Rally at the State House
Hi, all.
This entry is pragmatically only relevant to individuals currently in Massachusetts, but please take a minute to read this even if you don't live in the state.
For once, I'm actually plugging something political on my LJ. Click the link for a full description; otherwise, just read the abbreviated summary I provided under it:
https://www.arcmass.org/StateHousePolicy/MainBudgetPage/9CBudgetCuts2009/tabid/835/Default.aspx
(Note: this is the umbrella company that contains the program for which I work. I provide in-home services for children under three with autism. These services are completely free to families, and are funded by the state and federal government.)
The Patrick Administration's mid-year cuts will have a profound impact on thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, come July. Family support, special education, employment, and health services will be profoundly affected by these cuts. In particular, the Autism Division will face a $1.5 million dollar cut; Early Intervention will be cut by $1.1 million; and a program that helps find employment for adults with disabilities will be cut by $1.1 million. Several other vital departments will be hit equally hard. In addition to the decrease in services, thousands health care professionals will lose their jobs due to these cuts.
So, what can YOU do about this? Well, there is a rally at the State House this Thursday, February 5th. Sorry for the short notice.
It will begin at the Grand Staircase at 1:00 p.m.
1:40, members of the Press will interview individuals attending the rally (there is no obligation to speak to the press, obviously). After the press leaves, we will be visiting our legislators.
For those of you not in MA (or in MA but can't/don't wish to go), phone calls, e-mails, and letters go a long way toward change as well!
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the State House!
This entry is pragmatically only relevant to individuals currently in Massachusetts, but please take a minute to read this even if you don't live in the state.
For once, I'm actually plugging something political on my LJ. Click the link for a full description; otherwise, just read the abbreviated summary I provided under it:
https://www.arcmass.org/StateHousePolicy/MainBudgetPage/9CBudgetCuts2009/tabid/835/Default.aspx
(Note: this is the umbrella company that contains the program for which I work. I provide in-home services for children under three with autism. These services are completely free to families, and are funded by the state and federal government.)
The Patrick Administration's mid-year cuts will have a profound impact on thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, come July. Family support, special education, employment, and health services will be profoundly affected by these cuts. In particular, the Autism Division will face a $1.5 million dollar cut; Early Intervention will be cut by $1.1 million; and a program that helps find employment for adults with disabilities will be cut by $1.1 million. Several other vital departments will be hit equally hard. In addition to the decrease in services, thousands health care professionals will lose their jobs due to these cuts.
So, what can YOU do about this? Well, there is a rally at the State House this Thursday, February 5th. Sorry for the short notice.
It will begin at the Grand Staircase at 1:00 p.m.
1:40, members of the Press will interview individuals attending the rally (there is no obligation to speak to the press, obviously). After the press leaves, we will be visiting our legislators.
For those of you not in MA (or in MA but can't/don't wish to go), phone calls, e-mails, and letters go a long way toward change as well!
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the State House!