Patrick's budget calls for closing Taunton State Hospital

http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140122/NEWS/140128937



As the debate about Gov. Deval Patrick's plans to close Taunton State Hospital continues on Beacon Hill, several family members of patients committed there expressed fears about how the shuttering of the institution could affect their loved ones.

Patrick's budget calls for closing Taunton State Hospital

Local lawmakers are preparing for another budget battle over Taunton State Hospital.

The Executive Office of Administration and Finance confirmed Wednesday that the governor's budget proposal was drafted under the assumption that all remaining patient beds at Taunton State Hospital will be transferred to the Worcester Recovery Center during fiscal 2015.

"This allows us to invest resources in community settings rather than institutional care," explained Emme Schultz, assistant secretary for budget and finance operations.

Gov. Deval Patrick presented his fiscal 2015 budget proposal on Wednesday.