Governor Christie unveiled a $34.8 billion State Budget yesterday and there is a lot of good news to share about how that proposed Fiscal Year '17 (FY17) State Budget will impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. However, before we get into the details, please know that these achievements would not be possible without your help and support. The holiday cards to the Governor, the advocacy you do in response to action alerts, and your continued engagement is how we get decision-makers to recognize and fund these critical priorities.  Here is a breakdown from yesterday's Budget Address :

At the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
  • $38.8 million for community placements and services. More details are still being worked out, but from the information we have, we believe this money will go toward addressing the Waiting List, creating housing vouchers, and delivering supports for people moving out of developmental centers and into the community.
    • This funding reflects The Arc of New Jersey's Fiscal Year '17 State Budget campaign which asked the Governor and his Administration to fund more people off the Waiting List and into services, as well as funding for individuals who require housing vouchers in order to live independently in the community.
  • $10 million for a one-time community provider increase that will help providers as they transition to the new fee-for-service system.
At the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • The additional $2.5 million for family support services that we advocated for in the current FY16 Budget will continue in the FY17 Budget. This money will help families with children under the age of 21 in need of respite and other important services.
    • We advocated, with the Governor and the DCF Commissioner, for this funding to remain intact.
  • An increase of $25.8 million to support children with needs associated with behavioral health, substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    • Additional details are still being worked out.
These are tremendous victories for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in New Jersey. The proposed funding will support people with I/DD as they lead inclusive lives in the community and we are very happy to report this outstanding news. Thank you again for all of your advocacy support. We are also grateful for this Administration's dedication to people with I/DD as we know that this new and annualized funding will go a long way toward needed supports and services. 

The State Budget will now be reviewed and debated by the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees before it receives final signature in June. Please keep a look out for any action alerts in the weeks and months to come.