SUNSET COMMISSION RECOMMENDS CLOSING SIX SSL’S

  

The Sunset Advisory Commission is officially recommending six of the State of Texas’ 13 State Supported Living Centers be closed down.

The Commission singled-out the Austin facility specifically, and said the other 12 facilities, which include the facility in Brenham, be closely looked at.

In what is being seen as a cost-saving measure, the commission recommended the Austin facility be closed by 2017 and five other centers to be determined later.

In 2013, Texas spent nearly $662-million on the centers that serve over 3,000 people who are intellectually and developmentally disabled.

A commission report filed last week says the state cannot continue to financially support 13 centers.

The report also claims ongoing controversies over the quality of care at the centers are another reason for closing some of the facilities.

Department of Aging and Disability spokeswoman Melissa Gale says the Sunset Commission recommendations are not final, and must still be drafted into a bill this fall for lawmakers to consider during the next legislative session which begins Jan. 15.

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Back to top button