Office of Administration News
May 26, 2009
Nixon Administration Commissioner Kelvin Simmons, Dept. of Mental Health Announce $2.4 Million in Funds for Community Developmental Disability Services
Bill signed by Gov. Nixon will send additional Recovery Act dollars to Senate Bill 40 boards around the state, including more than $250,000 for Jackson County's board
KANSAS CITY - Kelvin Simmons, Commissioner of Administration for Gov. Jay Nixon, today announced the award of $2.4 million in additional statewide funding of locally based services for Missourians with developmental disabilities during a visit to the Disability Services of Jackson County - EITAS (EITAS is an acronym for Empowering Individuals Through Advocacy and Supports). Simmons' announcement follows Gov. Nixon's signing of House Bill 15, a budget bill that appropriates American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to provide additional money for services in the current fiscal year.
"By requesting this funding and signing House Bill 15 into law, Gov. Nixon has ensured that SB40 boards around the state will get millions more in funding to provide services for those with developmental disabilities between now and July 1. The Governor believes returning these dollars to local control ensures they will be spent on vital services for some of our state's most vulnerable citizens," said Commissioner Simmons.
Sandy Wise, western district administrator for the Department of Mental Health's Division of Developmental Disabilities, also spoke about the importance of the programming and support that are provided through county developmental disability services boards, and how additional funding will enhance those services.
"When it comes to providing quality, locally available services for Missourians with developmental disabilities additional resources are always at a premium, so the Department of Mental Health is encouraged that the state can provide this enhanced funding stream to local services boards," said Wise.
Simmons and Wise were joined in welcoming the additional funds for the developmentally disabled by Jake Jacobs, the executive director of Disability Services of Jackson County. The Jackson County organization provides transportation, training and other services to residents with developmental disabilities, and will receive $252,737 in additional funding through House Bill 15.
"Through our board, Jackson County's taxpayers provide critical services to those with developmental disabilities. These services help individuals lead productive, fulfilling lives while keeping them healthier and more connected to their communities. The additional funding provided by this bill will allow us to provide more services to more people, more quickly," said Jacobs.
The funds allocated to SB40 Boards in HB15 are provided via a Recovery Act program called "enhanced FMAP," through which states and political subdivisions which provide certain services are reimbursed at a higher rate for a temporary period. SB40 boards are entities created by counties through a voter-approved levy and which provide sheltered workshops, residential services or social centers to Missourians with developmental disabilities in those communities.
Millions in additional enhanced FMAP funds for SB40 boards and other qualifying political subdivisions will be extended by the state through the 2010 fiscal year upon Gov. Nixon's signing into law of House Bill 21.
Contact: Lori Simms,
573-522-1898
