Summary
Programs that support people with disabilities in their lives and communities are facing potential cuts to and elimination of federal funding. Help us save these critical programs by telling your federal legislators how important these programs are to the disability and aging communities. You can take action by sending your legislators an email or calling them.
About this Action Alert
Last week, we learned about a federal budget proposal that would cut or eliminate federal funding for programs that protect the health, safety, and well-being of people with disabilities and older Americans. On the list of programs slated for cuts or elimination are those that fund:
- Protection and Advocacy agencies
- the Councils on Developmental Disabilities
- the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
- Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
These programs are among others who fight against abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and waste in disability and aging services. This list included elimination of two programs that help fund Disability Rights Wisconsin’s protection and advocacy work, which supports people with developmental disabilities and the voting rights of people with disabilities and a significant cut in funding for a third program that supports people with mental illness.
These funding cuts would decrease the ability of people with disabilities to:
- live in their community
- be self-reliant
- have choices in how they live their lives.
For many people with disabilities, these programs are the only thing they can turn to when they need help. They literally save lives.
Take Action Now!
Help us save these critical programs by telling your federal legislators how important these programs are to the disability and aging communities.
Talk to your federal legislators by:
- emailing them using this online form, provided by our partners at the National Disability Rights Network.
- calling them at (202) 224-3121.