Rather than being forced to cut funds for the developmentally disabled, the state Department of Economic Security should be bolstered with federal stimulus money.
More than 4,000 Arizona children and adults rely on such programs – to learn job skills, perform work and meet other needs.
DES planned to cut the programs as part of its $103 million in budget cuts, but a Maricopa County Superior Court judge recently enjoined the agency from doing so.
We’re with the judge on this one. Arizonans with developmental disabilities cannot be productive members of our society without a little help.
And with federal stimulus dollars available to retain their access to such help, the state should do all it can to keep the programs intact.
Real people are behind the numbers on the spreadsheet. That must be kept in mind as budgets are cut.