Possible State Cuts to ACHIEVE

3/4/2013 (Updated 11:01:20 PM)

While there has been a lot of talk lately about the effect of federal spending cuts, one group which helps the developmentally disabled says state cuts could be catastrophic.

NYSARC, Inc. said agencies throughout the state are facing $240 million in cuts to the developmentally disabled due to reductions in both the state and federal budgets.

The group is calling for the state legislature and governor to approve a budget which restores $120 million in state funding cuts.

NYSARC's local affiliate, ACHIEVE, said it has already faced deep cuts.

"Three years ago $550,000 and it continues to be cut. I'm concerned that the individuals that we serve will not receive the crucial services that they currently do and it is going to compromise their quality of life," said Achieve CEO Mary Jo Thorn.

ACHIEVE said proposed cuts would mean a loss of almost $800,000 of its annual operating budget of $20-million.