The bill awaits action in the House of Representatives and would require the signature of Governor Malloy. Should S.B. 1088 (read the bill) pass the state legislature, the DDS commissioner, through consultation with key stakeholders, and in consideration of the Messier vs. Southbury Training School settlement agreement, will develop and implement a plan that will include:
A timeline for closing STS and state-run facilities serving I/DD Individuals
How residents will be transitioned into community-based settings
How DDS plans to meet the needs of all I/DD individuals requiring services
What the future uses will be for these properties and facilities once closed
Staff for facilities and homes in community-based settings
An analysis of short-term and long-term costs and savings related to the plan
What resources will be needed to implement the plan
Progress reports submitted not later than May 15, 2016 and December 15, 2016
This bill does not consider the needs of the severely disabled and elderly residents of STS and the residents of the regional centers and does nothing to benefit the 2,000 I/DD individuals waiting for residential placement.
If an honest and accurate analysis is performed, the cost to move this population will be found to be high and the move would require many many years. Moving all of these individuals into the community would also worsen the waiting list crisis in Connecticut. Closing STS is not a solution. STS supporters in Connecticut are encouraged to contact their representatives immediately to urge a “No” vote for this bill.
Now is the time to tell legislators your story and to tell them why you choose STS.
