Senate passage of this bill is quite unusual. Normally, state budgets begin in the House and work their way to the Senate, not the other way around. Despite S.B. 850’s passage in the majority Republican Senate, House Democrats will soon debate and pass their own version and send it over to the Senate.

S.B. 850 would make deep cuts to key programs would force more disabled people out of their homes and into nursing homes. Funding for severely disabled adults in Attendant Care and other community-based programs would be slashed by almost 20%. Factoring in federal funds and additional ARRA (stimulus funds), the total cut from the Governor’s proposed budget would be more than 14%.

Although times are tough, cutting vital programs is not the answer. Cuts to state services not only harm vulnerable residents but also worsen the recession by reducing overall economic activity.

You Can Help!
Please contact your senator and/or representative and let them know that approval of this proposed budget would be fiscally and morally irresponsible. Use the link below to find your state Senator or Representative:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm

Enter your zip code to find who represents you. Clink on your Senator or Representative’s name to get his or her e-mail and street address.