Rupp: I will continue to advocate for Missourians with disabilities

In his latest column, Sen. Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles County, says he will continue to advocate for Missourians with disabilities:

The First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly begins this week, and I am looking forward to proposing legislation that will better the state of Missouri and make our state a great place to live and raise a family. One measure I have already prefiled is Senate Bill 56, which would require the Department of Mental Health to hire an expert to submit a plan for transitioning individuals with mental disabilities from state facilities to appropriate, residential facilities. Ideally, I would like to see this study completed within a year, and I would like to see the transition completed in the next five years.


As a member of the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders, I care deeply about the well-being of special needs children and adults, and it is my goal to make sure all people with needs are cared for in proper establishments. Although Missouri’s current facilities are in fine shape, they cost our state millions more than necessary. To house a person in a state institution costs Missouri $350-$600 each day. However, housing a person in a community facility would cost roughly $200 a day. This would help relieve Missouri’s budget constraints drastically, and residents would still receive the exceptional, constant care they deserve. We have already seen 12 states dissolve their state institutions and begin serving citizens in community facilities, and it would be beneficial for Missouri to do the same.

This measure was partially inspired by the “Rebooting Government” workgroups that met last March, when the Legislature requested the opinions of Missourians regarding how we can best streamline state government. I was happy to be appointed to the social services workgroup, a department which uses much of Missouri’s tax dollars. During our “Rebooting Government” event, more than 3,000 Missourians participated and vocalized their suggestions. Though many of these ideas, we concluded that from social services, $79-$117 million could be saved from Missouri’s budget; $9-$20 million of this amount can be saved from gradually moving citizens with disabilities from state centers to community-based care.

Many families who have had family members transition out of institutional settings and move into communities have reported that their loved ones’ quality of life and happiness dramatically improved. When given the choice, most people prefer to live in a community rather than in an institution.

Keeping the good of Missourians in mind, I will continue to be an advocate for citizens with disabilities, and I will also strive to protect taxpayer dollars and reduce government spending. As the 2011 legislative session gets underway, we will continue to welcome ideas and suggestions from Missourians on how we can make our state a better place to call home. Please visit the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov) and click on the “Rebooting Government” logo to submit your suggestions for improving your government.