Hartford, CT - Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits), the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits in Connecticut, offers industry perspective on the 2013 State budget announced Wednesday by Governor Dannel Malloy.
“Governor Malloy’s proposed budget reflects a continued understanding of the value nonprofits provide to Connecticut’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Ron Cretaro, Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Nonprofits. “While we may not agree with all of the proposed budget cuts, we understand the Governor’s position and appreciate his ongoing efforts to protect the safety net.”
As partners with the state, nonprofits provide efficient, cost-effective health and human services on the state’s behalf that help ensure Connecticut residents can live healthy, safe lives. Under Governor Malloy’s proposed budget, nonprofits would receive a 0.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase (1% effective January 1, 2013).
“We thank the Governor for his continued commitment to nonprofits and are hopeful that the COLA increase is the first of many steps that will address long-term underfunding,” Cretaro said. “We would, however, ask that the Governor and Legislature consider making the COLA effective July 1, 2012 so that it is 1% for the full fiscal year.”
One concern for providers in Governor Malloy’s budget is the proposed restructuring of Medicaid for Low-Income-Adults (LIA) under a Medicaid Waiver. Under the waiver, the Governor proposes a $16.9 million reduction in funding to a program that serves a highly vulnerable population. CT Nonprofits recognizes the unanticipated costs the state faced following the creation of LIA but believes the cost is a direct result of the need for these services in Connecticut. This waiver also begins to directly dismantle the safety net, which is critical to those in need.
“We realize Governor Malloy is faced with having to make difficult cuts,” said Liza Andrews, Public Policy Director, Connecticut Association of Nonprofits. “It is our hope that protecting the safety net and preserving funding for human services providers will remain priorities so that nonprofits can continue to provide cost-effective solutions for Connecticut’s residents.”
Following today’s state budget announcement, CT Nonprofits will work with the Governor and legislators over the next several months to seek sensible ways to balance the budget without doing further harm to nonprofits that have faced four years of budget cuts and increased demand for services. Throughout the process, CT Nonprofits will advocate for sustainable programs, long-term solutions and a continued investment in nonprofits and the communities they serve.
