Last week we reported a lot of good news about Governor Christie's proposed FY17 State Budget and now we have even more details and positive information to share. Specifically, we are very happy that the proposed Budget reflects a huge commitment to community living, including a big increase in the number of proposed housing vouchers and funding to address the Waiting List. These are both high-priority items in The Arc of New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2017 Budget campaign and with your advocacy and support we were successful in making these requests a reality. 
 
From the more detailed information we received from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, there is actually a total of  $79 million in growth in the proposed Budget.

A breakdown of the $79 million is as follows:
  • $10 million for the Waiting List.
  • $5 million for 500 new housing vouchers.
  • $13.2 million for Olmstead. This money will help people move out of developmental centers and into the community.
  • $10 million in transition money to assist providers as they move into fee-for-service. 
  • $41 million for general growth which will go toward emergencies, students aging out of their educational entitlement, etc.
These items are a significant recognition of the needs of people with I/DD and their families and we are glad these are the areas the Governor and the Administration have focused funding efforts. The FY17 State Budget, as currently proposed, is a tremendous feat and is very much  in-line with The Arc of New Jersey's top advocacy concerns. We will provide additional information as it becomes available. 
 
Please remember that these funding levels are part of a proposed State Budget and it will now go to the Legislature for review and then final signature from the Governor by June 30, 2016. Keep a look out for future action alerts as we work to keep these critical items in the final Budget.