Problem Gambling Services Budget Updates
May 19, 2009 update: [Co-Chairs' 2009-11 recommended budget 
]
On May 18, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Co-Chairs' recommended a 15% reduction from 07-09 Essential Budget Level for Problem Gambling Services, not the elimination of services.
Currently line items dealing with Problem Gambling Services:
- 111 - AMH - Reduce Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention by 15% (-$1,623,716)
- 112 - AMH - Reduce Problem Gambling program support by 15% (-$421,820)
Keep in mind that this is a Ways and Means Recommended Budget and must be approved by the full legislature. The recommended budget includes some tax increases that are receiving opposition.
It is expected that the legislature will complete a final budget by June 30. Legislators may still be contacted, including support or concerns you may have about this latest budget package.
See the complete Co-Chairs' 2009-11 Recommended Budget here
Previous Budget Recommendations (3/27/09):
Eliminate Problem Gambling Treatment & Prevention Program -
services to prevent or treat problem and pathological gambling behaviors.
$10,824,774.
Impact of Reduction on Services and Outcomes:
Eliminate Statewide Problem Gambling Prevention & Treatment
Program - SE 80, 81 & 83; affecting an estimated 3,700 clients per
year. Collaboration with the Department of Education, Public Health
Adolescent Health and Tobacco Prevention and the State Fire
Marshal’s Office would be eliminated. There would be a loss of
critical mental health planning data since the mental health index
portion of the Healthy Teens Survey would be eliminated. DHS’s
compliance with the statutory requirement to support problem
gambling prevention would be jeopardized; suspension of the statute,
pursuant to ORS 461.549 and 409.435, directing 1% of Lottery
proceeds to these services will be required. There are social costs
linked to the higher risks for divorce, depression and suicide related
to untreated problem gambling.
Program Unit/Activity Description:
Cut Problem Gambling Program Support
The staff that are responsible for the policy, development, management and monitoring of the problem gambling prevention and treatment program in Oregon will be eliminated. $2,812,134
Impact of Reduction on Services and Outcomes:
This cut dismantles a program that has been studied by other states and countries. The loss of seasoned professional staff that understand the disorder, its treatment and prevention will be a severe blow to the state. It will be difficult to re-establish a program when the economy improves.
(Excerpted from DHS 30% 2009-11 Essential Budget Level-Reduction Options)
FAQ & Facts
Legislative Information
- Budget Hearing Dates, Times, & Locations
- How to testify before a legislative committee
- Ways & Means Committee members list
Media
- KMTR, Eugene -- State budget takes aim at gambling treatment services
- Oregonian's MyOregon blog -- Guest opinion: gambling treatment
- KVAL, Eugene -- Gambling addicts could lose big in state budget cuts
Do you have more information, news, or links to add here? Send us an email.
