Disability Budget Coalition Budget Action Alert
Disability Budget Coalition Budget Action Alert
The budget still isn't finished, though the end may be near-maybe this week. We should make one last push to get numbers that won't result in huge cuts to our programs. To restore funds and continue growth of these and other critical programs, we must keep calling attention to these programs. Attached is an action alert written a month ago and below is recommended action. Please don't give up now!
Please contact your state representative and senator today. Even if you've already called or written or met with them, do it again today. Tell them:
- Failure to adequately fund home and community based services for people with disabilities will not only hurt people, it'll cost taxpayers more. If people don't receive the home and community based services that they need when they need them, some people would have to give up jobs, costing the state tax revenue. Some losing services or waiting for services could wind up being forced into institutions, costing the state much more money. Cutting state funding also shifts costs to other levels of government. As services are cut in order to avoid tax increases on the state level, taxes are raised at the county and local levels in order to fund the increased need for services.
- Share your personal story about what the services you receive mean to you and your family and about what the loss of those services would mean. If you're waiting for services share that as well.
- Explain how timing is critical. If you work for an agency that relies on state funds, explain the effect of waiting for funding.
- If you are willing, it would be very helpful to tell them that as a taxpayer you are willing to pay a little bit more so that critical services can be adequately funded. Let them know that you'll support them if they put up the difficult votes.
Ask them to contact their leadership and let them know that they must act as quickly as possible to pass a budget which includes adequate funding for critical programs serving people with disabilities.
Also write to the Governor or copy him on your letter to legislators.
It is critical that we make our voices heard now and until a budget is passed!
For more information contact Linda Anthony, Disability Rights Network of PA (DRN), at (800) 692-7443 ext. 314 or [email protected].