So now we are in a recession. When the governor gave his budget address people understood the need to tighten our belts. We understand the need to maintain infrastructure . . . roads bridges, etc. There was also funding in the budget for ‘other’ projects not directly linked to necessities. There are two things we need to push for – a sustainable, untouchable source of funding for the waiting list and the promise that the needs of vulnerable people will come first – before animals, before beautification programs, before football stadiums. People first!
The waiting list would never have become an issue if families and advocates hadn’t stood up and asked for the end of waiting lists. The situation 10 years ago was absolutely dismal. If it hadn’t been for all of us, we’d still be isolated families begging the county administrators for help. Funding was only provided to people who lived in community residential services. The homes didn’t provide support during the day hours that people were required to be in a day program. If you lived at home, chances are you received nothing. Over the course of ten years the PA Waiting List Campaign has created awareness and some level of state funding for nearly 14,000 people.
Give us your thoughts on what can and should be done to insure that the waiting list receives adequate funding and support.
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The Waiting List Campaign has been very successful in securing funding and raising awareness about the needs of people in community. But, the work is never done.
ReplyDeleteThis year, especially in the recession, we need to be proactive and assert the needs of the thousands of people waiting. We can't afford to let the Governor, the Legislators, and the Office of Developmental Programs forget how many of us are waiting and how important it is to end the wait for services.
Each of us can visit our Senator and Representative and tell our story. It is only when the people in power know and understand our needs that they will help us.
Supporting people to live in the community is a core function of government. The people in Emergency situations need help now -- they can't wait for the economy to get better; they can't wait for next year -- their health and welfare is at stake.
Call the Appropriations Committee members, call your representative, call your senator, set up appointments, send letters. Make sure they know who you are and what you expect from them. You are entitled to have your government officials represent YOU!