1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am a constituent who cares about the future of services for Californians with developmental disabilities, their families, and the direct support workforce. As a community, we are feeling under attack by federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance. Now Governor Newsom has also proposed cuts to health and human services, including regional center services, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), and Medi-Cal. Tragically, whenever the state has needed to cut funding to balance the budget, the disability community has been the target. Our services and supports are our lifeline to the community and to healthy lives. I am relying on you to prioritize Californians with disabilities during this scary time. I ask you to REJECT the Governor’s proposed cuts to health and human services and to protect my services and supports from any future cuts. Please KEEP THE PROMISE that the state of California made to people with developmental disabilities in the Lanterman Act, entitling them to community-based supports. The disability community deserves to be prioritized this time. Together, we can build a future that will provide Californians with disabilities, and the direct support professionals who serve them, a chance to live full and equitable lives. Let’s create a system of supports and services where people can thrive and not just survive.