Lawmakers told Nevada ranks last in programs for retarded

Thursday, March 13, 2003 | 11:10 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- With Nevada ranked last in the nation in per capita spending for programs for the mentally retarded, lawmakers said today more money needs to be budgeted for efforts to change that ranking.

Even if the Legislature approves a 35 percent increase in spending, as recommended by Gov. Kenny Guinn, the state would still rank last, legislators were told.

Dave Luke, associate administrator of developmental services for the state, told a Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee today that Nevada is last for "fiscal effort" in spending for the mentally retarded.

Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, and Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, strongly expressed their feelings about the rating.

"We ought to be ashamed," Rawson said.

Giunchigliani said she is tired of Nevada being last in the nation in social programs and if this Legislature is going to pass big tax increases, there should be improvement in the programs.

But Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Minden, said he would like to see a comparison of the amount spent per enrollee with national figures.

Luke said one reason for the low rating is that fewer people are served. He said Nevada is in the "top half" in getting its clients into community services, where they can live in the community with help.

The state's client list is presently 3,200. Guinn's proposed $172.1 million budget for the next two years would allow the agency to serve 800 more mentally retarded people.

Lawmakers indicated they would like to see more money in the budget.

Luke told the subcommittee that Guinn's budget was a "big step forward."

The budget would allow the agency to return 14 mentally retarded clients to Nevada who are now being housed out of state, Luke said.

It includes a 15 percent rate increase for those who provide supported living arrangements in the community and for community training centers, he said.

A 1.7 percent rate increase for community programs scheduled for last year was shelved because of budget reductions in state government.

There is a waiting list of 235 people for residential support services, and higher reimbursement rates would provide community services that could help clients find an apartment, obtain transportation and do their shopping, Luke told the subcommittee.