There is an urgent matter to be advocated for! Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed to delay a $1 billion investment in critical supports and services for Californians with developmental disabilities from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025. Las Trampas strongly opposes the Governor’s budget proposal to delay this investment.

Our community has endured underfunding for decades: the CA Department of Developmental Services has been shown to be underfunded annually by $1.9 billion, the State of CA has increased rates only THREE times since 1988, and this is one of the largest proposed delays or cuts in the Governor’s 2024-2025 state budget. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this delay on access, equity, and quality of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Las Trampas firmly believes that:

• Every person with IDD should have access to the services they need and are entitled to
• Services should be available equitably to every person irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or regional center
• Services should be person-centered and high quality, with meaningful outcomes set by the person

This setback in funding sends a message that the promise of the Lanterman Act in 1969 – which entitles Californians with IDD to receive the supports and services needed to pursue the goals and lives of their own choosing – is not a priority to the state. State leaders know how urgent it is to stabilize the disability services system, which is why they planned a funding increase this year.

Keeping the promised funding implemented this year would:

• Address an acute workforce crisis by offering competitive wages to attract and retain direct support professionals who deliver vital, hands-on services and support to people with disabilities
• Improve access to housing, transportation, individualized programs, and desperately needed respite services for parents, families, and most importantly, people with disabilities
• Allow the full implementation of quality incentive programs to improve outcomes for people with disabilities more quickly

It has been a goal of ours to create and support self-advocates from Las Trampas. We began this process back in January 2024 with advocating at the East Bay Legislative Coalition (EBLC) Legislative meeting on Zoom. Since then, staff have been supporting the advocates with follow-up visits to legislator’s offices.

We need all of you – individuals with IDD, their families, support staff, service providers, regional centers and advocates – to take action! Join in urging the Legislature to reject the Governor’s proposal delaying $1 billion for the disability community, and make the investment on July 1, 2024, as promised. Thank you in advance for advocating and ensuring that quality services continue for all people with IDD.