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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 21, 2016 01:38 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Judith L. Schwank |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Victim Services Funding Process |
| I will shortly reintroduce legislation giving the Department of Human Services (DHS) greater flexibility in providing taxpayer-funded services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Pennsylvania funds services for these victims in all 67 counties through separate funding streams and contracts with state-level advocacy organizations that subcontract locally. In FY 2016-2017, the budgeted amount includes more than $26 million in state funds and $9 million in federal pass-through funds. Subcontractors, as many members know, cover most expenses through other sources such as competitive federal grants and private local donations. While in most counties a single sub-contractor serves both types of victim, the current contracting law is based in relationships that no longer exist between the state organizations and local providers, and separate contracts may create avoidable administrative and operating redundancies. Victims unable to access services will lose out, particularly in tighter budget years. My proposal makes funding direct victim services the priority in contracting, authorizing DHS to use whatever means it determines to be most effective. It would allow the continued use of separate contracts, but also would permit such alternatives as a single state contract, direct contracts with local providers or some other more effective means. I hope you will consider joining in this effort. |