MDMH submits budget cuts

The Missouri Department of Mental Health has submitted a plan to Governor Bob Holden's office to trim $25 million from its operating budget for fiscal year 2002, according to a news release from the agency.

Fiscal year 2002 began July 1, 2001. The department said that in developing the plan, its top priority was to minimize the effects on direct services to the 130,000 consumers and to the staff providing those services.

The plan does, however, include a layoff of 30 people in its central office and 44 others located in its 28 facilities located around the state.

The department also proposed keeping open 180 currently vacant positions. In addition, the MDMH proposes to drastically reduce spending on other expenses such as travel, staff training, and equipment and supply purchases. Even with the priority toward maintaining services, some current services may be affected and expansion of services will be limited. Gov. Holden has not given final approval to the plan.

"During these difficult financial times, our goal is to maintain services to our consumers and their families throughout the state," said Mental Health Director Roy C. Wilson, M.D.