Social Services Cuts
March 4th, 2009 by Mike Vasilinda
The AARP and a coalition of groups ranging from the Children’s Home Society to the Developmental Disabilities Council today called on state lawmakers to pass tax increases to provide money for services. The groups are worried that Federal money will be used to plug budget holes, but when the money is gone, services will be cut. Debra Dowds from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council says she already has a long waiting list stimulus dollars won’t cure.
“There are 18,000 people waiting for services. In addition to that, the developmental disabilities system has been cut for the last two years,” Dowds said. “Two years ago, they cut services, they put people in tears, and then last year they cut provider rates. The system is in a real crisis. In addition to that, there are 18,000 people on the waiting list.”
Because of cuts made to DD programs, some providers have closed their doors, making the waiting list longer and the need for services greater.
Posted in Children, Health, Legislature, State Budget, State News | 
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