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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 21, 2021 04:32 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Michele Brooks and Sen. Lisa Baker, Sen. Scott E. Hutchinson, Sen. John T. Yudichak |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Moratorium on Closing the Polk and White Haven State Centers |
| We plan to reintroduce legislation to institute a moratorium on the scheduled closing of the Polk and White Haven State Centers. We support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community and receiving supports and services in the least-restrictive environment possible. But for the residents of Polk and White Haven State Centers, this pathway simply may not be their best option. Many of these individuals require 24/7 support and extensive medical care. Closing these facilities will displace residents and force families to make difficult emotional and financial decisions for individuals that we have vowed to protect. The last two years have been tumultuous for all of us, but especially so for the individuals, staff, and families at these centers. Preparing for closures in a COVID-19 pandemic environment calls into question if there are sufficient resources from the Commonwealth still being allocated; whether programs and services are continuing at the same level of quality; and frankly is the Commonwealth ensuring the ongoing health and safety of the individuals in their care. This is why we are taking action to reintroduce legislation that would enact a moratorium on the closing of these facilities. Please join us in supporting this legislation. |
Introduced as SB924