Protecting senior, disabled services will save taxpayers' money in the long run
The disabled and senior community of California is living in fear. Understandably, considering we are now in our third month with no budget. People are not getting paid and the stalemate has no end in sight. Each year that there has been a deficit, the first thing on the chopping block seems to be services for seniors and the disabled, a fact that is chilling.
Advocates continue to contact legislators whose feedback has varied from understanding and trying to help, to refusing to give alternatives for revenue increases. The solution to our problem can't be to simply make cuts. It's time for party lines to be put aside and compromises made.
We understand that there's a multibillion-dollar gap in the budget. However, to expect people with disabilities and seniors to take the brunt of the cuts year after year is completely unfair. The fact is that not everyone has a family member who can take care of them. How about the families that can't work because they are taking care of their disabled or senior family member? Or working disabled people who, without services, will be forced to leave their jobs and end up on Social Security?
We need to consider the fact that people who have disabilities have the right to live as independently as possible, which the Supreme Court decided in 1999 in the case of Olmstead v. L.C. If we cut or eliminate the services that allow independence, we are eliminating independence, not promoting it. When is enough enough?
People with disabilities have always fought to have their civil rights recognized, and the time has come to tell legislators to stop their attack of social services that keep them going. Tough times call for tough decisions. While we understand that cuts are called for, so is the need to increase revenue. It's time to close loopholes, eliminate tax breaks and implement taxes.
We have to realize what's at stake. In the end, more people will end up in nursing homes and hospitals, families torn apart, even higher unemployment rates, death and more tax dollars spent than if the services had been protected.
Take In-Home Supportive Services for instance. On average, it costs $1,500 per month for a person to receive IHSS. If that same person goes to a nursing home, it will cost approximately $5,500 out of the same general fund. Not to mention the numerous lawsuits that will come about because of the budget cuts.
Educate yourself about what's happening. Let your legislators know how you feel about the job they've done so far. At one point or another, you can/will be affected by the budget. Help protect the future for seniors, disabled people and yourself.
The goal of the Independent Living Center of Kern County is to empower, inform and encourage people with disabilities. If you'd like more information about the budget or how you can get involved, contact the center at 325-1063 or e-mail me at brandy@ilcofkerncounty.org.
Brandy Morgan is systems change advocate for the Independent Living Center of Kern County.
