Sample Parent Letter

Please personalize this letter and send to your legislators today!

Dear ____________________

I am writing as a ____________ (parent or guardian) of a child with developmental disabilities currently being supported by AHRC Nassau, a voluntary agency with funding through OMRDD.

Governor Paterson’s proposed Deficit Reduction Plan will devastate direct services my child and children like him/her.  Parents and families have fought too long for individuals to live safely and cost effectively in the community.  Cuts of this magnitude put the safety of our most vulnerable citizens at risk.    

The $65.4 million proposed reduction is the State share ONLY.

Under the Federal stimulus bill, the Federal share of New York's Medicaid spending is approximately 60% and the State share is approximately 40%. Therefore the cut is not $65 million it is approximately $150 million.

Even more devastating, this figure is for the five (5) months remaining in the current fiscal year. When the cut is annualized it could grow to an estimated $370 million.

This proposed plan is not acceptable and I strongly urge you to oppose Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan for OMRDD for the health and life safety of my child and persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in Nassau County.

Insert Your Name