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Director's Message
August 6, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
1. State Budget Meetings
As mentioned in my previous message, members of the Cabinet, the Governor's Policy Advisor for Health and Human Services, and I have spent the last ten days holding meetings around the state to discuss the Department's 05-07 budget.
The purpose of the meetings was to provide information to, and solicit input from, local governments, stakeholders, consumers, and the general public about DHS's base budget, proposed policy option packages (POPs) and reduction options.
We met with more than 250 people in Portland, Salem, Newport, Bend and Medford and will do a video conference with our partners from Eastern Oregon next week.
Information presented
During the meetings, we presented information about department revenues and expenditures, factors affecting the budget, principles that guided the development of packages, descriptions of each of the 40 policy packages, and a summary of the reduction options.
POPs provide the mechanism for agencies to recommend changes, usually additions, to their base budget. Our packages span the array of services we provide while focusing on critical areas to improve or stabilize services, protect vulnerable populations, expand community alternatives, strengthen state and local infrastructures, and leverage revenue.
Reduction options are required by law to be prepared by every state agency. These are not recommendations; rather, they provide the Governor and Legislature with options to balance the budget if revenues are not sufficient to cover expenditures.
Expected deficit situation for 05-07
All of you know too well that our agency has had significant reductions over the past three years as a result of the financial crisis faced by the state. Unfortunately, while the revenue forecast is improving, the state is still looking at an expected deficit situation for 05-07 of approximately $300-500 million. We do not yet know how that will affect our programs.
These meetings provided a good opportunity to get advice and additional insight about the needs of clients and communities, impacts of reductions, and priorities for the future. The input from participants — those who were able to come to the meetings as well as those who have sent us emails — will help shape our final submission, due September 1, 2004. I encourage you to go to our Web site to read the comments from the meeting.
Budget based on fall revenue forecast
Between September and December, the Governor and Department of Administrative Services will develop a statewide budget that is based upon this fall's revenue forecast. While not as difficult as cutting more than $2 billion last session, they will still be faced with a formidable task.
I'd like to thank all of you who worked on developing our budget. There are no easy answers to rising caseloads and diminishing resources, but I think the process we have gone through will result in a document that addresses some of the key challenges ahead.
You can find continually updated information about the development of the 2005-07 DHS Budget on our Web site.
2. Diversity Awareness Week
This year, we have designated the week of September 20-24 to be DHS Diversity Awareness Week, during which we will celebrate and promote diversity throughout the department.
As we did last year, in lieu of a diversity conference, the department is encouraging local offices and units to schedule events that highlight diversity in their workplaces and communities.
Increasing the department's level of diversity and cultural competence is a major initiative for DHS.
We work every day with clients and colleagues of many different backgrounds and cultures. To be effective in our jobs, we must understand and respect the differences among us. We must present a welcoming atmosphere to all and actively promote accessibility in all areas of DHS.
Begin planning now
I encourage you to begin planning now for diversity events that address the particular diversity issues and demographics in your area. These activities can include staff, community partners, clients and customers. I also request that managers and supervisors support employees as they take time to plan and attend events during the week of September 20-24.
There is a host of ideas for these diversity activities posted on the diversity Web site.
3. Statesman Journal article on DHS's Governor's Advocacy Office
I wanted to make you aware of the August 2nd issue of the Statesman Journal, in which their "Monday Conversation" column focused on Naomi Steenson, the director of our Governor's Advocacy Office (GAO).
Naomi gives her views about what it's like for her and her staff on the front lines of DHS, dealing with the problems and frustrations felt by so many Oregonians in these times of tight budgets and reduced services.
It takes an incredible amount of knowledge to make a good GAO representative — combined with patience, compassion and a willingness to listen. It is a difficult job, but those who do it get the satisfaction of knowing they make a real difference in the lives of many Oregonians.
The Statesman Journal article can be found on the Web.
And if you haven't already done so, I also urge you to read the recent piece on the GAO in Staff News. It gives a more detailed view into the important work done by this very dedicated group.
4. Food for thought
"Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community."
— Anthony J. D'Angelo
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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