YOU DID IT!

Governor Patrick makes budget decision based on values
reductions
 
Feared $60 million cut reduced to $7.7 million 
  
Responding to the passionate request of consumers, families and advocates on behalf of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities, Governor Deval Patrick has shielded the bulk of DDS services and supports from an earlier anticipated reduction that would have cut services for thousands of people with developmental disabilities.
 
The Governor is expected to announce at 12:30 p.m. today, specific details regarding his plan to trim $600 million from the current fiscal year budget. I was privileged, along with Leo Sarkissian of The Arc of Massachusetts, to be included in a 6 person conference call with the Governor at 11:00 a.m. today.  The Governor said he made his budget decisions based upon what he believed were the core principles and values of the people of the Commonwealth and his Administration.  He indicated that he sees and understands the human and personal impact behind each and every budget decision.
 
Earlier this month, all state agencies were directed to submit deep budget cut alternatives, with impact statements to help the Governor and his Administration make their final decisions.  Original targets had suggested that EOHHS might have to absorb nearly $300 million in spending cuts with $60 to $70 million coming from DDS supports and services.  The actual cut to EOHHS is now only at $82 million.
 

Led by The Arc of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change, and supported by ADDP, hundreds of consumers, family members and advocates participated in a 12 day Vigil to Save the Safety Net that brought personal stories into the offices of the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Senate President.
 
Members of the Administration report that the Governor was deeply affected by the moving and passionate individual and family stories he encountered as he met with consumers and family in his office.  The Speaker of the House, Bob DeLeo, who met with both Leo Sarkissian and me this past Tuesday, told me that he was also deeply moved by the Vigil participants.
 
Specific 9C DDS budget impacts are as follows:
Family Support, no reductions
Day & Work Programs, no reductions
T-22, no reductions
Facilities, no reductions
Transportation, reduced by $1.5 million
Community Residential, reduced by $4.8 million
Administration, reduced by $1.3 million
T-22, no reductions
Facilities, no reductions
Transportation, reduced by $1.5 million
Community Residential, reduced by $4.8 million
Administration, reduced by $1.3 million
The Governor's decision represents an extraordinary effort by the Governor to make his budget reflect the compassion and values of the Commonwealth.  Without the Governor's action today, thousands of people with developmental disabilities would have lost essential services.  Though there some cuts that will be challenging to absorb, the Governor has demonstrated tremendous leadership, compassion and values in saving the lives of thousands of families across the Commonwealth.
 
ADDP members and advocates are encouraged to call the Governor's Office and express their appreciation.  His office number is 617.725.4005 or you may be able to leave a message on his website.
 
To implement the Governor's 9C decisions, the Legislature must still grant the Governor expanded 9C authority.
 
Please continue to urge your individual legislator to support expanded 9C authority.  You may do so by sending an instant email to your legislator through the ADDP Action Center.