Family Resource Associates, Inc.
Family Support & Resources
Child Development Resources
Early Intervention
NJ Early Intervention System--www.njeis.org
State of NJ, Division of Family Health Services Early Intervention System- http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/eis/index.shtml
Let Governor Christie and the Legislature
Hear Your Voice on No Cuts to Early Intervention
Governor Christie's FY'11 Budget includes a $12 million cut to the Early Intervention (EI) program. This cut will have a devastating impact on the system's capacity to provide needed services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
The Budget calls for a change in the Family Cost Share. Currently, the Family Cost Share is for families with incomes over 350% of the Federal Poverty level ($64,085 for a family of three and $77,175 for a family of four).
A proposal to lower the income threshold for the Family Cost Share will negatively impact the ability of families to receive necessary services. When the family cost share was first implemented many families left the Early Intervention system because they were unable to pay the Family Cost share. Many children went without important therapeutic services.
Other options which have been discussed include closing EI program providers for two weeks during the year or reducing services to children at 32 months.
The Department has been told that the EI program has a $12 million goal of either generating additional revenue or reducing expenses. All options being discussed will have a negative impact on this vital program.
We need to ensure that the $12 million be reinstated in the EI budget so that the Department does not need to put any of these negative options into place.
Take Action! Send an email!
The FY'11 budget which is currently being debated must include the additional $12 million for the Early Intervention system. Without restoration of this cut, children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families may not receive the essential Early Intervention services.
Our goal is to flood the email inboxes of Governor Christie and Members of the Legislature as the budget debate is happening.
It's easy - use this link to send your email.
Questions? Contact Lowell Arye or Megan Ducoff at Lowell@abcdnj.org , Megan@abcdnj.org
or (609) 581-8375.
We also urge you to make actual phone calls to your Legislators in whose districts your agencies reside. Use this link to find your legislators and their district office phone numbers:
Thanks for your efforts.
