Lawmakers Swayed by Keep the Promise Rallies

Last week saw Keep the Promise rallies to save Lanterman Act services and fund the direct support workforce for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout the state. The Sacramento rally on Wednesday, April 3 was a rousing success with crowds estimated between 1,500 – 2,000. Several rallies took place on Friday, April 5th which we will cover in next week’s Monday Morning Memo. These rallies play a key role in convincing lawmakers and the public to support the I/DD community.

Members of the press covered the Capitol rally, helping spread our message to the broader community. You can watch local NBC affiliate KCRA coverage on YouTube.

The following legislators came out to the Capitol steps to sign their names to the budget request letter, pledging their support for an 8% increase in funding to Lanterman Act services and supports for people with I/DD.

  • Senate Request Author: Senator Henry Stern, District 27
  • Senator Andreas Borgeas, District 8
  • Senator Shannon Grove, District 16
  • Senator Mike Morrell, District 23
  • Senator Jeff Stone, District 28
  • Senator John Moorlach, District 37
  • Assembly Request Co-Author: Assemblymember Jim Frazier, District 11
  • Assembly Request Co-Author: Assemblymember Chris Holden, District 41
  • Assemblymember Brian Dahle, District 1
  • Assemblymember Heath Flora, District 12
  • Assemblymember Devon Mathis, District 26
  • Assemblymember Tom Lackey, District 36
  • Assemblymember Christy Smith, District 38
  • Assemblymember Marie Waldron, District 75

The rallies, media attention, and legislators who support the 8% budget request represent a good start. However, we would like to see the signatures of every Senator and Assemblymember added to the budget request letter. There is still time for you to take action. Visit thelantermancoalition.org and click the “Take Action” button to write to your state representatives telling them why they must sign on to the letter and #KeepThePromise to Californians with I/DD.