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Director's Message
The Ways and Means Process
- Why does the department fund the programs and services the way it does?
- Who are our clients and how do we impact the lives of all Oregonians?
- How did the department determine its budget priorities?
These were some of the fundamental questions that came up this past month as the department completed Phase 1 of the Ways and Means process with the Oregon Legislature. One difference this session is the fact that legislators wanted to receive information from agencies in phases, to help them better understand the difficult choices facing them.
Phase 1 included overviews of the entire department and individual clusters, as well as discussions of performance measures, the department's prioritized list, and the legislatively requested 10 percent reduction list. Phase 2, which we anticipate will begin later this month, will include discussion of the major budget drivers and key changes in the department since last session. This phase is also likely to include input from the public.
The department has done a good job providing the committee with background on its complex programs and services. For the first time, the department's presentation materials were unified for the Ways and Means Committee as well, with all pieces of the presentations available on the web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/aboutdhs/budget/index.shtml
Difficult choices ahead
Oregon's legislative process is driven by legislative committees, where most of the work to shape legislation and public policy is done. Committee members consider the testimony of many groups including Oregon citizens.
Legislators will have to make some difficult choices in adopting a state budget for 2005-2007, that meets the pressing needs in Oregon including supporting the most critical work that we do in the department.
The recent revenue picture is a little brighter than was previously anticipated and a recent Supreme Court decision relating to the state's kicker law has been resolved, avoiding some additional costs. Even in light of this good news, Oregon still faces a budget shortfall and spending needs to be monitored extremely closely, as always.
Decisions about what will ultimately be funded have yet to be made by lawmakers. So I would caution all of us not to assume that budget reductions or other changes that have been included for the upcoming two-year budget have been finalized. We are just beginning the Ways and Means process and it is anticipated to take several months before legislators have made the decisions that will impact the department's budget for the upcoming biennium.
Problem gambling
Oregon has more forms of legalized gambling than many other states. These include video lottery games and tribal casinos, among other activities. Gambling continues to expand in Oregon and proposals for on-line games, additional tribal casinos, and other gambling opportunities are being considered this legislative session.
And while the state is benefitting from legalized gambling and the revenues it produces, some Oregonians also suffer, with recent tallies showing about 36,000 considered problem gamblers. Another 23,000 are considered pathological gamblers.
This next week, the department will put additional focus on the work it does to help folks with gambling addiction problems through its annual gambling awareness activities. The department can be proud of its work in this area - Oregon's problem gambling treatment and prevention system has received a national award and widespread recognition as among the best in the world.
The department also works closely with the Oregon Lottery on problem gambling awareness public education efforts centered on "playing responsibly" as well as with the various Tribal governments in the region.
Help when its needed
The state's problem gambling services include: a problem gambling help line, 25 outpatient treatment centers, two residential crisis-respite programs, the Gambling Evaluation and Reduction Program (GEAR) - a home-based minimal intervention program, GEAR Coffee Creek Program - offering information and skills to female inmates with a history of problem gambling, 19 problem gambling prevention and outreach programs, and an extensive quality control and evaluation component.
Our efforts are making a difference helping those addicted. Since July 1, 1995, well over 10,000 Oregonians have enrolled in gambling treatment. Treatment services are free, treatment is confidential, and our results show treatment is effective, with a 79 percent success rate of those completing treatment after six months.
More information on treatment services and other information is available at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml
Every situation is different, but a problem gambler doesn't necessarily need to "hit bottom" to decide to get help. To get specific advice on problem gambling, call 1-877-2-STOP-NOW to talk to a certified counselor.
Food for thought
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
--Eleanor Roosevelt
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