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Sponsor urges $20 million for human development centers, calls conditions "worse than prisons"
Summary
Representative Lademan urged additional funding to modernize human development centers, saying some residents live in four-bed rooms and lack family support. The committee passed the item during the session.
Representative Lademan described the need for additional funds to continue a multi-year effort to reconstruct state human development centers, saying prior investments totaled more than $20 million for Booneville and $8 million was allocated for Jonesboro but that more was required for other facilities.
"We treat them worse than we do people in our prisons. There are 4 people sleeping in a room," Lademan said, describing living conditions and arguing that residents live there for life and deserve better facilities. Lademan asked the committee to find $20 million more and said staff and direct-care workers deserve support.
The committee moved to pass House Bill 13 89 during the session; members recorded no substantive questions and the motion carried. Committee leadership circulated special-language materials later in the meeting and directed members to reconcile holds with agencies ahead of the next session.
Outcome: Motion to pass House Bill 13 89 carried in committee during the session; the sponsor committed to follow-up details as requested.
