January 30, 2009

First Lady visits sheltered workshops in Fulton, Hannibal to discuss proposed funding increase in FY 2010

FULTON, Mo. – First Lady Georganne Nixon today toured sheltered workshops in Fulton and Hannibal to discuss the importance of these facilities for Missourians with developmental disabilities and for the community at large. Mrs. Nixon also detailed Gov. Jay Nixon's pledge, first unveiled during his State of the State Address on Tuesday, to increase funding for Missouri's sheltered workshops in the fiscal year 2010 budget.

"Every Missouri life is unique and special, and every Missourian deserves the opportunity to work and contribute to our society," Mrs. Nixon said. "For decades, Missouri's sheltered workshops have been helping to make that a reality. Our sheltered workshops offer meaningful, stable employment for Missourians with developmental disabilities, and they provide reliable, quality service for businesses and the community. Jay and I will continue to be strong supporters of Missouri's sheltered workshops, and we will push for increased funding for these vital programs, especially during these difficult economic times."

Gov. Nixon outlined his priorities for the FY 2010 budget during his first State of the State Address on Tuesday evening. In the address, Gov. Nixon called for a $3.6 million increase in funding for sheltered workshops next year. That would bring total funding for Missouri's sheltered workshops to $24.8 million. According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the state provides between 15 and 50 percent of the funding for individual sheltered workshops; the largest portion of the remaining funding comes from the workshops' contract work for businesses and industry. Last year, DESE reports, the workshops generated a total of $71.5 million in contract work – a return of $3.55 for every $1 appropriated by the state.

During these difficult economic times, however, the workshops have seen a decline in contract income. On average, the contract income fell 17.2 percent last year. The drop was as high as 30 to 35 percent at some workshops depending on local economic conditions, according to DESE officials.

Mrs. Nixon began her tour today at Kingdom Projects in Fulton. Founded in 1976, Kingdom Projects employs more than 100 residents of mid-Missouri. Employees at Kingdom Projects work in a variety of capacities, including placing recycling bins throughout the community, collecting and sorting recycling items and manufacturing items for local niche markets.

Following her tour of Kingdom Projects, Mrs. Nixon visited the Northeast Missouri Sheltered Workshop in Hannibal. Employees at this workshop serve as contractors for a number of local businesses, but the workshop also specializes in shredding and recycling confidential documents. The Northeast Missouri Sheltered Workshop has served thousands of Missourians since opening in 1966.

"It's an honor and privilege to meet the hardworking employees at these workshops and the dedicated professionals who make these opportunities possible," Mrs. Nixon said. "We must ensure that more Missourians can benefit from these important programs in the years to come."

Across the state, 93 sheltered workshops provide work for about 7,500 Missourians with developmental disabilities.