Dear Families and Self-Advocates,
Governor Murphy delivered his annual Budget Address yesterday afternoon and we’re very happy to report that the proposed State Fiscal Year ‘21 Budget includes funding to address two very important issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
- wages for Direct Support Professionals and
- Day Program Rates.
Specifically, the Governor’s proposed budget includes:
- $42 million toward DSP wages to keep these workers’ wages ahead of the rising minimum wage. We believe this figure represents state and federal dollars that New Jersey will receive via Medicaid.
- $20 million to increase day program rates. Right now, providers do not receive any payment when a person is absent from their day program. This funding recognizes the financial effects of absences and helps to address the issue so providers can continue to provide quality services to people with I/DD. (Again, we believe this funding figre represents both state and federal dollars via Medicaid.)
The Arc of New Jersey thanks all of the family members, self-advocates and Local County Chapters who were a pivotal part of our advocacy efforts. Whether it was participating in action alerts, speaking to elected officials, attending events at the State House, or educating members of the Administration on why these issues are so important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Your voices matter!
We look forward to your continued support as our budget advocacy continues in the months ahead. The proposed budget will now be reviewed in-depth by the Legislature and budget hearings will likely be announced in the coming days. Following that, the Budget Committees will hear from the Commissioners of all the State Departments to review spending priorities. We will update you in the near future about opportunities for you to weigh in as the budget process moves forward.
Thank you again for all your hard work and support.
