|
For Immediate
Release
9/28/11
Listen
Vance Committee Exposes Wasteful Spending
HARRISBURG – A hearing today of the Senate Public Health
and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York), revealed a
significant lack of fiscal oversight of funds meant to provide services for
those with intellectual disabilities.
The Office of Development Programs (ODP) in the Department
of Public Welfare (DPW) provides those with intellectual disabilities, autism
and their families with services and supports in order to achieve greater
independence and to enhance quality of life.
Examples of abuse disclosed by the Corbett Administration
included:
- Flea dipping for a "therapeutic" cat
- Chandeliers
- A bowling alley
- Rental payments beyond market value
- Luxury cars
"I am surprised and appalled that taxpayer dollars were
used to pay for these things," Vance said. "Throughout the fall, our committee
plans to hold further hearings to get to the bottom of these activities and stop
them. This type of waste and abuse is not only unconscionable, but even more
important, it is preventing those who need services from receiving them."
Over half of each new tax dollar generated in Pennsylvania
is going toward human services. If this continues, the human services' system is
expected to grow 11 percent per year until 2014. With a $4 billion budget
shortfall expected in fiscal year 2012 and a structural deficit going forward,
this growth is unsustainable.
Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and
Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and
Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.
Contact:
Tracy Polovick
(717) 787-8524
|
