Lawsuits start up to stop cuts in disability programs
Kold.com has a story that a class action lawsuit has been created to stop planned cuts in disability programs in Arizona. The cuts to children’s programs are especially troubling because they are putting the lives of kids in danger. While we can appreciate that no one wants their program cut, the economy is making it all but impossible to run things as normal. The housing market has cut dramatically into payments of property taxes and income taxes. Without the tax revenue there is no way to pay for all the programs each state has in place. California has already layed off hundreds of workers and have held back tax refunds to those that overpaid last year. It is impossible to think that California is also going to run all their disability programs with no changes compared to last year.
The disability community is going to have to start working for themselves and get the federal government to cough up cash so the states do not crash because their budgets don’t work anymore.We at SCRN have found it all but impossible to get the different disability groups to get together on anything, including emergency procedures. It was discouraging that the blind groups would not work with those in wheelchairs or those that had hearing disabilities. Each had their own agenda and were not willing to combine forces to discuss issues that affected all those with disabilities. Unless the disability groups get together with one voice we are going to be pushed aside. Anyone that is disorganized has a more difficult getting anything done and this is no different. By combining forces we can call our representatives and senators to let them know that we are an important voting block and that we need help.
Until the disability community gets this message they can expect that disability programs like those outlined in the article will continue to happen all over the country. It is a sorry state to be in and thousands of disabled people will be directly and indirectly hit when programs are shrunk or completely shut down. We all have a voice and most have a phone – now is the time to use it. In a democracy we should be voting for those that will help the disabled community at the local and federal level. But that is not the end! You have to call and write those members to let them know you expect them to do those things they promised when they were elected and that we are watching. Otherwise we will be overrun with special interest groups that will happily spend our money for crazy things we never asked them to.
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User Comments
Debbie;
Budget cuts are hurting the disabled in ways that the able bodied cannot even begin to understand. What appears to be a tiny cut may be the difference between paying for needed medication or paying for food to feed the kids. It is quite terrifying not knowing what the government is going to do but from my article, call your congressman and senators. The only way they know there is a problem is if we complain. The squeaky wheel gets the oil so call often and get your disabled friends and caregivers to call too. Only as a combined force can we be sure that thought will go into cutting SSDI rather than just watching from the sidelines. Hang in there and if there are lawsuits you can join, call the law office and see how you can help and what the results will hopefully be.
Greg George
CEO
Spinal Cord Resources Network
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It is just horrible. I live in California and my disabled son’s respite care has been reduced dramatically, not only this but EVERYONE who receives SSI ( disability payments )adults and children alike, are being reduced by $40.00 a month. While that amount may not seem like much to the average person- a disabled individual who relies on their monthly benefit payment as their only source of income will suffer. California is also one of the highest ranked states with unemployment and foreclosures at this time. Hmmmm I say many more lawsuits will follow.