BOARD URGES GOVERNOR TO RESTORE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED FUNDING

Contact: Tony Bell, Communications Deputy
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2016

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich urging State legislative leaders to address the pressing needs of the more than 80,000 residents who are developmentally disabled.

“Over the past 20 years, service providers for the developmentally disabled have seen reductions and state funding cuts while costs have risen — significantly eroding developmental services and the quality and access to care provided,” said Supervisor Antonovich.  “If the funding cuts are not restored, vital services will disappear, leaving the welfare of many of our most vulnerable residents at great risk.”

Through a five signature letter, the Board of Supervisors will ask the Governor and State legislative leaders to boost and effectively allocate funding for the developmentally disabled.  In addition, funds must be decentralized to maximize availability of resources to the contract organizations that actually serve the clients.

“It is time the State care for those individuals whom made no decision on their own accord that led to their disability,” said Antonovich.