Journey with us…

The pandemic known as COVID-19 has altered the norm of daily life for all of us. The economic fallout from this crisis has seen many people out of work and state coffers that are completely reliant on people having and spending money in order to bring in the revenue our state needs to fund basic services that people rely on.

On May 13, 2020, Governor Inslee issued a directive to all state agencies to look for reductions in their budgets for what was thought to be a $7 billion shortfall in state revenue. Agencies were told to find savings of 15% that they could propose to cut. To see the proposed cuts from the Developmental Disabilities Administration Proposed cuts 6-2020.

The cuts being proposed would decimate the service system for people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Legislators are going to need to convene in a special session to try to figure out how to address the budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2020.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR VOICES TO BE HEARD!

The Arc of Washington State is convening a special session of Virtual Advocacy Days, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL). These will be held on Thursday mornings from 10-11:30am. Each week will have different Guest Legislators. A parent and a self-advocate from each district will also talk about how the proposed cuts would be devastating for them. We will also take questions from attendees as time allows.

PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR - 10-11:30am

July 2nd: Representative Timm Ormsby (3rd LD) & Senator Ann Rivers (18th LD)

July 9th: Senator Karen Keiser (33rd LD) & Representative Gina Mosbrucker (14th LD)

July 16th: Senator Mark Schoesler (9th LD) &

July 23rd: TBD

July 30th: TBD

August 6th: Senator Sharon Brown (8th LD)

(Legislator names will be added as they are scheduled, so check back later)

Join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89083668225 (Note: this link is the same for the whole 6 week series.)

Watch live on The Arc of Washington State Facebook Page

Need additional information? Diana@arcwa.org

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Voting Resources

Your Vote Has Power!

The 2020 election is only a few months away.

Elections can decide how critical programs for people with disabilities and family members work—make sure your vote counts!

Visit thearc.org/vote to get new, free resources on:

Why it is important to vote, how to vote, and what to do if your voting rights are violated

Important issues for people with disabilities and families

Sample questions you can ask candidates

All materials in are in plain language. They are available in English and Spanish and in PDF and Word versions.

Philosophy of Parent and Family Coalitions

Parent and Family Coalitions in Washington State work together to help families organize their voices to become effective advocates and be heard on issues important to them and their family members with disabilities. Working together, they can be a powerful, nonpartisan voice for positive change in the community and across the state. Our efforts are directed toward:

Accessing and improving the service delivery system.
Linking families with community supports.
Ensuring adequate funding for programs and services.
Forming a strong advocacy base.
Informing opinion leaders and policy makers through parent stories and experiences.
Working for a better future in the community for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.