In these uncertain economic times, budget cuts are inevitable. Some of these cuts will be tough decisions impacting many people on very personal levels. I understand that. However, I want to ensure that these decisions are not made with a quick fix in mind that disregards significant future implications.
Recent proposed cuts to the Virginia budget greatly concern me. While reading an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Governor McDonnell's proposed cuts, an essay from Malcolm Gladwell’s book What the Dog Saw came to mind.
In his essay “Million Dollar Murray,” Gladwell discusses the costs of the chronically homeless on society. Many of the people who fall into the category of "chronically homeless" have mental illnesses and substance abuse issues. The essay goes on to explain how it ultimately costs less to society to house these people and provide supportive services to help them remain in housing than to cut services entirely. Many of the chronically homeless and those at risk cost society millions of dollars for services such as emergency health care and incarceration.
Some of these supportive services (mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, homeless services, etc) are those mentioned in the proposed budget cuts. Many of the other proposed cuts are to preventative services for those who are risk.
Some of the cuts that will directly impact adults and children at risk are:
- Fan Free Clinic in Richmond funding cut by 35%
- School Breakfast program cut by $5.3 million
- Juvenile Prevention programs for localities cut by $5 million over two years
- HIV/AIDS, Elderly and Disabled, Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability Medicaid waivers cut by 62.9 million
- Enrollment freezes in the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) "saves" $33.8 and costs access to health insurance for 28,566 individuals
- Eliminate 232 beds and associated staffing costs at various mental health facilities statewide “saves” $26 million
- Child advocacy centers which provide services to children and families who experience abuse and neglect cut by $2 million
- Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative in the Richmond, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Crater, and Alexandria health districts funding eliminated $0.9 million
- Arthur Ashe Health Center in Richmond that provides AIDS early intervention and counseling programs funding cut by 35%
- Homeless programs cut by $6.0 million
The above list is just a small sample of the cuts. Other cuts will impact Virginian’s at all income levels and include cuts education and public safety and even the closure of state parks. A complete list of all proposed cuts can be found here.
As I stated earlier, I realize cuts are necessary (when taxes are not being raised) to cover budget shortfall. However, I question the Virginia Governor’s judgment when assigning priorities and positioning for the future. Virginia’s most vulnerable children and adults, who are an important part of the state’s future, may not even have the chance to succeed under the Governor’s proposed budget cuts.
These cuts will most definitely save money in the short term; however, what are the monetary and social consequences in the long term?
With all of the air brushed perfect (yet unattainable) model and celebrity photos in the media, it is no wonder that poor self image, poor self esteem and eating disorders are prevalent among teens and young adults. Recently I stumbled upon the website Operation Beautiful with the mission to end negative self talk and “transform the way you see yourself one post-it note at a time.”
