Senator Linares Calls for Funding of Intellectually, Developmentally Disabled Programs

Hartford – State Senator Art Linares (R-33) called for passage of a state budget that provides funding for programs that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sen. Linares spoke at a rally Connecticut ARC Chapters organized to highlight the plight of their clients under the Governor’s austere executive order.

“We know why you’re here today,” Sen. Linares told the crowd that filled a legislative hearing room to capacity. “You have shown us by voting with your feet and by coming to the legislature today, you have shown us that you are passionate and dedicated and persistent to make sure that the legislature lives up to its responsibility to make sure that it fund the programs that help our communities that help all of you.”

ARC is a national organization that provides care, training, and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Under the Governor’s executive order, funding for nonprofits like ARC has been significantly cut or eliminated.

Sen. Linares said it’s important that government protect programs for the state’s most vulnerable citizens. He said the budget proposed by Senate Republicans provides funding for groups like ARC.

“It’s important that our government gives everyone an opportunity to rise up and succeed and that’s why we’re here today to fight to make sure that all those programs that help our community are funded and are sustainable, “ he said.

Sen. Linares urged crowd members to continue making their voices heard and to pressure legislators to pass a budget that funds social service programs.

Sen. Linares represents the communities of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.