ACTION ALERT – NYS Budget Hearing in Rochester – Speak Out for Disability Rights!
Here is a very important Action Alert from Chris:
ACTION ALERT – NYS Budget Hearing in Rochester – Speak Out for Disability Rights!
We have just learned that NYS will hold one of its Budget Hearings in Rochester on November 17, 2007. The hearing will be held at University of Rochester Kornberg Medical Research Building, 415 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM.
It is critical that we have a good showing!
Governor Spitzer is talking about a multi-billion dollar deficit and the need to make cuts in vital programs like Medicaid. We need him to know that community-based services, controlled by the individual getting services, are the way to go! The state can save money by ending its dependence on nursing homes and institutions for seniors and people with disabilities!
Also, very important for the Greater Rochester Region, the State Education Department, for the first time ever, has requested state funding for the Center for Disability Rights! Many of you have helped us in the past as we advocated for state funding to better serve people with disabilities in Monroe and the surrounding counties – we’re finally seeing progress. WE NEED THE GOVERNOR TO HEAR THAT STATE FUNDING FOR CDR IS A PRIORITY!
And as we all know, there is not enough affordable, accessible, integrated housing for people with disabilities. In 2007, Governor Spitzer’s budget created a rental subsidy for people leaving nursing facilities. This needs to be continued and expanded to create more housing opportunities for all people with disabilities.
Please contact Anita Cameron at (585) 546-7510 or acameron@rochestercdr.org if you can attend and if you would like to speak. We need as MANY PEOPLE as possible to attend and a good handful to speak! For more information on the hearing, go here.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
U of R, Kornberg Medical Research Building
415 Elmwood Avenue
I really hope to see many of you there! Helping people with disabilities get the services and housing they need sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday!
FREE OUR PEOPLE!
Chris Hilderbrant
Director of Advocacy
Center for Disability Rights
RA’s note:
Of course, I will be at the hearing, and am slated to testify on behalf of ADAPT. I will post my testimony once it is written.