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By Jim Frazier, Public Policy Director, The Arc / UCP California Collaboration
On February 28, hundreds of advocates from California’s developmental disability community showed up at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 hearing in-person to lend support to the overwhelming opposition to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed $1 billion cut in funding for regional center services. The show of force along with moving public testimony reinforced how harmful this budget cut would be to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and how destabilizing it would be to California’s disability services system. Especially poignant testimony was provided by the Board President of The Arc of California, Pat Hornbecker, as she talked about her son, his need for services, and stating that the Lanterman Act is a promise to individuals and families that must be upheld.
After a long discussion about the proposed cut, the Chair of the Committee, Assembly Member Dr. Corey Jackson from Moreno Valley, heroically declared that he and all of the committee members oppose Governor Newsom’s proposed cut. Dr. Jackson’s comments can be viewed on our YouTube channel, and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. We encourage all readers to like, share and comment and thank Dr. Jackson for opposing the Governor’s proposal to cut funding for vital services and supports for Californians with developmental disabilities.
The fight, however, is far from over. Next step is to continue our momentum by attending the March 21st Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 hearing in Sacramento, which will give the Senate the same opportunity to hear and oppose the Governor’s proposal. More details to come!