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Budget can’t be balanced on the backs of people with disabilities — again Feb. 28, 2008 Contact: Emily Wilson MINNEAPOLIS — The state budget forecast released today and the impending budget cuts to important health programs are of great to concern to people with disabilities around the state who have already experienced more than $500 million in cuts in the past five years. “People with disabilities face daily challenges to access proper health care, transportation and employment options. With this new budget forecast, people with disabilities do not want to see the budget being balanced at the expense of the essential programs that they need,” said Joel Ulland, co-chair of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. “Unraveling the access to these programs threatens the ability of some people with disabilities to live independently in the community.” Budget cuts in recent years have reduced transportation options and increased co-payments for prescription drugs. These cuts have reduced access to health care programs, services that keep families together and supports that keep people in the community and out of institutions. “We call on the legislature to find alternatives to solve this budget deficit than putting budget cuts on the backs of people with disabilities,” Ulland said. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) is a coalition of more than 100 disability organizations that advocate for better services for people with disabilities. The MN-CCD addresses public policy issues that affect people with disabilities by collaborating with others, advocating, educating, influencing change and creating awareness for understanding. |
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