We are very happy to report that The Arc of New Jersey's number one advocacy priority for the FY16 Budget, the Community Care Waiting List, was addressed by the Legislature in the proposed budget made public today.
 

Thank you to all of the families and self-advocates for their continued support and advocacy, as it is your ongoing dedication that led us to this outcome. You made your voices heard and we achieved big results because of it.
 

Throughout our meetings with members of the Budget Committees and top-level Majority and Minority staff, The Arc of New Jersey conveyed the importance of this issue and the plight of so many individuals and families caring for loved ones with I/DD who are in need of Community Care Waiver services.
 

The Legislature's proposed budget includes a $3 million increase to address the Waiting List and that money would also qualify for a federal match from Medicaid. While lawmakers grappled with a mounting pension and benefit payment, increasing state debt and an unfunded transportation trust fund, they ultimately decided to put forward additional money focusing on the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
 

Finally, while the proposed budget doesn't include an increase for Family Support Services through the Department of Children and Families, we were happy to see that no funding was cut from what was included originally in the Governor's proposed budget. In addition, the I/DD-specific housing voucher funding was also maintained in the Legislature's proposed budget.
 

The Arc of New Jersey will now focus our advocacy on the Governor as he has the power to veto any or all of these line-items from the budget when the bill reaches his desk. Keep an eye out for one final Action Alert in the very near future and please make sure you participate and feel free to forward the alert to any of your family or friends.
 

Thank you again for your ongoing advocacy and for supporting the work of The Arc of New Jersey as we support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.