The state of Arkansas, Gov. Mike Beebe, prop., doggedly insists that it has labored over the years in the best interest of its disabled citizens by housing them in big institutions, rather than following the national move to community-based care.

Even still, it won’t budge in the face of news that the feds intend to sue over the adequacy of all the institutions, not just the problem-plagued unit in Alexander and the huge institution in Conway.

Advertisement

Fine.

But how good a job are we doing if the experts hired by the state to address substandard care have concluded the center at Arkadelphia Alexander alone can’t be operated properly without 70 more employees (where it now has about 200) and needs the equivalent of 14 other full-time workers on special contracts besides.

Advertisement

And what kind of accountability exists in a state where the failed director of that center is rewarded by a return to the vast and highly paid DHS hierarchy?

These questions were raised by report in D-G today, subscription only, unfortunately.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article The Rock Candy 500 returns! Next article Judge the judicial candidates