Disabled cuts cost more in long run

Sometimes short-term fixes create bigger long-term problems.

Such is the case with budget cuts to state mental health and disability programs (including Medicaid). A three-year, $5.3 million dollar reduction (11.4 percent) in state dollars, including up to 35 percent cuts in employment programs, ranks Idaho 13th in the nation for deepest cuts. We got a "D" grade by the National Association for Mental Illness, which released results of a national study in March. For last year alone, Idaho ranks No. 1 in the nation for budget cuts to state mental health programs.

Add this to the chunk lost from the federal, heavily relied upon worker grant program - Projects With Industry, a Workforce Investment Act grant - and the local outlook is dismal for those who want very much to help themselves. There is a WIA reauthorization bill in the Senate, but it does not include funding for PWI, which expires Sept. 30. Other programs are not cut, but capped, exacerbating the problems of inflation and much higher grocery and other costs of living.

"Any time you make cuts this massive in mental health and disabilities, the needs in prisons and hospitals and emergency rooms and homeless shelters start to pile up," NAMI Director Michael Fitzpatrick told the Associated Press.

"Mental health" is a very broad term. Narrow it down to the disabled clients Tesh, Inc. serves in North Idaho, and we're talking about people who are learning to take care of themselves. Tesh teaches life skills (to adults and children), job skills (including job placement; Tesh also employs clients), and interpersonal skills so their clients can become more self-sufficient. That bodes well for community and economy.

"Loyal, hardworking, dependable, and 'appreciates the value of having a job' are frequent comments about Tesh Clients from employers," said Tesh CEO Russ Doumas.

With the loss of its PWI grant of $265,000 per year, Tesh's budget is strained dangerously thin. Congress eliminated funding for PWI after 25 successful years. Doumas said it is the only national business partnership program designed to help severely disabled people find jobs and become productive, taxpaying citizens.

I love walking into Tesh. Clients are generally upbeat and friendly; I can't walk down a hallway without a few approaching me with an outstretched hand, introducing themselves, asking after my welfare and cheering me up with a sincere smile. These are people with a zest for life, who want simply to be more independent, work hard, and feel good about both. Local companies who hire them give glowing reports; Tesh clients tend to call in sick less (if ever), be reliable, and appreciate their jobs more than the average worker. If Tesh were to go away, we'd all lose.

What can you do?

1. If you're an employer, call Tesh. They provide supervised office services such as cleaning, shredding, small assembly, and mass mailing assistance. 2. Come to Tesh Day, Thursday, Sept. 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy refreshments and tour the newly remodeled facilities at 3327 Industrial Loop (off Atlas Road). 3. Join me in support at the annual Tesh Breakfast on Oct. 21. It's always a (brief), rewarding program that opens eyes and hearts. To learn more call Tesh at (208) 765-5105.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who learned much about life's value from Tesh clients. Contact her at [email protected]