Disability Advocates Launch
Phase 2 of Vigil to Save our Safety Net
Beginning Monday, October 26, 2009

Vigil Moves to Offices of
Senate President and Speaker!

CONTACTS: ~ Leo Sarkissian/Joshua Komyerov, advocate@arcmass.org or call 781-891-6270 & ~ Mass Families Organizing for Change, mfofc@comcast.net 800-406-3632

Disability Stakeholders are launching the 2nd Phase of its "Vigil to save our Safety Net." On Monday, the recently completed vigil at the Governor's Office will move to the Offices of the Senate President and Speaker of the House. The vigil continues to focus on the serious crisis facing thousands of people with disabilities whose services are slated to be slashed due to the budget crisis.

This second phase of the vigil will begin Monday, October 26 at 9:30 am and run through Wednesday, October 28 at 3:30 pm.

"It is vital that we reach out to the leaders of our legislature and make sure they realize the devastating effects of both recent and proposed cuts," said Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc.

The Arc of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) are organizing the event in recognition of the importance of the legislature in budget and policy decisions.

"We need the legislative support if we are to avoid the termination of services to several thousand people served through the Department of Developmental Services, MassHealth, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and other agencies," said Susan Nadworny of MFOFC.

The Arc and MFOFC stated that further cuts will destroy the Commonwealth's safety net for the most vulnerable people in the state, causing them to lose residential, Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services, employment, transportation and family supports.

"We need the leadership of Senate President Murray and Speaker DeLeo more than we have ever have," Sarkissian added. "They have been supportive in the past. We pray that the leadership team in both branches will hear our plea."

Expanded Vigil to Save Our Safety Net

Why: Impending cuts in this year's and next year's budgets will eliminate services for thousands of people at DDS (Dept. of Developmental Services, MassHealth and other agencies). We need the House and Senate along with the Governor to hold these already damaged services harmless from further cuts.

Where: At the Speaker's and Senate President's Offices on the 3rd floor of the State House (356 and 330).

When: Starting Monday, October 26, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. and continuing daily from 9:30 to 4 p.m. until Wednesday Oct. 28. We expect the Governor to announce the details of his 9C cuts on October 30, 2009.