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Living By Chance Not Choice
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Kansans Affected By Budget Cuts
Within these pages are stories of real people whose lives are being torn apart by Kansas budget cuts. These stories represent individuals with disabilities, of all ages, from many parts of the state, each with their own unique needs. In August and November of 2002, Governor Graves ordered allotments totaling over $32 million in State General Funds for Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS). This is a loss of over $63 million to the SRS budget when federal matching funds are counted. Cuts targeting Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Medicaid Services are causing people with disabilities to lose their freedom, independence, dignity, and right to be productive community members. The cuts will force many into nursing homes, and force others to live in poor environments that put their health, safety, and well being in jeopardy. The cuts are affecting LIVES.
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK) is dedicated to ensuring independence and the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and productive life, in the community setting of choice, for all persons with disabilities. The SILCK, with the help of Jason Gallagher, and the cooperation of the Independent Living Centers in Kansas and the Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTCIL) at the University of Kansas, have created this booklet of stories to show the Kansas Legislature, and the Kansas public, the faces that correspond with the dollars being cut. By creating this booklet, and illustrating the adverse affects of budget cuts, the SILCK urges the 2003 legislature to do the right thing, and ensure that adequate funds are restored to critical SRS services that make it possible for Kansas citizens with disabilities to live independently in their own homes.
Statewide Independent Living Council of
Kansas
www.silck.org
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