JOINT STATEMENT: SEN. JULIE RAQUE ADAMS AND REP. HEAVRIN REACT TO GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S E-REG INCREASING FUNDING FUNDING FOR THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE

JOINT STATEMENT:

SEN. ADAMS AND REP. HEAVRIN REACT TO GOVERNOR BESHEAR’S E-REG INCREASING FUNDING FOR THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 28, 2025) — The following is a statement from Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, and Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield, regarding the Department for Community Based Services’ recently filed emergency administrative regulation increasing therapeutic foster care rates in Kentucky and how this action raises more questions about the administration’s ability to fund Senate Bill (SB) 151 passed in the 2024 Legislative Session:

 “We are aware that an emergency administrative regulation increasing the per diem rates for therapeutic foster care was filed and put into effect by Governor Beshear on January 22.

 “We are appreciative of this increase and applaud the additional support put into place for our therapeutic foster care providers and the children they serve. However, we question where and how the funding for these increased rates was identified and secured in light of the administration’s refusal to implement Senate Bill 151, which provides for additional services and support to relative caregivers.

 “The Governor’s own fiscal note to his emergency administrative regulation states it ‘will cost an estimated $5,000,000 for the remainder of state fiscal year 2025 and $10,000,000 for state fiscal year 2026.’  We also note the Governor is not under any statutory requirement to increase therapeutic foster care rates but is statutorily required to implement the services and supports for relative caregivers under SB 151.

“The Governor did not include any additional funds to cover increases in therapeutic foster care rates in his recommended budget proposal. Furthermore, he never discussed the need for this increase with the General Assembly. What was discussed, at length and with his signature on SB 151, was the need to support relative caregivers who operate so valiantly in this space. The Governor is neglecting his constitutional duty to execute the law, and it appears he has not been completely transparent and honest about funding for SB 151 within the Cabinet for Family Health Services.

“We regret the Governor has now picked winners and losers within Kentucky’s child welfare system.”

You may find a copy of SB 151 from the General Assembly’s 2024 session here.