Updated Invitation: Join Us at the Capitol on June 28 to Advocate for Preserving ID/A Services
The ID/A Associations are continuing our advocacy for increases to the IDD budget in PA. Join us at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 28 to advocate for the preservation of desperately needed services for individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. People with disabilities, families, and advocates will be going to legislative offices in Harrisburg, dropping off information, and asking legislators to increase funding for ID/A services.
We will begin by meeting at the East Wing entrance to the capitol at 11:00 am. From there, we will be distributing handouts for participants to deliver to various offices. Staff from all the associations will be on hand to provide guidance as needed. After visits and a break for lunch, we will gather at 1:00 pm in the rotunda for a press conference, hearing from families who are in need of supports and services for their family member(s).
This effort is imperative, as there is no longer a risk of the system collapsing. The intellectual disability system is collapsing. Thousands of people are losing services, and more will soon be added to that list due to a proposed budget reduction and a lack of investment into rates. Inaction by the legislature will only further exacerbate this crisis and leave thousands more individuals and families without services. If nothing is done to address the inadequate rates now, more families in Pennsylvania will suffer.
The budget negotiations are ongoing, and we need YOU and everyone you know to help our advocacy efforts. As the Governor and legislature continue to negotiate funding for the budget, they need to hear from constituents about the importance of the ID/A system and why investing into the rates is the only way to ensure that providers can pay their staff higher wages and attract new staff to serve more people.
If you would prefer to visit your local legislative offices, we can provide the handouts to you via email to distribute to your legislators.
Contact Carol Ferenz or Cathy Barrick to register or if you have any questions.
