250 protest State Budget cuts 2009

Santa Rosa, CA - 250 people with disabilities and the staff & families who support them converged at the local State Building on D Street in Santa Rosa on July 15, 2009 to protest significant budget cuts facing the disability service system.

The rally was organized by persons served and employees at Becoming Independent. Other programs serving people with developmental disabilities such as North Bay Industries, Old Adobe Developmental Services, Oaks of Hebron, Redwood Empire Industries, United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, and Napa Valley Support were also in attendance.

Laura Robinson, Aide to Senator Pat Wiggins, Ed Sheffield, Field Representative for Assembly Member Noreen Evans, and Maddy Hirshfield, Aide to Assembly Member Wes Chesbro addressed the crowd and heard direct testimony about how the budget cuts would affect the lives of hundreds of residents with disabilities. Individuals spoke candidly about how the cuts may affect their jobs, their ability to live independently in their own homes, and the effects on their medical care. In particular, the loss of dental services was highlighted.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• activism
• disability
• Becoming Independent
• protests
• nonprofit
• disability services
• California State budget
• budget cuts
• human rights