By Sadie Hess, Founder and CEO
We understand the California budget for 2023-24 is a complex issue with significant implications for various communities, especially those relying on critical services like housing and developmental support. There was a proposal for a delay in funding for programs for Californians with disabilities until 2025, this is undoubtedly disappointing and raises concerns about the impact on individuals who rely on these services.
February Hearing
On February 28th, Gavin Newsom’s proposed 1 billion cut to Regional Center Services was heard in committee. The hearing was open to staff, clients, and their families. A group from our Compass community went to the state Capital to let their presence and voice be known. They advocated for themselves, for the promise that was made for quality services, and demanded full funding for supported and independent living services. They were advocating for essential rights.
In the words of our clients and staff
I think it would be most advantageous to hear from them directly. Here is what some of our clients and staff had to say.
Stephanie was happy to be able to go to the State Capitol. She wanted to be able to let them know the services she receives are important to her. She wants them to please keep helping ILS and not make clients wait for services. She has had ILS for many years, and it has been her biggest support in completing her certificate at Shasta College, as well as with parenting her son who she now has in college, and they have supported her in her various complicated medical issues and surgeries. Without services like Compass, she feels she would not be as successful in life. Failure to keep their promise means she may not be able to have as much support and others will also not be able to be helped.
Shelba said she wanted to go and let them know she would fight for her rights!
Kenneth wanted to address them in person and did so!
Our ILS Supervisor Vanessa had this to say, “The presence that day was amazing the rooms were full and there were people in the hallways watching the TV screens. I met a mother who brought her 4 children from Carson City to be there. I was asked by people in the building what was going on and why there were so many people. To which I replied, Services for individuals with disabilities are very needed and underfunded. We showed up to make them aware and to see who it will affect! Per the comments that day in the hearing ‘it is hard to staff for the complex community we staff for when fast food restaurants can hire for 20.00 an hour, we need to be able to hire qualified people, but are not funded to do so’ We were promised something that took many years to get approved and now they are trying to further the delay and cause more detriment to our community”.
It’s Personal
We’re heartened by the focus on initiatives like the Master Plan for Developmental Services—it feels like a lifeline for our loved ones and clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s personal because we know the difference it can make in their lives. But then, there’s this frustrating delay in funding for programs for Californians with disabilities. It hits home because we know people who are directly affected by it.
Keep Pushing
The advocacy efforts of organizations like Compass, as well as individuals and families directly impacted by these budget decisions, are crucial in ensuring that their voices are heard by policymakers. It’s essential to keep pushing for full funding and the timely implementation of rate reforms to uphold the rights and quality of life of those in need of these services.
My Hope
It is my hope, that our community and those we serve alongside continue to show up to advocate for promised funding. I want their voices heard beyond the agenda and the call to order of a quorum. May our leaders and legislators be moved with compassion to fight for a group of people who often must fight harder than many of us on any given day to make choices for themselves and be supported.
A Human Issue
At its core, this is indeed a human rights issue, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in policymaking and decision-making processes. Beyond the budget and the dollars, there is a Stephanie, a Kenneth, or a Shelba, and countless more individuals in need of services that will be delayed if funding is delayed. Every individual affected by these budget decisions has a name, a story, and aspirations, and it’s vital to remember their humanity amidst the discussions of budgets and dollars.