The Kentucky House has adopted its version of a state budget, but agency reviews continue. Members of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard from Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack. He told the panel his department’s budget has ballooned with an infusion of federal funds.
“They’ve gone from about $360 million up to $600 for fiscal year 21 to $770 approximately for fiscal year 22. And the largest year would be potentially next year,” said Stack.
Stack added that he anticipates a return to more traditional budget years after that. The public health commissioner noted the governor’s budget plan includes $180 million additional federal recovery dollars to address ongoing COVID-related issues. Stack asked lawmakers to consider including that in their final budget document.
Subcommittee members also heard how Coronavirus has had a wide impact on school-aged children across Kentucky. The director of the Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers said staff members have made four times as many home visits the last year or so. Belton GOP Representative Melinda Givens Prunty noted that makes a difference.
“If you have parents of kids with disabilities, it’s difficult to get them together or get them out. So, you all’s contact with the families and in this way. You can be creative moving forward and use what you’ve learned. That can be a positive that came out of COVID….to have those greater connections with families,” said Givens Prunty.
The panel also got an update on social worker staffing. The commissioner for the Department for Community Based Services said social worker staffing is the lowest it’s been in ten years. They say entry level salary adjustments and recruitment videos have been made.
