The Associated Press
LINCOLN - A union representing state workers railed against the Nebraska government for the continued problems at the Beatrice State Developmental Center.
Mike Marvin, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees Local 61, said Tuesday in a news release that Gov. Dave Heineman and state administrators have failed to remedy the problems at the state-run center.
He said officials have ignored the needs of the center’s staff and the safety of its patients.
Marvin’s complaints came as the state Department and Health and Human Services appeals a negative review that jeopardizes nearly $29 million in federal funding. The center for mentally retarded patients has now failed four reviews in two years.
On Monday, the department announced a plan to remedy problems at the center. It included measures to reduce worker overtime and the number of patients served.
John Wyvill, director of the department’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, said Tuesday that he was shocked by Marvin’s comments and that Marvin appears to be misinformed.
Wyvill said he has a good relationship with the union steward at the Beatrice center and that they’ve discussed the problems there and how to remedy them.