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Legislative Breakfast

The Arc Quinebaug Valley recently hosted a legislative to address the severity of future state budget cut proposals. Left to right: Jeff Rawson, immediate past board president of The Arc; Emily Morrison, United Services, Inc.; Tim Kettle, Northeast Placement Services, Inc.; Susan M. Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc; State Representative Anne Dauphinais; State Representative Daniel Rovero and State Senator Mae Flexer. Courtesy photo.

 

DANIELSON — Jan. 31 The Arc Quinebaug Valley hosted a Legislative Breakfast regarding the severity of further state budget cut proposals to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and other human service agencies.

The Arc provides programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental and other life-affecting disabilities. Vocational, residential, recreation, education, day and retirement services offer opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their goals and be integral members of their community.

Legislators in attendance were State Representative Daniel Rovero, State Representative Anne Dauphinais and State Senator Mae Flexer. From Arc individuals and their families, Arc Board members, Arc staff, representation from United Services, Inc. and representation from Northeast Placement Services, Inc., many voices were heard and stories were shared depicting how nonprofit agencies are already operating on the margin, with bare bones funding. “The impact of further budget cuts to The Arc would be absolutely devastating. As it is, we currently do not have enough funding to enable us to expand our services, nor our staff.  We are being funded by a 2009 Rate System, while we are currently in the year of 2017. This is a huge problem.” said Susan M. Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley. “Nonprofits have not had a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) since 2007 and have had rescissions during that time.”

The demand for services at nonprofit human service agencies has increased, however funding for these services has not. Further budget cuts to this field could eliminate programs and services indefinitely that are currently provided, as well as compromise job security for staff.  This is a very troubling scenario. Judy Daviau, Chief Operating Officer of The Arc Quinebaug Valley, stated “We are constantly fighting an uphill battle when it comes to the state budget. Funding cannot be cut any further, there is simply nothing left to cut.”

Family members of two different individuals that attend The Arc for services, as well as work for The Arc, spoke about their fears and concerns of what the future may bring with regards to the statue budget. Both expressed they rely very heavily on The Arc to provide services and employment for their adult children, as both adults truly enjoy being part of The Arc. “I am unsure as to what our community would do without agencies such as The Arc. This agency helps a great number of people and I cannot imagine what their families would have to endure moving forward without services available to them.” said Pam Brown, Board President of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.

The legislators listened intently to all that was discussed and were seen continuously writing notes while people spoke. It was evident that they truly want to help and recognize what The Arc and other nonprofit human service agencies are experiencing on a daily basis.  “Our individuals are our highest priority and they truly deserve the best that life can offer, therefore, we are counting on our legislators to understand the grave nature of what budget cuts could mean in our realm of work.” said Mrs. Desrosiers.