DENVER—This week the Joint Budget Committee tentatively approved Governor Ritter's request to expand funding to the Developmentally Disabled.
The JBC added $6.8 million to fund services to the developmentally disabled but with federal matching funds, the state could add as much as $14.7 million to services provided to this very vulnerable population.
Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) said, "This is one of those examples that proves the adage that the budget is a moral document. Caring for those among us that are most vulnerable is not only good stewardship, it is also the right thing to do. We will no longer turn our back on these citizens. These funds will help reduce the list of those waiting for services.”
JBC members were quick to caution that nearly four times this amount would be needed to eliminate the waiting lists. Morse added, “There is still much work to be done, but our tight budget does not permit additional progress on this front at this point.”
