Budget protests begin in earnest; disabled community rallies in Annapolis
In the middle of August in Annapolis, Lawyer’s Mall typically serves as a quiet, if steamy, corner of the capital where tour groups gather. But politics returned today, as another round of budget cuts drew hundreds of protesters who rallied just steps from the State House. They were representatives of the developmentally disabled community, including some in wheelchairs, who braved the sticky weather to get a message to Gov. Martin O’Malley: “No more cuts.”
The strong showing reflects the level of fear among caregivers, said Laura Howell, executive director of the Maryland Association of Community Services. She said state funding of services for developmentally disabled residents has not kept pace with inflation for years, and they worry the impending budget cuts could make the situation worse.
O’Malley plans to propose about $470 million in budget cuts next week. More than $250 million of the total will be carved from aid to local governments, and the remainder could come from state services like health care. Because funding for public education from kindergarten through high school won’t be affected, the cuts are likely to hit a handful of other services hard.
If budget cuts affect the developmentally disabled community, some caregivers said they might be forced to reduce staffing or discontinue services. Already, about one in three providers serving the developmental disabled has a negative operating margin, Howell said. “They are very scared about what this will mean,” she said. “I hope the governor hears us.”
Among those who are worried: Joseph Hallowell, who works at Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children in Montgomery County as a residential counselor, helping those in his care dress, prepare food and take medication. “Even in difficult times, we must keep our promise to our most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “I ask the governor to prevent cuts to a system that just can’t sustain them.”
Details about the budget cuts are sure to emerge in the next few days. And with another $1.5 billion shortfall projected for next year, Lawyer’s Mall could see a lot more budget protest in the coming months.
Comments
Although I was unable to personally attend today's rally, I was there in spirit as my Goodwill agency manages a vocational program for individuals with intellectual disabilities that is supplementing state funding from our retail stores. Without revenues from our retail stores, we would not be able to provide services to this population. They need our help to work and be engaged in the community. We should not balance our state budget by reducing services for the most vulnerable among us who cannot advocate for themselves.
Posted by: Cindy Freeman | August 19, 2009 4:48 PM
No budget cuts in the disability community!!!
They are already getting less than they should.
Posted by: Bzallito | August 19, 2009 5:15 PM
I have worked in this field for over 11yrs and I have personally seen the way that building a long term rapport and relationship has enhanced the personal development of many people with disabilities. Taking away the one thing that allows good wholesome people the opportunity to enhance someones life is downright wrong! Everyday I am reminded of just how precious life is and I see it's taken for granted by many of us. If the governor and anybody else that is trying to cut funding had to deal with trying to care for a child or loved one with a disability I'm sure they would be lobbying for more money instead of cutting money.
Posted by: rmays | August 19, 2009 5:29 PM
I oppose any potential cuts to the disabilities' budgets. As a parent of a special needs adult, I have already been a victim of the state's deficit (no funding for respite or vocational rehab, nor I have been able to access the GTYI funding already promised) and therefore, feel I am already doing my part. Please don't consider hurting the disenfranchised any more than they already have been hurt.
Posted by: Mary Roush | August 20, 2009 1:08 PM
Original Message Issue - Legislative Issues Subject - DDA Budget Cuts Dear Governor O'Malley I request you consider the many individuals and their families at risk when deciding whether to decrease the DDA budget again. Service providers such as us demonstrate year after year responsibility and genuine sincerity while advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities. The welfare of others is put into the fore front every day. We strive to do our jobs with excellence for we are eys of the blind, ears for the deaf and countless other aids for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them" Albert Einstein Respectfully, Mrs. Linda J. Clem
Posted by: Linda Clem | August 20, 2009 1:40 PM
i am physically challanged with spina bifida and was not able to attend the rally because of my job position but my staff workers and my mom attended. vivian greer
Posted by: vivian greer | August 20, 2009 2:41 PM
I have worked with people with developmental disabilities for over 30 years and have witnessed the constant struggle to provide quality supports for people using extremely limited and sometimes inadequate financial resources. Govenor O'Malley please do not cut DDA's budget again this year.
Posted by: Dan Fones | August 20, 2009 3:36 PM
Please do not cut funds to DDA. My sister has a developmental disability and has lived in a group home in Silver Spring, MD for 15 yrs with wonderful caregivers. The low wages that these caregivers are paid to care for an extremely vulnerable population is sad. Most truly love their work or they would not do it. Recently my sister suffered a severe injury from a fall at her day program. When attempting to find additional funds through DDA, so that my sister could return home (she now needed some additional staffing), funds were not available. Having to be in a nursing home is stressful to anyone, but to someone who cannot speak for themselves and has limited understanding, it can be a catastrophe. DDA funds should be spared from cuts; if anything they need an increase to provide the services this vulnerable population needs.
Posted by: Sheila Saville | August 21, 2009 3:52 PM
Cutting or furloughing state employees is not the way to go. OMalley constantly says he wants to help "the weorking families" of Maryland. Who do you think runs the state everyday? And next year, when the deficit is even worse, what will he do then?
Posted by: sgunner | August 25, 2009 8:58 AM
Cutting the funds to alzhemieirs division is not a good choice. A lot of elderly people has paid their debt to society . So let them have the funds they need to stay at home.
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