We have heard that Governor Christie will hold a news conference Friday the 26th at 11:30 am regarding his plans for the FY 2016 budget. 
This is our LAST chance to fight for increased funding to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. 

 

We were very happy to report earlier in the week that included in the Legislature's proposed budget is: 

  • $3 million to address the Community Care Waiting List through the Division of Developmental Disabilities
  • $2.5 million for Family Support Services through the Department of Children and Families

Helping those on the Waiting List and Family Support Services are the top-level issues for families and so they are the top-level priorities for The Arc of New Jersey.

 

On Thursday, the Legislature's proposed budget passed in the Senate and the Assembly and it is now on the Governor for his review and signature. It is at this stage that the Governor could remove items before signing the budget into law. 


 
With this in mind, Governor Christie must hear from families and self-advocates NOW about the importance of the Waiting List and Family Support Services.

 

How to make your voice heard:

Call or email Governor Christie's office as soon as possible Thursday night or early Friday morning, using the contact information below. Please personalize your correspondence to the Governor, but also be sure to explain the following key points:

  • There are more than 7,000 people on the Waiting List and the State deems more than half of those people Priorities because their circumstances could quickly worsen. Deteriorating conditions can often lead to emergency placements; the worst case scenario for an individual with I/DD.
  • Some individuals on the Waiting List require the additional services offered through the Community Care Waiver to remain at home with family. Others can no longer live at home as their needs have grown and aging caregivers, who are often facing their own health issues, can no longer provide the necessary supports.
  • In addition, Family Support Services through the Department of Children and Families, specifically respite, is critical. Supporting a loved one every day can be overwhelming and family support offers a necessary break so that there can be a balance between caregiving, job responsibilities and other family members who require attention.
  • We ask you to please maintain the increased Waiting List funding of $3 million and the Family Support Services funding of $2.5 million that is included in the Legislature's FY16 Budget.

Contact Governor Chris Christie

By Phone: 
609-292-6000

When choosing this option, select "Developmental Disabilities" from the drop down box to indicate the email topic and then click next. You will be asked to provide your name and contact information at the top. Your message to the Governor can be typed in the message box at the bottom of the page.