Rounding out the worst Oregon governorship in memory for persons with mental illness, addiction and other disabilities, Ted Kulongoski announced on June 21 upcoming pennywise and pound foolish state budget cuts.

Kulongoski announced May 25 he would invoke his across-the-board cutting authority to eliminate a projected $577 million shortfall in tax collections as a result of the latest quarterly economic and revenue forecast.

The Department of Administrative Services, which oversees budget and management for the governor, posted on its website June 9 agency proposals for the 9 percent cuts.

His final proposals are expected by July 1, the start of the second year of the state budget cycle ending in mid-2011.

Among the spending cuts Gov. Ted Kulongoski let stand:

A limit on state-subsidized day care to families in transition from welfare assistance, as required by federal law.

Leaving vacant 20 positions at Oregon State Hospital, which is set to open new buildings next year.

Oregon Project Independence would be eliminated, personal care for 1,500 older and disabled funded by federal Medicaid money would be cut, and in-home care for 10,500 seniors would be halved. Except for Oregon Project Independence, which is mostly state-supported, the other cuts would result in a greater loss in federal matching funds.

Community mental health programs affecting 1,500 children, and personal care for 800 adults.

READ – Full list of Kulongoski’s proposed budget cuts, reductions by agency. (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Psychiatric Security Review Board (PDF)
READ – Reductions to State Commission on Children and Families (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Criminal Justice Commission; drug courts (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Department of Corrections; drug treatment (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Housing & Community Services Department; Homeless Assistance (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Department of Human Services, Suicide Prevention Hotline (PDF)
READ – Reductions to Department of Human Services, Addiction Treatment Programs (PDF)