Extremes

As state legislatures are convening all across this country voting on budget measures and working on new laws for their constituents, the fight for those with the smallest voices- those with developmental and intellectual disabilities- is stronger than ever.  That’s why it’s so interesting to note two totally different reactions at the state level in recent news. 

In the state of Tennessee, that I have referenced before for their progressive thinking, they recently created a Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) so that people with developmental disabilities can have a real voice within that state.  In fact, the newly appointed commisoner of the DIDD is the father of a son with severe autism and cerebral palsy.  Jim Henry actually appointed his son, John, as a deputy commissioner in a ceremony this week.

Then we have the representative in New Hampshire who resigned his post yesterday after making comments to a constituent stating: “You know the mentally ill, the retarded, people with physical disabilities and drug addictions – the defective people society would be better off without.”  He later said they should be sent to some place like Siberia to clean up the population.

What a difference of opinion among elected officials and the developmentally and intellectually disabled.  In Florida, we are about to take on our own fight with our newly elected governor’s budget reflecting significant cuts ($174 million) to persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  It doesn’t seem to let up. 

In coming days and weeks, we’ll be posting specific information about legislation in Florida, and how Florida residents can help stop the cuts.  It’s time for our elected officials to start advocating for special people, too!