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The Lanterman Coalition, consisting of major stakeholders in California’s community-based developmental disabilities services system, released the following official response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Budget May Revision (The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, as members of The Lanterman Coalition, endorse this statement):
The Lanterman Coalition appreciates Governor Gavin Newsom for reaffirming his support for Californians with developmental disabilities in his proposed 2023-24 May Revise budget by maintaining the commitments made for community-based services and supports.
We applaud the administration for proposing targeted investments to make reasonable wage adjustments for some regional center service coordinators. The workforce shortage, however, continues to impact all individuals with disabilities and we hope similar adjustments will be made for all regional center service coordinators. Similarly, the proposed increase for Independent Living Services can serve as a model for other rate adjustments.
Staffing shortages across the disability system continue to be the most significant barrier to individuals with disabilities and their families receiving adequate support service. The pandemic continues to impact the ability for staffing, which is a growing concern for the disability community at large. To adequately meet these needs, service providers and regional centers across the state will require a funding structure that allows them to hire, train and maintain staff.
We are ready to work with the Legislature and Administration to continue the efforts to build a stable and outcomes-driven system, providing Californians with disabilities throughout their lifespan equal opportunities and access to the services and supports needed to thrive.
Show your support and take action now by sending an email to the Governor and your legislator at https://p2a.co/9nfVaAC