We Are Not Invisible - Petition

Re: Petition to Governor Rell for a Town Hall Meeting with Families of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and other Special Needs

Dear Governor Rell:

There is a silent crisis brewing in Connecticut. Community-based agencies serving our friends and family members with developmental disabilities are at risk of collapse because of a 20 year history of underfunding by the state. We urge you to take action on behalf of our family members with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

State government has not addressed our expressed need for adequate funding to meet growing costs of providing vital services. The agencies that provide supports to our loved ones have been grossly underfunded. The Consumer Price Index has increased by more than 95% in the past 20 years while increases in state funding to community providers has been less than 30%. While costs for healthcare, energy, and wages continue to escalate, budget deficits are becoming untenable.

As family members of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and state taxpayers, we are seriously concerned about the future of services for our loved ones. Please help to make sure that that infrastructure of private providers does not crumble under the weight of continued inadequate funding. Our loved ones are depending on you to assure that they will have quality care in the community.

WE URGE YOU TO MEET WITH HUNDREDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS IN A TOWN HALL MEETING TO DISCUSS OUR CONCERNS AND DEVELOP STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING THIS VITAL SYSTEM OF CARE FOR OUR LOVED ONES WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS.