Important Message about State Budget Cuts
UPDATED 6/15/10:
BACKGROUND
As you know, in February of this year, Governor Christie announced a lengthy list of emergency budget cuts for State Fiscal Year 2010. Those cuts included one to Autism New Jersey's existing, and longstanding, grant from the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities, in the amount of $155,000. Unlike many cuts announced at the time, this funding reduction did not represent an elimination of our entire remaining grant award. There was, however, no assurance at that time that the remaining funding under our existing contract would be available or that any funds to continue our grant would be included in the upcoming State Budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
In fact, there was deep concern that our over 30-year, remarkably successful, relationship with the State and families touched by autism --fostered by this annual grant -- could come to an end.
That is when you all sprung into action in late February and early March. And we are so thankful that you did.
More than 2,800 of you signed Autism New Jersey's online petition supporting the agency, and requesting that the Governor reconsider his decision. (See some comments from Petition supporters below.) Many of you called and met with your legislators. You made your voices heard, individually and collectively, so that Autism New Jersey would be able to continue to be New Jersey's autism resource for families like yours.
Autism New Jersey has testified before the Legislature, met with key decision-makers in the Executive Branch, spoken regularly with the Department of Human Services, and conveyed each and every day since how strongly you feel about Autism New Jersey and how important the agency's work is --both to your family and to the State.
STATUS UPDATE
Autism New Jesey is pleased to report that, while the initial budget cut was not able to be restored given the State's "once in a generation" budget crisis, Autism New Jersey will be receiving all of the remaining funding owed to us under our existing grant award --- and we have been advised that our next year's grant funding (though reduced by $155k) was included by Governor Christie in his Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Proposal submitted in March.
That budget is still a few weeks away from enactment, and Autism New Jersey's Public Policy team remains focused in advocating for inclusion of the funding necessary to advance support services, training seminars, and other activities that this grant allows.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!
While this government support is indeed vital Autism New Jersey, it is simply not enough to do what the agency's needs to do each day. As such, Autism New Jersey asks that you also consider making a tax-deductible donation, as public funding in these extraordinarily challenging times is never assured.
Advocacy- part of Autism New Jersey’s most passionate and family-affecting mission- is not supported by our government contract. Autism New Jersey relys on you, our members and supporters to provide the financial means to advocate for individuals with ASDs and their families.
Autism New Jersey cannot – and does not – rely on government funding alone. Help us!
Become a member! If you are not a member of Autism New Jersey, the state's leading autism advocacy organization, join today! Not only will you receive benefits that include our quarterly newsletter, but you will add your voice to the 2,000+ parents, professionals, family members and friends who are concerned with autism in New Jersey. If you are unsure of your current member status, e-mail us at membership@autismnj.org.
Make a donation! Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution online today. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a real difference.
Again, thank you for your support and action to ensure the voice of New Jersey's autism community is heard.
We encourage you to visit the Public Policy section of our website to stay informed about the State Budget and other issues of vital importance, as well as our many activities, events and accomplishments.
QUOTES FROM PETITION SUPPORTERS
Autism NJ is the first stop for parents who are first learning of a diagnosis. It often puts parents on the right track immediately, saving families time and money and therefore saving much needed resources. Please reconsider your decision and show your support for individuals with autism. In the grand scheme of things it is a small percent (of the budget), but it has a huge impact on the lives of individuals and families. -- Toni G., Parent
I am grateful to have had a resource such Autism New Jersey. I was so overwhelmed with the needs of my child--feeding alone took 8 hours a day, my child would jump in his crib 4-6 hours a night, attack and destroy lamps and mini blinds, climb inside the oven, dishwasher, etc., not to mention over 200 doctor and hospital appointments in the first year and a half of life--I did not have the time to find answers, I was just trying to survive! Autism NJ was so supportive and has helped me find answers, resources and support.They do an important work for a serious life challenge. -- Anonymous.