McGorty, Trumbull House Delegation Hears from Area Nonprofits
State Reps. Ben McGorty (R-122), Laura Devlin (R-134), & Dave Rutigliano (R-123) participated in a legislative breakfast on March 6th highlighting the impact of state funding cutbacks for nonprofit agencies, including the Kennedy Center, which provides programs for those who are mentally disabled or have other special needs.
The Kennedy Center’s Legislative Breakfast at Chip’s in Trumbull featured family representatives and individuals affected by the cuts in services for people with disabilities will speak at the event.
Right now nonprofits all over Connecticut are experiencing a threat to their existence with the state of Connecticut’s recent budget cuts. The non-profit breakfast asked the legislators in attendance: “Is the state truly prepared for the ramifications of the loss of nonprofit service providers?”
“The Kennedy Center is a prime example of these nonprofit providers that do incredible work with limited resources,” said McGorty. “A further reduction in their resources will have real consequences and adversely impact the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. It is also fiscally short-sighted as these nonprofits save the state a great deal in the long run.”
According to the Kennedy Center:
- 73% of nonprofits with budgets of $1 million or more ended with a deficit in 2009.
- At many nonprofits supporting people with disabilities, more than 65% of employees are earning $12 per hour or less. State employees doing similar work are paid more.
- Without nonprofits, the cost to taxpayers would be 2.5 times greater to provide a public community living arrangement for people with disabilities.
- While the consumer price index increased 8.5% over the past five years, the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for nonprofits increased 1%.
- Annual costs for services provided in private agency settings are about one-half the cost of the same services provided in public-sector settings.
About the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is a nationally accredited, nonprofit rehabilitation organization that serves 2,300 individuals annually. The agency strives to offer innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to their senior years.
Based in Trumbull, it operates 26 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs.
Learn more at www.thekennedycenterinc.org.