You may be seeing news and social media posts about the Governor’s recommended State budget for fiscal year 2027 (beginning on July 1, 2026). While the proposed cuts are concerning to Department of Mental Health Disability services like ours, they are often worked out before the final budget is approved. But we like to be proactive!
To simplify the budget-cut information, the Day Hab rate (which is the majority of the service in our Day Program) is proposed to be reduced by 33%. Currently, we are paid $43.24 per hour; the reduced rate would be $28.84 per hour. That amount is supposed to cover staff costs, health insurance and benefits, business overhead, program expenses, mileage, etc. It becomes very obvious that that is not sustainable for SCDDB and other Day Program providers in Missouri.
We encourage everyone to contact their State-level lawmakers immediately. The only way they know the impact is if we tell them. This link can help your voice be heard: https://www.votervoice.net/Starling/Campaigns/133229/Respond. Please share with your friends and family, and on social media, if you wish.
It is always our goal to treat families and persons served with respect and communicate transparently, and we will do everything we can to support you and persons served.
Below you will find a fact sheet, a sample email, and advocacy information:
Fact Sheet – Proposed Cuts to Day Services in the Governor’s FY2027 Budget
Sample Advocacy Email – Day Services
One-Pager – Starling Advocacy Day 2026
Thank you,
LaDella Thomas
Executive Director, SCDDB
417-449-5160
Lthomas@stoneddboard.com