SACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) praised the decision by the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services to provide at least an eight percent increase for service providers who care for the developmentally disabled community. Republican Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County) is a member of this subcommittee.
Senate Republican Leader Grove pointed out that Governor Newsom’s May Revision of the budget called for a $330 million increase in spending for some providers of services to the developmentally disabled, but left some providers out. With the actions taken by the subcommittee, the developmentally disabled community will receive potentially hundreds of millions of dollars more than what the governor originally proposed, and all providers will be included.
Senate Republicans delivered a letter in February to the chairs of the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees requesting three action items for the upcoming 2019-20 fiscal year, including the eight percent rate increase for service providers.
“With a $21 billion surplus, Senate Republicans fought to make this eight percent increase a priority in the budget. I am proud that we stand united with the developmentally disabled community in this battle. We made a promise to this community and we delivered on that promise.
“The action taken this week is a big step toward securing much-needed resources for our friends, neighbors, and family members who live daily with the challenges of disabilities. I am thankful that Senator Stone, who has been a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled community, pushed for this funding in the committee. Senate Republicans will continue to fight to make sure every tax dollar is spent on those who need it most and in the most efficient way possible,” said Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove.
More than four decades ago, Republicans pushed for legislation that would help the developmentally disabled pursue their own goals and thrive in communities of their own choosing. Named after a Republican statesman, Frank Lanterman, and signed by Governor Ronald Reagan, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act outlined the rights for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Legislature must pass the 2019-20 Budget by June 15th.