For hundreds of Pickens County's most needy residents, the Department of Disabilities is like a family. For parents like Robin Black, it is a lifeline. "He was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy," Black says describing her son, 25 year old Adam. He's one of dozens in the department's day program. It gives disabled people daily care, and a place to work and earn money, along with job skills. Currently, it's one of several programs in danger under proposed state budget cuts. "This is Adam's life," says his father, Greg. "This is why he wakes up every day. If they take this away from him, they might as well kill him."
The Black's are not the only ones. In tears, more than a hundred parents showed up at the department Monday to beg state representatives to listen to their concerns. Currently, more than $42 million in programs for the disabled are on the state chopping block right now. In Pickens County alone, that would mean a loss of services for 345 people. An addtional 49 jobs would be lost. "It's just a big domino effect," says executive director Elaine Thena. "It's affecting the economy the wrong way, less people working, less taxes coming in, and more people needing things."
Representatives Rex Rice and David Hiott showed up to talk to the crowd. They say the cuts are not final, and they'll do what they can to save services. "There's got to be a better way," says Black.
The budget will go before the full House for debate next week.
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