Realizing how crucial human services funding is to residents and agencies of Carbon County, state Rep. Doyle Heffley voted against the final House passage of 2012-13 state budget, which included nearly 10 percent cuts to programs benefiting the state's most vulnerable citizens.

"My vote on this budget wasn't a party issue; it was based solely on how these human services cuts will negatively impact Carbon County. I've recently held lengthy discussions with local human services providers, elected officials and families who rely on these types of services, and they each voiced concerns that these cuts would not provide adequate care to residents who depend on these services," said Heffley."Although the restoration of $84 million to human services was an improvement compared to the governor's original proposal to cut funding by $168 million, the 10 percent reduction is still devastating to the 122nd Legislative District and I had to vote in the best interests of the individuals I represent."While Heffley agreed with the spending number for the $27.7 billion budget, he believes there were opportunities to pull funds from other areas of the budget to help restore the human services cuts without increasing the overall budget total.However, Heffley was pleased that this budget added $17.8 million to reduce the intellectual disability waiting list by 700 special education graduates and 430 individuals who reside with elderly caregivers.