OHIO LAWMAKERS Officials OK plan targeting MRDD facilities

One of the facilities is in Mineral Ridge.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- State lawmakers who approved a proposal Tuesday to create a commission to review the closing of state mental retardation facilities say they could have the votes to override a threatened gubernatorial veto.
"There is some indication that we may have more than enough," said state Sen. Ron Amstutz, R-Wooster. "I think there is a possibility that this could get overridden."
The House approved by a 92-3 vote and the Senate approved by a 32-0 vote a bill that would reform the state's mental retardation and developmental disabilities laws. The bill contained a provision that would create the commission to study the closing of state mental retardation centers.
The provision came in the wake of Republican Gov. Bob Taft's February announcement to close the Apple Creek and Springview developmental centers in Wayne and Clark counties, respectively.
The state's 10 other developmental centers are in Toledo, Cambridge, Columbus, Gallipolis, Huber Heights, Mount Vernon, Batavia, Tiffin, Mineral Ridge and Highland Hills.
Taft's warning
Taft sent a letter to lawmakers Monday warning of a veto if the study-commission provision remained in the bill. Late Tuesday, Taft's spokesman, Orest Holubec, said the governor's position remains the same.
"That closing process is already in progress," Holubec said of Apple Creek and Springview, slated to shutter in 2005 and 2006, respectively. "The governor doesn't want to disrupt planning for the families involved."
In his letter to lawmakers, the governor said the proposed study commission is unnecessary.
A three-fifths majority is required in both the 99-member House and the 33-member Senate to override a veto.
Based on the number of lawmakers that supported the bill, state Sen. Robert F. Spada, R-North Royalton, a conference committee member, said he believed there were enough votes to override a veto.
According to the study commission provision, the governor would have to notify state lawmakers in writing 10 days before making any announcement that a developmental center is to be closed. The notice must specify the center slated for closing.
Study would be required
The Legislative Service Commission would be required to conduct a study of the centers, including the effect of the proposed closure on center residents and their families as well as the availability of alternate facilities. The LSC report would be reviewed by a five-member study commission.
The commission's recommendation, including whether the facility should be closed, would be presented to the governor. The governor would have to either follow the commission's recommendation, close no center or take another action and justify it.
"Really, it's a justification process," Amstutz said. Taft has 10 days after receiving the MRDD-related bill to either sign it or veto it. If the governor doesn't sign or veto the bill within 10 days, it becomes law without his signature.