I am writing in hopes of spreading awareness and gaining support in opposition of the governor’s proposed budget cut to disability services and the Department of Mental Retardation. If this plan is accepted by the House and Senate, thousands of individuals receiving respite and family support and more than 1,000 receiving employment services will lose their funding. Cuts in the autism division, salary reserve program, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education–Department of Mental Retardation, and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission employment program will all hurt children or adults and families. One of the cuts totals $45 million, which equals almost all of the 2009 respite/family support.
While these cuts will benefit in the short term, they will be devastating in the long run. Having to pay for full residential care for many who just get assistance will be costly. There is the bigger picture to consider.
This decision could ruin the lives of people with disabilities—families and children—taking away transportation, jobs, and the support they need to survive. I urge people to contact state senators and representatives to express these concerns and to help our fellow citizens and the children who are our future.
Nicole Palmer
Craggs Road
