Dear Editor:
New Jersey legislators and the Governor’s office heard the plea for a 4 percent Cost of Providing Care increase in the FY 2005 Budget at a rally on May 27, 2004. Three thousand concerned individuals attended the rally, including people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, families, caregivers and advocates. The Arc and many other provider organizations in the human service community united in an effort to convince the New Jersey legislature and the Governor to resolve this funding crisis.
There are 500,000 individuals served by human service agencies in New Jersey, and their well-being is at stake. The cost of providing care continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the past year, the human service provider community has struggled with a 16 percent increase in costs, while receiving no increase from the state.
Now organizations have reached a breaking point. Many families are fearful and concerned over cuts in services and a decrease in the quality of care for their loved ones. We ask the New Jersey legislature and the Governor to help our most vulnerable citizens. Support the 4 percent increase in the Cost of Providing Care – it is the right decision.
Thomas Baffuto
Executive Director
The Arc of New Jersey