'Devastating' Cuts Aim at Disabled Texans

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http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/110318-devestating-cuts-aim-at-disabled-texans

'Devastating' Cuts Aim at Disabled Texans

Updated: Friday, 18 Mar 2011, 7:40 PM CDT

Published : Friday, 18 Mar 2011, 6:13 PM CDT

GREG GROOGAN

Reporter

HOUSTON - When it comes to providing for adults with intellectual disabilities, the Great State of Texas ain't so great. In fact, the well-earned reputation is " bottom of the American barrel " .

These days, tax-averse, money-strapped state leaders propose to cut funding for this deeply dependent population as much as 50 percent. It’s a reduction that would firmly secure the rank of dead last in the nation. 

" It is going to be tragic, " said Kathy Schmidt, Executive Director of Reach Unlimited.

Reach Unlimited is a non-profit serving hundreds of mentally-disabled adults in and around Cypress Fairbanks.

" It's very scary. I'm not sure Reach Unlimited could stay in business, not only reach Unlimited, but most of the providers in County and the state, " she added.

That means drastic cuts in staff and a reduction in the number of folks served at Reach Unlimited’s learning activity center: a place where clients can earn wages, learn skills and make friends.

The same goes for the group homes where many of these folks reside.

" Without that support, I'll be honest: It’s scary to think where they will go or what they will do, but the fact of the situation is they are not going to go away, " said Black, Reach Unlimited's program director. " We have a good many clients who have outlived their family. We are are their family. If we take this away, they won't have anything. "

Many of the clients at Reach Unlimited fully understand their world is under fire from budget cutters in Austin. On behalf of herself and her friends, Cranford was more than willing to fire off a message to Rick .

" I voted him to be our governor. If he can't get it together, we need to find a new governor. Okay so you better straighten up, " said Cranford who works part time at an HEB grocery store.

Reach Unlimited's leader wants lawmakers to clearly understand the consequences of proposed budget cuts.

" It is going to be devastating, absolutely devastating to the vulnerable populations of Texas, " said Schmidt.