WHITE HAVEN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) – State lawmakers are considering closing five state run facilities that take care of people with intellectual disabilities.
One of those places is the White Haven Center in Luzerne County. A family picnic was held at the center Sunday. Family and friends gathered to spend time with the loved ones and discuss the future of the facility. Some have started a petition to stop the proposed bill.
Supporters of the plan say the closures would improve care for the residents by moving them into private community centers. But many who have loved ones in the state facility say that’s simply not true.
“It’s cruel, It’s unfair. I would fall apart if that were to happen,” says Linda Lotzi.
“My reaction to it is that at this time we have to do whatever we can do to defeat this bill from moving any further,” says Tom Kashatus.
The passing of the bill would also mean 400 people would be out of work. The proposal is now in the health committee. Public hearings would also be held before the bill could move forward.
