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I have chosen in my article for this edition of VISIONS to focus on one crucial topic. This issue is the imminent danger to our Day and Vocational Programs. I would like to bring to everyone's attention the possible cuts to Day Services for the coming year. In Governor Romney's budget, over $12 million dollars was cut from Day and Vocational Services and an additional $4 million from transportation. This greatly jeopardizes many of the people we serve, particularly those living in their own homes. These people, who are not protected by any lawsuits or consent decrees, could face losing their Day Programs after July 1st. Naturally, this would have a major effect not only on the individuals, but their families who will need to find ways to look after their family member in place of their attending a Day Program.
I am urging all of you to help us mobilize and bring this issue to the forefront. There is still plenty of time to reverse this from happening. Please take a few minutes to call or write your local legislators, Governor Romney, and Secretary of EOHHS Preston, and urge them to reverse this decision. Both the House and Senate's budgets will be coming out in the coming months and it is crucial
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that you take time to notify these people of your concern for these programs. Berkshire County Arc has over 100 people in their Vocational Programs and a major cut could cause us to reduce staff or cut slots so people would not be able to attend.
We are using every effort possible to stop this from happening and we need your help and support. The following is a list of addresses and phone numbers and I urge you to help us in this battle. Thank you for your continuing support; and we will work hard to ensure that our quality services are kept intact.
Contact the following and urge them to ensure Day and Vocational Services are not cut. Thank you for your support.
LEGISLATORS 2004
Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.
74 North Street, Room 604
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Tel. (413) 442-6810
Representative Daniel E. Bosley
3 Elmwood Avenue
North Adams, MA 01247
Tel. (413) 663-7486
Representative Peter J. Larkin
8 Bank Row
P.O. Box 4593
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Tel. (413) 448-8714
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Representative Shaun P. Kelly
399 Main Street, Suite 2E
Dalton, MA 01226
Tel. (413) 684-5133
Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli
100 Franklin Street
Lee, MA 01238
Tel. (413) 243-5534
His Excellency Governor W. Mitt Romney
State House, Room 360
Boston, MA 02133
Tel. (617) 725-4005
Ronald Preston, Secretary
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
One Ashburton Place, Room 1109
Boston, MA 02108
Tel. (617) 727-7600
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