I have a real heart for people that are physically or mentally challenged. I am amazed by those that give their time to help these people. The care and concern they have really makes you believe that there is still a lot of good in society.
This past summer Gov. Culver did a 10% across the board cut on every program. It had direct affects at the Village in Sheldon and Hope Haven. Iowa vocational rehab program that is used by both of these organizations gets 80% funding from the federal government and 20% from the state. However, it’s a match, whatever the state puts in, the federal gives back at 80%.
This program is very important to these organizations, but with the across the board cut minus the matching dollars, it has nearly ended the program. It give a quality of life and a purpose to each of these special clients. Many of these clients work for pay by doing jobs that help benefit government and society. They sort cans, make blankets, machine parts, etc. It give each person a reason to wake up and be a part of society.
The small saving that is being accumulated by the state is actually costing us millions in federal matching dollars. The reckless across the board cut impacted 4,400 rehab workers.
I understand government has major budget problems. However, rather than playing politics, the governor needs to do what’s is best for ALL Iowans, especially those that have no voice! It pains me to see this ill-will.