Urgent Issue of Budget Cuts Facing Pa Statewide Independent Living Council
Urgent Issue of Budget Cuts Facing Pa Statewide Independent Living Council
Dear All -
As many of you know, I am a Public Policy Analyst for the PA Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) and Director of Public Policy for the National Association of Social Workers/PA Chapter (NASW-PA). I am writing you today regarding an issue facing the PA SILC.
Recently, your legislator should have received a letter from PA SILC's executive director Zainab Jama. The letter gives more detailed information regarding the fact that the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) within the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) recently told Ms. Jama to drastically cut the PA SILC budget (when it is in the midst of a three-year Statewide Plan for Independent Living or "SPIL") and to cut the PA SILC staff from seven to three; please note that this demand from OVR is NOT part of Governor Edward G. Rendell's commonwealth-wide spending reductions for each department. Again, the attached letter gives more details and background information regarding the current situation facing PA SILC, the independent living movement in this commonwealth, and the many Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
I am asking if you would please give consideration to discussing this issue further with your legislator as soon as possible. As well, please give consideration to supporting PA SILC in its endeavors to remain open and operational to represent the interests of independent living, and stop OVR from takings these actions.
If you require further details or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact either me or Kevin Hensil (717-364-1732), PA SILC's Director of Communications.
I thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and that of your legislator.
Regards - Melissa Simmons
Melissa DiSanto Simmons
Figlia Consulting, LLC
4789 Tipton Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 561-3850
[email protected]
Specializing in government advocacy consulting and training for non-profits