Bakersfield protesters seek funding for developmental disability services
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Hundreds demonstrated Thursday across California, calling for to state lawmakers to move additional funding for developmental disability services.
The protesters, representing several groups that provide such services, say there are at least 300,000 people in California with developmental disabilities that rely on state-funded programs.
Protesters claim they need $250 million to keep them going, and they are 10 percent short.
Shawn Kennemer is the associate executive director for New Advances of People with Disabilities. He said the state has not increased its rate given to these programs in decades.
"Throughout the state in 2010 there was over 39,000 vendors providing services, and now there's over 10,000 fewer," Kennemer said. "We're providing the same services at the same exact dollar amount since 1992, even with all of the additional costs associated."
Kennemer said this funding is vital to help developmentally disabled people live productively.
"If we don't get this funding, we start to see their rights erode as being productive citizens in our community," Kennemer said.
Several protesters held signs that said "Keep the Lanterman Promise" and "Shame on You."
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is a state law that says "people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and supports they need to live like people without disabilities."
Assemblywoman Shannon Grove said the funding is urgent.
"Now we're in a critical crisis stage where programs are closing. You know, programs aren't being offered fully at BARC," Grove said.
The president of BARC, Jim Baldwin, said support from lawmakers such as Grove has helped his company's cause, but they need a bigger push.
"Now, we've got pretty good support in Sacramento from the legislators, but they won't cross the governor and the governor will not sign the budget to give us what we need," Baldwin said.
Legislative session will convene at the start of 2016.
