Inclusion Daily Express -- Advocates Tell Governor To Spare Cuts To Community Services

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Advocates Tell Governor To Spare Cuts To Community Services
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
January 24, 2008

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY--They call themselves the 847K Coalition.

They are organizations that represent and advocate for the 847,000 Kentuckians that have disabilities.

And Wednesday, more than a thousand of them gathered at the Frankfort Convention Center to deliver a loud message to Governor Steve Beshear: "Remember us when you go to balance the state's budget."

The advocates are worried that Beshear will not be able to maintain -- let alone increase -- the current levels of funding needed for in-home and community supports, as he deals with an estimated $600 million budget shortfall.

One of those who spoke out was Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky 2008, Jaime Blanton.

"Particularly in times of financial crisis, we get forgotten," Blanton told Beshear.

While he made no promises, Beshear told the crowd: "In making these decisions, we have to make sure that the most vulnerable in our society have priority."

"We are working night and day to make sure we can continue a current level of service, if possible," he added.

Beshear is scheduled to unveil his budget proposal next Tuesday.

Related:
"Disabled Kentuckians rally for funding" (Herald Leader)
http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/295907.html
"1,000 rally on behalf of disabled" (Courier-Journal)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0124a.htm

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