House rejects amendment to shift road funds to aging waivers, birth-defects network and drug courts

Representative Jones introduced Amendment No. 25 on March 1, 2006, asking the House to reallocate a small portion of transportation (road) one-time funds to three human-services priorities: an aging waivers and alternatives program, the Utah Birth Defects Network and an additional $500,000 for drug courts. The amendment was defeated after floor debate and a voice vote.

Jones said the alternatives program helps low-income people — many seniors — remain in their homes rather than move into institutional care, calling it preventive and cost-saving. She described the program’s annual per-person expense as about $4,000, compared with institutional care costs she cited as "at least 26,000 a year for the state" and, in broader terms, "about $50,000 per year per person" in total cost. On the Birth Defects Network, Jones said the program…