By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 13, 2011
Gov. Sam Brownback's new budget outlined Thursday a controversial plan for closing the Topeka facility providing a home for some of the state's most disabled people.
The proposal submitted by the governor to the 2011 Legislature indicates the transfer of 140 residents at Kansas Neurological Institute could begin in July and be carried out over a 23-month period. These physically and developmentally disabled people would be transferred to community-based housing at a rate of seven per month under the plan offered by the governor.
Members of the Shawnee County legislative delegation reacted with surprise at the recommendation, and several vowed to fight the move.
"I've always been a strong supporter of KNI," said Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka. "If we eliminate a facility like KNI we'll take away an important resource for the clients and families."
Nine out of 10 KNI residents living in group homes have significant intellectual disabilities. Two-thirds can't walk, while four of five are unable to speak. Nearly all have lived at the Topeka facility for more than a decade.
Rep. Lana Gordon, R-Topeka, said providing for KNI residents in private homes or apartments could cost more and quality of care might not be equivalent.
"The economic impact on the community will be huge," she said.
Under Brownback's strategy, state funding for operation of KNI would be reduced proportionally each time a resident moved out. The facility employs about 450 people. That workforce would be gradually trimmed until KNI was shuttered.
KNI has an estimated $25 million annual economic influence on Topeka.
The Shawnee County delegation succeeded a year ago in convincing then-Gov. Mark Parkinson to set aside proposals to order closure of KNI.
Parkinson settled on the idea of reducing the population at the Topeka institute, which might allow consolidation of KNI with Parsons State Hospital in the future.
He recommended the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services develop profiles of residents who could "successfully transition to community services" and adopt more restrictive admissions standards at KNI and Parsons.
In October 2009, a state efficiency commission proposed the Topeka home for profoundly disabled adults be shuttered and that Parsons State Hospital remain open. Consolidation would occur after one-third of disabled people at the two facilities had be integrated into community programs.
Rep. Bob Bethell, an Alden Republican who served on the efficiency commission, had proposed closure of both facilities.
"Let's start getting these folks out," he said.
Brownback's budget doesn't include provisions for streamlining the Parsons hospital.
Rep. Annie Kuether, a Topeka Democrat serving a district that includes the KNI campus, said Brownback devoted a portion of his State of the State speech to a promise that the most vulnerable Kansans would not be neglected.
"How Christian is this?" she said. "It's passing the buck. It puts all the costs back on the community. These are very special needs people."
Rep. Rocky Nichols, R-Hoyt, said he anticipated a brisk lobbying campaign by families of men and women at KNI.
"I've got a constituent who has been there for many years," he said.