Rick Heikkila of Nampa, a licensed clinical social worker, said if lawmakers cut psycho-social rehabilitation services, "Idaho will see an increase in homelessness, an increase in psychiatric care at inpatient hospitals, an increase in emergency room visits," and more people landing in jail. "I propose the following," he said: A temporary cut in the cap on PSR hours from 5 hours a week to 4.5 hours; requiring agencies providing the services to be nationally credentialed; extending temporary rules changes enacted last year for Medicaid savings through 2013; and increasing the cigarette tax and instituting sales tax on Internet sales.

Juanita Allen of Boise spoke emotionally of her sister, Barbara, and the services she's needed throughout her life due to her disabilities. While the state must balance its budget, she said, "Let's make sure we don't do it on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens."

Christine Pisani, accompanied by her disabled friend David Dekker, read a letter from him because he can't speak. Dekker lived in an institution at one time and was abused there, she said, reading, her voice breaking, "The abuse I experienced 16 years ago is still something I struggle with today." She urged lawmakers not to cut services that allow people to remain in their homes rather than be institutionalized.

Lisa Robbe of Bonners Ferry, with Partnerships for Inclusion, shared the story of a youngster from her community who is now living at the Idaho State School & Hospital for lack of services near his home. "Jordan does not want to live there," Robbe told lawmakers. "Can you imagine having to place your child 500 miles away from your home? ... Let me be clear, if he had adequate, trained supports in his community, he would be living at home. ... Find a way to raise the revenue needed so no one else has to see their family torn apart."

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