DHW Holds Hearings On Possible Cuts

 More than 100 people gathered at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to attend a hearing over whether they'll be able to appeal cuts to the state's cash assistance program for disabled adults.  The hearing on Tuesday afternoon was so crowded that it took three conference rooms to seat everyone.  The department decided last year to reduce or cut payments to about 2,000 developmentally disabled adults amid statewide budget cuts.  But opponents say the cuts could force hundreds of disabled Idahoans out of their certified family homes and into nursing homes and other institutions, at a greater cost to the state and federal government.  Hearing officer Sandra Meikle will likely decide whether the cases should be dismissed or consolidated sometime in July.