We are thrilled to announce that through additional research and examination of the Legislature's proposed budget, we have learned that there is in fact an increase of $2.5 million in Family Support Services through the Department of Children and Families. Increasing the funding for Family Support Services, which includes the critically-important respite service, is another significant acknowledgement that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are a top-priority for members of the Legislature. This increase in funding and the additional monies proposed for the Waiting List have been The Arc of New Jersey's driving mission in regards to the FY16 Budget. We spearheaded these issues through the halls of the State House and we are delighted to see the Legislature took notice and increased funding.
 

We thank all of the family members across the State who participated in our action alerts and weighed in with legislators about the budget and how the funding priorities in New Jersey directly impact their lives and the lives of their loved ones. We are elated to see our elected officials recognize what a vital role respite and Family Support Services play in the lives of families across the State caring for a loved one with I/DD in the home.
 

It is because of families that we were so successful in conveying this message to members of the Legislature and we thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment throughout the year. The Waiting List and Family Support Services are top level issues to families and so they are top level issues to The Arc of New Jersey. 
 

We are very happy to see the Legislature tackle Family Support Services as these services help keep families together. It is astounding to see that despite a number of significant fiscal challenges facing the State, the Legislature saw fit to increase funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
 

We are in the process of authoring a final action alert that calls for this new funding, and the additional monies proposed for the Waiting List, to be maintained. We will distribute this alert in the very near future and ask you all to participate. Keeping this funding intact is critical as we head into the final hours of budget negotiations.