothing requires a county to include in an individual treatment plan for AOT a service that is not available in that county or for which no funding source is available. County may also decide not to offer AOT, individual has been offered and not likely to commit to voluntary treatment
Needs to go to Approps
SB 391 – involuntary commitment for substance abuse disorders (MHPA) (both at beginning of 2017, no movement). No facilities available to commit individuals dependent on drugs
HB 478 – reached out to House Human Services staff that new outpatient regs were being developed – new OMSHAS regs would address concerns, but conflict with bill. Reported by Senate committee back in November, just this week received second consideration, went to Approps
SB 21 – promotes employment of people with disabilities at competitive wages in PA businesses and public agencies. Passed Senate unanimously in February, similar HB 1641 passed House in December

4. Other Initiatives Governor’s School Safety Task Force
House Education Committee hearing
Task Force – examining effectiveness of student support and physical/mental health programs and information sharing, strengthening information and best practice sharing among local schools, law enforcement, health care providers, human services programs; planning to hold regional meetings over next several months.
Hearing March 15 – how can they encourage mental health screening, support behavioral/mental health needs of students

5. Current Atmosphere It’s Election Year!
In the House, currently , with 3 vacancies that will be filled at the special election

6. Current Atmosphere It’s Election Year!
There are 19 House members retiring – 13 R, 6 D
Another 6 R are running for other office
Another 5 D are running for current seat and other office
At least 5 of those R seats are moderate SE Rs

7. Current Atmosphere It’s Election Year!
Senate (2/3 majority is 34)

8. Current Atmosphere It’s Election Year!
2 R retiring (SE Rs), 2 R running for other office, 1 R running for other office but not up for re-election

9. Medical Marijuana Task Force
Act 16 of 2016
Report – Conversation tool for counties
Impacts from disagreement between state and federal law
Operations
Human Services
Includes a list of 17 serious medical conditions for which MM may be recommended, includes PTSD and autism
Report – not a position on MM or legal advice – to engage staff and solicitors, to be aware of potential impacts and to review policies that may need to be updated
Operations – “under the influence,” restrictions on employment duties
Human services – rely on a combination of state and federal funding, so questions for counties who encounter individuals using medical marijuana who are also enrolled in county services
Generally speaking – if MM is sole purpose of service being funded, service unlikely to be eligible for federal funds
DHS was required to promulgate regulations for possession/use of MM by employee of child care or “social service center” licensed/operated by DHS
Counties should consider whether federal regulations, licensing requirements or funding are involved when evaluating any service where individuals being treated with medical marijuana may present themselves

10. Advocacy Re-engaging the state-county partnership
Legislative Action Center
Priorities
PA Counties Are
Make it local
National County Government Month

11. Questions? Lisa Schaefer Director of Government Relations