AFSCME called for state-operated services.
John Holahan, a concerned parent and a founder of the Arc, submitted a paper asking how it was possible to close the state hospitals and limit the number of beds when there was a waiting list for community services.
The position paper also stated that community programs have high turnover, poor training, no backup, poor support and high burnout.
Holahan's paper was critical of any closures until adequate community services were available.