SACRAMENTO - Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) recently joined hundreds of advocates, supporters, and members of the developmentally disabled community at a rally held on the North Steps of the State Capitol. Organizers marched from the Crest Theatre and ended at the Capitol where Leader Grove addressed the crowd about her advocacy to support the developmentally disabled community. As a four-time recipient of the champion of the developmentally disabled community award, Leader Grove has been a staunch advocate for this community since 2011.
In February, Senate Republicans delivered a letter to the Chairs of the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees requesting for three budget items, including an 8 percent across-the-board payment rate increase as a down payment for providers who serve the developmentally disabled community. A recent rate study conducted by the California Department of Developmental Services confirmed the need for a major new investment of funds for community services.
“The developmentally disabled community needs to be made a higher priority. California made a promise to them, but that promise falls short if we do not provide enough money for life-changing services. Adequate resources allow for members of this community to have a safe, stable, and a fulfilling living environment. We must value and protect our vulnerable members of the developmentally disabled community,” said Leader Grove.
More than 20 members from Bakersfield, including Assistant Vice President Shawn Kennemer from the Bakersfield ARC, attended the rally in Sacramento.
“Once again, Senator Grove demonstrated her continued and committed support to persons with disabilities during her dynamic and moving speech at the Keep the Promise rally on the steps of the Capitol. Her commitment to this vulnerable population has been demonstrated time and time again. We appreciate her demonstrated leadership in obtaining all Republican signatures on a letter of commitment for an additional 8% funding increase. She truly is a champion for the individuals we serve,” said Kennemer.