In Sacramento, Calif. advocates for people with disabilities went to the state Capitol after additional funding for services was left out of the $115.4 billion deal. Dwight Hansen, a lobbyist for developmental disabilities group The Lanterman Coalition, said the proposed 2015-2016 budget increase for developmental disabilities services is only to accommodate a growing number of people in the system, the funding for institutions and programs remains the same. It was hoped that the budget would pay for programs such as assisted care that helps people with disabilities stay in their homes.
"These people were left out in the cold," said Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), addressed the discrepancy in a joint statement Wednesday, saying funding may still be available and will be considered in a special session on the budget. Grove and Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) met with activists outside the Capitol Wednesday, saying they would fight for additional money when budget talks resume.
Advocates for the disabled at the Capitol to protest a funding cut from the state budget in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Photo credit: Rich Pedroncelli - AP
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