As we go to press today, we face devastating community cuts.   We can’t give up on disability supports and services in the midst of a difficult economy.  As a legislator we ask you not to give up on us and we ask our families and friends to keep up the outreach.  Your stories are what informs neighbors as well as decision makers.

Unemployment combined with the nation’s first universal health care law has real costs – no one should be surprised by this fact.  No one is to blame for it but let’s not destroy disability programs, all programs, because of it.  We are not asking for great expansion, just meeting children’s and adults’ human needs.

In light of this, please support “Community First”.  It works for those in the community and we continue to demonstrate that it works for those once in the institutions.  Do not renew or include restrictive language in favor of institutions in this budget (see related story).

This year we see what the delays have cost us in a supplemental budget -keeping Fernald open for a handful of people costs $1.3 Million per month!  The present delay is due to legitimate appeal rights that each person has through DALA (Div. of Administrative Law Appeals).  Two decisions have been rendered thus far both in favor of the Commonwealth.

Imagine what $1.3 Million per month at Fernald buys:

  • 12 months would fund the Family Support cut
  • 12 months would almost address MassHealth shortfalls
  • so on…

We can’t give up on disability supports/services.  The numbers below are in reference to the Gov’s budget. We focus on the following:

  • DDS Family Support/Respite, $13.9 Million in reductions (over 30% of the account, 5920-3000)
  • MassHealth cuts totaling $15 Million that would slash into day habilitation (day clinical services), adult foster care (efficient in home and out of home assistance) and day health- 4000-0007 ($15million in additional $$)
  • DDS residential supports delaying the exit of adults from nursing homes to the community (part of Rolland legal settlement) $7.75 M needed in 5920-2000
  • The family preservation program of DESE-DDS which requires language in 7061-0012 (DESE account) to insure at least $6.5 M is spent on this program
  • DDS Employment supports for those who were served in T22 this year, need $2.7 M in 5920-2025, and
  • Turning 22 for 2012 requires-$8 Million (plus $3 M) and annualization language of $19.9 for FY’2013, 5920-5000

And it doesn’t stop with these, there are other disability and related lines needing restoration.

These supports help individuals with disabilities at different ages, in different situations.  There is no one constituency.  So we are not asking you to help John who may be 2 years old and refuse to assist Rachel who turns 22 this year and needs support.

Remember that the 38,000 constituents who are served through DDS and the long term MassHealth services have no where else to go to be served. There is no local program or school opening its doors to them, but they are all part of our families, our friends and our communities.  Let’s not leave them behind.

Please – Keep the Promise of Community!

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