The ARC on Budget Cuts
“Last week, the Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Karen Garcia
published an important investigative article showing how Governor
Newsom's proposed $1 billion in funding cuts to disability services
will impact individuals with developmental disabilities, their families
and the workforce.
The Department of Developmental Services pays private contractors
(service providers) to provide residential and day programs, including
work and training activities, on a per-person basis using a
combination of state and federal funds. But lawmakers recognized in
the mid-2010s that the rates — which have been frozen or cut during
previous state budget crises — did not support an adequate supply of
providers to meet the need for services, according to the
Legislative Analyst’s OfÏce.
Garcia interviewed Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc of
California for the story.
"When a family goes to a referred provider, they’re often met with
waiting lists of many months," said Lindsey. "Or, they’re turned away
entirely because the provider doesn’t have enough staff to support the
varying needs of new clients."
StafÏng levels are low across the state because wages start between
$16 and $20 an hour for a difÏcult, complex job, he added.
We encourage you to share with your networks, and/or write a letter
to the editor to provide comments, and urging the Legislature to reject
Governor Newsom’s proposal to delay/cut $1 billion in funding for
disability services.” – The ARC of California
Issue 121
APRIL 2024
April 17, 2024 10:40 AM PT