Case, Miner, Piscopo Participate in Litchfield County ARC Legislative Evening

Torrington – State Representatives Jay Case (R-63), Craig Miner (R-66), and John Piscopo (R-76) attended the Arc of Litchfield County’s (LARC) legislative evening on Wednesday night.

State lawmakers heard personal stories from attendees ranging from advocates, family members, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, before providing a brief legislative update focused on the tight state budget.

“Hearing these stories allows me to do a better job as a legislator to accurately represent the issues affecting our community,” stated Rep. Case who also serves as one of LARC’s board members, “Those involved with LARC are not merely a number or line-item in a budget, they have real needs and I take my responsibility very seriously in terms of advocating for such needs at the Capitol in Hartford.”

“I was distressed to hear the real life stories of how the state of Connecticut has at some level, in some way failed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable,” stated Rep. Miner, “In many cases, this has left parents and loved ones in the Northwest Corner wondering who and how will provide care for those who cannot take care of themselves. At the forum we discussed solutions and how all of us would benefit if we found common ground.”

“It was evident from listening to the many parents and primary caregivers who came to share their personal stories that the programs and services provided by LARC and other community providers are invaluable as part of their caretaking efforts for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Rep. Piscopo. “It is important that these caregivers, their loved ones, and their families continue to advocate and inform their legislators about the importance of and need for such programming. Those discussions will be significant as the legislature comes together to mend the budget and prevent further gaps in services.”

“I am grateful to the legislators that came to hear personal stories from extremely concerned families regarding their children that are either in, or will be entering, the DDS system. This comes at a critical time in the budget process, and I know they will remember these parents as they make the difficult decisions that lie ahead,” said Larry Cassella, Executive Director of LARC.

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